Black History

Congress:the Republican led House – the Senate considers S.2038,the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act.


the Senate Convened at 10:00amET January 31,2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 11:30am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half
  • Following morning business, the Senate will begin consideration of Calendar #301, S.2038, the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

The following amendments are pending to S.2038, the STOCK Act:

  • Reid #1470 (substitute)
  • Reid for Lieberman #1482 (technical)
  • Brown (OH) #1478 (10 day filing)
  • Toomey-McCaskill  #1472 (prohibit earmarks)
  • Brown (OH) #1481 (divestiture)
  • Thune #1477 (SEC/solicitation)
  • McCain #1471 (prohibit bonuses for senior executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac)
  • Leahy #1483 (anti-corruption)

The following

  • Paul #1484 (Member certification)
  • Paul #1485 (apply reporting requirements to Federal employees and judicial officers)
  • Paul #1487 (Executive oversight)
  • DeMint #1488 (SoS Constitutional amendment limiting the number of terms Member of Congress may serve)
  • Reid #1470 (substitute)
  • Reid for Lieberman #1482 (technical)
  • Brown (OH) #1478 (10 day filing)
  • Toomey-McCaskill  #1472 (prohibit earmarks)
  • Brown (OH) #1481 (divestiture)
  • Thune #1477 (SEC/solicitation)
  • McCain #1471 (prohibit bonuses for senior executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac)
  • Leahy #1483 (anti-corruption)
  • Coburn #1473 (duplicative and overlapping government programs)
  • Coburn #1474 (legislation posted online 72 hours prior to a vote)
  • Coburn #1476 (substitute – Member certification)
  • Paul #1484 (Member certification)
  • Paul #1485 (apply reporting requirements to Federal employees and judicial officers)
  • Paul #1487 (Executive oversight)
  • DeMint #1488 (SoS Constitutional amendment limiting the number of terms Member of Congress may serve)
  • Paul #1490 (Member forfeiture Federal retirement benefits if he/she becomes a lobbyist)

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.359, commending Alan S. Frumin on his service to the U.S. Senate.

Discharged the Judiciary Committee and adopted S.Res.286, recognizing May 16, 2012, as Hereditary Angioedema Awareness Day and expressing the sense of the Senate that more research and treatments are needed for Hereditary Angioedema with an Inouye amendment.

Adopted S.Res.360, raising awareness and encouraging prevention of stalking by designating January 2012 as “National Stalking Awareness Month”.

Adopted S.Res.361, congratulating the University of Alabama Crimson Tide Football Team for winning the 2011 Bowl Championship Series National Championship.

Adopted S.Res.362, designating the month of February 2012 as “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month”.

Adopted S.Res.363, congratulating the Pittsburg State University Gorillas football team for winning the 2011 NCAA Division II Football Championship.

Adopted S.Res. 364, recognizing the goals of Catholic Schools Week.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.2041, a bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline project and provide for environmental protection and government oversight. (Hoeven)

——————————————————————————————————————————————

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 31, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.6:57:07 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.6:53:15 P.M. -H.R. 3630NOTICE OF INTENT TO OFFER MOTION – Mr. Michaud notified the House of his intent to offer a motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 3630. The Chair announced that the text of the proposed motion would be printed in the Congressional Record of today.6:53:14 P.M. -H. Res. 522Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:53:13 P.M. -H. Res. 522On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 251 – 157 (Roll no. 12).6:30:28 P.M. -H. Res. 522Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 522 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1173) to repeal the CLASS program.”6:30:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 31.6:16:48 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess for a period of less than 15 minutes.6:15:09 P.M. -H. Res. 522POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 522, the Chair put the question on adoption of H. Res. 522 and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of H. Res. 522 until a time to be announced.6:14:55 P.M. -H. Res. 522The previous question was ordered without objection.5:18:00 P.M. -H. Res. 522DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 522.5:15:24 P.M. -H. Res. 522Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 522 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1173) to repeal the CLASS program.”5:15:23 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 31.2:10:37 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.2:09:52 P.M. -H.R. 658The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Ways and Means for consideration of title XI of the House bill and titles VIII and XI of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Camp, Tiberi, and Levin.2:09:51 P.M. -H.R. 658The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for consideration of secs. 102, 105, 201, 202, 204, 208, 209, 212, 220, 321, 324, 326, 812, title X and title XIII of the House bill and secs. 102, 103, 106, 216, 301, 302, 309, 320, 327, title VI, and sec. 732 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Hall, Palazzo, and Johnson, E. B.2:09:50 P.M. -H.R. 658The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration of the House bill and the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Mica, Petri, Duncan (TN), Graves (MO), Shuster, Schmidt, Cravaack, Rahall, DeFazio, Costello, Boswell, and Carnahan.2:09:40 P.M. -H.R. 658On motion that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference. Agreed to without objection.2:09:34 P.M. -H.R. 658Mr. Cravaack asked unanimous consent that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference.2:08:33 P.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 31, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., stating that that body had passed S. 1236 and agreed to S. Con. Res. 34.2:02:21 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:01:52 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Burgess to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:01:48 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:00:22 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:19 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 31.12:14:52 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  2:00 P.M. today.12:00:32 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.12:00:22 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.12:00:03 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

James Kvaal – Policy Director, BarackObama.com


Here’s something that President Obama laid out in his State of the Union that I think deserves special attention:

 Recent news reports have raised questions about whether members of Congress are profiting from inside information about the very businesses they’re supposed to be regulating — information about pending legislation that could move markets and generate investor profits.

The President offered one simple fix: End insider trading by members of Congress, extending the rules that apply to anyone else whose jobs give them access to sensitive information about businesses.

If you think this simple effort at good government should be a priority during this campaign, it’s up to you to speak out. Say you support the President and spread the word:

http://barackobama.com/Ban-Insider-Trading

 Thanks,

 James

James Kvaal
National Policy Director
Obama for America

 P.S. — Here’s the full quote from the State of the Union:

“Send me a bill that bans insider trading by members of Congress; I will sign it tomorrow. Let’s limit any elected official from owning stocks in industries they impact. Let’s make sure people who bundle campaign contributions for Congress can’t lobby Congress, and vice versa — an idea that has bipartisan support, at least outside of Washington.”

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

a message from Caroline Kennedy


Four years ago today, I joined my Uncle Teddy and thousands of excited students at American University to endorse Barack Obama as the next president of the United States.

Barack Obama had stirred something in young people and the young at heart. I saw the passion in my own teenage children, and I heard it from a different generation of people who said they felt like they did when my father ran for president.

We felt strongly that we needed to elect a president who urged us to believe in ourselves, who could tie that belief to our highest ideals, and who understood that together we can do great things.

Four years later, as I think about what first inspired me to support Barack Obama, I’m proud we have a president who has fought hard for the values Teddy held dear, and stood up on issues that matter.

Will you join me by saying what first inspired you to stand with Barack Obama?

http://my.barackobama.com/Teddy

Teddy understood that the challenges of health care aren’t political — they are personal. That’s why he fought for 40 years to make health care a right and not a privilege for American families.

How proud he would have been to see his candidate sign the Affordable Care Act into law as president, giving all Americans the security of knowing that their health care will be there when they need it most.

In his speech four years ago today, Teddy reminded us all of that bright light of hope and possibility that shines even in the darkest hours. He knew that with Barack Obama as president, America would shine again. I don’t think he would be surprised to know that four years later, this president would have ended the war in Iraq, repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and guaranteed women the right to equal pay for equal work.

The 2012 election will be harder than the last. As you think about what role you can play this time, I want you to remember that when Teddy joined this campaign, it wasn’t just Barack Obama who drew him in.

It was you.

The possibility of a campaign run by ordinary people determined to change our country for the better and willing to work as hard as necessary inspired him then, and it’s what inspires me today.

Thanks for all you do.

I’ll see you out there,

Caroline

P.S. — If you’d like to take some time to watch that speech, it’s here.

~ Recent Post

from Jason Rosenbaum and dscc.org


– The next 24 hours will determine our nation’s political path: We either re-elect President Obama. Or President Gingrich or President Romney destroy working families and hand everything to the top 1%.

I really need you to take a look at this spreadsheet. Our make-or-break FEC deadline is 24 hours from now, and we’re still $255,000 short. This is the first deadline since the GOP presidential contest turned from circus to serious. Whether or not we hit this goal will determine who wins: President Obama, or a radical Republican.

January Online Fundraising Tracker

Reach this goal, and we have a fighting chance to keep President Obama in office and prevent a total GOP takeover. Fall short, and President Gingrich or President Romney will be calling the shots before a Republican Congress a year from now.

Can you chip in $5 now?

We can’t get there without your help – 90% of our donations come from grassroots supporters. Thanks in advance.

Jason

Jason Rosenbaum
DSCC Director of Online Communications

Black History

Congress: Republican led House did 5min of the Peoples Business – the Senate considers S.2038, the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK)


https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/hub.1326407570.html

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/hub.1326407570.html

The Senate Convenes: 2pm ET January 30, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • At 4:30pm, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar #301, S.2038, the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act with the time until 5:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • At 5:30pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2038, the STOCK Act.

5:30pm the Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to S.2038, the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act.

Invoked: 93-2

The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1)      Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2038, the STOCK Act; Invoked: 93-2

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.1236, the Border Tunnel Prevention Act.

Adopted S.Res.357, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Mill Springs (January 19, 1862).

Adopted S.Res.358, expressing support for the designation of January 28, 2012, as “National Data Privacy Day”.

Adopted S.Con.Res.34, Expressing the sense of Congress in Honor of the life and legacy of Vaclav Havel.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2041, a bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline project and provide for environmental protection and government oversight. (Hoeven)

————————————————————————————————————————–

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 27, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on January 31, 2012.11:05:16 A.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 26, 2012, at 5:18 p.m., stating that that body had passed H.R. 3800 and H.R. 3801.11:04:40 A.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 26, 2012, at 5:50 p.m., stating that that body had passed S. 2039.11:03:51 A.M. -The House received a communication from Nick Strader, Central Oregon Office Director, Office of Rep. Greg Walden. Pursuant to Rule VII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Strader notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the Circuit Court for the County of Deschutes, Oregon, for witness testimony and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he would determine whether compliance with the subpoena is consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.11:02:51 A.M. -The House received a communication from The Honorable Paul D. Irving, Sergeant at Arms. Pursuant to Rule VII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Irving notified the House that the Office of the Sergeant of Arms had been served with a subpoena for documents issued by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, in connection with a civil lawsuit currently pending before that court and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he would make the determinations required by House Rule VIII.11:02:50 A.M. -ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentlewoman from Arizona, Ms. Giffords, the whole number of the House is 433.11:02:18 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.11:02:13 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.11:01:22 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Alan Keiran, Office of the United States Senate Chaplain11:01:00 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Mac Thornberry to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.11:00:44 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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