Tag Archives: Federal Housing Finance Agency

Black History

the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 12/10 ~~ the House


matthew 25

What side of History will your member of Congress be remembered for ?

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Tuesday, December 10, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #327, the nomination of Patricia Ann Millett, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. All post-cloture time will be considered expired and the Senate will immediately vote on confirmation of the Millet nomination (approximately 10:15am).

Following the vote on confirmation of the Millett nomination, Senators should expect up to 3 additional roll call votes with respect to the reconsideration of the cloture vote on Executive Calendar #209, the nomination of Melvin Watt, of North Carolina, to be Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency:

–          Motion to proceed to Executive Session for the reconsideration of the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the Watt nomination;

–          Motion to reconsider the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the Watt nomination; and

–          Motion to invoke cloture on the Watt nomination, upon reconsideration.

During Monday’s session of the Senate, Senator Reid filed cloture on the following nominations in the following order.  Under the rule, the first cloture vote will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Wednesday, December 11th.  If cloture is invoked on a nominee, the number of post-cloture hours is in parentheses next to each nomination. Upon disposition of a nomination, the Senate will immediately vote on cloture on the next nomination.

1)      Executive Calendar #378, Chai Rachel Feldblum, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (8 hours);

2)      Executive Calendar #330, Elizabeth A. Wolford, of New York, to be US District Judge for the Western District of New York (2 hours);

3)      Executive Calendar #347, Landya B. McCafferty, of New Hampshire, to be US District Judge for the District of New Hampshire (2 hours);

4)      Executive Calendar #361, Patricia M. Wald, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (8 hours);

5)      Executive Calendar #348, Brian Morris, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana (2 hours);

6)      Executive Calendar #349, Susan P. Watters, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana (2 hours);

7)      Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force (8 hours);

8)      Executive Calendar #444, Heather Anne Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources (8 hours);

9)      Executive Calendar #406, Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs) (8 hours);

10)  Executive Calendar #450, Jeh Charles Johnson, of New Jersey, to be Secretary of Homeland Security (30 hours).

10:14am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #327,

the nomination of Patricia Ann Millett, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit;

Confirmed: 56-38

Next votes:

– Motion to proceed to the reconsideration of the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the Watt nomination;

– Motion to reconsider the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the Watt nomination; and

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #226, the nomination of Melvin L. Watt, of North Carolina, to be Director of Federal Housing Finance Agency, upon reconsideration.

10:45am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the Reid motion to proceed to the reconsideration of the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the Watt nomination.

Agreed to: 54-42

Next votes: – Motion to reconsider the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the Watt nomination; and

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #226,

the nomination of Melvin L. Watt, of North Carolina, to be Director of Federal Housing Finance Agency, upon reconsideration.

11:07am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to reconsider the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the Watt nomination

Agreed to: 54-42

Next Votes

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #226, the nomination of Melvin L. Watt, of North Carolina, to be Director of Federal Housing Finance Agency, upon reconsideration.

Senator McConnell made a point of order that nominations are fully debatable under the rules of the Senate unless 3/5 of senators have voted to bring debate to a close. The Chair ruled that a majority vote for cloture is required to confirm all nominations (except Supreme Court nominees).

11:29am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on the question: SHALL THE RULING OF THE CHAIR STAND?

Ruling of the Chair:

Majority vote for cloture required to confirm all nominations (except Supreme Court nominees)

Position stands: 51-45

11:50am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Mel Watt to be Director of Federal Housing Finance Agency, upon reconsideration

Invoked: 57-40

Upon reconsideration, cloture on the Watt nomination (FHFA) was invoked 57-40.

There will now be up to 8 hours for debate equally divided. The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm in order to allow for the weekly caucus meetings, with the time charged equally to both sides. Another message will be sent when the next vote is scheduled.

5:23pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #226,

the nomination of Melvin L. Watt, of North Carolina, to be Director of Federal Housing Finance Agency;

Confirmed:57-41

5:51pm The Senate began a 15 minute vote on the motion to proceed to the reconsideration of the vote by which cloture was not invoked on Executive Calendar #233, the nomination of Cornelia T. L. Pillard, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia;

Agreed To: 54-44

6:09pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the Reid motion to reconsider the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the Pillard nomination;

Agreed to: 54-44

6:28pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote the motion to invoke cloture on Pillard nomination, upon reconsideration;

Invoked: 56-42

Senator Reed asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass S.1797, Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2013, which was submitted earlier today. Senator Hoeven objected.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES 

1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #327, the nomination of Patricia Ann Millett, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit; Confirmed: 56-38

2)      Motion to proceed to the reconsideration of the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the Watt nomination; Agreed to: 54-42

3)      Motion to reconsider of the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the Watt nomination; Agreed to: 54-42

4)      Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the judgment of the Senate (cloture on nominations (other than Supreme Court nominees) is a majority vote) (McConnell appeal of the chair); the decision of the Chair was sustained: 51-45

5)      Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #226, the nomination of Melvin L. Watt, of North Carolina, to be Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, upon reconsideration; Invoked: 57-40

6)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #226, the nomination of Melvin L. Watt, of North Carolina, to be Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency; Confirmed: 57-41

7)      Motion to proceed to the reconsideration of the vote by which cloture was not invoked on Executive Calendar #233, the nomination of Cornelia T. L. Pillard, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia; Agreed to: 54-44

8)      Motion to reconsider the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the Pillard nomination; Agreed to: 54-44

9)      Motion to invoke cloture on the Pillard nomination, upon reconsideration; Invoked: 56-42

 

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.2992, an Act To extend the authority of the Supreme Court Police to protect court officials away from the Supreme Court grounds.

Passed H.R.2871, To amend title 28, United States Code, to modify the composition of the southern judicial district of Mississippi to improve judicial efficiency, and for other purposes.

Adopted S.Res.315, a resolution to authorize production of records by the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

The Senate began the Rule 14 process on S.1797, Unemployment Insurance Benefits Extension Act of 2013

No additional EXECUTIVE ITEMS

==================================================

Last Floor Action:12/10
12:22:27 P.M. – The Speaker announced
that the House do now recess.

The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

Last Floor Action:12/10
5:19:28 P.M. – The House adjourned
pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00
p.m. on December 10, 2013.

===================================

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

What would President Truman say about this Congress?


The White House, Washington

Hello, all —

A group of extreme Republicans in Congress have opposed the President’s legislative agenda at every turn. That’s no secret.

But the 113th Congress‘ obstruction is reaching new levels.

Right now, our lawmakers are in a position to take action on multiple national measures that would help our economy and millions of Americans. That’s not an exaggeration: They could vote tomorrow. And they should.

We’ve put together a short list: Things the 113th Congress could vote on right now. Spread the word and pass this on.

Consider this for a second. If our current Congress simply scheduled a vote on pressing national issues, we could:

Fix our broken immigration system. This past June, the Senate passed a bill to ensure everyone plays by the same rules and we grow our economy. Multiple reports confirm that there are enough votes in the House to get it done. And still: No vote.

End workplace discrimination for millions of LGBT Americans once and for all. This isn’t difficult: Nobody should be discriminated against because of who they are or who they love. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act would make it illegal to fire someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, and it passed the Senate earlier this year. Once again, no vote in the House.

Confirm a leader of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The housing market is coming back, but we can do more to help responsible homeowners. Congressman Mel Watt, the President’s nominee, was endorsed by Senators on both sides of the aisle. And yet, at a critical time for the housing industry, when we’re working to implement the rules that will prevent another “too big to fail,” Senate Republicans used the filibuster to block his nomination.

Confirm three well-qualified judges to fill long-standing vacancies on the federal D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Cornelia Pillard, Robert Wilkins and Patricia Millett were all selected by the President as nominees for this critical court. Once again, one by one, Senate Republicans blocked each nomination.

And that’s just to name a few.

In the 1940s, President Harry Truman notoriously dubbed the 80th Congress the “Do-Nothing Congress.” And yet, even they managed to enact 906 laws, including the Marshall Plan, and the piece of legislation that created the Department of Defense and the National Security Council. It’s time for the current Congress to match up a little more favorably.

Remember: They can still allow these incredibly important measures to come to a vote.

It’s time for this obstruction to come to an end, and for Republicans in Congress to start doing their jobs:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/share/the-113th-could-vote-right-now

David

David Simas Deputy Senior Advisor The White House @Simas44

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Pelosi – House Dems and the Headlines : May 2013


Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 Pelosi Statement on LGBT Pride Month

“What emerged as a new chapter in the fight for civil rights at Stonewall in June 1969 continues today in the battle to secure basic, fundamental protections for LGBT families and workers everywhere – to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act; to reject discrimination in our immigration system against LGBT families and foreign-born partners and spouses; and to make marriage equality not just a cause of one community, but the law of the land. In LGBT Pride Month, that drive endures as we act to keep the doors of opportunity and equality open for LGBT Americans and all Americans.”
Friday, May 31, 2013
 
“There is no greater way to safeguard the future of our country than to invest in the education of our children. Yet if Congress fails to act by July 1, interest rates on student loans will double, putting a college education well out of reach for millions of American students. With hardworking families already carrying $1 trillion in student loan debt, we must do more to ease – not exacerbate – that burden.
Friday, May 31, 2013
 

“As we mark another Memorial Day, we recommit to addressing the challenges of military families in our time: to ensure timely access to benefits; to end the claims backlog at the VA; to secure quality health care and good-paying jobs for our service members.  On this day and every day, we must reaffirm our solemn promise: just as the military leaves no one behind on the battlefield, we will leave no veteran behind at home.”Friday, May 24, 2013

 
“Thanks to the cooperation and commitment of California’s medical community, our health insurance marketplace will expand competitiveness, improve health care, protect the economic security of the middle class, and transform millions of lives.  I am proud to see that California is leading the way in establishing the bright and healthy future that the Affordable Care Act is meant to ensure.”
Thursday, May 23, 2013
 
“President Obama’s address reaffirmed our nation’s firm commitment to preserving our security while upholding our civil liberties.  As elected officials, we have no greater responsibility than protecting the American people; with the President’s statement today, we have a broad framework to meet that duty and maintain our commitment to our country’s highest ideals.”
Thursday, May 23, 2013
 
“Instead of working to enact a budget, or to create jobs, today the House Republicans will vote on the “Make College More Expensive Act.”  This is really stunning.  I hope you pay attention to the debate with the charts and the rest.  It clearly demonstrates how damaging this is to college affordability, to those who want to go to college, to their families who want to help them to do so…”
Thursday, May 23, 2013
 
“As we approach Memorial Day, the challenge to our conscience of that – meeting the needs of our veterans is heightened.  It is with us every day.  But it’s heightened on Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and other times of the year.  As we say in our meetings all the time on the battlefield, the military says: ‘on the battlefield, we will leave no soldier behind.’  And all of us say together, in a bi-partisan way: ‘and when they come home, we will leave no veteran behind.’  And so, it is in that spirit that this backlog is a challenge to the conscience of our country…”
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
 
“On this Harvey Milk Day – on what would be his 83rd birthday – Harvey’s green light has opened doors for LGBT elected officials nationwide: from America’s first LGBT Senator in Tammy Baldwin to six LGBT Members of the House, each contributing their leadership to the most diverse Democratic Caucus in history.  These Members are a living testament to Harvey’s principle that LGBT people deserve a place at the table.”
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
 
“I am pleased that the more than 600,000 American citizens who reside in the District of Columbia will finally have a statue representing them in the U.S. Capitol.  While the District deserves to have two statues in the Capitol, like the states, since its residents pay federal taxes and have fought and died in every American war, a statue depicting Frederick Douglass could not be a more apt representative for the people of D.C.  Douglass fought for District residents to have self-government and Congressional representation, a fight our Caucus carries on today.”
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
 
Washington, D.C. – Today, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Joe Crowley, Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Nita Lowey, and Congressman Rush Holt met with President U Thein Sein of Burma and his delegation.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
 
“So, I hope it is a comfort to the people of the region, that their loss is one that is shared, and mourned, by people across the world, certainly in our country, and definitely in this Congress of the United States.  Whatever it is in our power to be helpful to them, we will do, and we will do quickly.  And that most importantly, they will always, always, always, and ever, be in our prayers.”
Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Pelosi Statement on the Devastating Tornado in Oklahoma

“As rescue workers continue the search for survivors, Members of Congress stand ready to do what we can to support the communities in Oklahoma, the first responders, and state and local government in their efforts to recover, respond, and rebuild.”
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
 
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and senior House Democrats have sent letters to nine separate U.S. retailers calling upon them to join a broadening global coalition supporting a May 12 Accord on Fire and Building Safety, developed by the Worker Rights Consortium and a number of key stakeholders.
Friday, May 17, 2013
 
“Here we are, 134 days into the 113th Congress, without one vote on a jobs bill.  Fifty-four days after the Senate passed its budget, we still haven’t moved forward to the budget process with this do nothing agenda that does not reflect the priorities of the American people.  It is an agenda that only the Republicans are interested in pursuing.  So, you see a series of subterfuges, job evasions.  Today’s job evasion is that the Republicans have decided to vote on the Patient’s Rights Repeal Act, their 37th attempt to repeal our country’s landmark reform bill.  That’s 37 votes, 43 days, $52 million – $52.4 million – on an obvious evasion of our responsibility to work on the priorities of the American people.”
Thursday, May 16, 2013
 
“…[W]e believe there is simply no substitute for tough, comprehensive, uncompromising government support for legislation and fully-resourced law enforcement and administrative action… that both empowers workers and prevents more accidents from happening,” write the lawmakers in the letter.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
 
“First of all, it is our job to come here and act for the good of the American people.  And right now the American people see that good as the creation of jobs.  What is it, 134 days into this Congress?  And the Republican majority has yet to put forth one bill, vote one bill out to create jobs, to have evasion.  Here we are today with yet another one of their subterfuges: ‘let’s not talk about jobs.  Let’s use up time.’  And that adds to – what has been up until now – $54 million dollars, 43, some days spent on this – the 37th effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act.  What we should be doing is what the Republicans have asked for: regular order, to go to the budget table, to reconcile the differences between the House and the Senate, so that we can put forth a product, a budget that creates jobs, that reduces the deficit, that strengthens the middle class…”
Thursday, May 16, 2013
 
“…it’s about how it affects women specifically, that we are talking about today, but those women are part of the nearly 13 million Americans benefitting from $1.1 billion in rebates from health insurance companies last summer…”
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
 
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi announced today that Catlin O’Neill, longtime aide and Chief of Staff in her Congressional office (CA-12), will be departing for the private sector.  Today, Leader Pelosi named Robert Edmonson, her current Legislative Director, as Ms. O’Neill’s successor.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
 
“Today, the Pentagon’s civilian employees join the growing list of Americans bearing the brunt of the devastating sequester cuts.  As long as House Republicans refuse to replace the sequester, hard-working Americans will see crippling cuts to services in education, health, and national security.”
Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Boehner, Pelosi, Bipartisan Group of Members – Call for State Department to Address Plight of Chen Guangcheng & Family

Washington, D.C. – House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and a bipartisan group of members sent the following letter to Secretary of State John Kerry expressing concern about the harassment and abuse inflicted upon Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng and his family by local officials in the Shandong Province of China.  The letter makes a series of recommendations for actions the State Department could take in its discussions with the Chinese government.
Monday, May 13, 2013
 
“While we look forward to reviewing the Inspector General’s report this week, it is clear that the actions taken by some at the IRS must be condemned.  Those who engaged in this behavior were wrong and must be held accountable for their actions.  Regardless of political affiliation or bias, there is no place for this type of activity by the IRS or its employees.”
Monday, May 13, 2013
 
“This week we gave mothers not a very good gift.  More work, less pay.  Happy Mother’s Day?  I don’t think so.  The bill that gives less flexibility to working people, more discretion to their bosses.  Here’s what the bill really does: it ends the 40 hour work week, it ends, it cuts pay for women, undermines the economic security of the middle class, gives an interest free loan, paid for by workers’ wages and unused comp time to the company…”
Thursday, May 9, 2013
 
“We feel very, very hopeful that we will be able to move forward on this before the session of this Congress is out.  That we will indeed have passed comprehensive immigration reform.  It couldn’t happen without you.”
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
 
“On Cinco de Mayo, we remember the extraordinary victory of a poorly-armed Mexican militia over larger, stronger, better-equipped French forces in the Battle of Puebla.  For 151 years, this date has been a source of pride to the people of Mexico – and here in the United States, it has been an opportunity to honor the contributions, heritage, and rich history of Mexican Americans and all Hispanic Americans.”
Friday, May 3, 2013
 
“Today’s jobs report shows signs of progress for our workers and our middle class.  Yet it is also a reminder that Americans cannot afford more Republican political games that protect the sequester, slow our growth, inject uncertainty into our economy, and create instability for our working families.  Members of Congress must work together to put people to work, invest in American businesses and manufacturers, and build a lasting recovery.”
Friday, May 3, 2013

Pelosi Statement on Nominees for Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Trade Representative

“Today, President Obama nominated two effective, passionate leaders to guide our efforts to grow our economy, strengthen the hands of American businesses and workers, and keep our nation number one on the global stage.”
Thursday, May 2, 2013
 
“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements, rich cultures, and extraordinary contributions of the AAPI community.  Americans from Asia and the Pacific Islands have risen above hardship, prejudice, and outright persecution to become an indelible part of the American story.”
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
“Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to honor and celebrate a community rich in achievement, central to American progress, bound together by the values of fairness and justice for all.”
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
“A proud son of North Carolina, Congressman Mel Watt has spent the last 20 years as a staunch and tireless advocate for the health, economic security, and prosperity of the people he represents.  As an economic development attorney and small business owner, he will bring the real-life expertise and unwavering dedication necessary to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency.”
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – – the Senate considers S.2343,Stop Student Loan Rate Hike Act&Judicial nominees 3.5yrs later


The Senate stands in adjournment under the provisions of S.Con.Res.43, the adjournment resolution.

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, May 7, 2012. 

Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act.

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

–          Executive Calendar #508 Jacqueline H. Nguyen, of CA, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit

–          Executive Calendar #568 Kristine Gerhard Baker, of AR, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas

–          Executive Calendar #569 John Z. Lee, IL, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois

with 60 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.  Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct up to 3 roll call votes on the Nguyen, Baker and Lee nominations.  It is possible the Baker and Lee nominations will be confirmed by voice vote.

As a reminder to all Senators, on Thursday, April 26th, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act.  By consent, the roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2343 will be at 12:00pm on Tuesday, May 8th.

If the Senate does not receive a message from the House that it has adopted S.Con.Res.43, the Senate will convene on the following dates at the following times for pro forma sessions only, with no business conducted:

–          Monday, April 30, at 10:30am

–          Thursday, May 3, at 8:30am

—- The Senate confirmed the following nominations by unanimous consent during today’s session:

– Executive Calendar #512, Ajit Varadaraj Pai, of Kansas, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission for a term of 5 years from July 1, 2011 and

– Executive Calendar #513, Jessica Rosenworcel, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission for a term of 5 years from July 1, 2010.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #508, Jacqueline H. Nguyen, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit; Confirmed: 91-3

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.2050, Idaho Wilderness Water Resources Protection Act (Republican request)

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.2240, Lowell National Historical Park Land Exchange Act (Republican request)

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.4849, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Backcountry Access Act (Republican request)

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.4628, the Interest Rate Reduction Act (Republican request)

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

– Executive Calendar #512, Ajit Varadaraj Pai, of Kansas, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission for a term of 5 years from July 1, 2011

– Executive Calendar #513, Jessica Rosenworcel, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission for a term of 5 years from July 1, 2010

– Executive Calendar #568, Kristine Gerhard Baker, of AR, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas by voice vote

– Executive Calendar #569, John Z. Lee, of IL, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois by voice vote

———————————————————————————————————————————–

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 7, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:11:44 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:11:13 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 118Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:11:12 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 118On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 375 – 0 (Roll no. 198).7:05:02 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 118Considered as unfinished business. H. Con. Res. 118 — “Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.”7:04:28 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 117Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:04:27 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 117On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 377 – 0 (Roll no. 197).6:57:02 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 117Considered as unfinished business. H. Con. Res. 117 — “Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service.”6:56:44 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 105Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:56:43 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 105On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 376 – 0 (Roll no. 196).6:32:30 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 105Considered as unfinished business. H. Con. Res. 105 — “Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha.”6:31:07 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.6:30:27 P.M. -Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 643.6:30:20 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 7.5:04:33 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.5:03:40 P.M. -S. 1302Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:03:37 P.M. -S. 1302On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.4:55:37 P.M. -S. 1302DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1302.4:55:36 P.M. -S. 1302Considered under suspension of the rules.4:55:28 P.M. -S. 1302Mr. Issa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 1302 — “To authorize the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property in Tracy, California, to the City of Tracy.”4:54:58 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 118At 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.4:50:34 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 118DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 118.4:50:32 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 118Considered under suspension of the rules.4:50:21 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 118Mr. Denham moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Con. Res. 118 — “Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.”4:49:41 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 117At 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.4:44:44 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 117DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 117.4:44:42 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 117Considered under suspension of the rules.4:44:26 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 117Mr. Denham moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Con. Res. 117 — “Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service.”4:44:01 P.M. -H.R. 4097Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:43:59 P.M. -H.R. 4097On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.4:31:18 P.M. -H.R. 4097DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4097.4:31:15 P.M. -H.R. 4097Considered under suspension of the rules.4:31:02 P.M. -H.R. 4097Mr. Mica moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4097 — “To amend the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize appropriations for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and for other purposes.”4:30:25 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 106Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:30:22 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 106On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.4:21:29 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 106DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 106.4:21:26 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 106Considered under suspension of the rules.4:20:34 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 106Ms. Herrera Beutler moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Con. Res. 106 — “Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.”4:20:32 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 105At 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.4:02:05 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 105DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 105.4:02:03 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 105Considered under suspension of the rules.4:01:51 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 105Mr. Harper moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Con. Res. 105 — “Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha.”4:01:31 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:00:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 7.2:10:09 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. today.2:08:15 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House continued with one minute speeches.2:07:31 P.M. -The House received a communication from the Honorable Elijah E. Cummings. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Representative Cummings notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena for documents and testimony issued by the District Court of Maryland, Baltimore County, in connection with civil litigation currently pending before that court and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was not consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.2:06:53 P.M. -The House received a communication from Harry T. Spikes II, Special Assistant, Office of Representative Elijah E. Cummings. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Spikes notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena for documents and testimony issued by the District Court of Maryland, Baltimore County, in connection with civil litigation currently pending before that court and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was not consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.2:06:23 P.M. -The House received a communication from the Honorable Pete Sessions. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Representative Sessions notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas for deposition testimony and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was not consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.2:05:51 P.M. -The House received a communication from the Honorable Kay Granger. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Representative Granger notified the House that she had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas for deposition testimony and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena was not consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.2:02:42 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:18 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.2:02:11 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:01:07 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:32 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Adrian Smith to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.2:00:24 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

House Hearings for Today

8:30 am Hearing: Field hearing entitled “An Examination of the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Real Estate Owned (REO) Pilot Program”Committee on Financial Services: Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises 2:00 pm Markup: H.R. 4966, The Sequester Replacement Act of 2012 and The Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012Committee On The Budget: Full Committee 5:00 pm Hearing: H.R. 5326 – Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposesCommittee on Rules: Full Committee
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ECONOMY: Investigating Foreclosure Fraud


Yesterday, all 50 state attorneys general opened a joint investigation into the ongoing foreclosure fraud scandal that has led some of the country’s biggest banks to suspend foreclosures, as they sort out whether or not they improperly threw borrowers out of their homes. Multiple banks — including Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo — have reportedly had foreclosure documents approved by “robo-signers”: employees who were signing thousands of foreclosure documents a day, without verifying basic information. In many cases, as the Associated Press reported, these employees had no experience with mortgage banking at all. According to employee depositions, “financial institutions and their mortgage servicing departments hired hair stylists, Walmart floor workers and people who had worked on assembly lines and installed them in ‘foreclosure expert’ jobs with no formal training.” One bank employee reportedly said, “I don’t know the ins and outs of the loan, I just sign documents.” But the extent of the banks’ problems extends beyond robo-signed paperwork to lost and forged documents and, as Reuters’ Felix Salmon reported, knowingly selling investors mortgage bonds they knew were toxic. “The financial institutions would be well served by working with us to get it cleaned up,” said Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray. “And they’d also be well served to think about reaching negotiated resolutions with borrowers in cases where they’ve created exposure for themselves by committing fraud upon the courts.”

FRAUDULENTLY FORECLOSING: According to a report from the investment bank Morgan Stanley, “as many as 9 million U.S. mortgages that have been or are being foreclosed may face challenges over the validity of legal documents.” In Florida alone, “a recent sample of foreclosure cases in the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida showed that 20 percent of those set for summary judgment involved deficient documents.” In other instances, dubious notarizations were used to approve foreclosures (leading President Obama to veto a bill that would have forced every state in the country to accept out-of-state notarizations). At the moment, the extent to which unlawful foreclosures were approved is unknown, but JP Morgan Chase yesterday set aside $1.3 billion to cover potential legal costs stemming from the foreclosure scandal. As the Washington Independent’s Annie Lowery reported, “CEO Jamie Dimon tried to reassure call participants by saying there is ‘almost no chance we made a mistake‘ with foreclosures,” but the bank, in addition to the money to cover legal fees, put $1 billion into its mortgage-repurchase reserves, which it uses “to buy back bad mortgages it packaged and sold to investors or the government-sponsored entities, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.” “Every homeowner that’s in foreclosure now should be questioning,” Matthew Weidner, an attorney who defends homeowners in foreclosure cases, told Bloomberg News. “This entire system is now a great big question mark.” The banks’ actions not only call into question the legal status of foreclosures, but undermine due process and the rule of law when it comes to property rights. “In a nation of laws, contract and property rights, there is no room for errors,” wrote The Big Picture’s Barry Ritholz. “So what does it mean if banks have been systemically, fraudulently and illegally undermining this process?”

THE POLITICAL RESPONSE: The White House yesterday signaled its approval of the attorneys general’s investigation, with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs saying, “We’re supportive of getting to the bottom of the process and insuring that these banks are following the legal process for making these decisions.” However, the administration has thus far refused to endorse the idea of a national foreclosure moratorium — suggested by some congressional Democrats — due to the potential for “unitended consequences.” The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has also released a four-step plan for banks to follow as they look into their foreclosure processes. “I intend to maintain our focus on addressing this issue in a manner that is fair to delinquent households, but also fair to servicers, mortgage investors, neighborhoods and most of all, is in the best interest of taxpayers and housing markets,” said acting FHFA director Edward DeMarco. While many congressional Democrats have called for investigations into the banks’ actions and a bi-partisan group of attorneys general have called for foreclosure moratoriums in their respective states, Congressional Republicans have been largely silent on the issue. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) is one of the few Republicans to call for an investigation, saying “the regulators should determine exactly what occurred at these institutions and make those findings available to the [Senate] Banking Committee without delay.” Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT) has scheduled a hearing to examine the banks’ practices for November 16.

DEFANGING THE WATCHDOG?: Could some of these problems with the banks been avoided? Elizabeth Warren, who is heading the newly created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), thinks so, saying “had a similar agency been in place three years ago” this problem could have been nipped in the bud. “Little problems are a lot easier to fix than great big problems,” Warren said. The CFPB will have the mandate “to oversee and write rules for mortgage servicers, though it is not staffed or set up yet,” and having one agency in charge of this will be a distinct improvement, as right now at least four agencies have some jurisdiction over mortgage servicers, with none of them looking out specifically for the interests of homeowners. This lackluster and balkanized oversight of the servicing industry helps to explain why companies passed off bogus paperwork and allegedly committed fraud on the court for as long as they did,” wrote Mother Jones’ Andy Kroll. “This is where a consumer protection bureau dedicated to proactively safeguarding American consumers comes into play.” “Moving forward with the regulations under the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau makes a lot of sense. This is a reminder of why those kinds of rules are necessary,” said Harvard Business School Professor Nicolas Retsinas. But the CFPB may have a hard time getting off the ground, as some Republican members of the House Financial Services Committee have already made clear they want to deny the agency funding. Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) has announced his intention to defund the agency entirely, as he believes it “assaults the liberties of the consumer.”