Tag Archives: Jim DeMint

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Shutdown Meltdown


by ThinkProgress

GOP Descends Further Into Chaos

As their years-long quest to kill and undermine Obamacare demonstrates, Congressional Republicans are united in nothing if not their irrational hatred of a law which is already helping tens of millions of Americans and will give millions more the security of quality, affordable health care for the very first time in just a few short months.

Despite this apparent unity, the GOP has somehow managed to descend into an all-out civil war over the efforts of a few extremists in the Senate to shut down the government in October rather than fund Obamacare. Never mind that the Congressional Research Service reported yesterday that shutting down the government will not, in fact, stop Obamacare.

Here’s what a few Republicans have had to say about their colleagues’ efforts to shut down the government over Obamacare:

  • “Madness.” – former Congressional Budget Office Director Doug Holtz-Eakin
  • “A denial of reality mixed with a whole bunch of hype…intellectually dishonest…a good way for Republicans to lose the House…destroying the Republican Party.” – Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK)
  • “The political equivalent of throwing a temper tantrum.” “A suicidal political tactic.” -Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)
  • “Terror politics.” – Rep. Peter King (R-NY)
  • “The dumbest idea I’ve ever heard of.” – Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC)
  • “A silly effort.” – Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN)
  • “Feckless.“ – Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT)

Undaunted, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and some of his party’s leading 2016 contenders, including Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Rand Paul (R-KY), march on in this futile, dead-end effort. Outside groups like Heritage Action, which is launching a nationwide tour in support of the politically disastrous push, and FreedomWorks and pundits like Sarah Palin, Erick Erickson, and Sean Hannity are fanning the flames of this intra-party battle.

These outside groups have come in for criticism from fellow conservatives, with one GOP lawmaker suggesting that Heritage Action cares more about fundraising than anything else. The group, which has swung far to the right after its sister organization was taken over by former Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), apparently has no plan for what to do next should the government actually shut down, something which has rankled GOP leaders.

Meanwhile, POLITICO reports that Sen. Cruz accused Republican doubters of belonging to the “surrender caucus” and “is taking his hardball tactics to a whole new level” because he relishes “intra-party warfare.”

Even as the House of Representatives is set to waste time this week on yet another pointless vote to repeal Obamacare — the chamber’s 40th, Speaker Boehner (R-OH) is privately urging his colleagues not to shut down the government over Obamacare or anything else.

This is perhaps because Boehner understands that it’s the GOP that stands to lose should this intra-party battle break out into an all-out war in Washington over shutting down the government. A new poll out this morning found that by a 2:1 margin, voters would be less likely to vote for a candidate who had voted to shut down the government in order to defund Obamacare. This echoes the result of a poll out earlier this week that found repealing Obamacare is not a very popular idea.

BOTTOM LINE: Instead of wasting time fighting with one another and trying to deny the security of quality, affordable health care to millions of Americans, the GOP should actually give governing a try. Less than two full work weeks remain before the government will run out of money and shut down unless the House GOP abandons its demands for more austerity spending cuts and deep cuts to programs like Medicare and Social Security.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

Paul Ryan says Boehner should put immigration reform up for a vote, even if a majority of Republicans don’t support it.

Fox News host has no idea how inflation works.

Top Latino journalist torches the GOP over immigration reform and intolerance.

Judge rules that the Catholic Church has a constitutional right not to compensate victims of abuse.

Republican cuts could kick 5 MILLION off food stamps.

North Carolina governor gives protesters cookies to make up for taking away abortion rights.

The Anthony Weiner scandal has devolved into an excuse for slut-shaming.

House GOP appropriations chairman denounces his party’s own strategy on the budget, sequester, and spending bills.

The sequester continues to drag down the economy.

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Don’t Just Take Our Word For It


By  ThinkProgress War Room

Conservatives Trash Anti-Immigration Reform Report

In 2007, the Heritage Foundation released an influential — though widely debunked — report claiming that immigration reform would cost the U.S. $2.6 TRILLION. While no one factor alone is responsible for the death of reform that year, the Heritage paper certainly helped kill it.

Well, “here we go again,” as Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) tweeted earlier today. Today, Heritage released an updated report with an even more fantastical claim: immigration reform with a path to earned citizenship (which the report and its authors falsely and repeatedly refer to as “amnesty”) will now cost $6.3 TRILLION over the next 50 years.

This time, however, something is different. It’s conservatives who are lining up to trash the Heritage report. In just the few hours the report has been out, influential conservatives have lined up to discredit Heritage’s way-too-bad-to-be-true claims:

  • The Cato Institute
  • Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform
  • The American Enterprise Institute
  • Doug Holtz-Eakin, prominent conservative economist and president of the American Action Forum
  • Haley Barbour, former Republican Nation Committee chairman and Mississippi governor, and current co-chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s immigration reform task force
  • Sen. Jeff Flake
  • Sen. John McCain
  • Sen. Marco Rubio
  • Rep. Paul Ryan

As conservatives also pointed out, Heritage’s current view is even at odds with its own past statements on immigration:

The new report contradicts the think tank’s 2006 position on immigration. Heritage then wrote,“the argument that immigrants harm the American economy should be dismissed out of hand” and urged for a comprehensive bill. “A lopsided, ideological approach that focuses exclusively on border security while ignoring migrant workers (or vice versa) is bound to fail.”

Earlier this year when ultra-conservative former Sen. Jim DeMint was appointed to head Heritage, some worried aloud that this would undermine the organization’s credibility:

The DeMint choice signals a shift toward more conservative activism from one of America’s largest think tanks and is sure to please conservative donors. But it’s not likely to provide donors the political results they want. Instead, it is likely to reduce the relevance of both DeMint and Heritage.

Indeed, the organized opposition to the Gang of 8 immigration bill appears to consist largely of the Heritage Foundation, racist hate groups like FAIR, and right-wing talk radio hosts. While these groups may continue to be influential with some segments of the Republican base, it’s clear that they are increasingly outside of the mainstream of both American society and even the GOP itself. In fact, a poll out just last week found that 83 percent of all Americans and 84 percent of Republicans favor a path to earned citizenship so long as immigrants pay fines, back taxes, and meet other requirements — in other words, exactly what is in the Gang of 8 bill.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

Air Force officer in charge of preventing sexual assault was himself arrested for sexual assault.

Feds ramp up crackdown on medical marijuana dispensaries.

Elizabeth Smart: Abstinence education teaches rape victims they’re worthless, dirty, and filthy.

Not even Fox and Friends buys the GOP’s claims of Benghazi “cover up.”

Gun protesters plan march on Washington with loaded rifles in order to “put the government on notice.”

There are 2 MILLION extra unemployed Americans because of austerity.

NRA’s gun safety advice: store guns in your kids’ rooms.

Mississippi set to kill a potentially innocent man tomorrow.

Another week, another pointless House GOP vote to repeal Obamacare.

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ThinkProgress …


Congress‘s lame duck session is proving more interesting than expected. Don’t miss out on these three important ThinkProgress stories from this week:

1. What You Need To Know About The Michigan GOP’s ‘Right-To-Work’ Assault On Workers

2. 11 Reasons You’re Glad Jim DeMint Is Leaving The Senate

3. After Spending $9 Million To Defeat Her, Wall Street Watches Sen-Elect Warren Join Banking Committee

Best,

Igor Volsky
Deputy Editor, ThinkProgress

~ Recent Post

Congress: – the Republican led House – the Senate – H.R.2112 passes 69-30, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill.


 the Senate Convened at 10AM ET November 1, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill.
  • At approximately 10:15am, there will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the following:
  • Coburn #800 (rural development agency);
  • Paul #821 (TIGER grants) (60-vote threshold);
  • DeMint #763 (epinephrine);
  • Crapo #814 (Dodd-Frank WSR – derivatives) (60-vote threshold);
  • Lee Motion to Recommit (FY11 levels);
  • Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program);
  • Passage of H.R.2112, as amended.
  • Following disposition of H.R.2112, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

ROLL CALL

10:16am The Senate began a roll call vote on Coburn amendment #800 (Rural Development Agency) Not Agreed To: 13-85

10:45am The Senate began a Roll Call Vote on Paul amendment #821 (TIGER Grants); Not Agreed to: 38-60

11:04am The Senate began a roll call vote on the DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine); Not Agreed to: 44-54

11:25am The Crapo amendment #814 (WSR-derivatives) was withdrawn

11:27am The Senate began a roll call vote on the Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air service Development Program) Not Agreed To: 41-57

11:45am The Senate began a Roll Call Vote on the Lee motion to recommit (FY11 levels) Not Agreed To: 39-60

12:00 noon The Senate began a Roll Call Vote on passage of HR 2112, as amended (Agriculture/Commerce, Justice, Science/Transportation-HUD) Passed: 69-30

12:20pm LONG VERSION of HR2112 -votes

The following amendments have been considered  to H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill:

  • Cornyn amendment #775, as modified (Operation Fast and Furious); Agreed to: 99-0
  • McCain amendment #740 (eliminate TAA funding for firms); Not Agreed to: 44-55
  • Collins amendment #804 (vegetables in school meal programs); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • McCain amendment #739 (critical surface transportation); Tabled: 59-39
  • McCain amendment #741 (ethanol blender pumps and storage facilities); withdrawn
  • Sanders amendment #816 (energy efficiency programs for small businesses); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Coburn amendment #793 (transparency in federally attended and funded conferences); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Coburn amendment #798, as modified (prohibit funds for purchase of new passenger motor vehicles); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Murray amendment #772 (reconstruction of highway facilities damaged by natural disasters or emergencies); Withdrawn
  • Vitter amendment #769, as modified (drug reimportation) Not Agreed To: 45-55 (60-vote threshold)
  • Webb amendment #750, as modified (National Criminal Justice Commission)  Not Agreed To: 57-43 (60-vote threshold)
  • Merkley amendment #879 (freight and rail products made in the US) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 55-44
  • Brown (OH) amendment #874, as modified (Fair Housing Initiatives Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Moran amendment #815, as modified (spending levels for Watershed Protection); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 46-54
  • Landrieu amendment #781 (farmer program loans); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Vitter amendment #917 to Menendez #857 (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-57-1(present)
  • Menendez amendment #857 (extend loan limits for FHA, VA and others) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 60-38-1 present
  • Gillibrand amendment #869 (increase funding for emergency conservation/emergency watershed protection programs); Agreed to: 58-41
  • Lautenberg amendment #836 (Economic Development Assistance Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Bingaman amendment #771, as modified (funds to investigate trade violations); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Sessions amendment #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-58
  • Coburn amendment #791 (prohibit funds for direct payments to individuals with income over $1M); Agreed to: 84-15
  • Coburn amendment #792, as modified (end payments to slumlords) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 59-40
  • Coburn amendment #796 (end lending schemes) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 73-26
  • Ayotte amendment #753 (prohibit funds for prosecutions of enemy combatants in Article III Courts) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 47-52
  • Portman amendment #859 (beam rail elements and terminal sections); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • McCain amendment #892 (Rural Development offices); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Cantwell amendment #893, as modified (infectious salmon); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Cochran amendment #805, as modified (Fossil-fueled electric generating plants); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Burr amendment #890 (transparency of FDA); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Inouye amendment #918 (strike provisions re: Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Kyl amendment #912, as modified (US Marshals Service & courthouse security upgrades); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Rubio amendment #898 (Evaluation of Gulf Coast Claims Facility); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Thune amendment #809 (reimbursement for expenditures made in reliance of a grant erroneously awarded); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Hutchison amendment #806; Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Brown (MA)-Kerry amendment #889 (Audits of Fisheries Enforcement Asset Forfeiture Fund); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Coburn amendment #800 (Rural Development Agency); Not Agreed to: 13-85
  • Paul amendment #821 (TIGER grants) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 38-60
  • DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine); Not Agreed to: 44-54
  • Crapo amendment #814 (derivatives – Dodd-Frank); withdrawn
  • Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program); Not Agreed to: 41-57
  • Lee motion to recommit H.R.2112 (FY11 levels); Not Agreed to: 39-60
  • DeMint amendment #764 (eliminate increase in funding); fell on point of order
  • Coburn amendment #794 (government programs annual report); withdrawn
  • Coburn amendment #795 (collect more than $500M from deadbeat developers); withdrawn
  • Coburn amendment #797 (Federal buildings construction/purchase/lease/renovation); withdrawn
  • Coburn amendment #799 (Rural Energy for America Program); withdrawn
  • Coburn amendment #833 (end direct payment program); withdrawn

The Senate will recess from 3:30-4:30pm for a members only briefing on national security issues.

2012 Calendar – 112th Congress, Second Session

Convene – January 23, 2012 (Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday January 16)

4 weeks

February 20 – 24 State Work Period (Presidents’ Day February 20)

5 weeks

March 5- NO VOTE (Monday)

March 12 – NO VOTE (Monday)

March 19 – NO VOTE (Monday)

April 2 – April 13 State Work Period (Passover April 6-7; Good Friday April 6; Easter April 8)

2 weeks

April 30 – May 4 State Work Period

3 weeks

May 28 – June 1 State Work Period (Memorial Day May 28)

4 weeks

July 2 – July 6 State Work Period (Independence Day July 4)

4 weeks

August 6 – September 7 State Work Period (Labor Day September 3)

Target adjournment – TBD

During Tuesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.1769, the Rebuild America Jobs Act. Unless an agreement is reached, this vote will occur Thursday morning.

WRAP UP

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.308, designating November 27, 2011 as “Drive Safer Sunday”.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES

#412 Patricia M. Loui – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for a term expiring January 20, 2015

#414 Larry W. Walther – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for a term expiring January 20, 2013

———————————————–

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on November 1, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER  1, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:05:57 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:00:51 P.M. -S. 1280Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:00:50 P.M. -S. 1280On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 406 – 0 (Roll no. 817).6:54:23 P.M. -S. 1280Considered as unfinished business. S. 1280 — “To amend the Peace Corps Act to require sexual assault risk-reduction and response training, the development of sexual assault protocol and guidelines, the establishment of victims advocates, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Advisory Council, and for other purposes.”6:54:10 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:54:10 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 396 – 9, 2 Present (Roll no. 816).6:30:45 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Considered as unfinished business. H. Con. Res. 13 — “Reaffirming “In God We Trust” as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.”6:30:35 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.6:30:22 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 1.6:06:24 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  6:30 P.M. today.6:05:54 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:05:39 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.6:05:30 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31Considered by unanimous consent. S. Con. Res. 31 — “Directing the Secretary of the Senate to make a correction in the enrollment of S. 1280.”6:05:29 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31Ms. Ros-Lehtinen asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.6:05:09 P.M. -S. 1280At 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.5:41:18 P.M. -S. 1280DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1280.5:41:16 P.M. -S. 1280Considered under suspension of the rules.5:41:01 P.M. -S. 1280Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 1280 — “To amend the Peace Corps Act to require sexual assault risk-reduction and response training, the development of sexual assault protocol and guidelines, the establishment of victims advocates, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Advisory Council, and for other purposes.”5:40:37 P.M. -H.R. 1002Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:40:33 P.M. -H.R. 1002On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.5:25:34 P.M. -H.R. 1002DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1002.5:25:32 P.M. -H.R. 1002Considered under suspension of the rules.5:25:14 P.M. -H.R. 1002Mr. Franks (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1002 — “To restrict any State or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services, providers, or property.”5:24:33 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13At 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.4:48:52 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 13.4:48:50 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Considered under suspension of the rules.4:48:07 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Mr. Forbes moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Con. Res. 13 — “Reaffirming “In God We Trust” as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.”4:47:54 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:47:48 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 1.2:12:28 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximatley 4:45 p.m. today.2:11:50 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to Sudan – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-69).2:10:41 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 sealed envelope from the White House on November 1, 2011, at 12:19 p.m., and said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits a copy of the notice filed earlier with the Federal Register on the national emergency with respect to Sudan.2:09:00 P.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of 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 November 1, 2011, at 9:44 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 394, with amendments, H.R. 368 and S. 1637.2:02:44 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:16 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Schilling to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:02:12 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:00:40 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:26 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 1.12:02:37 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  2:00 P.M. today.12:01:50 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.12:01:37 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable John Campbell to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.12:00:26 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate considers HR2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill:


The Senate Convenes: 3pm October 31, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #249, Stephen A. Higginson, of LA, to be United States Circuit Judge for the 5th Circuit with one hour equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
  • The first roll call vote of the week will be at approximately 5:30pm today on confirmation of the Higginson nomination.
  • On Tuesday, November 1, 2011, when the Senate resumes consideration of H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill (at approximately 11:10am), there will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the following:
  • Coburn #800 (rural development agency);
  • Paul #821 (TIGER grants ) (60-vote threshold);
  • DeMint #763 (epinephrine);
  • Crapo #814 (Dodd-Frank WSR – derivatives) (60-vote threshold);
  • Lee Motion to Recommit (FY11 levels);
  • Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program);
  • Passage of H.R.2112, as amended.
  • Senators should be aware the Senate will recess at 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings and the series of votes listed above will be interrupted to accommodate the caucus meetings.  The Senate will resume voting on the items above, which are not completed prior to 12:15pm, at a time to be determined Tuesday afternoon.

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

  • Crapo amendment #814 (derivatives – Dodd-Frank)
  • Lee motion to recommit H.R.2112 (FY11 levels)
  • DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine)
  • DeMint amendment #764 (eliminate increase in funding)
  • Coburn amendment #794 (government programs annual report)
  • Coburn amendment #795 (collect more than $500M from deadbeat developers)
  • Coburn amendment #797 (Federal buildings construction/purchase/lease/renovation)
  • Coburn amendment #799 (Rural Energy for America Program)
  • Coburn amendment #800 (Rural Development Agency)
  • Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program)
  • Coburn amendment #833 (end direct payment program)

The following amendments have been considered:

  • Cornyn amendment #775, as modified (Operation Fast and Furious); Agreed to: 99-0
  • McCain amendment #740 (eliminate TAA funding for firms); Not Agreed to: 44-55
  • Collins amendment #804 (vegetables in school meal programs); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • McCain amendment #739 (critical surface transportation); Tabled: 59-39
  • McCain amendment #741 (ethanol blender pumps and storage facilities); withdrawn
  • Sanders amendment #816 (energy efficiency programs for small businesses); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Coburn amendment #793 (transparency in federally attended and funded conferences); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Coburn amendment #798, as modified (prohibit funds for purchase of new passenger motor vehicles); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • Murray amendment #772 (reconstruction of highway facilities damaged by natural disasters or emergencies); Withdrawn
  • Vitter amendment #769, as modified (drug reimportation) Not Agreed To: 45-55 (60-vote threshold)
  • Webb amendment #750, as modified (National Criminal Justice Commission)  Not Agreed To: 57-43 (60-vote threshold)
  • Merkley amendment #879 (freight and rail products made in the US) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 55-44
  • Brown (OH) amendment #874, as modified (Fair Housing Initiatives Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Moran amendment #815, as modified (spending levels for Watershed Protection); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 46-54
  • Landrieu amendment #781 (farmer program loans); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Vitter amendment #917 to Menendez #857 (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-57-1(present)
  • Menendez amendment #857 (extend loan limits for FHA, VA and others) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 60-38-1 present
  • Gillibrand amendment #869 (increase funding for emergency conservation/emergency watershed protection programs); Agreed to: 58-41
  • Lautenberg amendment #836 (Economic Development Assistance Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Bingaman amendment #771, as modified (funds to investigate trade violations); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Sessions amendment #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-58
  • Coburn amendment #791 (prohibit funds for direct payments to individuals with income over $1M); Agreed to: 84-15
  • Coburn amendment #792, as modified (end payments to slumlords) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 59-40
  • Coburn amendment #796 (end lending schemes) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 73-26
  • Ayotte amendment #753 (prohibit funds for prosecutions of enemy combatants in Article III Courts) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 47-52
  • Portman amendment #859 (beam rail elements and terminal sections); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • McCain amendment #892 (Rural Development offices); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Cantwell amendment #893, as modified (infectious salmon); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Cochran amendment #805, as modified (Fossil-fueled electric generating plants); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Burr amendment #890 (transparency of FDA); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Inouye amendment #918 (strike provisions re: Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Kyl amendment #912, as modified (US Marshals Service & courthouse security upgrades); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Rubio amendment #898 (Evaluation of Gulf Coast Claims Facility); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Thune amendment #809 (reimbursement for expenditures made in reliance of a grant erroneously awarded); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Hutchison amendment #806; Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Brown (MA)-Kerry amendment #889 (Audits of Fisheries Enforcement Asset Forfeiture Fund); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent

5:33pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Stephen A. Higginson, of Louisiana, to be a United States Circuit Judge for the 5th Circuit; Confirmed: 88-0

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.1637, Appeal Time Clarification Act of 2011

Passed H.R.368, Removal Clarification Act of 2011

Passed H.R.394, Federal Courts Jurisdiction and Venue Clarification Act of 2011 with committee-reported amendments

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

#103 Eric L. Hirschhorn – to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

#416 Cyrus Amir-Mokri – to be an Assistant Secretary for the Treasury

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

#420 David S. Johanson – to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring December 16, 2018

There will be no roll call votes on Monday, November 14, 2011.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF OCTOBER 31, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION 

 -The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on November 1, 2011.1:03:07 P.M. –PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.1:02:56 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.1:01:52 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.1:01:44 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas J. Rooney to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.1:00:59 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on October 31, 2011.