what is going on in Congress … Republican led House … the Democratic led Senate -updates when needed


The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET January 26, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 10:30am with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. The Republicans will control the first half and the Majority will control the final half.

At 10:30am, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.Res.14, a resolution honoring the victims and heroes of the shooting on January 8, 2011 in Tucson Arizona. There will be up to 3 ½ hours for debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time the Senate will proceed to a vote on the adoption of the resolution, with no amendments or motions in order prior to the vote on adoption. If the resolution is adopted, by consent the preamble will be agreed to.

Upon disposition of the resolution, the Senate will resume morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Votes:

1: Adoption of S.Res.14, a resolution honoring the victims and heroes of the shooting on January 8, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona;

 Agreed to: 97-0

Unanimous Consent:

Passed H.R.366, a bill to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (through May 31, 2011).

Adopted S.Res.26, a resolution recognizing the anniversary of the tragic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, honoring those who lost their lives in that earthquake, and expressing continued solidarity with the Haitian people

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 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 26, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 26, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:56 P.M. –

The House adjourned pursuant to S. Con. Res. 1. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on February 8, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Ms. Chu moved that the House do now adjourn.

2:25 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

2:24 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Heath Shuler, Member of Congress. Mr. Shuler notified the House that he was taking a leave of absence from the Committee on Small Business until his tenure on the Committee on the Budget is completed. It was his understanding from Clause C of Rule 19 of the Democratice Caucus Rules that he would continue to accrue seniority during the leave of absence, at the same rate as if he had continued to serve on the Committee on Small Business. Accompanying this letter was a letter from the Democratic Leader verifying that his seniority on the Committee on Small Business will continue to accrue during his absence.

2:23 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable Ms. Lofgren, Zoe . Ms. Lofgren, Zoe submitted her resignation from the Committee on Ethics. The resignation was accepted without objection.

2:17 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded further with one minute speeches.

2:16 P.M. –

JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE – Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1024(a), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE: Mr. Brady of TX, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Camp, Mr. Duffy, Mr. Amash and Mr. Mulvaney.

2:15 P.M. –

Pursuant to section 201(a)(2) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment – Control Act of 1974 (2. U.S.C. 601), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker and President Pro Tempore of the Senate announced that they had jointly appointed Dr. Douglas W. Elmendorf as Director of the Congressional Budget Office for the term expiring January 3, 2015.

HOUSE DEMOCRACY PARTNERSHIP – Pursuant to section 4(a) of House Resolution 5, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the HOUSE DEMOCRACY PARTNERSHIP: Mr. Dreier, Mr. Fortenberry, Mrs. Biggert, Mr. Conaway, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Boustany, Mr. Wilson of SC, Mr. Roskam, Mr. Crenshaw and Mr. Diaz-Balart.

UNITED STATES GROUP OF THE NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 1928a, Clause 10 of rule 1, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the UNITED STATES GROUP OF THE NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY: Mr. Turner, Mr. Shimkus, Mr. Shuster, Mr. Miller of FL, Mrs. Emerson, Ms. Granger and Mr. Bilirakis.

BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION – Pursuant to sections 5580 and 5581 of the revised statutes (20 U.S.C 42-43), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION: Mr. Johnson Sam of TX and Mr. LaTourette.

2:14 P.M. –

PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELELLIGENCE – Pursuant to clause 11 of rule X, clause 11 of rule I, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELELLIGENCE: Mr. Ruppersberger, Mr. Thompson of CA, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Langevin, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Boren, Mr. Gutierrez and Mr. Chandler.

H. Res. 62:

electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 359:

to reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions

2:13 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 160 (Roll no. 25).

2:05 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 173 – 228 (Roll no. 24).

1:49 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

1:40 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the Committee on Ways and means to report the bill back to the House forthwith with an amendment which strikes all after the enacting clause and inserts in lieu thereof a complete new text.

1:36 P.M. –

Mr. Walz (MN) moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means.

Mr. Walz moves to recommit the bill H.R. 359 to the Committee on Ways and Means with instructions to report the same to the House forthwith with the following amendment: ¢

The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

1:35 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 359.

On agreeing to the Peters amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 396 – 7 (Roll no. 23).

1:11 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of the Peters amendment which was debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

1:08 P.M. –

Mr. Roskam raised a point of order against the Polis amendment Mr. Roskam stated that the provisions of the amendment violated clause 10, of rule XXI. The Chair sustained the point of order.

1:01 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Polis amendment in the nature of a substitute under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Polis.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in the Congressional Record to insert an entirely new text.

1:00 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the Moore amendment was withdrawn.

12:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Moore amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Ms. Moore.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in the Congressional Record to insert an entirely new text.

12:57 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the Tsongas amendment was withdrawn.

12:54 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tsongas amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Ms. Tsongas.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to add a new section entitled Prohibition on the Use of Federal Funds for Presidential Campaign and Lobbying Activities.

By unanimous consent, the Castor (FL) amendment was withdrawn.

12:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Castor (FL) amendment number 2 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Ms. Castor (FL).

An amendment numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to transfer funds in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund to the Office of Justice programs to provide for local law enforcement costs of providing security at Presidential nominating conventions.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Peters amendment, the Chair put the question on the amendment and announced by voice vote the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Peters requested a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

12:44 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Peters amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Peters.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to add language to the bill stipulating that all amounts in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund after the date of the enactment of the legislation shall be transferred by the Secretary to the general fund of Treasury only if used to reduce the deficit.

11:44 A.M. –

The Committee of the Whole resumed its sitting.

11:43 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 3.

H.R. 359:

to reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions

11:42 A.M. –

The Committee of the Whole rose informally to receive a message.

11:35 A.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 359.

11:34 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven C. LaTourette to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 54 and Rule XVIII.

11:33 A.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 359 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 open to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. All points of order against provisions of the bill are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 54.

H. Res. 54:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 359) to reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions

11:31 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 234 – 178 (Roll no. 22).

10:15 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 54.

Considered as privileged matter.

10:02 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Slaughter to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:01 A.M. –

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Change.org + YouTube = your questions for President Obama


Tonight, President Obama will address Congress and the nation when he gives his State of the Union address. His speech will lay out his vision for the next year, but he may not address the issues most important to you.

Good news: This year, Change.org members have an opportunity to ask President Obama our own questions, courtesy of YouTube.

On Thursday, President Obama will give a national interview on YouTube, and instead of letting the White House press corps have all the fun, you can ask your own questions. Concerned about health care? Focused on the environment? How about education, the economy, or foreign policy? This is your chance to spotlight the issue closest to your heart.

Upload a video with your question today at:

http://www.youtube.com/askobama

Community voting will help determine which questions get asked. Here are a few tips to increase the chances that your question will be chosen:

Your video should be no longer than twenty seconds, and you should ask your question as directly as possible.

Speak clearly and try to film in a place with minimal background noise. Try to keep the camera as still as possible.

Feel free to be creative (use props, charts, etc.) to help your question stand out.

An interesting backdrop may help reinforce your message –– for example, if you’re asking a question about education, you could be inside a classroom, or if you want to talk about the environment, find your favorite place outdoors.

The deadline to submit your question is Wednesday night at midnight Eastern Time. So get cracking, and we hope to see your question on President Obama’s national webcast!

Click here to submit your question via YouTube today:

http://www.youtube.com/askobama

Thanks for asking the questions that matter,

Patrick and the Change.org Team

Defend Health Care Victory


On the House Floor Tuesday, I described a new drinking game. Every time the Republicans say something that’s just not true, take a swig.

The problem is, we’d all end up in the hospital in about 15 minutes.

All kidding aside, Republicans made good on their promise to repeal health care, but in the process they laid bare a political strategy that is frankly insulting to you and all Americans.

Make stuff up.

The “We Don’t Mean It” strategy: defending parts of the bill they are repealing.

Boogeymen: “Socialized medicine! Government takeover!”

This is the best they can do?

Nearly every Dem voted against the cynical Republican stunt, but that won’t stop them from trying again.

I need your immediate support to preserve our health care victory. Republicans depend on the corporate special interests, but I depend on you.

Click here http://www.anthonyweiner.com/  to rush $5 or more to my campaign. It’s the only way I can stay in this fight to defend our health care.

A majority of Americans support the bill, and even more will come to our side when they understand the facts, find out the “We don’t mean it” strategy is a lie, and discover the Republican health care boogeyman isn’t real.

What Americans really want is to implement and improve this law. I’m relying on you to give me the resources I need to lead that charge.

Click here  http://www.anthonyweiner.com/  to rush $5 or more to my campaign. It’s the only way I can stay in this fight to defend our health care.

Anthony

Help Fill a Stadium: AFL – CIO 2/5


When the NFL Players Association (NFLPA)—the AFL-CIO union that represents all professional football players, past and present—suggested a plan for the labor movement to fill a football stadium with unemployed workers, members of the military and children, I got really excited and pledged our support right away.

What could be better than giving the gift of football to folks who may not be able to afford to go to a game while times are tough?

We’d like your help to fill a football stadium with unemployed workers, members of the military and children for the NFLPA Texas vs. The Nation game.

This very special game attracts hundreds of NFL scouts and personnel. It features draft-eligible college seniors who are poised to be our next professional players.

Each ticket to the game costs $10 to buy. But the NFLPA has generously agreed to match 100 percent of our donations. Thanks to this match, every $10 you donate will buy TWO tickets for unemployed workers, military veterans and children.

Please pitch in $10, $20 or $40—and give the gift of two, four or eight football tickets to unemployed workers, members of the armed services and children.

If you can make it to San Antonio, for the game, you also can buy tickets to attend the game yourself.

This is going to be a great game featuring the football stars of tomorrow. Top college seniors with ties to the state of Texas will take on top seniors from across the nation. The five-year-old all-star game is making its debut in San Antonio this year, after previous games in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas.

We’ve been talking to local nonprofits—and they’re really excited about your support. Military bases are already on board, too. But we need you. If the union movement is going to fill the stadium in San Antonio, it’s going to take thousands of small donations.

It takes only 30 seconds of your time and as little as $10 to help.

Please donate a ticket or two—and have your donation doubled—so San Antonio football fans who are unemployed, and others who can’t afford to come, can attend.

The AFL-CIO and the NFLPA are hosting a special football game in San Antonio. Can you make a small donation to help fill the stadium with unemployed workers, military veterans and children?  Click on link below …

http://act.aflcio.org/salsa/track.jsp?v=2&c=3KsQnNNHbmQ8TPTZyJhYTH2Wytbgu75H

Donate a ticket for just $10 and the NFLPA will match that donation—so you’ll make it possible for TWO unemployed workers, military members or children to attend the game.

If you can make it to the game in San Antonio on Feb. 5, even better.  Learn more and buy tickets.                                                                          http://act.aflcio.org/salsa/track.jsp?v=2&c=TTP2MZFya3nsSUuWKUeP3H2Wytbgu75H

 

In solidarity,

Manny Herrmann

Online Mobilization Coordinator, AFL-CIO

P.S. If you’re interested in attending the game yourself, click here to learn more and click here to buy a ticket

Congress – both Chambers back in Session … observe total hrs spent in the Republican led House of Representatives


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET January 25, 2011

 Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

Roll call votes are possible during Tuesday’s session. Senators will be notified when any votes scheduled.

The Senate is in recess until 8:30pm.

 Senators are asked to gather in the Senate chamber at 8:30pm and at 8:40pm proceed as a body to the Hall of the House of Representative for President Obama’s State of the Union address.

Upon dissolution of the joint session, the Senate will adjourn until 9:30am on Wednesday, January 26.

 Unanimous Consent:

Adopted H.Con.Res.10 >> http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:H.Con.Res.10 : providing for a joint session of Congress to receive a message from the President.

Adopted S.Con.Res3 >> http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:S.Con.Res3 :concurrent resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta, a native of Hiawatha, Iowa, and the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 25, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

8:36 P.M. –

JOINT SESSION – The House convened in Joint Session with the Senate for the purpose of receiving an address from the President of the United States on the subject of the state of the Union.

8:35 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 25.

2:33 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 8:35 P.M. today for the purpose of receiving in a joint session with the Senate the President of the United States.

2:31 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader. Pursuant to Section 114(b) of the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development Act (2 U.S.C. 1103), Ms. Pelosi appointed the Honorable Terri A. Sewell of Alabama to the Board of Trustees for the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development for a term of six years

2:30 P.M. –

Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 54.

H. Res. 49:

providing Capitol-flown flags for recipients of the Medal of Honor

2:29 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 424 – 0 (Roll no. 21).

2:22 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 38:

to reduce spending through a transition to non-security spending at fiscal year 2008 levels

2:21 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 256 – 165 (Roll no. 20).

2:13 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 184 – 242, 1 Present (Roll no. 19).

1:49 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

1:48 P.M. –

Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to recommit with instructions to Rules.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

12:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 38.

Rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 38 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. The resolution provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Rules shall be considered as adopted. All points of order against consideration of the resolution are waived.

12:41 P.M. –

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 43.

H.R. 366:

to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes

12:39 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

12:35 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 366.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Graves (MO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 53:

electing certain Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

12:33 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 49:

providing Capitol-flown flags for recipients of the Medal of Honor

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.

12:18 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 49.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Latham moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

12:17 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 25, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. stating that that body had agreed to H.Con.Res. 10 without amendment.

12:03 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.

H. Res. 52:

electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

12:02 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

12:01 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:00 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 25.

10:33 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:01 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.

10:00 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Tom McClintock to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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