Tag Archives: Majority Leader

Do the Math


You Don’t Have to Be an Economist…

If Congress fails to act before the end of the year, every family in the country will see their income taxes automatically go up at the beginning of 2013.

A typical middle class family of four will see their income taxes rise by $2,200.

We can’t let that happen. Our families can’t afford it, and neither can our economy. The thing is, you don’t have to be an economist or economic expert to understand why that’s the case.

Watch this video to see what $2,000 means to a typical middle-class family.

You Don't Have to Be an Economist to Understand What $2,000 Means to Middle-Class Families

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Continuing the Progress in Tribal Communitie​s


The White House

Continuing the Progress in Tribal Communities

Over the past four years, through tribal consultation and the White House Tribal Nations Conferences, President Obama and his Administration have worked to ensure that tribal leaders are directly involved in setting policy priorities. Today, President Obama is hosting the 2012 White House Tribal Nations Conference at the Department of Interior.

This conference continues to build upon the President’s commitment to strengthen the government to government relationship with Indian Country, by providing invited leaders from the 566 federally recognized tribes the opportunity to interact directly with the President and representatives from the highest levels of his Administration. In conjunction with today’s event, the White House released a report, Continuing the Progress in Tribal Communities,” that examines the President’s agenda and how this Administration, by working together with tribes, has made a difference for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The report highlights:

The Administration’s commitment to tribal consultation and collaboration is reflected in each of the above areas of progress. But we know there is still much more work to do, and we look forward to the continued partnership with tribal governments in the months and years ahead.

Download here: Continuing the Progress in Tribal Communities

CONGRESS :


Obama Launches DNC Campaign Tour At Illinois State Capitol

the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 5, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for up to 4 hours with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each (except where noted below) and the time divided as follows:
  • Majority for up to 30 minutes
  • Republicans for up to 30 minutes
  • Senator Grassley for up to 45 minutes
  • Majority for up to 45 minutes
  • Republicans for up to 45 minutes
  • And the Majority for up to 45 minutes.
  • Following morning business (at approximately 2pm), the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.6156, the Russia Trade bill. We expect to complete action on the Russia Trade bill during Wednesday’s session.

Senator Cornyn asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass H.R.6429, the STEM Jobs Act. Senator Schumer objected and then asked consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of S.3553, and the Senate take up and pass S.3553, the BRAINS Act. Senator Cornyn objected to the Schumer request.

H.R.6429, To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote innovation, investment, and research in the United States, to eliminate the diversity immigrant program, and for other purposes.

S.3553, A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to enhance national security, combat illegal immigration, and promote job creation, innovation, investment, and research in the United States, and for other purposes.

At 5pm today the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Executive Calendar #676, the nomination ofMichael P. Shea, of Connecticut, to be US District Judge for the District of Connecticut. There will be up to 30 minutes for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

The Senate has reached an agreement to consider the Russia-Moldova PNTR bill with no amendments in order. There will now be up to 5 hours for debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. Tomorrow, Thursday, December 6, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, there will be up to 10 minutes for debate, equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote on passage of the bill, H.R.6156: Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012.

5:28pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Executive Calendar #676 Michael Shae, of CT, to be United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut;

Confirmed: 72-23

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #676, Michael P. Shea, of CT, to be United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut; Confirmed: 72-23

 

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.3331, Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 with a Kerry amendment by voice vote.

Adopted S.Res.609, a resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Alan Phillip Gross from detention in Cuba by voice vote.

Discharged and adopted S.Res.573, designating the third week of January 2013 as “Teen Cancer Awareness Week.”

Discharged and adopted S.Res.595, 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.

Adopted S.Res.610, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Graduate Research Fellowship Program of the National Science Foundation.

 

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CONGRESS: The Republican led House : the Senate, led by Dem


The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET November 27, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized. The first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • We hope to consider the Disabilities Treaty (Executive Calendar #6, Treaty Document 112-7) during tomorrow’s session.

2:35pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of the motion to proceed to Executive Session for the consideration of Treaty 112-7, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

Agreed to: 61-36

The Senate is in Executive Session considering Treaty 112-7, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with debate only until 6:30pm. The time until 5pm is equally divided and controlled between the proponents and opponents.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider Treaty Document #112-7, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Agreed to: 61-36

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.3642, the Theft of Trade Secrets Clarification Act of 2012.

Adopted S.Res.602, designating 2012-2013 as the “Year of the Korean War Veteran” and recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.3637, FDIC TAG Extension bill. (Reid)

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00p.mET on November 27, 2012.

2:00:07 P.M.   <ACTION_DESCRIPTION>The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:00:19 P.M.   <ACTION_DESCRIPTION>The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
2:00:42 P.M.   <TODAY’S class=hiddenGrammarError title=”Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives” href=”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaplain_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives&#8221; pre=”prayer ” target=”_blank” rel=”wikipedia” House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:02:22 P.M.   <The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:02:25 P.M.   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:54 P.M.   The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 6063.
2:03:27 P.M.   a communication from The Honorable Nydia M. Velazquez. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Velazquez notified the House that she had been served with a subpoena for documents issued by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Kings in connection with civil litigation currently pending before that court and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena is inconsistent with the privileges and precedents of the House.
2:03:44 P.M.   <ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:10:31 P.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 P.M. today.
4:34:56 P.M.   The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 27.
4:35:11 P.M.   will be postponed until a time to be announced.
4:35:18 P.M. H.R. 6025 <>Mrs. Miller (MI) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 6025 — “To provide for annual reports on the status of operational control of the international land and maritime borders of the United States and unlawful entries, and for other purposes.”
4:35:30 P.M. H.R. 6025 <Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:35:33 P.M. H.R. 6025 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6025.
4:42:19 P.M. H.R. 6025 motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:42:22 P.M. H.R. 6025 <>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:42:40 P.M. H.R. 5913 <MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” McCaul moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 5913 — “To create an independent advisory panel to comprehensively assess the management structure and capabilities related to the Department of Homeland Security and make recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of the Department.”
4:42:48 P.M. H.R. 5913 <Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:42:51 P.M. H.R. 5913 <>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5913.
4:53:46 P.M. H.R. 5913 <On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:53:49 P.M. H.R. 5913 >Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:54:18 P.M. H.R. 915 Mr. McCaul moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.
4:54:35 P.M. H.R. 915 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 915.
5:07:00 P.M. H.R. 915 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:07:31 P.M. H.R. 5997 <MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 5997 — “To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify authority under existing grant guidance authorizing use of Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities.”
5:07:42 P.M. H.R. 5997 <Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:07:43 P.M. H.R. 5997 <DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5997.
5:15:47 P.M. H.R. 5997 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:16:17 P.M. H.R. 6328 <MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6328 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to transfer unclaimed clothing recovered at airport security checkpoints to local veterans organizations and other local charitable organizations, and for other purposes.”
5:16:25 P.M. H.R. 6328 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:16:27 P.M. H.R. 6328 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6328.
5:22:59 P.M. H.R. 6328 <On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:23:02 P.M. H.R. 6328 <Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:23:30 P.M.   Mr. Bilirakis asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, it adjourn to meet at noon on Wednesday, November 28, 2012. Agreed to without objection.
5:25:37 P.M.   The House received a communication from Representative Jackson (IL) wherein he resigns as a member of the House of Representatives effective Wednesday, November 21, 2012.
5:26:46 P.M.   <ACTION_DESCRIPTION>ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Jackson, the whole number of the House is 433.
5:27:46 P.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:16 P.M.   The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 27.
6:31:24 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.
6:31:58 P.M. H.R. 5997 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5997 — “To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify authority under existing grant guidance authorizing use of Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities.”
6:57:12 P.M. H.R. 5997 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 397 – 1 (Roll no. 609).
6:57:14 P.M. H.R. 5997 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:07:00 P.M. H.R. 915 <On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 397 – 4 (Roll no. 610).
7:07:01 P.M. H.R. 915 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:11:28 P.M.   The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
9:44:01 P.M.   <MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” Lungren, Daniel E. moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:44:14 P.M.   On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:44:15 P.M.   The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on November 28, 2012.

CONGRESS: the Republicans/House : the Democrats/Senate


11/15/2012 : There will be no further roll call votes during this week’s session of the Senate.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to invoke cloture on S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012; Invoked: 84-12

 LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.1440, the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act with a committee-reported substitute amendment and an Alexander amendment by voice vote.

 Passed H.R.6570, an Act to amend the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to consolidate certain CBO reporting requirements.

 Discharged the HELP committee and adopted S.Res.490, a resolution designating the week of September 16, 2012, as “Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week”, reaffirming the importance of an enhanced and coordinated research effort on mitochondrial diseases, and commending the National Institutes of Health for its efforts to improve the understanding of mitochondrial diseases.

Adopted S.Res.597, a resolution to permit the collection of clothing, toys, food, and house wares during the holiday season for charitable purposes in Senate buildings.

 Adopted S.Res.598, commending and congratulating the San Francisco Giants for winning the 2012 World Series.

 Adopted S.Res.599, expressing vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders, and recognizing and strongly supporting its right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens against acts of terrorism.

 Adopted S.Con.Res.60, a resolution providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate pending the adjournment of the House of Representatives.

 EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

-FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

Executive Calendar #345 Martin J. Gruenberg – to be Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

 -FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

Executive Calendar #519 Thomas Hoenig – to be Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

If the House does not adopt S.Con.Res.60, the adjournment resolution, the Senate will convene on the following dates and at the following times for pro forma sessions only with no business conducted:

– Friday, November 16th at 9:30am

– Tuesday, November 20th at 12:00pm

– Friday, November 23rd at 3:00pm

the Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET November 26, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
  • It will be in order for Senator Sessions or his designee to recognized to make a Budget Act point of order with respect to S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012. Subsequently, it will be order for Senator Reid or his designee to move to waive the point of order.
  • At 5:30pm, all post-cloture time on S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 will be considered expired. The Senate will then proceed to up to two roll call votes:
  • Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to S.3525 (if a point of order and motion to waive are raised)
  • Passage of S.3525, as amended by the Tester substitute amendment #2875

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Watch Live House Floor Proceedings

House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of November 16, 2012

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