the Senate Convenes: 10:00amET November 16, 2011

• Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
• Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2354, the Energy & Water Appropriations bill.

Following morning business on Thursday, November 16, 2011, the Senate will begin consideration of S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act. The Senate is now in a period of morning business. There will be no roll call votes today.

12:28pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Yvonne Rogers, of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California. Confirmed: 89-6

Senator Reid expressed his intention to return to the consideration of H.R.2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations Act when the Senate can reach an agreement regarding amendments to that bill. The unofficial transcript of Senator Reid’s remarks is below.

17:01:32 NSP} (MR. REID) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

MR. REID: MR. PRESIDENT, WE STARTED OUT THIS WEEK HOPING WE COULD COMPLETE A MINIBUS. WHAT THAT MEANS IS TO DO WHAT WE DID A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AND COMPLETE THREE APPROPRIATION BILLS AT THE SAME TIME. WE HAD THREE GOOD SUBJECTS OF THAT, WE HAD THE UNDERLYING BILL WHICH WAS ENERGY AND WATER, WE MOVED FROM THAT WE ADDED TO THAT FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS. WE WERE UNABLE TO GET A CONSENT AGREEMENT THAT WE COULD TREAT THE PACKAGE OF BILLS THE SAME WAY WE TREAT OTHER APPROPRIATION BILLS. THAT IS, THERE IS A — THERE IS — YOU CAN’T LEGISLATE ON AN APPROPRIATION BILL AND IT HAS TO BE A GERMANE AMENDMENT. SO WE DIDN’T GET THAT AGREEMENT WHICH I WAS DISAPPOINTED, IT’S REALLY TOO BAD BUT THAT’S THE WAY IT IS. I ACCEPT THAT. THE BEST NEWS OUT OF THIS IS WE HAVE WITH THE UNDERLYING BILL TWO OF THE FINEST SENATORS THAT WE HAVE IN THE SENATE OR HAVE EVER HAD, ACTUALLY, SENATORS FEINSTEIN AND SENATOR ALEXANDER. THEY ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE, THEY’RE EASY TO WORK WITH, AND THEY UNDERSTAND THAT LEGISLATION IS THE ART OF COMPROMISE. TO WORK THROUGH ISSUES. AND THEY’VE DONE A WONDERFUL JOB IN THE LAST 24 HOURS BREAKING DOWN THE AMENDMENTS. WE HAVE A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS ON THE REPUBLICAN SIDE, A FINITE LIST OF AMENDMENTS. WE SHOULD HAVE THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE OF THOSE VERY QUICKLY. I THINK WE NEED TO WORK IT DOWN A LITTLE MORE, BUT I APPRECIATE VERY MUCH THE GOOD WORK OF SENATOR ALEXANDER AND SENATOR FEINSTEIN. THE NORMAL PROCESS WOULD BE TO PULL THE BILL AND COME BACK SOME OTHER TIME. WE’RE NOT GOING TO DO THAT. WE’RE GOING TO HAVE THE BILL ON THE CALENDAR OF THE SENATE SO WE CAN MOVE TO IT AT A MINUTE’S NOTICE, REALLY. AND WE’LL KEEP THIS AROUND, WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO MOVE TO THAT SOON. WE’RE GOING TO HAVE ALSO AROUND HERE THERE’S DOWN TIME AND THERE WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO FINISH THIS BILL IN A DAY, A DAY AND A HALF ONCE WE GET THESE AMENDMENTS WORKED OUT. THIS WILL GIVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE TO THE DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL. I INDICATED SENATORS LEVIN AND SENATOR McCAIN, WELL MORE THAN A MONTH AGO I WOULD MOVE TO THIS BILL. NOT EVERYTHING IS WORKED OUT IN IT BUT THAT’S NOTHING THAT’S UNUSUAL. THIS IS A HUGE BILL. SENATORS LEVIN, McCAIN, LINDSAY GRAHAM, AND OTHERS HAVE WORKED VERY HARD TO TRY TO WORK OUT ONE OF THE PROBLEM AREAS WE’VE HAD AND SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE THERE. IT REALLY DOESN’T MATTER. I’VE SPOKEN TO ONE DEMOCRATIC SENATOR AND HE STILL ISN’T REAL HAPPY ABOUT THAT INFORMATION THAT’S IN THAT BILL BUT I TOLD HIM THAT WE OFFER AN AMENDMENT VERY QUICKLY AND HE COULD TRY TO ASSERT HIS POSITION. I THINK THAT’S HOW WE SHOULD DO THINGS AROUND HERE.

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the HELP committee and adopted S.Res.302, a resolution expressing support for the goals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, and encouraging the people of the United States to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children.

Discharged the Armed Services committee and adopted S.Res.303, a resolution honoring the life, service, and sacrifice of Captain Colin P. Kelly, Jr., United States Army with a Nelson FL amendment to the preamble

Discharged the Environment and Public Works Committee and adopted S.Res.251, expressing support for improvement in the collection, processing, and consumption of recycled materials throughout the United States.

Adopted S.Res.324, a resolution commemorating the 60^th Anniversary of the United States-Australia alliance.

Adopted S.Res.296, a resolution commemorating the 50^th Anniversary of the Combined Federal Campaign.

Adopted S.Res.326, A resolution designating Thursday, November 17, 2011, as “Feed America Day”.

Adopted S.Res.327, supporting the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month.

Adopted S.Res.328, designating the week of November 14 through 20, 2011, as “Global Entrepreneurship Week/USA”.

Adopted S.Res.329, recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States.

Adopted S.Res.330, Designating January 27, 2012, as a national day of remembrance for Americans who, during the Cold War, worked and lived downwind from nuclear testing sites and were adversely affected by the radiation exposure generated by the above ground nuclear weapons testing.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 16, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION 

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.6:04:37 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.6:04:26 P.M. -H.R. 1791Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:03:59 P.M. -H.R. 1791On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.6:03:45 P.M. -H.R. 1791Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1791 — “To designate the United States courthouse under construction at 101 South United States Route 1 in Fort Pierce, Florida, as the “Alto Lee Adams, Sr., United States Courthouse”.”6:03:41 P.M. -H.R. 2415Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:03:38 P.M. -H.R. 2415On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.6:03:19 P.M. -H.R. 2415Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2415 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11 Dock Street in Pittston, Pennsylvania, as the “Trooper Joshua D. Miller Post Office Building”.”6:02:43 P.M. -H.R. 2660Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:02:41 P.M. -H.R. 2660On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.6:02:29 P.M. -H.R. 2660Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2660 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 122 North Holderrieth Boulevard in Tomball, Texas, as the “Tomball Veterans Post Office”.”6:02:10 P.M. -H.R. 3004Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:02:03 P.M. -H.R. 3004On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.6:00:49 P.M. -H.R. 3004Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3004 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 260 California Drive in Yountville, California, as the “Private First Class Alejandro R. Ruiz Post Office Building”.”5:59:50 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.5:59:49 P.M. -Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 467.5:59:22 P.M. -H.R. 674Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:59:21 P.M. -H.R. 674On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 422 – 0 (Roll no. 853).5:49:58 P.M. -H.R. 822Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:49:58 P.M. -H.R. 822On passage Passed by recorded vote: 272 – 154 (Roll no. 852).5:41:48 P.M. -H.R. 822On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 161 – 263 (Roll no. 851).5:24:49 P.M. -H.R. 822The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.5:14:04 P.M. -H.R. 822DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cicilline 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 limit state reciprocity for carrying a gun for child sex offenders, domestic violence offenders and known or suspected terrorists.5:13:48 P.M. -H.R. 822Mr. Cicilline moved to recommit with instructions to Judiciary.5:12:43 P.M. -H.R. 822The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.5:11:50 P.M. -H.R. 822The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 822.5:11:28 P.M. -H.R. 822On agreeing to the Cicilline amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 146 – 277 (Roll no. 850).5:07:45 P.M. -H.R. 822On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 123 – 299 (Roll no. 849).5:04:02 P.M. -H.R. 822On agreeing to the Cohen amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 150 – 276 (Roll no. 848).5:00:36 P.M. -H.R. 822On agreeing to the Johnson (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 144 – 281 (Roll no. 847).4:55:49 P.M. -H.R. 822On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 139 – 284 (Roll no. 846).4:52:51 P.M. -H.R. 822On agreeing to the Hastings (FL) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 148 – 277 (Roll no. 845).4:47:31 P.M. -H.R. 822On agreeing to the McCarthy (NY) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 147 – 274 (Roll no. 844).4:43:22 P.M. -H.R. 822On agreeing to the Woodall amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 140 – 283 (Roll no. 843).4:15:03 P.M. -H.R. 822On agreeing to the Reichert amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.4:07:56 P.M. -H.R. 822DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 463, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Reichert amendment No. 10.4:07:35 P.M. -H.R. 822An amendment, offered by Mr. Reichert, numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-283 to require a GAO study on the ability of state and local law enforcement authorities to verify the validity of out-of-state concealed firearms permits.4:07:18 P.M. -H.R. 822POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cicilline amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith(TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:59:36 P.M. -H.R. 822DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 463, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cicilline amendment No. 9.3:59:14 P.M. -H.R. 822An amendment, offered by Mr. Cicilline, numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-283 to limit the bill from taking effect in a state until the State Attorney General, head of the State police, and the Secretary of State have jointly certified that the other state’s carry laws are substantially similar to its own licensing or permitting requirements.3:58:16 P.M. -H.R. 822POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Jackson Lee (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:50:27 P.M. -H.R. 822DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 463, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 8.3:50:02 P.M. -H.R. 822An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX), numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-283 to require a person provide at least 24 hours notice to a law enforcement officer of the State of the intention to possess or carry a concealed handgun in the State.3:49:00 P.M. -H.R. 822POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cohen amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Cohen demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:40:47 P.M. -H.R. 822DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 463, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cohen amendment No. 7.3:40:24 P.M. -H.R. 822An amendment, offered by Mr. Cohen, numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-283 to exempt from the bill any State law requiring a person to be at least 21 years of age to possess or carry a concealed handgun.3:40:00 P.M. -H.R. 822POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Johnson (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:32:08 P.M. -H.R. 822DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 463, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Johnson (GA) amendment No. 6.3:31:44 P.M. -H.R. 822An amendment, offered by Mr. Johnson (GA), numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-283 to require the possession or carrying of a concealed handgun in a state to be subject to that state’s law regarding concealed carry in regards to firearm safety training that includes live-fire exercise.3:30:00 P.M. -H.R. 822POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:23:35 P.M. -H.R. 822DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 463, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 4.3:23:26 P.M. -H.R. 822An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX), numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-283 to require a state to create a comprehensive database that would contain all permits and licenses issued by the State for carrying a concealed weapon and would make this comprehensive database available to law enforcement officers from all states 24 hours a day.3:23:00 P.M. -H.R. 822POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Chabot demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:14:50 P.M. -H.R. 822DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 463, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment No. 3.3:14:43 P.M. -H.R. 822An amendment, offered by Mr. Hastings (FL), numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-283 to exempt states from issuing a carry permit on the basis of state reciprocity which do not require individuals to apply for and complete a carry permit application at their local law enforcement station.3:14:19 P.M. -H.R. 822POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McCarthy (NY) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. McCarthy (NY) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:05:58 P.M. -H.R. 822DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 463, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McCarthy (NY) amendment No. 2.3:05:38 P.M. -H.R. 822An amendment, offered by Mrs. McCarthy (NY), numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-283 to specify that the legislation can only go into effect in states that have passed legislation enacting the bill.3:05:13 P.M. -H.R. 822POSTPONED 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 ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.2:55:31 P.M. -H.R. 822DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 463, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Woodall amendment No. 1.2:55:04 P.M. -H.R. 822An amendment, offered by Mr. Woodall, numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-283 to protect the rights of states that already have reciprocal agreements in place for the concealed carry of firearms to continue enforcing those preexisting agreements.1:41:38 P.M. -H.R. 822GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 822.1:41:27 P.M. -H.R. 822The Speaker designated the Honorable Candice S. Miller to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.1:41:26 P.M. -H.R. 822House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 463 and Rule XVIII.1:41:03 P.M. -H.R. 822Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 822 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. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution waives all points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, now printed in the bill. The resolution waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report.1:40:58 P.M. -H.R. 822Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 463. H.R. 822 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide a national standard in accordance with which nonresidents of a State may carry concealed firearms in the State.”1:38:52 P.M. -H.R. 674POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – 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.1:05:26 P.M. -H.R. 674DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on concurring in the Senate amendment to H.R. 674.1:04:41 P.M. -H.R. 674Mr. Camp moved that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment.1:03:47 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.1:03:42 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 16.12:43:16 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.12:02:35 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 20 per side of the aisle.12:01:57 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Walberg to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:01:53 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:00:22 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:19 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 16.11:15:47 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:01:48 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.10:01:41 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Kenny Marchant to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:00 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.