Tag Archives: Executive session

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Congress: Breaks until 10/31


The Senate will convene on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 3:45pm and on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 11am for pro forma sessions only with no business conducted.

Following the pro forma session on Thursday, October 27th, the Senate will adjourn until 3:00pm on Monday, 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 next roll call vote will be at approximately 5:30pm on confirmation of the Higginson nomination.

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The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on October 31, 2011.

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Congress: the Republican led House the Senate in pro forma Session


The Senate will convene on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 3:45pm and on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 11am for pro forma sessions only with no business conducted.

Following the pro forma session on Thursday, October 27th, the Senate will adjourn until 3:00pm on Monday, 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 next roll call vote will be at approximately 5:30pm on confirmation of the Higginson nomination.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF OCTOBER 27, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on October 31, 2011.12:58:07 P.M

. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.12:58:00 P.M. -Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.11:55:06 A.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.11:47:31 A.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.11:47:30 A.M. -Mr. Thompson (PA) asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourn on Thursday, October 27, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 31, 2011. Agreed to without objection.11:46:29 A.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.11:45:52 A.M. -H.R. 2576Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 448, H.R. 2576 is laid on the table.11:45:37 A.M. -H.R. 2576Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 448, the text of H.R. 2576, as passed by the House, is appended at the end of H.R. 674 as new matter.11:44:14 A.M. -H.R. 674Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.11:44:12 A.M. -H.R. 674On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 405 – 16 (Roll no. 815).11:26:53 A.M. -H.R. 674On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 235 (Roll no. 814).11:09:59 A.M. -H.R. 674The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.11:01:36 A.M. -H.R. 674DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Andrews motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek strike the entire bill and add language to deny relief to companies that are delinquent in paying their federal taxes.11:01:04 A.M. -H.R. 674Mr. Andrews moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means.10:57:59 A.M. -H.R. 674Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 674 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the imposition of 3 percent withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities.”10:57:36 A.M. -H.R. 2576Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.10:57:35 A.M. -H.R. 2576On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 262 – 157 (Roll no. 813).10:31:30 A.M. -H.R. 2576The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.9:46:12 A.M. -H.R. 2576DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2576.9:45:56 A.M. -H.R. 2576Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2576 and H.R. 674 with 1 hour of general debate on each measure. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions on each measure. Measures will be considered read. Bills are closed to amendments. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of both bills and directs the Clerk, in the engrossment of H.R. 674, to add the text of H.R. 2576, as passed by the House, as new matter at the end of H.R. 674.9:45:51 A.M. -H.R. 2576Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 448. H.R. 2576 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the calculation of modified adjusted gross income for purposes of determining eligibility for certain healthcare-related programs.”9:45:22 A.M. -H.R. 674Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, further consideration of the bill is postponed.9:45:21 A.M. -H.R. 674The previous question was ordered without objection.9:15:10 A.M. -H.R. 674DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 674.9:14:18 A.M. -H.R. 674Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2576 and H.R. 674 with 1 hour of general debate on each measure. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions for each measure. Measures will be considered read. Bills are closed to amendments. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of both bills and directs the Clerk, in the engrossment of H.R. 674, to add the text of H.R. 2576, as passed by the House, as new matter at the end of H.R. 674.9:14:13 A.M. -H.R. 674Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 448. H.R. 674 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the imposition of 3 percent withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities.”9:02:48 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.9:02:19 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Johnson, Sam of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.9:02:16 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.9:01:28 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.9:00:52 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.9:00:38 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Congress: the Republican led House the Senate in pro forma Session


The Senate will convene on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 3:45pm and on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 11am for pro forma sessions only with no business conducted.

Following the pro forma session on Thursday, October 27th, the Senate will adjourn until 3:00pm on Monday, 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 next roll call vote will be at approximately 5:30pm on confirmation of the Higginson nomination.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF OCTOBER 25, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.3:40:53 P.M.

-ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.3:39:07 P.M.

-H.R. 2447Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.3:39:06 P.M.

-H.R. 2447On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 422 – 0 (Roll no. 804).3:31:38 P.M.

-H.R. 2447Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2447 — “To grant the congressional gold medal to the Montford Point Marines.”3:30:00 P.M.

-UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.3:28:18 P.M.

-H. Res. 444Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.3:28:15 P.M.

-H. Res. 444On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 245 – 178 (Roll no. 803).3:00:59 P.M.

-H. Res. 444The previous question was ordered without objection.2:10:56 P.M.

-H. Res. 444DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 444.2:10:39 P.M.

-H. Res. 444Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 444 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1904) to facilitate the efficient extraction of mineral resources in southeast Arizona by authorizing and directing an exchange of Federal and non-Federal land, and for other purposes.”2:01:14 P.M.

-H.R. 2042Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:01:09 P.M.

-H.R. 2042On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.1:48:00 P.M.

-H.R. 2042DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2042.1:47:58 P.M.

-H.R. 2042Considered under suspension of the rules.1:47:30 P.M. -H.R. 2042Mr. Turner (NY) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2042 — “To require the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to establish a program to issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards, and for other purposes.”1:46:13 P.M. -H.R. 2527At 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.1:23:39 P.M. -H.R. 2527DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2527.1:23:38 P.M. -H.R. 2527Considered under suspension of the rules.1:23:26 P.M. -H.R. 2527Mr. Pearce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2527 — “To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.”1:22:42 P.M. -H.R. 2447At 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.12:42:54 P.M. -H.R. 2447DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2447.12:42:52 P.M. -H.R. 2447Considered under suspension of the rules.12:42:41 P.M. -H.R. 2447Mr. Jones moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2447 — “To grant the congressional gold medal to the Montford Point Marines.”12:42:32 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.12:40:59 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice continuing the emergency with respect to the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the related measures blocking the property of certain persons contributing to theconflict in that country are to continue in effect beyond October 27, 2011 – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-67).12:03:04 P.M. -The House received a communication from the Honorable Charles J. “Chuck” Fleischmann Mr. Fleischmann submitted his resignation from the Committee on Natural Resources. The resignation was accepted without objection.12:03:04 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.12:02:21 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Olson to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:02:17 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:01:14 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Morris Matthis, Christ United Methodist Church, Sugarland, Texas12:00:57 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 25.11:12:00 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:01:51 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.10:01:42 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael G. Fitzpatrick to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:21 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress: -the Republican led House – – the Senate -in pro forma Sessions back on 10/31


The Senate will convene on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 3:45pm and on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 11am for pro forma sessions only with no business conducted.

Following the pro forma session on Thursday, October 27th, the Senate will adjourn until 3:00pm on Monday, 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 next roll call vote will be at approximately 5:30pm on confirmation of the Higginson nomination.

The next roll call vote is expected to occur on Monday, October 31st in relation to a nomination.  The details of the amended consent agreement with respect to H.R.2112 is below.

Cloture having been invoked on the Inouye substitute amendment #738, the substitute amendment is agreed to and it is now considered original text for the purposes of further amendment.  The remaining amendments which were scheduled for votes today remain in order notwithstanding cloture having been invoked; when the Senate resumes consideration of H.R.2112 on Tuesday, November 1st, the Senate will proceed to votes on the remaining amendments; and all other provisions of the previous order remain in effect.

The following amendments were agreed to by voice vote, en bloc:

– Portman #859;

– McCain #892;

– Cantwell #893, as modified, with the changes that are at the desk;

– Cochran #805, as modified, with the changes that are at the desk;

– Burr #890;

– Inouye #918; and

– Kyl #912, as modified.

The following amendments remain in order under the previous order and are expected to be voted on on Tuesday, November 1st:

– Coburn #800;

– Paul #821 (60-vote threshold);

– DeMint #763;

– Crapo #814 (60-vote threshold);

– Lee Motion to Recommit.

Following the disposition of the amendments above, the Senate will proceed to votes in relation to any remaining germane pending amendments in the order they were offered; further, upon disposition of any pending germane amendments, the bill, as amended, will be read a third time, and the Senate will proceed to vote on passage of the bill with no intervening action or debate; when the Senate receives a message from the House with respect to H.R.2112, the Senate will insist on its amendment, request, or agree to, a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair will be authorized to appoint the following conferees – Kohl, Harkin, Feinstein, Johnson (SD), Nelson (NE), Pryor, Brown (OH), Inouye, Murray, Mikulski, Blunt, Cochran, McConnell, Collins, Moran, Hoeven, Hutchison and Shelby.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF OCTOBER 24, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

  -The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 25, 2011.7:30:42 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.7:30:28 P.M. -Mrs. Christensen moved that the House do now adjourn.7:15:26 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:01:55 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:00:19 P.M. -H.R. 1160Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:00:18 P.M. -H.R. 1160On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 395 – 0 (Roll no. 802).6:54:14 P.M. -H.R. 1160Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1160 — “To require the Secretary of the Interior to convey the McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery to the State of North Carolina, and for other purposes.”6:54:06 P.M. -H.R. 320Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:54:05 P.M. -H.R. 320On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 – 1 (Roll no. 801).6:31:37 P.M. -H.R. 320Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 320 — “To designate a Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California.”6:31:30 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.6:31:03 P.M. -Mr. Bishop (UT) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 444.6:30:57 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 24.5:30:26 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  6:30 P.M. today.5:30:17 P.M. -H.R. 2594Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:30:15 P.M. -H.R. 2594On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.4:52:25 P.M. -H.R. 2594DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2594.4:52:24 P.M. -H.R. 2594Considered under suspension of the rules.4:52:07 P.M. -H.R. 2594Mr. Petri moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2594 — “To prohibit operators of civil aircraft of the United States from participating in the European Union’s emissions trading scheme, and for other purposes.”4:51:26 P.M. -H.R. 320At 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.4:45:43 P.M. -H.R. 320DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 320.4:45:42 P.M. -H.R. 320Considered under suspension of the rules.4:45:08 P.M. -H.R. 320Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 320 — “To designate a Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California.”4:44:52 P.M. -H.R. 818Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:44:50 P.M. -H.R. 818On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.4:39:17 P.M. -H.R. 818DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 818.4:39:15 P.M. -H.R. 818Considered under suspension of the rules.4:39:02 P.M. -H.R. 818Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 818 — “To direct the Secretary of the Interior to allow for prepayment of repayment contracts between the United States and the Uintah Water Conservancy District.”4:38:48 P.M. -H.R. 461Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:38:45 P.M. -H.R. 461On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.4:32:12 P.M. -H.R. 461DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 461.4:32:09 P.M. -H.R. 461Considered under suspension of the rules.4:32:00 P.M. -H.R. 461Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 461 — “To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Federal features of the electric distribution system to the South Utah Valley Electric Service District, and for other purposes.”4:31:40 P.M. -H.R. 1160At 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.4:25:55 P.M. -H.R. 1160DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1160.4:25:54 P.M. -H.R. 1160Considered under suspension of the rules.4:25:37 P.M. -H.R. 1160Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1160 — “To require the Secretary of the Interior to convey the McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery to the State of North Carolina, and for other purposes.”4:25:34 P.M. -H.R. 295Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:25:29 P.M. -H.R. 295On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.4:21:38 P.M. -H.R. 295DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 295.4:21:36 P.M. -H.R. 295Considered under suspension of the rules.4:21:20 P.M. -H.R. 295Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 295 — “To amend the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 to authorize funds to acquire hydrographic data and provide hydrographic services specific to the Arctic for safe navigation, delineating the United States extended continental shelf, and the monitoring and description of coastal changes.”4:21:18 P.M. -H.R. 441The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.4:21:17 P.M. -H.R. 441Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:21:13 P.M. -H.R. 441On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.4:16:52 P.M. -H.R. 441DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 441.4:16:50 P.M. -H.R. 441Considered under suspension of the rules.4:16:15 P.M. -H.R. 441Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 441 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue permits for a microhydro project in nonwilderness areas within the boundaries of Denali National Park and Preserve, to acquire land for Denali National Park and Preserve from Doyon Tourism, Inc., and for other purposes.”4:15:56 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.4:15:47 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 24.2:08:58 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.2:08:23 P.M. -The House received a communication from John Abney Culberson, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Culberson notified the House that he had been served with a deposition subpoena for documents and testimony by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to appear as a witness in a pending civil lawsuit and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was inconsistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.2:07:50 P.M. -The House received a communication from Brittany Seabury, District Director for U.S. Representative John Abney Culberson. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Seabury notified the House that she had been served with a deposition subpoena for documents and testimony by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to appear as a witness in a pending civil lawsuit and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena was inconsistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.2:02:40 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:21 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. McKinley to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:02:11 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:00:55 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Avelino Gonzalez, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, Washington, DC.2:00:37 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Adrian Smith to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.2:00:26 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate debates/votes HR2112


the Senate Convened at 10:00amET October 20, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill.
  • At 12:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Heather Higginbottom to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget with two minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Conrad and Sessions or their designees.
  • At approximately 12:02pm, the Senate will conduct up to 3 roll call votes in relation to the following:
  • Confirmation of Executive Calendar #78, the nomination of Heather A. Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget
  • Vitter amendment #769, as modified (drug importation) (60-vote threshold);
  • Webb amendment #750 (Criminal Justice Commission) (60-vote threshold);
  • At approximately 2:00pm, the Senate will conduct up to 4 roll call votes in relation to the following:
  • Merkley amendment #879, to be modified with the changes at the desk (freight and rail products made in the US)
  • Brown amendment #874, to be modified with the changes at the desk (Fair Housing Initiatives Program) (60-vote threshold)
  • Moran amendment #815 (Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act)
  • Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants) (60-vote threshold)
  • Additional roll call votes in relation to amendments H.R.2112 are expected during Thursday’s session in an effort to complete action on the bill.  As a reminder to all Senators, Senator Reid filed cloture on the substitute amendment and the bill during Wednesday’s session of the Senate.
  • Also during Wednesday’s session of the Senate, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #204, S.1723, the Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act.  Additionally, Senator McConnell filed cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #205, S.1726, the Withholding Tax Relief Act.

The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to the Inouye substitute amendment #738 and H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill is 1:00pm today.  If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline.  If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

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

  • Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills)
  • Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan)
  • Landrieu amendment #781 (farmer program loans)
  • Coburn amendment #791 (prohibit funds for direct payments to individuals with income over $1M)
  • Coburn amendment #792, as modified (end payments to slumlords)
  • Ayotte amendment #753 (prohibit funds for prosecutions of enemy combatants in Article III Courts)
  • Crapo amendment #814 (derivatives – Dodd-Frank)
  • Merkley amendment #879 (freight and rail products made in the US)
  • Moran amendment #815 (spending levels for Watershed Protection)
  • Bingaman amendment #771, as modified (funds to investigate trade violations)
  • Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants)
  • Menendez amendment #857 (extend loan limits for FHA, VA and others)
  • Lee motion to recommit H.R.2112 (FY11 levels)
  • Sessions amendment #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program)
  • DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine)
  • DeMint amendment #764 (eliminate increase in funding)
  • Lautenberg amendment #836 (Economic Development Assistance Program)
  • Gillibrand amendment #869 (increase funding for emergency conservation/emergency watershed protection programs)

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)

At approximately 12:00pm today, the Senate will conduct up to 3 roll call votes in relation to the following:

  • Confirmation of Executive Calendar #78, the nomination of Heather A. Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget
  • Vitter amendment #769, as modified (drug importation) (60-vote threshold);
  • Webb amendment #750 (Criminal Justice Commission) (60-vote threshold);

1:00pm filing deadline for all first degree amendments.

At approximately 2:00pm today, the Senate will conduct up to 4 roll call votes in relation to the following:

  • Merkley amendment #879, to be modified with the changes at the desk (freight and rail products made in the US)
  • Brown amendment #874, to be modified with the changes at the desk (Fair Housing Initiatives Program) (60-vote threshold)
  • Moran amendment #815 (Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act)
  • Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants) (60-vote threshold)

Additional roll call votes are expected today in an effort to complete action on H.R.2112.

We also hope to vote on confirmation of John Bryson to be Secretary of Commerce.

Additionally, cloture was filed on the motions to proceed to S.1723, the Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act and S.1726, the Withholding Tax Relief Act.  Unless an agreement is reached, these cloture votes will occur on Friday.

By unanimous consent, the Murray amendment #772 (reconstruction of highway facilities damaged by natural disasters or emergencies) was withdrawn.

VOTES

12:52pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Webb amendment #750 (To establish a National Criminal Justice Commission) Not Agreed To: 57-43

12:02pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Merkley amendment #879 (rail freight manufactured in the US) (60-vote threshold) Not Agreed To: 55-44

The Senate agreed to the Moran amendment #815 by voice vote.

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

  • Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills)
  • Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan)
  • Landrieu amendment #781 (farmer program loans)
  • Coburn amendment #791 (prohibit funds for direct payments to individuals with income over $1M)
  • Coburn amendment #792, as modified (end payments to slumlords)
  • Ayotte amendment #753 (prohibit funds for prosecutions of enemy combatants in Article III Courts)
  • Crapo amendment #814 (derivatives – Dodd-Frank)
  • Bingaman amendment #771, as modified (funds to investigate trade violations)
  • Menendez amendment #857 (extend loan limits for FHA, VA and others)
  • Lee motion to recommit H.R.2112 (FY11 levels)
  • Sessions amendment #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program)
  • DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine)
  • DeMint amendment #764 (eliminate increase in funding)
  • Lautenberg amendment #836 (Economic Development Assistance Program)
  • Gillibrand amendment #869 (increase funding for emergency conservation/emergency watershed protection programs)

The following amendments have been considered and VOTES taken

  • 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

7:23pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of John Edgar Bryson to be Secretary of Commerce; Confirmed: 74-26

We are close to reaching an agreement to begin a long series of roll call votes shortly—in the next 5-10 minutes or so. The first votes will be on the following:

–         Cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1723, Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act of 2011

–         Cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1726, Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2011

Further, we expect to lock in an agreement on a path forward on HR, 2112, the Agriculture/CJS/THUD appropriations bill. The subsequent votes will be in relation to the appropriations bill.

When the agreement is reached, another message will be sent.

The Senate will conduct up to 27 votes, with 17 expected roll call votes, in relation to the following shortly:

– cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1723

– cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1726

– Landrieu #781, as modified, with the changes which are at the desk (expected voice vote);

– Kohl #755 (expected voice vote);

-Vitter #917 to Menendez #857 (60-vote threshold);

– Menendez #857 (60-vote threshold);

– Gillibrand #869;

– Lautenberg #836;

– Bingaman #771, as modified (expected voice vote);

– Sessions #810 (60-vote threshold);

– Coburn #791;

– Coburn #792 (60-vote threshold);

– Coburn #796 (60-vote threshold);

– Coburn #800;

– Paul #821 (60-vote threshold);

– Portman #859 (expected voice vote);

– McCain #892 (expected voice vote);

– Cantwell #893, as modified with the changes that are at the desk (expected voice vote);

– Cochran #805 (expected voice vote);

– Burr #890 (expected voice vote);

– DeMint #763;

– Inouye #918 (expected voice vote);

– Ayotte #753 (60-vote threshold);

– Crapo #814 (60-vote threshold);

– Kyl #919(expected voice vote); and

– Lee Motion to Recommit.

– Cloture on the substitute amendment #738

That there will be no amendments or points of order against any of the amendments in order prior to the votes other than budget points of order.

There will be two minutes equally divided in the usual form prior to each vote; all votes after the first vote will be 10 minute in duration.

If cloture is invoked, the substitute amendment will be agreed to and the Senate will resume consideration of the bill at 4:00pm, Monday, October 31st and proceed to votes in relation to any remaining germane pending amendments in the order they were offered; further, upon disposition of any pending germane amendments, the bill, as amended, will be read a third time, and the Senate will proceed to vote on passage of the bill with no intervening action or debate; when the Senate receives a message from the House with respect to H.R.2112, the Senate will insist on its amendment, request, or agree to, a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair will be authorized to appoint the following conferees – Kohl, Harkin, Feinstein, Johnson (SD), Nelson (NE), Pryor, Brown (OH), Inouye, Murray, Mikulski, Blunt, Cochran, McConnell, Collins, Moran, Hoeven, Hutchison and Shelby.

If cloture is not invoked on the substitute amendment #738, as amended, cloture on the underlying bill be vitiated; and the bill be returned to the calendar in status quo.

9:55pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reid motion to proceed to S.1723, Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act of 2011. Not Agreed To: 50-50

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The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 21, 2011.