Tag Archives: Executive session

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Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate Considers 2 US Dist Judges &HR2354,the Energy and Water appropriations bill


the Senate Convened at 10:00amET November 15, 2011

  • Following the prayer and pledge, there will be a period of morning business until 11am, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority will control the first half and the Republicans will control the next half.
  • At 11am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nominations of Sharon Gleason, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Alaska, and Yvonne Rogers, to be U.S. District Judge for the district of Northern California. There will be 1 hour for debate prior to votes on confirmation of the nominations. Therefore, senators should expect a series of 2 roll call votes to begin at noon.
  • Following the votes, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • At 2:15pm, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 2354, the Energy and Water appropriations bill.

12:01pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Sharon Gleason, of Alaska, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Alaska. Confirmed: 87-8

12:28pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Yvonne Rogers, of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California. Confirmed: 89-6

Recess until 3pm for Caucus Mtgs

 4:17pm Reid Substitute amendment to Energy and Water appropriations is pending

When the Senate resumed consideration of HR 2354, the Energy and Water appropriations bill, Senator Reid withdrew the committee reported substitute amendment. He then offered a new substitute amendment #956, which included the text of Energy and Water, Financial Services/General Government; and State/Foreign Operations appropriations. Senator Menendez raised a Rule 16 point of order that was well taken and the amendment fell.

Senator Reid then offered a new substitute (Reid amendment #957), which includes the 3 appropriations bills minus the offending Cuba related language.

The Divisions of the Reid substitute amendment #957 are as follows:

Division A: text of the withdrawn committee-reported amendment (Energy and Water appropriations)

Division B: text of Calendar #171, S.1573 with the exception of sections 620 and 624 (Financial Services/General Government appropriations minus the offending Cuba language)

Division C: text of Calendar #179, S.1601 (State/Foreign Operations appropriations)

Senator Reid then asked consent that HR 2434, as reported by the House Appropriations Committee and Division C of amendment #957 be deemed House passed text in HR 2354 for purpose of Rule 16 and that amendment #957 for the purposes of paragraph 1 Rule 16 be considered a committee amendment. In English, that means Senator Reid was seeking consent to use the following bills for defense of germaneness purposes: HR 2354 (Energy and Water), HR 2434 (Financial Services), S.1601 (State/Foreign Operations).

Senator Moran objected to Senator Reid’s request and Senator Vitter also spoke in opposition to the request.

Senator Reid then filled the amendment tree so that we can continue to work on an agreement to consider the Energy and Water appropriations bill.

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Confirmation of Sharon Gleason, of AK, to be United States District Judge for the District of Alaska; Confirmed: 87-8

2) Confirmation of Yvonne Rogers, of CA, to be United States District Judge for the District of Northern California; Confirmed: 89-6

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the HELP committee and adopted S.Res.241, a resolution expressing support for the designation of November 16, 2011, as National Information and Referral Services Day.

Adopted S.Res.323, recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the Welfare Program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 15, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION 

 -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.2:57:07 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:54:35 P.M. -H. Res. 463Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:54:33 P.M. -H. Res. 463On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 271 – 153 (Roll no. 842).2:43:30 P.M. -H. Res. 463Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 463 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 822) to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide a national standard in accordance with which nonresidents of a State may carry concealed firearms in the State.”2:43:29 P.M. -H.R. 2838Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:43:05 P.M. -H.R. 2838On passage Passed by voice vote.2:43:03 P.M. -H.R. 2838On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 189 – 235 (Roll no. 841).2:25:40 P.M. -H.R. 2838The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.2:20:00 P.M. -H.R. 2838DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Larsen(WA) motion to recommit with instructions, pending the reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to prohibit the Coast Guard from awarding a contract to anyone convicted of fraud or other specified criminal offenses. Subsequently, the reservation of a point of order was removed.2:18:51 P.M. -H.R. 2838Mr. Larsen (WA) moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.2:17:47 P.M. -H.R. 2838The 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.2:17:37 P.M. -H.R. 2838The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.2:16:50 P.M. -H.R. 2838The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2838.2:16:27 P.M. -H.R. 2838On agreeing to the Pierluisi amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 322 – 100 (Roll no. 840).1:48:12 P.M. -H.R. 2838On agreeing to the Young (AK) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.1:47:05 P.M. -H.R. 2838DEBATE – Pursuant to provisions of H. Res. 455 and the previous order of the House, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Young(AK) amendment.1:47:04 P.M. -H.R. 2838An amendment, offered by Mr. Young (AK), pertaining to the the Conveyance of Decommissioned Coast Guard Cutter STORIS.1:46:50 P.M. -H.R. 2838POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on Pierluisi amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Larsen(WA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.1:42:27 P.M. -H.R. 2838DEBATE – Pursuant to provisions of H. Res. 455, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pierluisi amendment.1:42:04 P.M. -H.R. 2838An amendment, offered by Mr. Pierluisi, numbered 15 printed in House Report 112-267 to clarify the application of the Passenger Vessel Services Act to vessels operating in Puerto Rico that are not otherwise qualified to transport passengers for hire and that are more than 100 gross tons. Would allow such vessels to transport passengers between ports in Puerto Rico–a non-contiguous jurisdiction of multiple islands.1:40:38 P.M. -H.R. 2838By unanimous consent, the Landry amendment was withdrawn.1:40:35 P.M. -H.R. 2838An amendment, offered by Mr. Landry, numbered 13 printed in House Report 112-267 to clarify Coast Guard guidance regarding the ability of U.S. flagged offshore supply vessels to carry unlimited amounts of Grade D and Grade E cargo (combustible liquid) when said vessel is operating outside of U.S. waters, provided the vessel meets the safety requirements of the International Maritime Organization.1:32:15 P.M. -H.R. 2838The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.1:31:32 P.M. -H.R. 2838Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2838 — “To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2012 through 2015, and for other purposes.”1:31:25 P.M. -H.R. 2838ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. LoBiondo asked unanimous consent that, during further consideration of H.R. 2838 in the Committee of the Whole pursuant to House Resolution 455, the amendment by Mr. Young(AK) at the desk be considered as though printed as the last amendment printed in House Report 112-267 and be debatable for 10 minutes. Agreed to without objection.1:30:02 P.M. -H. Res. 463POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 463, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern 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.1:29:31 P.M. -H. Res. 463The previous question was ordered without objection.12:33:17 P.M. -H. Res. 463DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 463.12:32:25 P.M. -H. Res. 463Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 463 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 822) to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide a national standard in accordance with which nonresidents of a State may carry concealed firearms in the State.”12:02:09 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.12:01:48 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Fudge to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:01:45 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:00:28 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:15 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 15.11:10:05 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:53 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.10:00:28 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Allen B. West to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:14 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Congress: the Republican led House of Representatives – the Senate debates H.R.2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill votes on US Dist. Judges


the Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET November 14, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 3:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, for debate only.
  • The next roll call votes will be Tuesday morning in relation to two US District Judges.

The Senate confirmed all nominations on the Secretary’s desk in the Coast Guard.

Adopted S.Res.199, supporting the goals and ideals of ‘Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week.’

Adopted S.Res.322,designating November 2011 as “COPD Awareness Month”

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 14, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:10:23 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:09:37 P.M. -Mr. Nugent filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 463.7:07:38 P.M. -H.R. 2422Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:07:37 P.M. -H.R. 2422On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 390 – 0 (Roll no. 839).7:01:19 P.M. -H.R. 2422Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2422 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 45 Bay Street, Suite 2, in Staten Island, New York, as the “Sergeant Angel Mendez Post Office”.”7:01:14 P.M. -H.R. 298Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:01:12 P.M. -H.R. 298On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 391 – 0 (Roll no. 838).6:53:49 P.M. -H.R. 298Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 298 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 500 East Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park, Texas, as the “Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morris Post Office Building”.”6:53:45 P.M. -S. 1412Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:53:44 P.M. -S. 1412On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 385 – 0 (Roll no. 837).6:31:02 P.M. -S. 1412Considered as unfinished business. S. 1412 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 462 Washington Street, Woburn, Massachusetts, as the “Officer John Maguire Post Office”.”6:30:42 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:30:27 P.M. -H.R. 2112Mr. Rogers (KY) asked unanimous consent that managers on the part of the House have until midnight on Nov. 14 to file a conference report on H.R. 2112. Agreed to without objection.6:30:26 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 14.5:51:52 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.5:51:48 P.M. -H.R. 1791At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mrs. Napolitano objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.5:43:12 P.M. -H.R. 1791DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1791.5:43:10 P.M. -H.R. 1791Considered under suspension of the rules.5:42:59 P.M. -H.R. 1791Mr. Denham moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1791 — “To designate the United States courthouse under construction at 101 South United States Route 1 in Fort Pierce, Florida, as the “Alto Lee Adams, Sr., United States Courthouse”.”5:42:04 P.M. -H.R. 2415At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cummings objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.5:33:44 P.M. -H.R. 2415DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2415.5:33:43 P.M. -H.R. 2415Considered under suspension of the rules.5:33:30 P.M. -H.R. 2415Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2415 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11 Dock Street in Pittston, Pennsylvania, as the “Trooper Joshua D. Miller Post Office Building”.”5:32:56 P.M. -H.R. 2660At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cummings objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.5:25:12 P.M. -H.R. 2660DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2660.5:25:10 P.M. -H.R. 2660Considered under suspension of the rules.5:25:01 P.M. -H.R. 2660Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2660 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 122 North Holderrieth Boulevard in Tomball, Texas, as the “Tomball Veterans Post Office”.”5:24:12 P.M. -H.R. 2422At 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.5:16:42 P.M. -H.R. 2422DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2422.5:16:40 P.M. -H.R. 2422Considered under suspension of the rules.5:16:31 P.M. -H.R. 2422Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2422 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 45 Bay Street, Suite 2, in Staten Island, New York, as the “Sergeant Angel Mendez Post Office”.”5:15:55 P.M. -H.R. 298At 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.5:05:51 P.M. -H.R. 298DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 298.5:05:50 P.M. -H.R. 298Considered under suspension of the rules.5:05:27 P.M. -H.R. 298Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 298 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 500 East Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park, Texas, as the “Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morris Post Office Building”.”5:05:04 P.M. -S. 1412At 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.4:56:22 P.M. -S. 1412DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1412.4:56:21 P.M. -S. 1412Considered under suspension of the rules.4:56:11 P.M. -S. 1412Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 1412 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 462 Washington Street, Woburn, Massachusetts, as the “Officer John Maguire Post Office”.”4:55:37 P.M. -H.R. 3004At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cummings objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.4:48:16 P.M. -H.R. 3004DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3004.4:48:15 P.M. -H.R. 3004Considered under suspension of the rules.4:47:46 P.M. -H.R. 3004Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3004 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 260 California Drive in Yountville, California, as the “Private First Class Alejandro R. Ruiz Post Office Building”.”4:46:11 P.M. -WITHDRAWAL OF MOTION TO SUSPEND – Subsequently, Mr. Farenthold asked unanimous consent to withdraw the motion to suspend the rules with respect to H.R. 2079. Agreed to without objection.4:42:10 P.M. -DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2079.4:42:08 P.M. -Considered under suspension of the rules.4:41:00 P.M. -Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill H.R. 2079.4:40:04 P.M. -H.R. 588Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:40:01 P.M. -H.R. 588On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.4:33:38 P.M. -H.R. 588DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 588.4:33:36 P.M. -H.R. 588Considered under suspension of the rules.4:33:21 P.M. -H.R. 588Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 588 — “To redesignate the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge as the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.”4:33:13 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:32:46 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 14.2:05:59 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 P.M. today.2:05:39 P.M. -The House received a communication from The Honorable Lee Terry, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Terry notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena duces tecum for the production of documents, issued by the District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.2:05:15 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 November 14, 2011 at 10:19 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 398 and S. 363.2:04:51 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 November 10, 2011 at 5:52 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 674 with an amendment.2:03:02 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:40 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Burgess to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:02:37 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:01:10 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:51 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.2:00:37 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Congress: the Republican led House out until 11/10 while Americans suffer – the Senate considers S.J.Res.6 FCC rule & HR647 H.R.647, the 3% Withholding Repeal Act with the Veterans’ Jobs amendment


the Senate Convened 9:30amET November 9, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 10:00am 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.
  • At 10:00am, the Republican Leader, or his designee, will be recognized to make a motion to proceed to S.J.Res.27, (Cross Border Air Pollution/EPA) with up to 2 hours of debate, equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • At 12:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.6 (Net Neutrality/FCC) with up to five minutes of debate, equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees.
  • At approximately 12:05pm, there will be up to 2 roll call votes in the following order:
  • Motion to proceed to S.J.Res.6, Net Neutrality/FCC (majority threshold)
  • (2 minutes of debate)
  • Motion to proceed to S.J.Res.27, Cross Border Air Protection/EPA (majority threshold)
  • At approximately 2:30pm, there will be up to 4 roll call votes in the following order:
  • McCain second degree amendment #928 (the text of S.1720) (60-vote threshold)
  • Tester amendment #927 (the VOW to Hire Heroes Act)(60-vote threshold)
  • Passage of H.R.674, the 3% Withholding Repeal Act, as amended, if amended
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations bill (the expected vehicle for Energy & Water, Financial Services and Foreign Operations Appropriations bills).
  • Senators should be aware we may get consent to begin the second series of votes earlier.

The Senate is now considering the McConnell motion to proceed to S.J.Res.6, a joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to regulating the Internet and broadband industry practices with up to 4 hours of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders, or their designees.

By unanimous consent, the roll call vote on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.6 will be at approximately 12:05pm tomorrow, Thursday, November 10, 2011.

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.2447, a bill to grant the congressional gold medal to the Montford Point Marines.

Adopted S.Res.318, a resolution to authorize the printing of a revised edition of the Senate Rules and Manual.

Adopted S.Res.319, a resolution Honoring the life and legacy of Joe Frazier.

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The next meeting is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on November 10, 2011.

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Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate considers HR674,the 3% Withholding Repeal Act


the Senate Convened at 10:00amET November 8, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour 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 resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R.674, the 3% Withholding Repeal Act, post-cloture.
  • At 12:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Evan Jonathan Wallach, of NY, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit with 15 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.  Upon the use or yielding back of time (approximately 12:15pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Wallach nomination.
  • When the Senate resumes Legislative Session following the vote on the Wallach nomination, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • By unanimous consent, all time during adjournment, morning business, Executive Session and recess will count post-cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.674.

At approximately 12:15pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of Evan Jonathan Wallach, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit.

12:15pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Evan Wallach, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit. Confirmed: 99-0

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The next meeting is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on November 10, 2011.

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.