Convenes: 9:30amET July 11, 2012
Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.2237, the Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act, post-cloture.
The first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
We hope to begin consideration of S.2237 during Wednesday’s session. By unanimous consent, all time during morning business, adjournment and recess will count post-cloture on the motion to proceed to the bill.

All post-cloture debate time has been yielded back and the Senate adopted the motion to proceed to S.2237, the Small Business Jobs bill. Senator Reid offered the Reid for Landrieu amendment #2521 (substitute) and Reid amendment #2524 (text of H.R.9, Cantor bill), filled the so-called amendment tree, filed cloture on the new Landrieu substitute amendment and the underlying bill, and then moved to proceed to S.3364, a Stabenow bill to provide an incentive for businesses to bring jobs back to America.

He then asked consent to vitiate the cloture motions and that at 2:00pm tomorrow the Senate proceed to vote in relation to the Cantor language, the new substitute, and the underlying bill, as amended, if amended; Further, that the Senate proceed to a free standing bill to extend the 2001, 2003, and 2009 tax cuts for 98% of Americans and 96% of all small businesses as outlined by President Obama, that the only amendment in order be an amendment offered by Senator McConnell or designee, which is identical to the text of Hatch amendment #2491 (tax extension); and that upon the use or yielding back of 4 hours of debate, the Senate proceed to vote in relation to the McConnell amendment and on passage of the underlying bill, as amended, if amended.

Senator McConnell objected to the request.

Text of the unanimous consent request, brief summaries of the Cantor bill and the new substitute amendment, and the unofficial transcript of the Reid-McConnell exchange can be found below.

Unanimous Consent Request (McConnell objected)

Reid: I ask unanimous consent that cloture be vitiated with respect to the substitute amendment and S.2237; that the motion to commit be withdrawn and amendment #s 2525 and 2522 be withdrawn; that at 2:00pm, Thursday, July 12^th, the Senate proceed to votes in relation to the following amendments:

– Amendment #2524 (Cantor language);

– Reid for Landrieu Substitute amendment #2521;

That there be no other amendments or motions in order to the amendments or the bill prior to the votes other than motions to waive or motions to table; that upon disposition of the two amendments, the Senate proceed to a vote on passage of S.2237, as amended, if amended.

Further, that at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate proceed to the consideration of a bill to be introduced by Senator Reid, or designee, extending the 2001, 2003 and 2009 tax cuts for 98% of Americans and 96% of all small businesses as outlined by President Obama; that the only amendment in order to the bill be an amendment offered by Senator McConnell, or designee, which is identical to the text of amendment #2491, as filed by Senator Hatch, that the amendment not be divisible; that there be 4 hours of debate on the amendment and the bill equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, prior to a vote in relation to the McConnell, or designee, amendment; that upon disposition of the amendment, the Senate proceed to vote on passage of the bill, as amended, if amended; that there be no motions or points of order to the amendment or the bill.

Amendment summaries

The Reid amendment #2524, (text of H.R.9) creates a temporary 20% deduction from taxable income for businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Cost = $46 billion over ten years.

The Reid for Landrieu substitute amendment #2521:.

Landrieu (tax only): extends five tax benefits for small businesses (Cost = $4.4 billion over ten years):

0% capital gains tax for certain small business stock
Expanded carryback of credits to recover prior taxes
Relief for corporations switching to Subchapter S corporations
Expanded expensing for certain capital investments
Higher deductions for start-up costs

In addition to several bipartisan measures aimed at strengthening the SBA, improving small business export promotion, and increasing transparency and oversight, Senator Landrieu’s amendment achieves the following:

Capital

Small Business Investment Company Program – Expands the SBIC program authority from $3 billion to $4 billion and raises the amount funds under common control can borrow from $225 to $350.
504 Refinancing – Extends for one year the SBA’s authority to refinance short-term commercial real estate debt into long-term fixed rate loans.

Contracting

Permanently increases the SBA surety bond guarantee from $2 million $5 million
Creates parity in contracting by eliminating the caps on contracts awarded under the SBA’s women-owned business program and allows contracting officers to award sole source contracts to women-owned businesses.
Provides additional tools for the SBA Inspector General to combat contracting fraud, a measure previously passed by Unanimous Consent in the Senate.

Counseling

Reauthorizes the Small Business Development Center program at level funding through FY15.
Reauthorizes the Women’s Business Center program through FY15.

As a result of Senator Reid filing cloture on the Reid for Landrieu amendment #2251 (substitute) and S.2237, Small Business Jobs, the filing deadline for first degree amendments to the substitute and underlying bill is 1:00pm tomorrow, Thursday, July 12.

Unless an agreement can be reached, the cloture vote would occur 1 hour after the Senate convenes on Friday, July 13.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.3001, To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Raoul Wallenberg, in recognition of his achievements and heroic actions during the Holocaust.

Passed H.R.4155, the Veterans Skills to Jobs Act.

Completed the Rule 14 proceed of S.3369, the DISCLOSE Act of 2012. (Whitehouse and others)

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The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 11, 2012.

www.Houselive.gov

10:00:40 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:01:00 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
11:25:24 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:17 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 11.
12:00:32 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Rabbi David Algaze, Havurat Yisrael Synagogue, Forest Hills, New York.
12:02:18 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:25 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Cohen to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:46 P.M.		The Chair recognized Rep. Turner (NY) for the purpose of welcoming Rabbi David Algaze as the guest chaplain for today.
12:05:07 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.
12:40:18 P.M.	H. Res. 726	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 726 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4402) to require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to more efficiently develop domestic sources of the minerals and mineral materials of strategic and critical importance to United States economic and national security and manufacturing competitiveness.”
12:43:53 P.M.	H. Res. 726	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 726.
1:26:22 P.M.	H. Res. 726	The previous question was ordered without objection.
1:26:31 P.M.	H. Res. 726	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair put the question on adoption of H. Res. 726 and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until a time to be announced.
1:27:25 P.M.	H.R. 6079	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6079 — “To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.”
1:27:32 P.M.	H.R. 6079	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 724, the House proceeded with the remaining 30 minutes of debate controlled by the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader on H.R. 6079.
2:18:58 P.M.	H.R. 6079	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2:19:26 P.M.	H.R. 6079	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of Rule 19, the Speaker postponed further proceedings on H.R. 6079.
2:19:58 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
3:00:55 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 11.
3:01:07 P.M.	H.R. 6079	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6079 — “To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.”
3:01:53 P.M.	H.R. 6079	Mr. Andrews moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and the Workforce.
3:02:13 P.M.	H.R. 6079	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Andrews motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add a provision to the end of the bill, which states that any Member who votes for Repeal of the Affordable Care Act will be ineligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, effective beginning the first month following enactment of the Act.
3:14:51 P.M.	H.R. 6079	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
3:46:33 P.M.	H.R. 6079	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 180 – 248 (Roll no. 459).
3:54:17 P.M.	H.R. 6079	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 244 – 185 (Roll no. 460).
3:54:19 P.M.	H.R. 6079	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:57:23 P.M.	H. Res. 726	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 726 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4402) to require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to more efficiently develop domestic sources of the minerals and mineral materials of strategic and critical importance to United States economic and national security and manufacturing competitiveness.”
4:07:21 P.M.	H. Res. 726	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 245 – 180 (Roll no. 461).
4:07:22 P.M.	H. Res. 726	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:08:33 P.M.		Mr. Westmoreland asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on July 12. Agreed to without objection.
4:08:35 P.M.	H.R. 2181	CHANGE OF PRIMARY SPONSOR REQUEST – Mr. Butterfield asked unanimous consent that he be considered the primary sponsor of H.R. 2181 in lieu of the late Donald Payne from New Jersey. Agreed to without objection.
4:09:06 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
4:16:01 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting an Executive Order that modifies the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13047 of May 20, 1997 with respect to Burma – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-123).
4:20:16 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Must See Whitehouse vids …

07/10/2012 Nativegrl77

Ask An Expert: How Will This Impact Local Economies?

Shaun Donovan, United States Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, answers your questions on President Obama’s homeowner refinancing proposal that aims to make it simpler for millions of homeowners around the country to refinance their mortgages and save hundreds of dollars each month.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/refi

Announcing the 2012 SAVE Award

President Obama believes the best ideas usually come from the front lines. That’s why in 2009 he launched the SAVE Award (Securing Americans Value and Efficiency), seeking ideas from Federal employees to make government more effective and efficient and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Over the past three years, Federal employees have submitted more than 75,000 cost-cutting ideas through the SAVE Award. Dozens of the most promising ideas have been included in the President’s Budget, specifically in the Cuts, Consolidations, and Savings volume.

Between now and July 24th 2012 federal employees can participate in the 2012 SAVE Award by going to :

http://www.whitehouse.gov/save-awardMore

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Jay Inslee for Governor – of Washington State

07/10/2012 Nativegrl77

on Jul 8, 2012 by InsleeForWA

Keep Jay’s first ad on the air: http://JayInslee.com/on-the-air. Jay Inslee’s first ad tells Jay’s Washington story and introduces his plans to build a working Washington.

Category:

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

The greatest number of comments ever received

07/10/2012 Nativegrl77

We recently joined our allies in the climate movement to drop off more than 2.1 million statements in support of the first-ever limit on carbon pollution in the United States.

Millions of people like you sent a clear message: We know climate change is happening. And it’s time for our leaders to do something about it — now.

But you can be sure that well-funded oil and coal companies will do everything in their power to stop this from happening. And I hope you will help us fight back.

Donate $5 today to help The Climate Reality Project fight for even stronger limits on dangerous, climate-altering pollution.

We joined forces with allies from across the country to deliver more than 2.1 million statements of support for the EPA‘s historic limits on carbon pollution. As Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy told us, “You say 2 million casually, but that’s a lot of people.”

2.1 million is the greatest number of comments ever received for an environmental regulation in history. 2.1 million comments filled more than 50 boxes on the steps of the EPA. To give you some perspective, 2.1 million people couldn’t fit in all of the sports stadiums in the United States.

But you and I both know we need to keep the pressure on the fossil fuel industry and the well-funded interests that deny the reality of climate change.

I’m writing this from my home state, Colorado — where right now, there are nearly unimaginable forest fires we can see right out the window. A winter with little snow, record-high temperatures and a prolonged drought have combined to fuel some of the largest fires in the state’s history.

Here’s what’s even more alarming: Scientists say that as climate change accelerates, we can expect the risk of destructive fires to increase here in the West and all over the world.

That’s why we can’t just talk about climate change. We need to call on our leaders to take action — and we can’t wait any longer.

Join the 2.1 million voices in support of historic limits on carbon pollution. Help us keep up the fight, and donate $5 to The Climate Reality Project today.

http://forms.climaterealityproject.org/epa-donate

Thanks for all you do,

Maggie L. Fox President and CEO The Climate Reality Project

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate considers S.2237,small Business Jobs&Tax Relief Act

07/10/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 10:00amET July 10, 2012

Following the prayer and the pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
The first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
At 11:30am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #661, the nomination of John Thomas Fowlkes, of TN, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee with 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12:00pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Fowlkes nomination.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
At 2:15pm, there will be 10 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. At 2:25pm, there will be a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.2237, the Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act. As a reminder, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to Legislative Calendar #341, S.2237, the Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act on Thursday, June 29^th

12:00 noon The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #661, the nomination of John Thomas Fowlkes, of TN, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee; Confirmed: 94-2

At 2:25pm, there will be a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.2237, the Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act.

2:28pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2237, the Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act; Invoked: 80-14

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.1379, the D.C. Courts and Public Defender Service Act of 2011 with committee-reported amendment by voice vote.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.3364, the Bring Jobs Home Act. (Stabenow and others)

Completed Rule 14 process of H.R.4018, Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvements Act of 2012. (Democratic request)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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0:00:30 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:33 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven M. Palazzo to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:25 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.
10:33:33 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 1379.
10:34:16 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House resumed with Morning-Hour Debate.
11:29:00 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 10.
12:01:56 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Rabbi Joel Levenson; Congregation B’nai Jacob; Woodbridge, CT.
12:03:48 P.M.		APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Miller (NC) demanded that the Speaker put the question on agreeing to the approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Miller (NC) demanded the yeas and nays and the Speaker announced that further proceedings on agreeing to the approval of the Journal would be postponed.
12:04:44 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Johnson, Sam of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:04:55 P.M.		The Chair recognized Ms. DeLauro for the purpose of welcoming Rabbi Joel Levenson as the guest chaplain for today.
12:05:45 P.M.		INCLUSION OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE RECORD – Mr. Wilson (SC) asked unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the former Members program be printed in the Congressional Record and that all Members and former Members who spoke during the proceedings have the privilege of revising and extending their remarks. Agreed to without objection.
12:07:37 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
12:36:02 P.M.		Mr. Ellison moved that the House do now adjourn.
1:00:24 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 75 – 318, 1 Present (Roll no. 455).
1:01:29 P.M.	H. Res. 724	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 724 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6079) to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.”
1:04:45 P.M.	H. Res. 724	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 724.
2:41:11 P.M.	H. Res. 724	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 238 – 184 (Roll no. 456).
2:47:16 P.M.	H. Res. 724	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 240 – 182 (Roll no. 457).
2:47:17 P.M.	H. Res. 724	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:47:18 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal on which the yeas and nays had been demanded and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
2:54:10 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 312 – 105, 3 Present (Roll no. 458).
2:55:00 P.M.		Mr. Simpson filed a report from the Committee on Appropriations on H.R. 6091.
2:56:25 P.M.	H.R. 6079	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 724. H.R. 6079 — “To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.”
2:56:30 P.M.	H.R. 6079	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6079 with 5 hours 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.
2:56:50 P.M.	H.R. 6079	DEBATE – The House proceeded with five hours of debate on H.R. 6079.
4:32:38 P.M.		Mr. Bishop (UT) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 726.
4:32:39 P.M.	H.R. 6079	DEBATE – The House continued debate on H.R. 6079.
8:53:43 P.M.	H.R. 6079	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of Rule 19, the Speaker postponed further proceedings on H.R. 6079.
8:54:37 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
8:56:13 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

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10:00 am

Hearing: The Administration’s Auto Bailouts and the Delphi Pension Decisions: Who Picked the Winners and Losers?Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Select…

10:00 am

Hearing: A Review of Federal Maritime Domain Awareness ProgramsCommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation

10:00 am

Hearing: Examining the Impact of Obamacare on Doctors and PatientsCommittee on Oversight and Government Reform: Full Committee

10:00 am

Markup: H.R. 3796, H.R. 4362, H.R. 6063, H.R. 6029, H.R. ____, H.R. 6062,H.R. 1950, H.R. ___,and, H.R. 3803Committee on the Judiciary:

10:00 am

Hearing: Hearing entitled “The Impact of Dodd-Frank on Customers, Credit, and Job Creators” Committee on Financial Services: Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises

10:00 am

Hearing: Building One DHS: Building a Secure Community: How Can DHS Better Leverage State and Local Partnerships?Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security

10:00 am

Hearing: American Energy InitiativeCommittee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power

10:15 am

Hearing: Oversight of the Federal Communications CommissionCommittee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology