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When reckless politicians shut down the government this fall, they didn’t just go after the health care law—they gloated about sending home thousands of safety inspectors, experts, and scientists from the Environmental Protection Agency.

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The most effective way to undermine science is to get rid of the scientists. But the ideologues and short-sighted politicians on Capitol Hill didn’t anticipate the scientists fighting back. During the shutdown, UCS heard from hundreds of federal scientists and experts about how it was affecting them—and the important and sometimes time-sensitive work they should have been undertaking. Then we pushed this information out to policy makers and the media to show, in vivid terms, the value of science to our nation.²

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1. http://www.epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Minority.Blogs&ContentRecord_id=bcf73a09-9371-2ef5-f1cf-9ca752c89cad 2. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=government-shutdown-was-temporary-the-damage-to-science-permanent 3. http://www.pewforum.org/2013/07/11/public-esteem-for-military-still-high/

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 12/13 the House

12/13/2013 Nativegrl77

Session Continued

At 7:00am Friday, December 13^th, there will be two roll call votes:

– Confirmation of James nomination

Live quorum (no roll call vote expected)

– Cloture on Executive Calendar #444, Heather Anne Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources (up to 8 hours of equally-divided, post-cloture debate);

Remaining roll call votes for this series of cloture filings:

– Confirmation of Higginbottom nomination

Live quorum (no roll call vote expected)

– Cloture on Executive Calendar #406, Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs) (up to 8 hours of equally-divided, post-cloture debate)

– Confirmation of Patterson nomination

Live quorum (no roll call vote expected)

– Cloture on Executive Calendar #450, Jeh Charles Johnson, of New Jersey, to be Secretary of Homeland Security (30 hours of post-cloture debate)

– Confirmation of Johnson nomination

7:00am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force

Confirmed: 79-6

7:32am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #444, Heather Anne Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources

Invoked: 51-34

All remaining Democratic time on the Higginbottom nomination was yielded back. Assuming all Republican time is used (which is expected), there will be 2 roll call votes at 11:55am:

– Confirmation of the Higginbottom nomination

Live quorum (no roll call vote expected)

11:07am The Senate has reached an agreement with respect to the votes on confirmation of the Patterson and Johnson nominations. There will be 2 roll call votes at noon today. The next set of votes will be on Monday, December 16^th at 5:30pm.

Friday, December 13^th at noon 2 roll call votes:

– Confirmation of the Higginbottom nomination

o Live quorum (no roll call vote expected)

Sunday, December 15^th at 1pm:

– The Senate will convene for legislative business only. The Majority Leader is expected to file cloture on the House message to accompany H.J.Res.59, the bipartisan budget agreement and the House message to accompany H.R.3304, the Defense Authorization bill.

Monday, December 16^th at 5:30pm at least 3 roll call votes:

– Confirmation of the Patterson nomination

– Motion to invoke cloture on the Johnson nomination

– Confirmation of the Johnson nomination

– Additional procedural votes are possible. Senator Reid is expected to file additional cloture motions on several nominations.

The unofficial transcript of Senator Reid’s remarks is below.

MR. REID: I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT IF CLOTURE IS INVOKED ON

THE PATTERSON

NOMINATION THAT AT 5:00 P.M. ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, ALL

POSTCLOTURE TIME BE CONSIDERED EXPIRED, THE SENATE THEN PROCEED

TO VOTE ON THE CONFIRMATION OF THE PATTERSON NOMINATION. THAT

UPON DISPOSITION OF THE PATTERSON NOMINATION, THE SENATE

PROCEED TO VOTE ON THE MOTION TO INVOKE CLOTURE ON THE JOHNSON

NOMINATION. IF CLOTURE IS INVOKED ON THE JOHNSON NOMINATION,

THAT ALL TIME BE YIELDED BACK AND THE SENATE PROCEED TO VOTE ON

CONFIRMATION OF THE JOHNSON NOMINATION.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: IS THERE OBJECTION?

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MR. REID: MADAM PRESIDENT, I –

MR. REID: MADAM PRESIDENT, WE’RE

GOING TO HAVE TWO VOTES AT 12:00 NOON TODAY. AFTER THAT, THE

NEXT VOTE WOULD

BE AT 5:30 ON MONDAY. THERE WILL BE A SERIES OF VOTES ON

MONDAY.

MR. REID: MR. PRESIDENT, AS I INDICATED THIS MORNING, THE

REPUBLICAN LEADER AND I HAVE SPENT SOME TIME TOGETHER AND I

THINK WE’VE HAD A PRODUCTIVE DISCUSSION ON THE SCHEDULE. THE

SCHEDULE’S BEEN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR EVERYONE. WE WORKED OUT

A SCHEDULE THAT ALLOWS FOR THE NEXT SET OF VOTES

WHICH WILL OCCUR AT 12:00 NOON TODAY, WILL BE THE LAST VOTES OF

THIS WEEK. WE AGREED THAT ON MONDAY EVENING, THE SENATE WILL

VOTE ON THE MATTERS THAT WE WOULD HAVE VOTED ON THE REST OF

TODAY AND THIS WEEKEND.

SO ON MONDAY AT 5:30 IN THE AFTERNOON, THE SENATE WILL VOTE ON

PATTERSON, JOHNSON AND THEN ONE WOULD BE ON — THE CLOTURE ON

JOHNSON AND THEN IT WOULD BE CONFIRMATION. THEY’RE — WE’RE

DOING OUR UTMOST TO FINISH OUR BUSINESS HERE A WEEK FROM TODAY

SO THAT WE CAN GO HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. SO WE’LL BE IN SESSION

SUNDAY AFTERNOON. THERE WILL BE NO VOTES ON SUNDAY. THE NEXT

ROLL CALL, I REPEAT FOR

THE THIRD TIME, WILL BE 5:30 MONDAY. ON TUESDAY, WE’LL BE BEGIN

CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET. ON WEDNESDAY, THE DEFENSE BILL.

AND AFTER THAT WE’LL ADDRESS FURTHER NOMINATIONS, OF WHICH THE

MOST IMPORTANT ONE IS JANET YELLEN TO BE ON THE FEDERAL

RESERVE. THE OTHERS I WILL WORK WITH SENATOR McCONNELL, WE’LL

FILE ON A NUMBER OF THEM, SEE HOW MANY WE CAN GET DONE. I

PERSONALLY THANK THE SENATORS FOR THE COOPERATION THIS WEEK.

AND NEXT WEEK AS WE WORK THROUGH THESE IMPORTANT MATTERS. AND I

KNOW, MADAM PRESIDENT, THAT THERE IS A LOT OF WORK WE HAVE TO

DO TO GET BACK TO REGULAR ORDER. WE’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS WITH

THE DEFENSE BILL THAT WE’RE GOING TO VOTE ON AND THE BUDGET

BILL, BUT I’M SATISFIED THAT WE’VE MADE PROGRESS. SO I NOW ASK

UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT WHEN THE SENATE COMPLETES ITS BUSINESS

TODAY, IT ADJOURN

UNTIL 1:00 P.M. ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15. THAT FOLLOWING THE

PRAYER AND THE PLEDGE, THE MORNING HOUR BE DEEMED EXPIRED, THE

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS BE APPROVED TO DATE, THE TIME FOR THE

TWO LEADERS BE RESERVED FOR THEIR USE LATER IN THE DAY AND THE

SENATE CONVENE FOR LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS ONLY.

12:02pm the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #444, Heather Anne Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources;

Confirmed: 74-17

12:29pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on #406, Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs);

Invoked: 54-36

This will be the last vote of the day.

((( WRAP UP )))

Roll Call Votes Wednesday, December 11^th through Friday, December 13, 2013

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #346, the nomination of Cornelia T.L. Pillard, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia; Confirmed: 51-44

2) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #378, Chai Rachel Feldblum, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Invoked: 57-39

3) Confirmation of Feldblum nomination; Confirmed: 54-41

4) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #330, Elizabeth A. Wolford, of New York, to be US District Judge for the Western District of New York; Invoked: 55-41

5) Confirmation of Wolford nomination; Confirmed: 70-29

6) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #347, Landya B. McCafferty, of New Hampshire, to be US District Judge for the District of New Hampshire; Invoked: 58-40-1(present)

7) Confirmation of McCafferty nomination; Confirmed: 79-19

8) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #361, Patricia M. Wald, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board; Invoked: 57-41

9) Confirmation of Wald nomination; Confirmed: 57-41

10) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #348, Brian Morris, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana; Invoked: 57-40

11) Confirmation of Morris nomination; Confirmed: 75-20

12) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #349, Susan P. Watters, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana; Invoked: 58-39

13) Confirmation of Watters nomination; Confirmed: 77-19

14) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force; Invoked: 58-39

15) Confirmation the James nomination; Confirmed: 79-6

16) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #444, Heather Anne Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources; Invoked: 51-34

17) Confirmation of the Higginbottom nomination; Confirmed: 74-14

18) Motion to invoke cloture on #406, Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs); Invoked: 54-36

Legislative items Wednesday, December 11^th through Friday, December 13, 2013

Passed H.R.3547, Space Launch Liability Indemnification Extension Act, with a Nelson amendment which is the text of S.1753, and an amendment to the title.

Passed H.R.3458, Fallen Firefighters Assistance Tax Clarification Act.

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.263, A resolution designating the week of September 23 through September 29, 2013, as “National Estuaries Week” with a Whitehouse amendment to the preamble.

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.299, congratulating the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee on the celebration of its 100^th anniversary and commending its significant contribution to empower and revitalize developing communities around the world.

Adopted S.Res.320, designating December 14^th, 2013, as “Wreaths Across America Day”.

Adopted S.Res.321, honoring the life, accomplishments, and legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and expressing condolences on his passing.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.1824, Drinking Water Supply Assistance Act. (Enzi)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1797, Unemployment Insurance Benefits Extension Act of 2013.

No additional Executive items Wednesday, December 11^th through Friday, December 13, 2013

============================================

Last Floor Action:12/12
9:33:30 P.M. – The House adjourned
pursuant to H. Res. 434.

The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on
December 16, 2013.

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 12/12 the House

12/12/2013 Nativegrl77

Session Continued

12:51am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #346, the nomination of Cornelia T.L. Pillard, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia;

Confirmed: 51-44

Following the Pillard vote, the Senate will proceed to a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #378, Chai Rachel Feldblum, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If cloture is invoked on the Feldblum nomination, there would be up to 8 hours of post-cloture debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

1:19am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #378, Chai Rachel Feldblum, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Invoked: 57-39

At 9:00am today, there will be 2 roll call votes:

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #378, Chai Rachel Feldblum, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Live Quorum (no roll call vote expected)
Motion to Invoke Cloture on Executive Calendar #330, Elizabeth A. Wolford, of New York, to be US District Judge for the Western District of New York (2 hours of equally divided post-cloture time)

Once cloture is invoked on the Wolford nomination, there will be up to 2 hours of debate. If all Majority time is yielded back, the next roll call vote could occur as early as 10:40am. That vote will be on confirmation of the Wolford nomination followed by a live quorum and a cloture vote on Executive Calendar #347, Landya B. McCafferty, of New Hampshire, to be US District Judge for the District of New Hampshire (2 hours).

9:00am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #378, Chai Rachel Feldblum, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Confirmed: 54-41

9:28am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on Executive Calendar #330, Elizabeth A. Wolford, of New York, to be US District Judge for the Western District of New York

Invoked: 55-41

Cloture was invoked on the Wolford nomination by a vote of 55-41. 57 minutes of the Majority time was yielded back. As a result, at 10:55am, there will be 2 roll call votes:

* Confirmation of Wolford nomination

Live Quorum

* Cloture on Executive Calendar #347, Landya B. McCafferty, of New Hampshire, to be US District Judge for the District of New Hampshire (2 hours of equally divided post-cloture time);

10:55am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #330, Elizabeth A. Wolford, of NY, to be US District Judge for the Western District of New York

Confirmed: 70-29

11:26am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #347, Landya B. McCafferty, of New Hampshire, to be US District Judge for the District of New Hampshire (2 hours of equally divided post-cloture time);

Invoked: 58-40, 1 voted present

The Majority’s time has been yielded. The next vote is expected to begin at approximately 12:45pm. That vote will be on confirmation of the McCafferty nomination.

The Senate has reached an agreement that if the Senate receives H.R.3548 from the House of Representatives and the bill is identical to S.1689, as introduced, then the bill be considered as having been read three times and passed.

S.1689/H.R.3548, Fallen Firefighters Assistance Tax Clarification Act

At 12:49pm the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #347, Landya B. McCafferty, of New Hampshire, to be US District Judge for the District of New Hampshire McCafferty nomination

Next: Live Quorum

Then: Roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #361, Patricia M. Wald, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (8 hours)

And then: up to 8 hours for debate (expect 4 hours to be yielded back)

6:06pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #348, Brian Morris, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana

Confirmed: 57-40

If cloture is invoked, there will be up to 8 hours for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination

Confirmed: 57-40

If cloture is invoked, there will be up to 8 hours for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination

5:35pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #361, Patricia M. Wald, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board;

Confirmed: 57-41

Next: Live Quorum and Cloture on Executive Calendar #348, Brian Morris, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana. If cloture is invoked, there would be up to 2 hours for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the Morris nomination. We expect the Majority’s hour to be yielded back.

Remaining votes:

Confirmation of Morris nomination (7:15-ish tonight range)

Live Quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #349, Susan P. Watters, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana

(up to 2 hours for debate);

Confirmation of Watters nomination (9-ishpm tonight range)

Live Quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force (8 hours);

Confirmation of James nomination

Live Quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #444, Heather Anne Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources (8 hours);

Confirmation of Higginbottom nomination

Live quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #406, Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs) (8 hours);

Confirmation of Patterson nomination

Live Quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #450, Jeh Charles Johnson, of New Jersey, to be Secretary of Homeland Security (30 hours).

Confirmation of Johnson nomination

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

On Thursday, December 12, the Senate continues to be in Executive Session to consider the nominations listed below. Roll call votes are expected to occur throughout the day and into the evening.

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #346, the nomination of Cornelia T.L. Pillard

Live Quorum

2) Cloture on Executive Calendar #378, Chai Rachel Feldblum, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (8 hours);

3) Confirmation of Feldblum

Live Quorum

4) Cloture on Executive Calendar #330, Elizabeth A. Wolford, of New York, to be US District Judge for the Western District of New York (2 hours);

5) Confirmation of Wolford nomination

Live Quorum

6) Cloture on Executive Calendar #347, Landya B. McCafferty, of New Hampshire, to be US District Judge for the District of New Hampshire (2 hours);

7) Confirmation of McCafferty nomination

Live Quorum

8) Cloture on Executive Calendar #361, Patricia M. Wald, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (8 hours);

9) Confirmation of Wald nomination

Live Quorum

10) Cloture on Executive Calendar #348, Brian Morris, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana (2 hours);

11) Confirmation of Morris nomination

Live Quorum

12) Cloture on Executive Calendar #349, Susan P. Watters, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana (2 hours);

13) Confirmation of Watters nomination

Live Quorum

14) Cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force (8 hours);

15) Confirmation of James nomination

Cloture was invoked on the Morris nomination 57-40. Senator Reid then yielded back the Majority’s time.

The next set of votes will begin at approximately 7:30pm. Those votes will be on the following:

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #348, Brian Morris, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana.
- Live Quorum
- Cloture on Executive Calendar #349, Susan P. Watters, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana.

Then there will be up to 2 hours for debate (expect to yield back Majority’s time) followed 2 votes in the 9:15pm range:

Confirmation of Watters nomination (MT District Judge)

Live Quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force

Up to 8 hours for debate

By unanimous consent, the Senate passed H.R.3547, Space Launch Liability Indemnification Extension Act, with a Nelson amendment which is the text of S.1753, and an amendment to the title.

7:30pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #348, Brian Morris, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana;

Confirmed: 75-20

At 7:57pm, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #349, Susan P. Watters, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana;

Invoked: 58-39

Cloture on the Watters nomination (MT District Judge) was invoked 58-39.

The next set of votes are expected to begin at approximately 9:15pm. Those votes would be on the following:

Confirmation of Watters nomination (MT District Judge)

Live Quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force
9:15pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Calendar #349, Susan P. Watters, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana;Confirmed: 77-19
9:45am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force;Invoked: 58-39
The next set of votes is expected to begin at 7:00am on Friday, December 13.

7am tomorrow:

– Confirmation of nomination was confirmed 77-19. At 9:46pm, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force.

Live quorum

– Cloture on Executive Calendar #444, Heather Anne Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources (8 hours)

================================

Last Floor Action:
12:38:36 P.M. -H. Res. 438
DEBATE –
The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 438.

10:00:31 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:47 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:59 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.
10:47:55 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:16 P.M.		House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 12.
12:00:31 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. John Loudon, First Presbyterian Church, Lakeland, Florida
12:01:52 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Wilson(SC) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Wilson(SC) objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Speaker postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.
12:02:16 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Price of NC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:05:16 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.
12:33:14 P.M.	H. Res. 438	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 438 — “Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 59) making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules; providing for proceedings during the period from December 14, 2013, through January 6, 2014; and for other purposes.”
12:38:36 P.M.	H. Res. 438	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 438.

2:25:39 P.M.	H. Res. 438	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 227 – 195 (Roll no. 637).
2:26:00 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk notified the House that she had received a letter from the Honorable William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held December 10, 2013, the Honorable Katherine M. Clark was elected Representative to Congress for the Fifth Congressional Distrit, Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
2:27:00 P.M.		ADMINISTERING OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Katherine M. Clark, Fifth Congressional District, Massachusetts, presented herself in the well of the House and the Speaker proceeded to administer the Oath of Office.
2:28:00 P.M.		The Dean of the Massachusetts delegation, Representative Richard Neal, addressed the House and introduced Representative Katherine M. Clark, Fifth Congressional District, Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
2:35:57 P.M.		ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath to the gentlewoman from Massachusetts, the whole number of the House is 433.
2:43:13 P.M.	H. Res. 438	The House resumed with voting on H. Res. 438.
2:43:22 P.M.	H. Res. 438	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 226 – 195 (Roll no. 638).
2:43:23 P.M.	H. Res. 438	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:51:23 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 250 – 147, 2 Present (Roll no. 639).
2:51:56 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
2:54:50 P.M.	H. Res. 441	Mr. McKeon moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Res. 441 — “Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendments to H.R. 3304, with an amendment.”
2:54:52 P.M.	H. Res. 441	Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:54:56 P.M.	H. Res. 441	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 441.
3:44:37 P.M.	H. Res. 441	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.
3:45:49 P.M.	H.R. 3695	Mr. Lucas moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3695 — “To provide a temporary extension of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and amendments made by that Act, as previously extended and amended and with certain additional modifications and exceptions, to suspend permanent price support authorities, and for other purposes.”
3:45:57 P.M.	H.R. 3695	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:45:58 P.M.	H.R. 3695	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3695.
3:52:22 P.M.	H.R. 3695	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:52:55 P.M.	H.R. 1447	Mr. Collins (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1447 — “To encourage States to report to the Attorney General certain information regarding the deaths of individuals in the custody of law enforcement agencies, and for other purposes.”
3:52:57 P.M.	H.R. 1447	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:52:59 P.M.	H.R. 1447	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1447.
4:04:45 P.M.	H.R. 1447	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:05:34 P.M.	H.R. 3509	Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3509 — “To direct the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on the status of post-earthquake recovery and development efforts in Haiti.”
4:05:50 P.M.	H.R. 3509	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:05:53 P.M.	H.R. 3509	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3509.

4:27:27 P.M.	H.R. 3509	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:30:54 P.M.	H.J. Res. 59	Mr. Ryan (WI) moved that the House recede and concur with an amendment in the Senate amendment.
4:31:53 P.M.	H.J. es. 59	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 438, the House proceeded with 70 minutes of debate on the Ryan(WI) motion that the House recede from its amendment to the amendment of the Senate, and concur therein with the amendment printed in Part A of House Report 113-290, modified by the amendment printed in Part B of that report.
5:57:25 P.M.	H.J. Res. 59	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
6:26:15 P.M.	H.J. Res. 59	On motion that the House recede and concur with an amendment in the Senate amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 332 – 94 (Roll no. 640).
6:26:16 P.M.	H.J. Res. 59	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:29:10 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 441, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:29:18 P.M.	H. Res. 441	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 441 — “Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendments to H.R. 3304, with an amendment.”
6:37:54 P.M.	H. Res. 441	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 350 – 69 (Roll no. 641).
6:38:17 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 71	Mr. McKeon asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.
6:38:17 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 71	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 71 — “Providing for corrections to the enrollment of the bill H.R. 3304.”
6:38:34 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 71	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
6:38:35 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 71	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:39:00 P.M.	H. Res. 434	Mr. Royce asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
6:39:03 P.M.	H. Res. 434	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Res. 434 — “Honoring the life, accomplishments, and legacy of Nelson Mandela and expressing condolences on his passing.”
6:39:21 P.M.	H. Res. 434	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
6:39:23 P.M.	H. Res. 434	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:39:24 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 72	Mr. Ryan (WI) asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.
6:39:24 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 72	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 72 — “Providing for corrections to the enrollment of H. J. Res 59.”
6:39:53 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 72	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
6:39:54 P.M.	H.R. 3458	Mr. Reed asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
6:39:55 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 72	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:39:56 P.M.	H.R. 3458	Considered by unanimous consent. H.R. 3458 — “To treat payments by charitable organizations with respect to certain firefighters as exempt payments.”
6:40:18 P.M.	H.R. 3458	On passage Passed without objection.
6:40:27 P.M.	H.R. 3458	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:40:48 P.M.		Mr. Reed asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Thursday, December 12, 2013, it adjourn to meet at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2013. Agreed to without objection.
6:42:16 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:04:58 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:12:50 P.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 3547 amended.
7:13:41 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House continued with further Special Order speeches.
9:32:17 P.M.		United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission – Pursuant to section 1238(b)(3) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2001 (22 U.S.C. 7002), as amended, and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed Mr. Daniel M. Slane, Ohio for a term expiring on December 31, 2015.
9:32:50 P.M.		Commission on Civil Rights – Effective December 16, 2013, pursuant to section 2 of the Civil Right Commission Amendments Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 1975 Note), and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed Peter N. Kirsanow, Cleveland, Ohio for a term expiring December 15, 2019.
9:33:19 P.M.		Ms. Jackson Lee moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:33:29 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:33:30 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to H. Res. 434. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on December 16, 2013.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Surging

12/12/2013 Nativegrl77

CAP Action War Room

Obamacare Enrollment Gaining Steam

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the enrollment figures for Obamacare through the end of November. Unsurprisingly, about four times more people enrolled during the month of November as did during October, when HealthCare.gov was largely non-functional. Reports indicate that enrollment has continued to surge over the past two weeks ahead of the December 23 deadline to purchase coverage taking effect January 1, 2014.

Here are the topline numbers to know:

110,410 Americans signed up for private coverage through HealthCare.gov just last month.

1,900,000 people have made it through the process but have yet to select a plan.

803,077 people have been determined to be eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

364,682 Americans selected plans through the state-run or federal insurance marketplaces (137,204 through HealthCare.gov and 227,478 in state-run exchanges).

The surge resembles Massachusetts’ successful launch of Commonwealth Care, where most people signed up later in the open enrollment period:

OctNovEnrollment

Enrollment for Massachusetts’ Commonwealth Care in 2007:

MA2007

In other good Obamacare news, a report out today found that the number of women who are receiving birth control at no additional cost — a key Obamacare benefit — has jumped 25 percent since the requirement went into effect last year.

“This data confirms that the Affordable Care Act is already working for millions of women and their families — and we expect that number to keep growing,” said the president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Cecile Richards.

For their part, Republicans continued to attack the law during another predictably one-sided hearing.

Things did not go so well for Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), who botched an attempt to compare HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to North Korea’s totalitarian dictator and then totally freaked out. A Democratic Member admonished Shimkus, who was shouting at Sebelius, to allow her to actually answer his questions. “I do not have to allow her to answer the question!” Shimkus screamed in reply.

(Shimkus was attacking the aforementioned no-cost preventive care benefits under Obamacare, which include birth control and cancer screenings.)

BOTTOM LINE: Obamacare is working and more than a million Americans have gained access to health coverage because of the law, many for the very first time.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Arlington Cemetery is 35,000 wreaths short

12/12/2013 Nativegrl77

VoteVets.org

Every year during the holiday season, volunteers lay wreaths atop the tombstones honoring the fallen heroes laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

They’re traditionally funded by individual donations, but this year they are about 35,000 wreaths short.

VoteVets would like to help them close that shortfall.

Each wreath costs about $15 to make before they’re driven down to Virginia and placed in front of a headstone.

Can you contribute $15 today to pay for a single wreath, and we will write a check to Wreaths Across America from the VoteVets community?

http://action.votevets.org/wreaths

There’s a story of sacrifice and sadness beneath every headstone at Arlington. During this time of year, we’d like to remind the families that their loved ones will never be forgotten.

All the best,

Jon Soltz
@JonSoltz
Iraq War Veteran & Chairman
VoteVets.org