Tag Archives: harry reid

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TGIF … &some News


Today the President will sign the Tax deal bill around 3:50pm ET so left coasters need to be alert. Congress has FY 2011, START, DADT on the calendar and hopefully the Dream Act will also get passed well before they all decide to cut out of DEC for Xmas.

Last night the tax deal passed in the House and the Senate. However, it was obvious that the tax deal was a tough vote for our dems in the House. The final vote was 277 for 148 against. I will admit that it was not the best; even the President said the bill had offensive pieces in the bill but the deal given the midterm vote was the best anyone could have gotten. I believe Congress in both Chambers would still be “negotiating” on the provisions, the amount and so many other things, which would have pushed it into January, so though it may not have been perfect i am happy for what our President pushed through in such a short time.

The big Omnibus bill was treated like a bipartisan effort, clearly as was said on the floor of Congress members on both sides of the aisle worked on it, yet after Sen. McCain got on the floor of Congress thanked the Tea Party for the intervention, laughed, and stated who won that on national tv. It is obvious our dems in Congress have yet to figure out the Republican Tea Party has no intention of being bipartisan even their own RNC chair Mr. Steele said that bipartisanship is overrated. The idea that the RTP truly are willing to be bipartisan let alone honest with good faith intentions has prove to be a joke. This latest move of got’cha was not only embarrassing it was sad to see Leader Reid face all dejected. It was good to see so many Senators come to the floor to make sure the public knew that this Omnibus bill was in fact indeed a bill that was bipartisan though the RTP clearly was portraying it yet another scam or something they felt pushed into by the Dems having had little to do with it. The notion that so much pork listed in the Omnibus bill is the fault of the Dems in the Senate definitely was quite absurd and embarrassing. It is however, proof that the RTP cannot be trusted as one of them stated there was a letter brought to them, they all decided to sign it, and the bill died. It was odd to see the fringe and or Tea Party aspect of the Republicans have so much power even off the floor of Congress though Sen. McCain made sure the public heard who intervened in this previously agreed to bill. I used to say i hope this or that move opens the eyes of Republican constituents but a lot were hoping the bill would be defeated and News stations are reporting that Tea Party members definitely making their voices heard thus defeating the Omnibus bill -last minute. I guess some folks are afraid of them because they certainly betrayed their agreement to Leader Reid and Senate Democrats.

Yesterday I was going to order Omaha Steaks but after hearing the correction by the CEO, I will never order from Omaha Steaks until they agree to stop using Fox as their advertising source. In fact, i ask for a boycott based on the correction and response by the CEO. I encourage everyone to take the time to leave a message on their website too… steakbytes.com

I just wanted to say how disappointed i was to hear the outcome. I was the one who called in to say that i just could not order @OmahaSteaks given the fact that your company had bought ad spots on his show with all the racial vitriol he throws out at the public. As far as free speech when it tells minorities they are not acceptable, dangerous and the enemy that reaches far beyond racial slurs discrimination and certainly freedom of speech. I take it that what you are saying is that Glenn Beck has the right to be a racist on National Television. I specifically said that Glenn Beck’s racial rants were my problem to one of your representatives from your company. I received a call back from an Omaha Steaks Representative stating they would be taking down the advertisement or that it would end around 12/20 and in doing so made me want to order but then i pulled back and said maybe i will wait until the ads disappear. I now feel after reading the correction from CEO Bruce Simon it is obvious his staff only gave partially accurate information. I say she intentionally kept information back. I appreciate the prompt correction but have now decided to take my business elsewhere to a company who believes in equality not the vitriol that comes from not just Glenn Beck but from the Fox News station.

Other News …

CSPAN …

Thursday Leader Sen.Harry Reid remarks on earmark spending

After attending a meeting of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) made remarks about earmark spending and responded to reporters’ questions.

Speaker Pelosi remarks on DADT Wednesday

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) spoke to reporters about the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on gays in the military. She was joined by co-sponsors of the bill, Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD).

Senate Democrats Press Conference on START treaty

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) talked about the nuclear arms treaty with Russia. Senate Democrats want to pass the START treaty as it’s known before the end of the year. Sixty-seven votes are required for ratification. Senator Kerry was joined by Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-MI) and Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

Senate Republicans Press Conference on START treaty

Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) along with several of his Republican colleagues spoke to reporters about the nuclear arms treaty with Russia known as START.  Senate Democrats want to pass the START treaty as it’s known before the end of the year. Sixty-seven votes are required for

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TGIF in Congress – lame duck calendar …


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 17, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the New START Treaty. The treaty will be open to amendments tomorrow.

Senators are encouraged to come to the floor to offer and debate their amendments.

Roll call votes are possible to occur throughout the day.

As a reminder, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to concur with respect to HR5281, DREAM Act and on the motion to concur with respect to HR2965, DADT. The first cloture vote will occur early Saturday morning at a time to be determined.

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.1481, Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2009.
Passed H.R.4973, National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act of 2010.

Passed H.R.5901, Real Estate Jobs and Investment Act of 2010
(with Baucus substitute and title amendments)

Passed H.R.5116, COMPETE Act (with Hutchison substitute)

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 17, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

5:18 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with special order speeches.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 5116 amended.

5:11 P.M. –

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

5:10 P.M. –

Mr. Burton of IN requested general leave to address the House for 5 minutes on December 21.

Mr. Burton of IN requested general leave to address the House for 5 minutes on December 20.

5:08 P.M. –

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

5:07 P.M. –

Mr. Garamendi asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, December 17, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

5:06 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. 6523.

H. Res. 1767:

commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid

5:05 P.M. –

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 voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 3874:

to amend the Safe Drinking Act to reduce lead in drinking water

5:04 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): 226 – 109 (Roll no. 656).

4:53 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5510:

to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to allow amounts under the Troubled Assets Relief Program to be used to provide legal assistance to homeowners to avoid foreclosure

4:52 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 210 – 145 (Roll no. 655).

4:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

4:30 P.M. –

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

H.J. Res. 105:

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

4:28 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by voice vote.

4:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 105.

Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 105 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 except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1776.

4:23 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 17, 2010 at 3:15 p.m. stating that that body had passed S. 1481 and H.R. 4973; passed H.R. 5901 with amendments.

H.R. 2142:

to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council

4:20 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 212 – 131 (Roll no. 654).

H. Res. 1776:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 105) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

4:12 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: 184 – 159 (Roll no. 653).

4:05 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Con. Res. 336:

providing for the sine die adjournment of the second session of the 111th Congress

4:04 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: 196 – 153 (Roll no. 652).

3:31 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1776:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 105) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

3:30 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1776, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Sessions demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

3:29 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

3:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1776

Considered as privileged matter.

3:18 P.M. –

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1776.

3:17 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 17.

1:50 P.M. –

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

1:49 P.M. –

INDIAN LAW AND ORDER COMMISSION – Pursuant to section 235 of the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (PUB. L. 111-211), and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the INDIAN LAW AND ORDER COMMISSION: Ms. Herseth Sandlin and Mr. Pomeroy .

H.R. 628:

to establish a pilot program in certain United States district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges

1:48 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 371 – 1 (Roll no. 651).

1:36 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 6523:

to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 341 – 48 (Roll no. 650).

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

1:27 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1107:

to enact certain laws relating to public contracts as title 41, United States Code, “Public Contracts”

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 385 – 0 (Roll no. 649).

1:19 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1377:

honoring the accomplishments of Norman Yoshio Mineta, and for other purposes

1:18 P.M. –

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

1:17 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 384 – 0 (Roll no. 648).

12:50 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

12:49 P.M. –

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

H.R. 6523:

to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes

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.

11:49 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6523.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Skelton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5510:

to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to allow amounts under the Troubled Assets Relief Program to be used to provide legal assistance to homeowners to avoid foreclosure

11:47 A.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.

11:12 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5510.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Capuano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 6533:

to implement the recommendations of the Federal Communications Commission report to the Congress regarding low-power FM service, and for other purposes

11:10 A.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 voice vote.

10:53 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6533.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 3874:

to amend the Safe Drinking Act to reduce lead in drinking water

10:52 A.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.

10:27 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3874.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Con. Res. 335:

honoring the exceptional achievements of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and recognizing the significant contributions he has made to United States national security, humanitarian causes, and peaceful resolutions of international conflict

10:26 A.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

10:01 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 335.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Berman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1767:

commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid

9:59 A.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Holt objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

9:49 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1767.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Holt moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1621:

recognizing the 100th anniversary of the historic founding of Catholic Charities USA

9:48 A.M. –

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 voice vote.

9:39 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1621.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Cuellar moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 2142:

to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council

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.

9:27 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 2142.

Mr. Cuellar moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

H. Res. 1733:

recognizing Mark Twain as one of America’s most famous literary icons on the 175th anniversary of his birth and the 100th anniversary of his death

9:25 A.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

9:15 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1733.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Cuellar moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

S. 3592:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Commerce Drive in Tyrone, Georgia, as the “First Lieutenant Robert Wilson Collins Post Office Building”

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cuellar objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

9:08 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3592.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

9:07 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

9:02 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

9:01 A.M. –

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

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 4602, H.R. 5133, H.R. 5605, H.R. 5606, H.R. 5655, H.R. 5877, H.R. 6400, H.R. 6392, H.R. 2142, H.R. 5809, S. 3874, S. 4036, and S. 3592.

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

9:00 A.M. –

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

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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lame duck Session in Congress …Thursday


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 16, 2010

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will turn to Executive session and begin consideration of the New Start Treaty.

Amendments are in order to the treaty and, as a result, roll call votes are possible throughout the day.

Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.

Unanimous Consent:
Passed H.r.2142, the DPRA Modernization Act

Passed S.3874, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act.

Passed H.R.5809, Safe Drug Disposal Act (with a Voinovich-Carper substitute amendment-Diesel Emissions Reduction and a title amendment).

Passed S.4036, a bill to clarify the National Credit Union Adminstration authority to make stabilization fund expenditures without borrowing from the Treasury.

Passed S.3592– a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Commerce Drive in Tyrone, Georgia, as the “First Lieutenant Robert Wilson Collins Post Office Building”.

Passed H.R.4602-a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1332 Sharon Copley Road in Sharon Center, Ohio, as the “Emil Bolas Post Office”.

Passed H.R.5133– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 331 1st Street in Carlstadt, New Jersey, as the “Staff Sergeant Frank T. Carvill and Lance Corporal Michael A. Schwarz Post Office Building”.

Passed H.R.5605– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 47 East Fayette Street in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, as the “George C. Marshall Post Office”.

Passed H.R.5606– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 47 South 7th Street in Indiana, Pennsylvania, as the “James M ‘Jimmy’ Stewart Post Office Building”.

Passed H.R.5655– To designate the Little River Branch facility of the United States Postal Service located at 140 NE 84th Street in Miami, Florida, as the “Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. Post Office”.

Passed H.R.5877– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 655 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, as the “Lance Corporal Alexander Scott Arredondo, United States Marine Corps Post Office Building”.

Passed H.R.6400– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 111 North 6th Street in St. Louis, Missouri, as the “Earl Wilson, Jr. Post Office”.

Passed H.R.6392-To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5003 Westfields Boulevard in Centreville, Virginia, as the “Colonel George Juskalian Post Office Building”.

Adopted S.Res.702, Special Education Teachers.

Confirmed Catherine C. Eagles, of North Carolina, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina.

Confirmed Kimberly J. Mueller, of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District Judge for the Eastern District of California.

Confirmed John A. Gibney, Jr., of Virginia, to be U.S District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Confirmed James Kelleher Bredar, of Maryland, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Maryland.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 16, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

2:05 A.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on December 17, 2010.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Polis (CO) moved that the House do now adjourn.

12:03 A.M. –

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1771.

H. Res. 20:

calling on the State Department to list the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as a “Country of Particular Concern” with respect to religious freedom

12:02 A.M. –

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

Considered as unfinished business.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

12:01 A.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

H.R. 4853:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

11:59 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 277 – 148 (Roll no. 647).

11:42 P.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4853.

11:41 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Levin amendment Failed by recorded vote: 194 – 233, 1 Present (Roll no. 646).

11:17 P.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1766, the amendment offered by Mr. Levin is not debatable.

11:16 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Levin.

An amendment to strike Title III of the Senate amendment to H.R. 4583 and amend the bill to provide two years of estate tax relief at 2009 levels. In calendar years 2011 and 2012, the estate tax exemption amount would be $3.5 million ($7 million total for a married couple) and the maximum tax rate on estates would be 45%. Additionally, the amendment would provide estates from decedents in 2010 with the ability to elect to be treated under the 2009 levels or to be treated under current law for tax purposes. This election will allow estates to receive a step up in basis on inherited property rather than the 2010 carryover basis rules. The exemption level and rate are consistent with the estate tax proposal included in the President’s FY2010 and FY2011 Budgets. Under the Senate amendment to H.R. 4583, the bill would provide two years of estate tax relief with a $5 million estate tax exemption ($10 million total for a married couple) and a maximum rate of 35%. The amendment saves $23 billion, and affects 6,600 estates in 2011 which would receive an average additional tax cut of more than $1.5 million under the Senate bill.

At the conclusion of general debate, and pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1766, the Chair announced that the Senate amendment would be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule and directed the Clerk to designate the Senate amendment. The Chair then announced that it was in order for Mr. Levin or his designee to be recognized for the purpose of offering the amendment printed in House Report 111-682 to the Senate amendment.

7:40 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with three hours of general debate on the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4853.

7:39 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan to act as Chairman of the Committee.

7:38 P.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1766, the Chair declared the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4853.

On motion to consider the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

The Chair put the question on consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment.

DEBATE – Pending any declaration of the House into the Committee of the Whole pursuant to House Resolution 1766 the Chair would note that the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 4853 contains; an emergency designation for purposes of pay-as-you-go principles under clause 10(c) of rule 21; and an emergency designation pursuant to section 4(g)(1) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. Accordingly, the Chair must put the question of consideration under section of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

S. 987:

to protect girls in developing countries through the prevention of child marriage, and for other purposes

7:33 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 241 – 166 (Roll no. 645).

7:26 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1766:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 4853) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

7:25 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 214 – 201 (Roll no. 644).

7:17 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Slaughter amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 230 – 186 (Roll no. 643).

6:44 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered on the amendment and on the resolution without objection.

6:41 P.M. –

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Ms. Slaughter.

An amendment to insert a complete new text.

5:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1766

Considered as privileged matter.

5:49 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Daniel J. Strodel, Chief Administrative Officer. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Strodel notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by a grand jury in New York County, New York for doucment and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.

5:45 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 16.

2:29 P.M. –

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

S. 3447:

to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve educational assistance for veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes

2:28 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): 409 – 3 (Roll no. 642).

2:21 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 3860:

to require reports on the management of Arlington National Cemetery

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): 407 – 3 (Roll no. 641).

2:11 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 841:

to direct the Secretary of Transportation to study and establish a motor vehicle safety standard that provides for a means of alerting blind and other pedestrians of motor vehicle operation

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): 379 – 30 (Roll no. 640).

1:42 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

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

H.R. 2941:

to reauthorize and enhance Johanna’s Law to increase public awareness and knowledge with respect to gynecologic cancers

1:41 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

1:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 2941.

Mrs. Capps moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

S. 4005:

to amend title 28, United States Code, to prevent the proceeds or instrumentalities of foreign crime located in the United States from being shielded from foreign forfeiture proceedings

1:28 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 voice vote.

1:14 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 4005.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 628:

to establish a pilot program in certain United States district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges

1:13 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Chu objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

12:57 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 628.

Ms. Chu moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

H.R. 1107:

to enact certain laws relating to public contracts as title 41, United States Code, “Public Contracts”

12:56 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Chu objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

12:54 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendments to H.R. 1107.

Ms. Chu moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.

H.R. 6198:

to amend title 11 of the United States Code to make technical corrections; and for related purposes

12:53 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 6198.

Ms. Chu moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

12:46 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H. Res. 1766:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 4853) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

12:40 P.M. –

WITHDRAWAL OF RESOLUTION – Mr. McGovern withdrew the resolution from consideration.

12:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H. Res. 1766.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 6516.

H. Res. 1766:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 4853) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

12:18 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H. Res. 1766.

12:16 P.M. –

On motion to adjourn Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 14 – 385, 1 Present (Roll no. 639).

11:28 A.M. –

Mr. Taylor moved that the House do now adjourn.

H. Res. 1766:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 4853) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

10:43 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1766

Considered as privileged matter.

10:42 A.M. –

On motion to consider the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

10:41 A.M. –

At the conclusion of debate on the Flake point of order, the Chair put the question on consideration of the resolution.

10:29 A.M. –

POINT OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION – Mr. Flake stated that the provisions of H.Res. 1766 violate section 426(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and made a point of order against the consideration of the resolution. Subsequently, the Chair noted that the required threshold of identifying the specific language in question had been met, and the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the question of consideration. At the conclusion of debate on the question of consideration, the Chair will put the question to wit: Will the House now consider the resolution?

10:26 A.M. –

By direction of the Committee on Rules, Ms. Slaughter called up the resolution, H.Res. 1766, and asked for its immediate consideration.

10:03 A.M. –

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

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

10:02 A.M. –

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

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

10:01 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor 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

Three votes


Democrats

On Thursday, Republicans in the Senate stood in the way of progress, blocking legislation to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

No surprise there — they’ve been turning a blind eye to the majority of Americans, legions of grassroots Democrats, and fellow lawmakers who’ve supported repeal for some time now.

But now, they’re also ignoring top military leaders — from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen to former Secretary of State Colin Powell — who support overturning this policy. They’re ignoring the 70 percent of American servicemen and women who say that repeal wouldn’t negatively affect morale, and the Pentagon study that says it won’t affect troop readiness.

They’re no longer simply holding up progress that would advance the American values of fairness and equality, enrich our military, and strengthen our national security — they seem to be willing to tune out just about anyone, all in the name of a political tally mark.

But we’re not done fighting.

We need just three votes to move forward on repeal — and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and our allies in the Senate have promised that the Senate will vote on repeal again before the year is out.

Your voice could be the difference right now: Write the Senate Republicans who are currently blocking repeal and tell them to stop playing politics with people’s lives.

We couldn’t have gotten to this point without your support.

Thousands of you added your names in support of the President’s call for repeal. Those petitions — 582,000 in total — were delivered by volunteers to Senator Susan Collins‘s office on Thursday morning.

Now, your voice could make sure this discriminatory policy is overturned before Congress adjourns — and that it doesn’t have to wait another year, or for another Congress to take it up.

And by reaching out to senators standing in the way, you will make this issue harder and harder for them to tune out.

Three more votes is all we need. The letter you send today could be the final push that gets us there.

Write Republican senators standing in the way of progress today — and let’s make sure we repeal this thing before the year is out:

http://my.democrats.org/DADTRepealLetters

Thanks,

Jen

Jen O’Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: START To End


One year ago today, President Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, which was given in large part because of his commitment to nuclear arms reduction. Today, the administration’s signature foreign policy achievement, the successful negotiation of a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with Russia, which has been essential to rehabilitating relations between the two countries, is languishing in the Senate. Why? Republicans have consistently sought to delay and obstruct the treaty, but this opposition has now faded. It is now a question of time and whether Majority Leader Harry Reid will bring New START to the floor of the Senate. The treaty, if brought up, likely has the 67 votes to achieve ratification. But thus far, START has been put off. Meanwhile, the Senate is taking the weekend off with just one week left to go until the scheduled end of the session. START is critical for our national security and advances a major progressive priority of reducing the number of nuclear weapons in the world. Today, leaders from the national security, scientific, and religious communities are sending a letter to Reid urging him to “take up and approve New START now, if need be by extending the Senate in session beyond December 17.”

IT HAS THE VOTES:  Early in the lame duck session, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ)  “blindsided” the White House when he broke off months of negotiations and insisted on a delay of New START. Instead of caving,  the White House fought back. The reaction was fierce. In the last month, more than 40 editorial boards from newspapers around the country urged ratification and ripped Kyl for putting politics above America’s national security. Republican threats to delay also exposed a   deep rift within the Republican establishment, as a who’s who of Republican officials have come out urging ratification now, including this week   President George H.W. Bush and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who joined Henry Kissinger, Colin Powell, James Baker, among others, in support of New START. These Republican officials join the U.S. military establishment and our Eastern European allies that live in the shadow of Russia in support of START. A recent CBS News poll found that  82 percent of the American people support the treaty. Against this wave of support, Republican intransigence has softened and now a split has emerged with a significant number of the Republican caucus favor a vote on START in the lame duck session — more than enough to ratify the treaty. Just this morning Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins said they will support START.

REID CAN FORCE A VOTE:   Unlike normal Senate legislation, which can be blocked by a filibuster that requires 60 votes to overturn, a treaty only requires 50 votes to proceed to debate and a vote. The New START treaty was therefore  not included in the letter from the Senate GOP caucus that threatened to block any legislation that was brought up before tax cuts. Unlike Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,  where Republican senators who claimed to support repeal voted to filibuster on process grounds, on START, Republicans will have to vote on the actual treaty and can’t hide behind procedure. However, Foreign Policy’s Josh Rogin reported last night that some Republicans attempt to offer a number of  “treaty killing” amendments that would alter the treaty and therefore require renegotiating with Russia. Yet, these amendments can be voted down by 50 votes and were  already overcome during the vote in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee through the work of Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN). Republicans could use the amendment process in an effort to drag out the process, but this is why Reid should make clear that they would only be delaying their Christmas vacation.

DANGER OF DELAY:  Some Republicans  have suggested that START should be delayed for just a few months until January or February when a new Senate is sworn in. This is a ruse. At every step of the ratification process, Republicans — led by Kyl — have urged delay. Kyl was actually for holding a vote during the lame duck session, until, of course the lame duck session arrived. Furthermore, the willingness to offer treaty-killing amendments only further casts doubt on Kyl’s intentions. At the very least a delay in the treaty ratification process, which has taken nine months, would start from scratch. The  new make up of the Senate would also make getting the 67 votes for ratification much harder and would make the ratification process much more dependent on Kyl, likely leading to only  more leverage to extort nuclear pork funding. In the end, a delay would in all likelihood mean the death of the New START treaty. This would have huge consequences for our relationship with Russia, which is critical to dealing with Iran and supplying our troops in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the collapse of the verification measures that monitor Russia’s nuclear arsenal were in place under the original treaty, could eventually upset nuclear stability and lead to  significant uncertainty in nuclear relations. Failure to ratify START would also  send shockwaves around the world and would be seen as the U.S. putting a knife in the back of the whole nuclear non-proliferation regime. The consequences of delay and defeat of New START are grave.