Tag Archives: Coburn

Black History

:::::: CONGRESS ::::::


 

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The Senate stands in adjournment until 2:00pm on Monday, March 18, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill.

The filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to the Mikulski-Shelby substitute amendment #26 and H.R.933 is 4:30pm on Monday.

The managers of the bill will work on a finite list of amendments to the continuing appropriations bill over the weekend.

Senators should expect a roll call vote at 5:30pm. There will either be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Mikulski-Shelby substitute amendment #26 or several votes in relation to amendments to the bill.

Senator Reid asked unanimous consent to withdraw the two cloture motions, the Senate consider a series of amendments to the Continuing Appropriations bill, and then proceed to vote on passage of the bill, as amended. Senator Ayotte objected. Senator Ayotte objected because amendment #46 (strikes $380 million in missile defense program) was not included in the request. Senator Moran said he would have also objected to the request because his air traffic control tower amendment (SA45) was not included in the agreement either.

In approximately 10 minutes (approximately 6:10pm), the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Mikulski-Shelby amendment #26 (substitute) to H.R.933, Continuing Appropriations.

Senator Reid asked the following consent.

Leader: I ask unanimous consent that the two cloture motions be withdrawn; that the following amendments be in order to the Mikulski-Shelby substitute:

– Coburn #69 prohibit Urban Area Security Initiative Grants not improving homeland security);

– Coburn #93 (transfer funds from National Heritage Partnership Program to fund White House public tours and maintenance at public parks/monuments);

– Coburn #65, as modified with the changes that are at the desk (National Science Foundation funding);

– Coburn #70, as modified with the changes that are at the desk (authorizing committees receive information from Homeland Security);

– Inhofe #72, as modified with changes that are at the desk (require Secretaries of Military Departments to carry out tuition assistance programs);

– Grassley #76, as modified with changes that are at the desk (report illegal aliens released dur to budget constraints);

– Mikulski-Shelby #98 (technical corrections); and

– Leahy #129, as modified with changes that are at the desk (to revise language regarding cluster munitions); and

– Pryor-Blunt #82 (poultry inspections).

That no other first degree amendments to the substitute or the underlying bill be in order; that no second degree amendments be in order to any of the amendments listed above prior to the vote; that there be 30 minutes equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, prior to votes in relation to the amendments in the order listed; that upon disposition of the Pryor-Blunt #82; the Durbin second degree amendment to the Toomey amendment #115 be withdrawn; that all the amendments be subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold; that the Senate proceed to vote in relation to the Toomey amendment #115; that upon disposition of the Toomey amendment, the Senate proceed to vote on the Mikulski-Shelby substitute amendment, as amended; that if the substitute amendment, as amended, is agreed to; the Senate proceed to vote on passage of the bill, as amended.

6:10pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Mikulski-Shelby amendment #26 (substitute) to H.R.933, Continuing Appropriations;

Invoked: 63-35

Cloture on the Mikulski-Shelby substitute amendment to H.R.933, Continuing Appropriations, was invoked by a vote of 63-35. There will now be up to 30 hours for debate on the substitute. There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to invoke cloture on the Mikulski-Shelby substitute amendment #26, as modified, to H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill; Invoked: 63-35

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.66, A resolution designating the first week of April 2013 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week”.

Adopted S.Res.79, supporting the goals and ideals of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.582, a bill to approve the the Keystone Pipeline. (Hoeven)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.583, a bill to implement equal protection under the 14th Article to the Constitution, the right to life in each born and preborn human person. (Paul)

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Watch Live House Floor Proceedings

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on March 18, 2013.

12:00:13 P.M.   The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:23 P.M.   The Speaker designated the Honorable Brad R. Wenstrup to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:00:51 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.
12:11:52 P.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:20 P.M.   The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 18.
2:00:30 P.M.   Today’s prayer was offered by Rev. Andrew Walton, Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, Washington DC.
2:01:00 P.M.   POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Hoyer demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hoyer demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.
2:02:59 P.M.   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Hoyer to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:05:00 P.M.   ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:15:12 P.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. today.
Black History

:::::: CONGRESS ::::::


March 2013
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The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Thursday, March 14, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill.

  • There will be up to one hour of debate equally divided between Senators Mikulski and Shelby or their designees for debate on the Harkin amendment #53 (Labor-HHS).
  • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 11:15am), there will be a roll call vote in relation to the Harkin amendment #53 (Labor-HHS)(60 affirmative-vote threshold).
  • We will continue to work through amendments to the bill during Thursday’s session. During Wednesday’s session, cloture was filed on the Mikulski-Shelby substitute amendment #26 and on H.R.933. Under the rule, the first cloture vote would be on Friday. We hope to reach an agreement to complete action on the bill on Thursday.
  • The Senate has resumed consideration of H.R.933, the Continuing Resolution. There will be 1 hour to debate concurrently the Harkin amendment #53 (Labor-HHS) and Coburn amendment #66 (temporary hiring freeze on Non Essential Federal Employees), prior to votes in relation to the amendments.
  • The debate time will be equally divided in the usual form.
  • Each amendment will be subject to 60-affirmative vote thresholds.
  • No amendments to the amendments are in order prior to the votes.
  • The following amendments are pending to H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill:

    The following amendments have been considered to H.R.933:

    • Cruz amendment #30 (defund Obamacare) Not Agreed to: 45-52
    • McCain amendment #33 (Guam) Not Tabled: 48-50; agreed to by voice vote
    • Harkin amendment #53 (Labor HHS flexibility)(60 affirmative-vote threshold) Not Agreed to: 54-45
    • Coburn amendment #66 (temporary freeze on non-essential federal employees) (60 affirmative-vote threshold) Not Agreed to: 45-54
    • Inhofe amendment #29, as modified (Farms-EPA oil spill and prevention rule) Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • There is a good chance that we vote tonight (sooner rather than later) in
    relation to the Coburn amendment #65, as modified (political
    science funding at NSF). Another message will be sent once an agreement is
    reached.

    • WRAP UP
    • ROLL CALL VOTES1) Harkin amendment #53 (Labor-HHS) to H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill; Not Agreed to: 54-45 (60 affirmative-vote threshold)2)      Coburn amendment #66 (hiring freeze for federal employees) to H.R.933; Not Agreed to: 45-54 (60 affirmative-vote threshold)

      LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

      Began the Rule 14 process of S.582, the Keystone Pipeline Act. (Hoeven)

      Began the Rule 14 process of S.583, the Life at Conception Act. (Paul)

      Completed the Rule 14 process of S.558, To prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from awarding any grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or other financial assistance under section 103 of the Clean Air Act for any program, project, or activity outside the United States. (Paul)

      No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

    • Well, folks, we were unable to reach an agreement to vote in relation to the Coburn or Toomey amendments tonight. Senator Coburn wouldn’t agree to vote in relation to his amendment, as modified.Senator Reid has asked the managers of the bill to work over the weekend on a small, finite list of amendments and we could complete action of the bill on Monday. If they are unable to come to an agreement, there would be a cloture vote at approximately 5:30pm on Monday. Next week the Senate will consider the Budget resolution.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 this week.

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

Last Floor Action: 3/14
7:24:35 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 14, 2013.

Black History

CONGRESS: the Republican led House ethics committee goes after dems & the Senate considers Judicial nominee, S.3326,African Trade-Senate fails to move S.3414 forward


the Senate Convened 9:30amET August 2, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
  • Following the remarks of the Majority Leader, the Senate will begin consideration of S.3326, the African Trade/CAFTADR/Burma Sanctions legislation and the Coburn amendment.  There will be 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Baucus and Coburn or their designees.
  • Following the debate on the Coburn amendment, the time until 11:00am will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • As a reminder, cloture was filed on S.3414, the Cybersecurity bill on Tuesday.  As a result, the filing deadline for 2nd degree amendments to S.3414 is 10:00am on Thursday.
  • At 11:00am on Thursday, there will be two roll call votes in relation to the following:
  • Cloture on S.3414, the Cybersecurity bill
  • Coburn amendment to S.3326.  (under a previous order, if the Coburn amendment is not agreed to, which is expected, the Senate will pass S.3326 by consent).
  • Additional roll call votes are possible.  Senators will be notified when they are scheduled.

11:00am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.3414, Cybersecurity Act of 2012; Not Invoked: 52-47

11:32am The Senate began a roll call vote on Coburn amendment #2771 (AGOA offset) to S.3326, AGOA/CAFTADR/Burma Sanction

11:32am The Senate began a roll call vote on Coburn amendment #2771 (AGOA offset) to S.3326, AGOA/CAFTADR/Burma Sanctions; Not Agreed To: 40-58

1:51pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #651, the nomination of Gershwin A. Drain, MI, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan; Confirmed: 55-41

Senator McConnell asked unanimous consent that immediately following disposition of the Cybersecurity bill but no later than September 28, the Senate proceed to the consideration of H.R.6079, a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act; there be 1 hour for debate, with no amendments in order; and the Senate proceed to vote on passage of the bill.

This evening Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3457, a bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a veterans jobs corps, and for other purposes.

The cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.3457 will occur at 2:15pm on Tuesday, September 11.

At 5pm on Monday, September 10, at 5:00pm there will be 30 minutes for debate on Executive Calendar 664, the nomination of Stephanie Marie Rose, of Iowa, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Iowa. Upon the use or yielding back of time the Senate will proceed to vote on confirmation of the nomination.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Motion to invoke cloture on S.3414, the Cybersecurity Act; Not Invoked: 52-46

2)      Coburn amendment #2771 (alternative offset) to S.3326, the African Trade/CAFTADR/Burma Sanctions legislation; Not Agreed to: 40-58

3)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #651, the nomination of Gershwin A. Drain, of MI, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan; Confirmed: 55-41

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Con.Res.56, providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives.

Passed S.3510, a bill to prevent harm to the national security or endangering the military officers and civilian employees to whom internet publication of certain information applies, and for other purposes.

Passed H.R.4240, the Ambassador James R. Lilley and Congressman Stephen J. Solarz North Korea Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2012 by voice vote and adopted S.Con.Res.58, a concurrent resolution to correct the enrollment of H.R.4240.

Discharged the Judiciary Committee and passed S.3245, reauthorization of the EB-5 Regional Center Program, the E-Verify Program, the Special Immigrant Nonminister Religious Worker Program, and the Conrad State 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program with a Leahy-Grassley substitute amendment and a Leahy-Grassley title amendment.

Passed H.R.1402: a bill to authorize the Architect of the Capitol to establish battery recharging stations for privately owned vehicles in parking areas under the jurisdiction of the House of Representatives at no net cost to the Federal Government.

Discharged the Commerce Committee and passed H.R.3670, To require the Transportation Security Administration to comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

Adopted S.Res.402, condemning Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army for committing crimes against humanity and mass atrocities, and supporting ongoing efforts by the United States Government and governments in Central Africa to remove Joseph Kony and Lord’s Resistance Army commanders from the battlefield with a Coons substitute amendment, a Committee-reported amendment to the preamble and a Committee-reported title amendment.

Discharged the Armed Services Committee and adopted S.Res.418, commemorating the 70th anniversary and commending the brave men of the 17th Bombardment Group (Medium) who became known as the “Doolittle Tokyo Raiders” for outstanding heroism, valor, skill, and service to the United States in conducting the bombing of Tokyo on April 18, 1942 with a Brown (OH) substitute amendment, a Brown (OH) amendment to the preamble and a Brown (OH) title amendment.

Discharged the Foreign Relations Committee and adopted S.Res.524, reaffirming the strong support of the United States for the 2002 declaration of conduct of parties in the South China Sea among the member states of ASEAN and the People’s Republic of China, and for other purposes with a Webb amendment to the preamble.

Adopted S.Res.544, congratulating the Navy Dental Corps on its 100th anniversary.

Adopted S.Res.545, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the United States Air Force Weather Agency.

Adopted S.Res.546, Designating the week of September 10, 2012, as “National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week”.

Adopted S.Res.547, Honoring the life of pioneering astronaut Dr. Sally Ride and expressing the condolences of the Senate on her death.

Adopted H.Con.Res.135, authorizing the use of the Rotunda of the Capitol for the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, in recognition of her leadership and perseverance in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma.

Adopted S.Con.Res.59, providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.3519, the Pay for Printing Act (DeMint).

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Discharged the HELP Committee and confirmed the following:

PN1513 – Ingrid Gregg of Michigan – Board of Trustees for the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation

PN1514 – James L. Henderson of Kentucky – Board of Trustees for the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation

Discharged the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and Confirmed:

PN1731 – Kimberly Knowles to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

Discharged the Foreign Relations Committee and Confirmed:

PN1826 – James B. Cunningham, of New York, to be Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Confirmed the following items:

All nominations placed on the Secretary’s desk in the Foreign Service.

HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

Executive Calendar #450 Laura A. Cordero – to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation for a term expiring December 15, 2015

HARRY S TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

Executive Calendar #609 Steven H. Cohen – to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation for a term expiring Dec. 10, 2013

NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

Executive Calendar #709 Paul W. Hodes – to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts for a term expiring September 3, 2016

PRIVACY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES OVERSIGHT BOARD

Executive Calendar #718 James Xavier Dempsey—to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 29, 2016

Executive Calendar #719 Elisebeth Collins Cook—to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 29, 2014

Executive Calendar #720 Rachel L. Brand—to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 29, 2017

Executive Calendar #723 Patricia M. Wald—to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 29, 2013

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Executive Calendar #825 Matthew S. Rutherford – to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

Executive Calendar #826 Meredith M. Broadbent – to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring June 16, 2017

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Executive Calendar #827 Mark J. Mazur – to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Executive Calendar #831 Danny Chappelle Williams Sr.– to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma for the term of four years

MISSISSIPPI RIVER COMMISSION

Executive Calendar #837 Major General John Peabody, United States Army, to be a Member and President of the Mississippi River Commission.

DEFENSE NUCELAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD

Executive Calendar #838 Sean Sullivan, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2015

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #841 to be General—Gen. Mark A. Welsh, III

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Executive Calendar #858 Gene Allan Cretz, of New York, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Ghana.

Executive Calendar #859 Deborah Ruth Malac, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Liberia.

Executive Calendar #860 Thomas Hart Armbruster, of New York, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Executive Calendar #861 David Bruce Wharton, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Zimbabwe.

Executive Calendar #862 Greta Christine Holtz, of Maryland, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Sultanate of Oman.

Executive Calendar #863 Alexander Mark Laskaris, of Maryland, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Guinea.

Executive Calendar #864 Marcie B. Ries, of the District of Columbia to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Bulgaria.

Executive Calendar #865 John M. Koenig, of Washington, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Cyprus.

Executive Calendar #866 Michael David Kirby, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Serbia.

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

Executive Calendar #867 to be Rear Admiral (lower half) – Gerd F. Glang

Executive Calendar #868 to be Rear Admiral – Michael S. Devany

Executive Calendar #869 to be Rear Admiral (lower half) – David A. Score

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Executive Calendar #872 Patricia K. Falcone – to be an Associate Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Executive Calendar #874 Thomas Skerik Sowers, II – to be an Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Public and Intergovernmental Affairs)

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Congress: – the Republican led House – the Senate – H.R.2112 passes 69-30, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill.


 the Senate Convened at 10AM ET November 1, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill.
  • At approximately 10:15am, there will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the following:
  • Coburn #800 (rural development agency);
  • Paul #821 (TIGER grants) (60-vote threshold);
  • DeMint #763 (epinephrine);
  • Crapo #814 (Dodd-Frank WSR – derivatives) (60-vote threshold);
  • Lee Motion to Recommit (FY11 levels);
  • Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program);
  • Passage of H.R.2112, as amended.
  • Following disposition of H.R.2112, 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.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

ROLL CALL

10:16am The Senate began a roll call vote on Coburn amendment #800 (Rural Development Agency) Not Agreed To: 13-85

10:45am The Senate began a Roll Call Vote on Paul amendment #821 (TIGER Grants); Not Agreed to: 38-60

11:04am The Senate began a roll call vote on the DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine); Not Agreed to: 44-54

11:25am The Crapo amendment #814 (WSR-derivatives) was withdrawn

11:27am The Senate began a roll call vote on the Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air service Development Program) Not Agreed To: 41-57

11:45am The Senate began a Roll Call Vote on the Lee motion to recommit (FY11 levels) Not Agreed To: 39-60

12:00 noon The Senate began a Roll Call Vote on passage of HR 2112, as amended (Agriculture/Commerce, Justice, Science/Transportation-HUD) Passed: 69-30

12:20pm LONG VERSION of HR2112 -votes

The following amendments have been considered  to H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill:

  • Cornyn amendment #775, as modified (Operation Fast and Furious); Agreed to: 99-0
  • McCain amendment #740 (eliminate TAA funding for firms); Not Agreed to: 44-55
  • Collins amendment #804 (vegetables in school meal programs); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • McCain amendment #739 (critical surface transportation); Tabled: 59-39
  • McCain amendment #741 (ethanol blender pumps and storage facilities); withdrawn
  • Sanders amendment #816 (energy efficiency programs for small businesses); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Coburn amendment #793 (transparency in federally attended and funded conferences); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Coburn amendment #798, as modified (prohibit funds for purchase of new passenger motor vehicles); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Murray amendment #772 (reconstruction of highway facilities damaged by natural disasters or emergencies); Withdrawn
  • Vitter amendment #769, as modified (drug reimportation) Not Agreed To: 45-55 (60-vote threshold)
  • Webb amendment #750, as modified (National Criminal Justice Commission)  Not Agreed To: 57-43 (60-vote threshold)
  • Merkley amendment #879 (freight and rail products made in the US) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 55-44
  • Brown (OH) amendment #874, as modified (Fair Housing Initiatives Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Moran amendment #815, as modified (spending levels for Watershed Protection); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 46-54
  • Landrieu amendment #781 (farmer program loans); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Vitter amendment #917 to Menendez #857 (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-57-1(present)
  • Menendez amendment #857 (extend loan limits for FHA, VA and others) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 60-38-1 present
  • Gillibrand amendment #869 (increase funding for emergency conservation/emergency watershed protection programs); Agreed to: 58-41
  • Lautenberg amendment #836 (Economic Development Assistance Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Bingaman amendment #771, as modified (funds to investigate trade violations); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Sessions amendment #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-58
  • Coburn amendment #791 (prohibit funds for direct payments to individuals with income over $1M); Agreed to: 84-15
  • Coburn amendment #792, as modified (end payments to slumlords) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 59-40
  • Coburn amendment #796 (end lending schemes) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 73-26
  • Ayotte amendment #753 (prohibit funds for prosecutions of enemy combatants in Article III Courts) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 47-52
  • Portman amendment #859 (beam rail elements and terminal sections); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • McCain amendment #892 (Rural Development offices); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Cantwell amendment #893, as modified (infectious salmon); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Cochran amendment #805, as modified (Fossil-fueled electric generating plants); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Burr amendment #890 (transparency of FDA); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Inouye amendment #918 (strike provisions re: Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Kyl amendment #912, as modified (US Marshals Service & courthouse security upgrades); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Rubio amendment #898 (Evaluation of Gulf Coast Claims Facility); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Thune amendment #809 (reimbursement for expenditures made in reliance of a grant erroneously awarded); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Hutchison amendment #806; Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Brown (MA)-Kerry amendment #889 (Audits of Fisheries Enforcement Asset Forfeiture Fund); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Coburn amendment #800 (Rural Development Agency); Not Agreed to: 13-85
  • Paul amendment #821 (TIGER grants) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 38-60
  • DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine); Not Agreed to: 44-54
  • Crapo amendment #814 (derivatives – Dodd-Frank); withdrawn
  • Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program); Not Agreed to: 41-57
  • Lee motion to recommit H.R.2112 (FY11 levels); Not Agreed to: 39-60
  • DeMint amendment #764 (eliminate increase in funding); fell on point of order
  • Coburn amendment #794 (government programs annual report); withdrawn
  • Coburn amendment #795 (collect more than $500M from deadbeat developers); withdrawn
  • Coburn amendment #797 (Federal buildings construction/purchase/lease/renovation); withdrawn
  • Coburn amendment #799 (Rural Energy for America Program); withdrawn
  • Coburn amendment #833 (end direct payment program); withdrawn

The Senate will recess from 3:30-4:30pm for a members only briefing on national security issues.

2012 Calendar – 112th Congress, Second Session

Convene – January 23, 2012 (Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday January 16)

4 weeks

February 20 – 24 State Work Period (Presidents’ Day February 20)

5 weeks

March 5- NO VOTE (Monday)

March 12 – NO VOTE (Monday)

March 19 – NO VOTE (Monday)

April 2 – April 13 State Work Period (Passover April 6-7; Good Friday April 6; Easter April 8)

2 weeks

April 30 – May 4 State Work Period

3 weeks

May 28 – June 1 State Work Period (Memorial Day May 28)

4 weeks

July 2 – July 6 State Work Period (Independence Day July 4)

4 weeks

August 6 – September 7 State Work Period (Labor Day September 3)

Target adjournment – TBD

During Tuesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.1769, the Rebuild America Jobs Act. Unless an agreement is reached, this vote will occur Thursday morning.

WRAP UP

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.308, designating November 27, 2011 as “Drive Safer Sunday”.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES

#412 Patricia M. Loui – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for a term expiring January 20, 2015

#414 Larry W. Walther – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for a term expiring January 20, 2013

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The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on November 1, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER  1, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:05:57 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:00:51 P.M. -S. 1280Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:00:50 P.M. -S. 1280On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 406 – 0 (Roll no. 817).6:54:23 P.M. -S. 1280Considered as unfinished business. S. 1280 — “To amend the Peace Corps Act to require sexual assault risk-reduction and response training, the development of sexual assault protocol and guidelines, the establishment of victims advocates, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Advisory Council, and for other purposes.”6:54:10 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:54:10 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 396 – 9, 2 Present (Roll no. 816).6:30:45 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Considered as unfinished business. H. Con. Res. 13 — “Reaffirming “In God We Trust” as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.”6:30:35 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:30:22 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 1.6:06:24 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  6:30 P.M. today.6:05:54 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:05:39 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.6:05:30 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31Considered by unanimous consent. S. Con. Res. 31 — “Directing the Secretary of the Senate to make a correction in the enrollment of S. 1280.”6:05:29 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31Ms. Ros-Lehtinen asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.6:05:09 P.M. -S. 1280At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.5:41:18 P.M. -S. 1280DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1280.5:41:16 P.M. -S. 1280Considered under suspension of the rules.5:41:01 P.M. -S. 1280Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 1280 — “To amend the Peace Corps Act to require sexual assault risk-reduction and response training, the development of sexual assault protocol and guidelines, the establishment of victims advocates, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Advisory Council, and for other purposes.”5:40:37 P.M. -H.R. 1002Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:40:33 P.M. -H.R. 1002On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.5:25:34 P.M. -H.R. 1002DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1002.5:25:32 P.M. -H.R. 1002Considered under suspension of the rules.5:25:14 P.M. -H.R. 1002Mr. Franks (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1002 — “To restrict any State or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services, providers, or property.”5:24:33 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13At 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.4:48:52 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 13.4:48:50 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Considered under suspension of the rules.4:48:07 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Mr. Forbes moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Con. Res. 13 — “Reaffirming “In God We Trust” as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.”4:47:54 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:47:48 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 1.2:12:28 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximatley 4:45 p.m. today.2:11:50 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to Sudan – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-69).2:10:41 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 sealed envelope from the White House on November 1, 2011, at 12:19 p.m., and said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits a copy of the notice filed earlier with the Federal Register on the national emergency with respect to Sudan.2:09:00 P.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of 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 November 1, 2011, at 9:44 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 394, with amendments, H.R. 368 and S. 1637.2:02:44 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:16 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Schilling to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:02:12 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:00:40 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:26 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 1.12:02:37 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  2:00 P.M. today.12:01:50 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.12:01:37 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable John Campbell to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.12:00:26 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate considers HR2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill:


The Senate Convenes: 3pm October 31, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #249, Stephen A. Higginson, of LA, to be United States Circuit Judge for the 5th Circuit with one hour equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
  • The first roll call vote of the week will be at approximately 5:30pm today on confirmation of the Higginson nomination.
  • On Tuesday, November 1, 2011, when the Senate resumes consideration of H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill (at approximately 11:10am), there will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the following:
  • Coburn #800 (rural development agency);
  • Paul #821 (TIGER grants ) (60-vote threshold);
  • DeMint #763 (epinephrine);
  • Crapo #814 (Dodd-Frank WSR – derivatives) (60-vote threshold);
  • Lee Motion to Recommit (FY11 levels);
  • Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program);
  • Passage of H.R.2112, as amended.
  • Senators should be aware the Senate will recess at 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings and the series of votes listed above will be interrupted to accommodate the caucus meetings.  The Senate will resume voting on the items above, which are not completed prior to 12:15pm, at a time to be determined Tuesday afternoon.

10:AM The following amendments are pending to H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill:

  • Crapo amendment #814 (derivatives – Dodd-Frank)
  • Lee motion to recommit H.R.2112 (FY11 levels)
  • DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine)
  • DeMint amendment #764 (eliminate increase in funding)
  • Coburn amendment #794 (government programs annual report)
  • Coburn amendment #795 (collect more than $500M from deadbeat developers)
  • Coburn amendment #797 (Federal buildings construction/purchase/lease/renovation)
  • Coburn amendment #799 (Rural Energy for America Program)
  • Coburn amendment #800 (Rural Development Agency)
  • Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program)
  • Coburn amendment #833 (end direct payment program)

The following amendments have been considered:

  • Cornyn amendment #775, as modified (Operation Fast and Furious); Agreed to: 99-0
  • McCain amendment #740 (eliminate TAA funding for firms); Not Agreed to: 44-55
  • Collins amendment #804 (vegetables in school meal programs); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • McCain amendment #739 (critical surface transportation); Tabled: 59-39
  • McCain amendment #741 (ethanol blender pumps and storage facilities); withdrawn
  • Sanders amendment #816 (energy efficiency programs for small businesses); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Coburn amendment #793 (transparency in federally attended and funded conferences); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Coburn amendment #798, as modified (prohibit funds for purchase of new passenger motor vehicles); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Murray amendment #772 (reconstruction of highway facilities damaged by natural disasters or emergencies); Withdrawn
  • Vitter amendment #769, as modified (drug reimportation) Not Agreed To: 45-55 (60-vote threshold)
  • Webb amendment #750, as modified (National Criminal Justice Commission)  Not Agreed To: 57-43 (60-vote threshold)
  • Merkley amendment #879 (freight and rail products made in the US) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 55-44
  • Brown (OH) amendment #874, as modified (Fair Housing Initiatives Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Moran amendment #815, as modified (spending levels for Watershed Protection); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 46-54
  • Landrieu amendment #781 (farmer program loans); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Vitter amendment #917 to Menendez #857 (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-57-1(present)
  • Menendez amendment #857 (extend loan limits for FHA, VA and others) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 60-38-1 present
  • Gillibrand amendment #869 (increase funding for emergency conservation/emergency watershed protection programs); Agreed to: 58-41
  • Lautenberg amendment #836 (Economic Development Assistance Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Bingaman amendment #771, as modified (funds to investigate trade violations); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Sessions amendment #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-58
  • Coburn amendment #791 (prohibit funds for direct payments to individuals with income over $1M); Agreed to: 84-15
  • Coburn amendment #792, as modified (end payments to slumlords) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 59-40
  • Coburn amendment #796 (end lending schemes) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 73-26
  • Ayotte amendment #753 (prohibit funds for prosecutions of enemy combatants in Article III Courts) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 47-52
  • Portman amendment #859 (beam rail elements and terminal sections); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • McCain amendment #892 (Rural Development offices); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Cantwell amendment #893, as modified (infectious salmon); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Cochran amendment #805, as modified (Fossil-fueled electric generating plants); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Burr amendment #890 (transparency of FDA); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Inouye amendment #918 (strike provisions re: Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Kyl amendment #912, as modified (US Marshals Service & courthouse security upgrades); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Rubio amendment #898 (Evaluation of Gulf Coast Claims Facility); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Thune amendment #809 (reimbursement for expenditures made in reliance of a grant erroneously awarded); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Hutchison amendment #806; Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Brown (MA)-Kerry amendment #889 (Audits of Fisheries Enforcement Asset Forfeiture Fund); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent

5:33pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Stephen A. Higginson, of Louisiana, to be a United States Circuit Judge for the 5th Circuit; Confirmed: 88-0

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.1637, Appeal Time Clarification Act of 2011

Passed H.R.368, Removal Clarification Act of 2011

Passed H.R.394, Federal Courts Jurisdiction and Venue Clarification Act of 2011 with committee-reported amendments

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

#103 Eric L. Hirschhorn – to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

#416 Cyrus Amir-Mokri – to be an Assistant Secretary for the Treasury

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

#420 David S. Johanson – to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring December 16, 2018

There will be no roll call votes on Monday, November 14, 2011.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF OCTOBER 31, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION 

 -The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on November 1, 2011.1:03:07 P.M. –PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.1:02:56 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.1:01:52 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.1:01:44 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas J. Rooney to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.1:00:59 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on October 31, 2011.