Tag Archives: Executive session

what is going on in Congress: debates/votes -the Republican led House & -the Senate …small biz jobs bill


The Senate Convenes at  10:00amET March 15, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 11:00am, 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 proceed to the consideration of S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization.

The following amendments are pending to S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011:

– Nelson (NE) #182 (Sense of the Senate regarding a 5% cut in Senate budget)

– McConnell amendment #183 (Prohibits the EPA from regulating carbon pollution)

– Vitter amendment #178 (require Federal government to sell unused Federal real property).

– Johanns amendment #161 (1099 repeal)

– Snowe amendment #193 (strikes Federal authorization of the National Veterans Business Development program)

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

At 2:15pm, Senator Coats will be recognized to speak for up to 30 minutes to deliver his maiden speech. Following his statement, Senator Portman will be recognized to speak for up to 15 minutes to deliver his maiden speech.

There will be no roll call votes this evening.

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

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.96, congratulating the Army Dental Corps on its 100th Anniversary.

Passed S.J.Res.7, reappointment of Shirley Ann Jackson as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

Passed S.J.Res.8, appointment of Stephen M. Chase as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

Passed S.J.Res.9, reappointment of Robert P. Kogod as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 15, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:03 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 16, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Sessions moved that the House do now adjourn.

6:01 P.M. –

Mr. Sessions filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 170.

3:54 P.M. –

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

3:49 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House continued with one minute speeches.

H. Res. 168:

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

3:48 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

3:45 P.M. –

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

3:44 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable Mr. Marchant . Mr. Marchant submitted his resignation from the Committee on Financial Services. The resignation was accepted without objection.

H. Con. Res. 30:

providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate

3:41 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 197 (Roll no. 180).

3:33 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

3:32 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of H. Con. Res. 30 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.J. Res. 48:

making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

3:31 P.M. –

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 271 – 158 (Roll no. 179).

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

3:22 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 190 – 239 (Roll no. 178).

3:00 P.M. –

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

2:51 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Critz motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to prohibit use of funds in the joint resolution to develop or implement a system that cuts Social Security benefits, or that privatizes Social Security, or to develop or implement a system that cuts Medicare benefits, eliminates guaranteed health coverage for seniors, or establishes a Medicare voucher plan that limits payments to beneficiaries in order to purchase health care in the private sector.

2:50 P.M. –

Mr. Critz moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.

2:49 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 48.

1:28 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 48 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the joint resolution are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 167.

1:25 P.M. –

AGREEING TO SPEAKER’S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and after putting the question to a voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed and the Journal stood approved.

H. Res. 167:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 48) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 241 – 181 (Roll no. 177).

1:02 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

1:01 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 15.

12:58 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. today.

H. Con. Res. 30:

providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate

12:56 P.M. –

POSPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Con.Res. 30, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes ha d prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until later in the legislative day.

12:54 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 167:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 48) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 167, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until later in the legislative day.

12:53 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:18 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 167.

12:17 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:03 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

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

12:02 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. Poe (TX) 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. Poe (TX) objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum 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.

12:00 P.M. –

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

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 15.

10:46 A.M. –

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

10:01 A.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael R. Turner to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day

Congress: debates & votes Today … -the Republican led House -the Senate …SBIR and S.493 STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011


The Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET March 14, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 4:30pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive session to consider the nomination of calendar #10, the nomination of James Boasberg, of the District of Columbia, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia. There will be up to 1 hour for debate equally divided prior to a vote on the nomination.

Votes:

39: Confirmation of the nomination of James Boasberg, of the District of Columbia, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of ColumbiA;

Confirmed: 96-0

40: Cloture on the motion to proceed to S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011

Invoked: 84-12.

This is the last vote of the day.

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.100, Designating March 11, 2011, as “World Plumbing Day”.

Adopted S.Res.101, a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate relating to the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 14, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

8:58 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 15, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

8:57 P.M. –

Mrs. Christensen moved that the House do now adjourn.

7:04 P.M. –

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

7:03 P.M. –

On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.

7:02 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.

H. Con. Res. 27:

providing for the acceptance of a statue of Gerald R. Ford from the people of Michigan for placement in the United States Capitol

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 396 – 0 (Roll no. 176).

6:55 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:54 P.M. –

MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence for all those who have perished in the aftermath of the devastating Earthquake and Tsunami that hit the nation of Japan.

H.R. 793:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12781 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Inverness, California, as the “Specialist Jake Robert Velloza Post Office”

6:53 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 – 0, 1 Present (Roll no. 175).

6:52 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:31 P.M. –

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

Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 167.

6:30 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 14.

5:36 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

H. Con. Res. 27:

providing for the acceptance of a statue of Gerald R. Ford from the people of Michigan for placement in the United States Capitol

5:35 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

5:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 27.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 793:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12781 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Inverness, California, as the “Specialist Jake Robert Velloza Post Office”

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

5:03 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 793.

Mr. Ross (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:02 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 14.

2:05 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

2:02 P.M. –

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

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

2:01 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. Campbell 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. Campbell objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum 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.

2:00 P.M. –

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

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 14.

12:07 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

12:00 P.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

The Speaker designated the Honorable John Campbell to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress on 3/10/2011 – the Republican led House:trying to eliminate FHA prg – the Senate


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 10, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

4:40 P.M. –

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

H.R. 830:

to rescind the unobligated funding for the FHA Refinance Program and to terminate the program

4:36 P.M. –

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 830.

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 256 – 171 (Roll no. 171).

4:30 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 185 – 243 (Roll no. 170).

4:12 P.M. –

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

4:03 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Deutch motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with amendments which provide a continuation of the provisions of the program for senior homeowners.

4:02 P.M. –

Mr. Deutch moved to recommit with instructions to Financial Services.

4:00 P.M. –

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

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 830.

3:59 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Waters amendment as modified Agreed to by recorded vote: 278 – 147 (Roll no. 169).

3:52 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Lynch amendment Failed by recorded vote: 184 – 243 (Roll no. 168).

3:28 P.M. –

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

3:27 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair put the question on adoption of the Waters amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Biggert demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 150, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Waters amendment number 6, as modified, under the five-minute rule.

3:20 P.M. –

Waters amendment modified by unanimous consent.

3:19 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Ms. Waters.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in the Congressional Record to add a new section requiring the Secretary to post a statement prominently on the web which explains that the FHA Short Refinance Program has been terminated and includes a contact for borrowers who are uncertain as to how to proceed.

3:04 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 150, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments under the five-minute rule.

3:02 P.M. –

Mrs. Biggert raised a point of order against the Garamendi amendment Mrs. Biggert stated that the amendment was not germane and violated clause 7 of rule 16. The Chair sustained the point of order.

2:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 150, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Garamendi amendment number 7 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Mr. Garamendi.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in the Congressional Record to add a new section regarding treatment of bonuses for finacial sector employees.

2:55 P.M. –

Mrs. Biggert raised a point of order against the Holt amendment Mrs. Biggert stated that the amendment was not germane and violated clause 7 of rule 16. The Chair sustained the point of order.

2:52 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 150, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Holt amendment number 8 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Mr. Holt.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in the Congressional Record to add a new section detailing modifications of real property standard deduction.

2:45 P.M. –

Mrs. Biggert raised a point of order against the Inslee amendment Mrs. Biggert stated that the amendment was not germane and violated clause 7 of rule 16. The Chair sustained the point of order.

2:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 150, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Inslee amendment number 14 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Mr. Inslee.

An amendment numbered 14 printed in the Congressional Record to add a new section directing the Attorney General to pursue criminal prosecution of those who have failed to comply with State laws relating to foreclosure of mortgages on residential real property.

2:41 P.M. –

Mrs. Biggert raised a point of order against the Sanchez, Loretta amendment Mrs. Biggert stated that the amendment had the effect of increasing mandatory spending over a specified period of time and violated clause 10 of rule 21. The Chair sustained the point of order.

2:37 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 150, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Loretta Sanchez amendment in the nature of a substitute number 15 under the five minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Ms. Sanchez, Loretta.

An amendment in the nature of a substitute numbered 15 printed in the Congressional Record to insert a complete new text detailing use of funding for an FHA Refinancing Program.

2:35 P.M. –

Mrs. Biggert raised a point of order against the Waters amendment Mrs. Biggert stated that the amendment was not germane and violated clause 7 of Rule XVI. The Chair sustained the point of order.

2:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 150, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Waters amendment number 5 under the five minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Ms. Waters.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in the Congressional Record to direct the Housing and Urban Development Department, in consultation with the Treasury Department, to conduct a study on the negative impacts of underwater mortgage loans on the housing market and economy of the United States and to report on the findings.

2:24 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments under the five-minute rule.

2:23 P.M. –

Mrs. Biggert raised a point of order against the Inslee amendment Mrs. Biggert stated that the amendment was not germane. The Chair sustained the point of order.

2:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 150, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Inslee amendment number 12 under the five minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Mr. Inslee.

An amendment numbered 12 printed in the Congressional Record to modify the bill’s required study by the Housing and Urban Development Department on the FHA Refinance Program’s use by, and effects on, certain homeowners to include a study on the need and appropriate guidelines for a replacement mortgage insurance program.

On agreeing to the Paulsen amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:15 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 150, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Paulsen amendment number 4 under the five minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Paulsen.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to include military servicemembers and veterans who have service-connected injuries, as well as survivors and dependents of such individuals, in a study on use of the FHA Refinance program.

2:14 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lynch amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Frank (MA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

2:00 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 150, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lynch amendment number 3 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Lynch.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in the Congressional Record to strike language in the bill terminating the Mortgagee Letter 2010-23, which provided guidance for the FHA Refinance Program. The amendment also strikes language which prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from issuing any regulation, order, or notice that is based on or substantially similar to such Mortgagee Letter.

1:59 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Fitzpatrick amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

1:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 150, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Fitzpatrick amendment number 11 under the five minute rule.

1:55 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Fitzpatrick.

An amendment numbered 11 printed in the Congressional Record to require any unexpected balances for the FHA Refinance Program that are rescinded and canceled under the bill to be retained in the general fund of the Treasury for reducing the debt of the federal government.

1:40 P.M. –

Mr. Bachus raised a point of order against the Maloney amendment Mr. Bachus stated that the amendment was not germane and violated clause 7 of Rule XVI. The Chair sustained the point of order.

1:33 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 150, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Maloney amendment number 9 under the five minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Mrs. Maloney.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in the Congressional Record to add a section which lists the number of underwater mortgages in 43 states and the District of Columbia.

12:26 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 830.

12:25 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Charles F. Bass to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 150 and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 830 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be read by section. Specified amendments are in order. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 150.

12:03 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

12:02 P.M. –

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

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

12:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Raymond Bowman, Spruce Street Baptist Church, Nashville, Tennessee.

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 10.

10:51 A.M. –

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

10:01 A.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:00 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert E. Latta to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Convenes: 10:00am

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 2:15pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 10:30am, Senator Moran will deliver his maiden speech to the Senate.

At 2:15pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive session to consider the nomination of Max Oliver, Jr., of North Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina. There will be up to 15 minutes for debate on the nomination prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

Senators should expect the vote on confirmation of the Oliver nomination to begin around 2:30pm.

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

There will be no further roll call votes during Thursday’s session of the Senate.

The Senate reached an agreement to consider Executive calendar #10, the nomination of James Boasberg, of the District of Columbia, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia, at 4:30pm on Monday, March 14.

Under the agreement, there will be up to 1 hour for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

Senators should the vote on confirmation to begin at approximately 5:30pm on Monday, March 14.

Today we were unable to reach an agreement to begin consideration of the Small Business Committee’s bill, S.493, the SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011.

As a result, Senator Reid moved to proceed to the bill and filed cloture on the motion.

The cloture vote will occur Monday evening. There will be 2 votes at 5:30pm on Monday. The first vote will be on confirmation of James Boasberg (DC District Judge) and the second vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.493, the SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011.

Votes:

38: Confirmation of Max Oliver, Jr., of North Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina;

Confirmed: 96-0

Unanimous Consent:

Confirmed Timothy J. Feighery, of New York, to be Chairman of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the US.

Congress:debates & votes today -the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convenes at  9:30amET March 8, 2011

Morning business for 2 hours with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the first hour and the Majority controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.23, the America Invents Act, post-cloture.

By unanimous consent, all time during adjournment, morning business and recess will count post-cloture on S.23.

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

The Majority Leader hopes to reach an agreement regarding H.R.1 and the Democratic alternative. Senators should expect roll call votes during Tuesday’s session of the Senate.

The Senate has reached an agreement to complete action on S.23, America Invents Act, tonight and to set up votes on H.R.1 and the Democratic alternative offered by Senator Inouye tomorrow at 3pm.

Under the agreement, the Reid amendment #152 was withdrawn and the Reid amendment #143 (EPSCOR), was modified and agreed to. There will now there will be up to 30 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote on passage of S.23, as amended, the America Invents Act. Senators should expect the vote on passage to begin around 6:15pm, if all time is used. However, time may be yielded back.

Furthermore, at 12:00 noon tomorrow, Wednesday, March 9, there will be up to 3 hours for debate on H.R.1 and the Democratic alternative offered by Senator Inouye. Upon the use or yielding back of time, there will be 2 roll call votes on the following items:

– Passage of H.R.1, Department of Defense Appropriation and Long Term Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2011; and

– Inouye substitute amendment #149 (Democratic Alternative).

Each proposal will be subject to 60-vote thresholds. If H.R.1 achieves 60 votes, it will be read a third time and passed and, if it doesn’t achieve 60 votes, Senator Reid will be recognized to offer the Inouye substitute amendment #149. If the Substitute achieves 60 votes, the bill, as amended, would be read a third time and passed, and if it doesn’t achieve 60 votes it will be returned to the calendar. No motions or amendments are in order to the substitute or the bill prior to the votes.

Cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.1 was vitiated.

Votes:

35: Passage of S.23, as amended, the America Invents Act;

Passed: 95-5

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 8, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:09 P.M. –

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

7:07 P.M. –

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

7:04 P.M. –

Mr. Bishop (UT) filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 150 and H. Res. 151.

H. Res. 149:

electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives

7:03 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Larson (CT) asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.

Considered by unanimous consent.

H.R. 525:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance and increase the number of veterinarians trained in veterinary public health

7:01 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 280 – 138 (Roll no. 164).

6:53 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 570:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance the roles of dentists and allied dental personnel in the Nation’s disaster response framework, and for other purposes

6:52 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 401 – 12 (Roll no. 163).

6:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:30 P.M. –

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

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 8.

4:31 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

4:30 P.M. –

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification that the national emergency with respect to Iran shall continue – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-13).

H.R. 525:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance and increase the number of veterinarians trained in veterinary public health

4:29 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

4:23 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 525.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Burgess moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 570:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance the roles of dentists and allied dental personnel in the Nation’s disaster response framework, and for other purposes

4:22 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

4:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 570.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Burgess moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

4:12 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable Mrs. Christensen . Mrs. Christensen submitted her resignation from the Committee on Homeland Security. The resignation was accepted without objection.

The House received a communication from Robin Reeder, Archivist, Office of the Clerk. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Reeder notified the House that she had been served with a civil subpoena, issued before the Evidentiary Panel for the State Bar of Texas, for documents 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.

The House received a communication from the Honorable Mrs. Christensen . Mrs. Christensen submitted her resignation from the Committee on Natural Resources. The resignation was accepted without objection.

4:01 P.M. –

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

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

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

4:00 P.M. –

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

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 8.

2:23 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. today.

2:00 P.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 4:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Kevin Yoder to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress at work -Republican led House back on 3/8 -The Senate will deal with S.23 today


The Senate Convenes at  2:00pmET March 7, 2011

Morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

-Calendar #4, Anthony Battaglia, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of CA

-Calendar #32, Sue Myerscough, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL

-Calendar #33, James Shadid, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL

There will be one hour for debate equally divided between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.

Upon the use or yielding back of time, Calendar #32, Sue Myerscough, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL will be confirmed.

The Senate will then proceed to a series of 3 roll call votes on the following:

confirmation of Executive Calendar #33, James Shadid, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL

-confirmation of Executive Calendar #4, Anthony Battaglia, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of CA

-motion to invoke cloture on S.23, the America Invents Act

5:00pm Filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to S.23, the America Invents Act.

There will be no further roll call votes today.

Cloture on S.23, the America Invents Act, was invoked by a vote of 87-3.

Following the vote, the pending Leahy and Bennet amendments were withdrawn. The Baucus amendment #141, as modified, was agreed to. Senator Reid then called up amendment #143 (to include public higher education in EPSCOR jurisdictions in definition of micro entity) and Reid #152 (effective date).

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

Votes:

32: Confirmation of Executive Calendar #33, James Shadid, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL;

Confirmed: 89-0

33: Confirmation of Executive Calendar #4, Anthony Battaglia, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of CA;

Confirmed: 89-0

34: Motion to invoke cloture on S.23, the America Invents Act;

Invoked: 87-3

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.55, a resolution expressing support for designation of a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

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The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on March 8, 2011 for Morning-Hour Debate.