Tag Archives: Government

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Help Protect Scientists from Political Interference …Union of Concerned Scientists


How can you protect science and government scientists from political interference? By filing a public comment by asking the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to strengthen its draft scientific integrity policy.   

   www.ucsusa.org

In the past, NOAA scientists were censored and told to change their research on issues from global warming to endangered species. While the draft policy would address some of these problems, it needs to be further strengthened to better protect those who report the abuse of science, give the public more information about who is meeting with NOAA officials, and allow us to hold agency officials accountable if they transgress.

It is critical that NOAA scientists can continue to provide national weather forecasting, manage coastal and deep ocean resources, and research global climate patterns without interference.

Help NOAA improve its scientific integrity policy by submitting a comment today —the deadline is August 20.      www.ucsusa.org

Sincerely,
MichaelHalpern_jpg
Michael Halpern
National Field Organizer

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congresssional Budget Office


Cost Estimate for S. 277, Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act of 2011
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on June 29, 2011

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Cost Estimate for H.R. 2445, State and Local Funding Flexibilit​y Act


~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress : the Republican led House is ending or defunding Americans? – the Senate working on S.1323, a bill on shared sacrifice


 

 

 

The Senate Convened at 10amET July 12, 2011

    • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the final half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
    • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1323, a bill to express the sense of the Senate on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit.
    • The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.1323 is at 12:00pm on Tuesday, July 12th.
    • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
    • As a reminder to all Senators, Senator Reid filed cloture on S.1323 and on the motion to proceed to H.R.2055, the MilCon Appropriations bill. Unless an agreement is reached, there will be up to 2 roll call votes Wednesday morning.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 12, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:49 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:48 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

6:45 P.M. – Mr. Bishop (UT) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 347.

H.R. 2417:
to repeal certain amendments to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with respect to lighting energy efficiency, and for other purposes 

6:44 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 233 – 193, 1 Present (Roll no. 563).

6:38 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced the unfinished business was on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 2417which was debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

H.R. 1309:
to extend the authorization of the national flood insurance program, to achieve reforms to improve the financial integrity and stability of the program, and to increase the role of private markets in the management of flood insurance risk, and for other purposes 

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 406 – 22 (Roll no. 562).

6:30 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 244 (Roll no. 561).

6:14 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

6:05 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Boswell motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to provide grants to repair flood-damaged homes and relief from flood insurance premium increases for the flood victims whose residences were damaged by flooding for which the President declared a major disaster or emergency in 2011.

5:58 P.M. – Mr. Boswell moved to recommit with instructions to Financial Services.

5:57 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1309.

5:55 P.M. – On agreeing to the Miller (MI) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 38 – 384 (Roll no. 560).

5:51 P.M. – On agreeing to the Scott (VA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 192 – 230 (Roll no. 559).

5:48 P.M. – On agreeing to the Miller (MI) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 238 (Roll no. 558).

5:44 P.M. – On agreeing to the Westmoreland amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 241 – 183 (Roll no. 557).

5:39 P.M. – On agreeing to the Cardoza amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 261 – 163 (Roll no. 556).

5:35 P.M. – On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 118 – 305 (Roll no. 555).

5:30 P.M. – On agreeing to the Speier amendment Failed by recorded vote: 195 – 230 (Roll no. 554).

4:57 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.

4:56 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Miller (MI) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Miller demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:45 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Miller (MI) amendment No. 25.Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Mrs. Miller (MI).

An amendment numbered 25 printed in House Report 112-138 to terminate NFIP by January 1, 2012 and allow States to form interstate compacts to provide insurance.

4:44 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Scott (VA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Biggert demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:37 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Scott (VA) amendment No. 23.Amendment offered by Mr. Scott (VA).

An amendment numbered 23 printed in House Report 112-138 to direct the GAO to conduct a study of the means and effects of facilitating a market for all-peril insurance policies for residential properties.

4:36 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Miller (MI) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Miller demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:28 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Miller (MI) amendment No. 20.Amendment offered by Mrs. Miller (MI).

An amendment numbered 20 printed in House Report 112-138 to terminate current spending on TV and Radio commercials being aired to promote the NFIP in all 50 states and directs remaining funds to pay down NFIP’s debt. The amendment would continue FEMA’s mailing programs that are used to notify current policy holders of changes to their policies and maps as well as other educational publications they produce.

4:27 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Westmoreland amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Waters demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Westmoreland amendment No. 19.Amendment offered by Mr. Westmoreland.

An amendment numbered 19 printed in House Report 112-138 to add a reserve fund requirement to the National Flood Insurance Program.

4:18 P.M. – On agreeing to the Loebsack amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:10 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Loebsack amendment No. 17.Amendment offered by Mr. Loebsack.

An amendment numbered 17 printed in House Report 112-138 to require FEMA to notify a prominent local television and radio station of projected and proposed changes to flood maps and to grant an additional 90 days for property owners or a community to appeal proposed flood maps, beyond the original 90 day appeal period, so long as community leaders certify they believe there are property owners unaware of the proposed flood maps and appeal period, and community leaders would use the additional 90 day appeal period to educate property owners on the proposed maps and appeal process.

4:09 P.M. – On agreeing to the Sherman amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:03 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sherman amendment No. 16.Amendment offered by Mr. Sherman.

An amendment numbered 16 printed in House Report 112-138 to reduce the number of flood insurance policies that are directly managed by the Agency to not more than 10% of the total number of flood insurance policies in force. Would further authorize FEMA to refuse to accept future transfers of policies to the NFIP Direct program.

4:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the Brady (TX) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:59 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Brady (TX) amendment No. 14.Amendment offered by Mr. Brady (TX).

An amendment numbered 14 printed in House Report 112-138 to require the FEMA Administrator to provide to a property owner newly included in a revised or updated proposed flood map a copy of the proposed flood insurance map and information regarding the appeals process at the time the proposed map is issued.

3:58 P.M. – On agreeing to the McGovern amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:57 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McGovern amendment No. 13.Amendment offered by Mr. McGovern.

An amendment numbered 13 printed in House Report 112-138 to allow communities to be reimbursed for certain costs associated with a successful challenge to a bona fide mapping error made by FEMA resulting in a Letter of Map Revision.

3:56 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cardoza amendment No. 11, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Cardoza demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:51 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cardoza amendment No. 11.

3:50 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Cardoza.

An amendment numbered 11 printed in House Report 112-138 to eliminate requirements to more broadly map areas considered to be residual risk.

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

3:46 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Walberg amendment No. 10.Amendment offered by Mr. Walberg.

An amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-138 to place a moratorium on the issuance of any updated rate maps from the date of enactment until the Technical Mapping Advisory Council submits to the FEMA Administrator and Congress the proposed new mapping standards. It would allow for the revision, update and change of rate maps only pursuant to a letter of map change, which includes a letter of map amendment, letter of map revision, and letter of map revision based on fill.

3:45 P.M. – On agreeing to the Ros-Lehtinen amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:38 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ros-Lehtinen amendment No. 5.

3:37 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Ros-Lehtinen.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-138 to strike the part of Section 5 `Reforms of Premium Rates’ that would increase annual limit on premium rates increases from 10% to 20%. This will prevent a 100% increase in possible premium hikes.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment No. 4, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:27 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment No. 4.

3:26 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-138 to strike additional coverage provided in H.R. 1309 for business interruption and cost of living expenses.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Speier amendment No. 3, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Biggert demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Speier amendment No. 3.Amendment offered by Ms. Speier.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-138 to make it a violation for a lender, whose only interest in the property is the amount of the outstanding mortgage indebtedness, to require a homeowner to purchase more than the legally required amount of flood insurance–an amount equal to the outstanding principal balance of the loan.

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

3:14 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schock amendment No. 2.

3:13 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Schock.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-138 to allow for a possible fourth and five year suspension of the mandatory purchase for certain communities that are making more than adequate progress in their construction of their flood protection systems.

On agreeing to the Biggert amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

3:06 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 340, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Biggert En Bloc amendments.Amendments en bloc offered by Mrs. Biggert.

An En Bloc amendment consisting of amendments numbered 1, 6, 7, 8, as modified, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 22, and 24 to make technical and sundry changes to the bill.

3:02 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2354:
making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

3:00 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2354as unfinished business.On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Frelinghuysen moved that the Committee now rise.

On agreeing to the Garamendi amendment Failed by recorded vote: 145 – 276 (Roll no. 553).

2:55 P.M. – On agreeing to the Schiff amendment Failed by recorded vote: 167 – 257 (Roll no. 552).

2:52 P.M. – On agreeing to the McClintock amendment Failed by recorded vote: 119 – 305 (Roll no. 551).

2:49 P.M. – On agreeing to the Wu amendment Failed by recorded vote: 196 – 228 (Roll no. 550).

2:44 P.M. – On agreeing to the Garrett amendment Failed by recorded vote: 149 – 274 (Roll no. 549).

2:40 P.M. – On agreeing to the Tonko amendment Failed by recorded vote: 149 – 273 (Roll no. 548).

2:37 P.M. – On agreeing to the Pompeo amendment Failed by recorded vote: 127 – 296 (Roll no. 547).

2:33 P.M. – On agreeing to the Welch amendment Failed by recorded vote: 123 – 300 (Roll no. 546).

2:29 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 131 – 292 (Roll no. 545).

2:26 P.M. – On agreeing to the Miller (NC) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 179 – 244 (Roll no. 544).

2:22 P.M. – On agreeing to the Connolly (VA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 173 – 249 (Roll no. 543).

2:18 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lamborn amendment Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 259 (Roll no. 542).

2:13 P.M. – On agreeing to the Markey amendment Failed by recorded vote: 154 – 266 (Roll no. 541).

2:10 P.M. – On agreeing to the Moran amendment Failed by recorded vote: 170 – 250 (Roll no. 540).

2:05 P.M. – On agreeing to the Sessions amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 224 – 196 (Roll no. 539).

1:38 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.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1309:
to extend the authorization of the national flood insurance program, to achieve reforms to improve the financial integrity and stability of the program, and to increase the role of private markets in the management of flood insurance risk, and for other purposes 

1:37 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1309as unfinished business.On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mrs. Biggert moved that the committee rise.

12:32 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1309.The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 340and Rule XVIII.

12:31 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1309with 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. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. All points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 340.

12:02 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 aisle.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Crawford 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 the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

12:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 12.

11:39 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 Ann Marie Buerkle to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. – The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

what is Congress doing -the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convenes at 2pmET July 11, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the final half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1323, a bill to express the sense of the Senate on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit.
  • The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.1323 is at 12:00pm on Tuesday, July 12th.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • As a reminder to all Senators, Senator Reid filed cloture on S.1323 and on the motion to proceed to H.R.2055, the MilCon Appropriations bill; the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill . Unless an agreement is reached, there will be up to 2 roll call votes Wednesday morning.
  • There will be no further roll call votes during today’s session of the Senate.
  • Adopted S.Res.231, designating September 2011 as National Child Awareness Month.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on July 11, 2011

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 11, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

H.R. 2354:
making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

7:55 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

7:54 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Miller (NC) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Miller (NC) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:48 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Miller (NC) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Miller (NC).

An amendment to increase funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy by $24,018,000) by reducing funds for fossil energy research and development.

7:47 P.M. – On agreeing to the Harris amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:35 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Harris amendment No. 4 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Harris.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce nuclear energy allocation by $6,000,000 and increase the spending reduction account by the same amount.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Connolly amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Connolly demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:27 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Connolly amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Connolly (VA).

An amendment to increase allocations for energy and efficiency and renewable energy by $46,000,000.

7:26 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lamborn amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Lamborn demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:17 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lamborn amendment No. 5 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Lamborn.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in the Congressional Record to strike language related to the allocation of funds relating to weatherization assistance funds.

7:11 P.M. – On agreeing to the McClintock amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 538).

7:07 P.M. – On agreeing to the Woodall amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll No. 537).

7:04 P.M. – On agreeing to the Scalise amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll No. 536).

7:00 P.M. – On agreeing to the Graves (MO) amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll No. 535).

6:56 P.M. – On agreeing to the Tierney amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 534).

6:31 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

6:30 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 11.

6:18 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

H.R. 2417:
to repeal certain amendments to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with respect to lighting energy efficiency, and for other purposes 

6:17 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.

5:31 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2417.Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:30 P.M. – Mr. Barton (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

5:26 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H.R. 2354:
making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

5:25 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2354as unfinished business.On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Frelinghuysen moved that the committee rise.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Markey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

5:15 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Markey amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Markey.

An amendment to increase the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy account by $100 million and reduce the Nuclear Energy account by $50 million and the Fossil Energy Research and Development account by $50 million.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McClintock amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. McClintock demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:57 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McClintock amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. McClintock.

An amendment to reduce various accounts by $3,250,437,000 and transfer the savings to the spending reduction account.

4:56 P.M. – On agreeing to the Kaptur amendment Failed by voice vote.

4:52 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Kaptur amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Kaptur.

An amendment to increase the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy account by 10 million and reduce the Departmental Adminstration account by 10 million.

By unanimous consent, the Kaptur amendment was withdrawn.

4:45 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Kaptur amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Kaptur.

An amendment to increase the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy account by 10 million and reduce the Departmental Adminstration account by 10 million.

4:36 P.M. – Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the McIntyre amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

4:31 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McIntyre amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. McIntyre.

An amendment to add a new section at the end of the General Provisions, Corps of Engineers-Civil account by amending section 156 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1976.

4:30 P.M. – Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the Terry amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

4:24 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Terry amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Terry.

An amendment to insert a new section at the end of title I stating that not later than 1 year after the date enactment of this Act, the Army Corps of Engineers shall conduct and publish the results of a study regarding the reasons and contributing factors that led to the abnormal flooding of the Missouri River during the spring and summer of 2011, with specific focus on whether the water management activities of the Corps, conducted for any purpose other than flood prevention and control, contributed to the 2011 flooding and in what ways.

4:23 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Moran amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Moran demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:56 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Moran (VA) amendment under the five-minute rule.

3:55 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Moran.

An amendment to strike section 109 of the bill, which prohibits the use of funds to be used by the Army Corps of Engineers to adopt or enforce a change or supplement to the rule or guidance documents pertaining to the definition of waters under the jurisdiction of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

3:47 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2354.

3:46 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sessions amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Sessions demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:40 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Sessions amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Sessions.

An amendment to strike section 102 of the bill, which prohibits the use of funds to be used to implement any competitive sourcing actions under OMB Circular A-76 or High Performing Organizations for the Army Corps of Engineers.

3:37 P.M. – Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the Courtney amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the provisions of the Courtney amendment sought to propose a net increase in the budget authority of the bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

3:29 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Courtney amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Courtney.

An amendment to appropriate $808 million to the Army Corps of Engineers, Operation and Maintenance account, which shall be derived from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.

3:28 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Woodall amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Woodall demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:15 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Woodall amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Woodall.

An amendment to reduce the Army Corps of Engineers Operation and Maintenance account by $4,900,000 and increase the Spending Reduction account by the same amount.

3:14 P.M. – Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the Bishop (NY) amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the provisions of the Bishop (NY) amendment sought to increase the level of outlays in the bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

3:05 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bishop (NY) amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Bishop (NY).

An amendment to increase the Army Corps of Engineers Operation and Maintenance account by 33,535,000 to improve and restore water infrastructure and reduce the Fossil Energy Research and Development account under the Department of Energy.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Scalise amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Scalise demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:55 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Scalise amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order. Subsequently, the reservation was withdrawn.Amendment offered by Mr. Scalise.

An amendment to increase the Army Corps of Engineers Operation and Maintenance account by $6,360,000 for efficient cargo transportation by improving dredging and navigation of waterways, and reduce the Army Corps of Engineers Administration Expenses acount by the same amount.

2:53 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Graves (MO) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Graves (MO) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:48 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Graves (MO) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Graves (MO).

An amendment to reduce the Army Corps of Engineers Construction account by $1,750,000 and increase the Army Corps of Engineers Operation and Maintenance account by $1,000,000.

2:43 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2354.By unanimous consent, the Rivera amendment was withdrawn.

2:38 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Rivera amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Rivera.

An amendment to increase the Army Corps of Engineers Construction account by $32,724,000 for everglades restoration and reduce the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy account under the Department of Energy by the same amount.

2:37 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Tierney amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Tierney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:32 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tierney amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order. Subsequently, the reservation was withdrawn.Amendment offered by Mr. Tierney.

An amendment to increase funds for the Army Corps of Engineers, Construction and Operation accounts and reduce funds for the Nuclear Energy account under the Department of Energy.

By unanimous consent, the Turner amendment was withdrawn.

2:27 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Turner amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Turner.

An amendment to reduce the Army Corps of Engineers Construction, Operation and Maintenance accounts by $241,713,000 and increase the National Nuclear Security Administration account by the same amount.

2:25 P.M. – Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the Tierney amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the provisions of the Tierney amendment sought to increase the level of outlays in the bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

2:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tierney amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Tierney.

An amendment to increase funds for the Army Corps of Engineers, Construction and Operation accounts and reduce funds for the Nuclear Energy account under the Department of Energy.

2:18 P.M. – By unanimous consent, the King (IA) amendment was withdrawn.

2:12 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the King (IA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. King (IA).

An amendment to provide a transfer of $1 million to the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a study of the Missouri River flooding.

2:10 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

2:09 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

2:02 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:01 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Visclosky 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.

2:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 11.

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 Debate. 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 Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.