Tag Archives: McCain

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Bush is Gone, But His Judges Are Here to Stay


By 

Filibuster Wars Return

Following a brief detente over executive branch nominations over the past few months, Republicans yesterday went back to their same old obstructionist ways.

First, Republicans used the filibuster to block an up-or-down vote on Rep. Mel Watt, who has been nominated to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency, an important agency that oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This is the first time since the Reconstruction Era that a sitting Member of Congress has been denied confirmation. Watt is also the first African-American FHFA nominee.

Republicans then filibustered the nomination of Patricia Millett for the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, despite her sterling credentials as one of the most well-respected members of the Supreme Court bar, previous experience in both Democratic and Republican administrations, and the support of conservative legal luminaries like Ken Starr and Ted Olson.

The D.C. Circuit is second only to the Supreme Court in importance. It hears cases involving key national security issues and federal regulations like environmental and labor rules. During the Bush administration, all 11 seats on the court were happily filled by Republicans. But now that three vacancies have opened up, they are refusing to allow votes on President Obama’s nominees.

It’s no secret why — conservatives currently have a stranglehold on this important court and Republicans want to keep it that way. Of the eight current judges, four were appointed by Republicans and four were appointed by Democrats; however, five of six semi-retired senior judges who still hear cases were appointed by Republicans.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) indicated that Obama’s nominees will be voted on again and not-so-subtly threatened to change the filibuster rules if Republicans continue their blockade.

Why Courts Matter

The last 24 hours have provided important reminders about why the courts — and federal appeals courts in particular — matter.

In Texas, a three-judge panel of conservative Bush-appointed judges overruled an earlier ruling and reinstated Texas’ draconian new restrictions on abortion. The restrictions forced about one-third of Texas abortion clinics to close. Today.

And then this morning, D.C. Circuit Judge Janice Rogers Brown, one of Bush’s most radical appointees, issued a ruling against the Obamacare mandate that requires insurers to offer no-cost birth control.

Both of these vital cases will likely head to the Supreme Court, which also continues to be controlled by Republican-appointed justices, where they will face an uncertain fate.

BOTTOM LINE: The courts matter and it’s important that President Obama be allowed to exercise his constitutional duty to fill vacancies on the D.C. Circuit, other federal appeals courts, and district courts. Unless more progressive judges make it on to the bench, radical judges appointed by Bush and other Republicans will continue to try and drag the country backward and undermine hard won progressive victories.

Had enough? Click HERE to tell your senators that enough is enough and it’s time to allow a vote on the president’s nominees.

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Become a Charter Member


NMAAHC -- National Museum of African American History and Culture

Join NowThank you for spreading the word about the Smithsonian’s newest museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). However, not a roof beam can be raised, a nail hammered, or a window set into place without the steadfast commitment from friends like you.
That is why I hope you’ll become a Charter Member of the Museum. Every dollar you can give brings us one step closer to the day we open the doors on what will truly be a great addition to the Smithsonian’s family of museums.
The NMAAHC will present the dark days of slavery and also celebrate individual heroism and collective resiliency that was the Civil Rights Movement to the triumph of the election of the first African American president and beyond. But this history is not solely for African Americans. This history is America’s history.
Our challenge now is to raise the money we need to build this exciting addition to the American cultural landscape. Of the $500 million needed, Congress has committed to provide half of the funds required to build the Museum. This means we need your help to raise the additional $250 million in private donations to open the doors of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2015.
We broke ground in February 2012, but to continue construction, your generous support of the Museum as a Charter Member is critical. In return, you’ll be eligible for many special benefits:

  • For your gift of $25, you will receive a 10% discount at all Smithsonian gift shops and online, special E-updates about Museum events, programs and exhibitions, and your name added to the Museum’s prestigious electronic Honor Roll of Charter Members to be displayed at the Museum.
  • For your gift of $40, you will also receive a beautiful 8.5″ x 11″ Certificate of Appreciation, perfect for framing and proudly displaying your support of the Museum.
  • For your gift of $100, you will also receive the double CD Every Tone a Testimony, a fascinating aural history of African Americans in words, music and poetry.
  • For your gift of $250, you will also receive the book Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits, a beautiful collection of portraits and stories of prominent African Americans.

Please don’t delay in becoming a Charter Member. We need your help to build this great Museum. . With your help, we’ll build this important museum to honor the great legacy of the African American experience.
Sincerely,


Lonnie Bunch
Director
National Museu
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Today on ThinkProgress


By ThinkProgress War Room

Today’s Top Three

The Progress Report is on hiatus for the rest of November. In the meantime, check out three important posts from ThinkProgress you don’t want to miss today:

1. The Ultimate Guide To McCain’s Smear Campaign Against Susan Rice

2. Maine GOP Head Suspects Voter Fraud Because ‘Dozens, Dozens Of Black People’ Voted

3. Private Prison Company Allegedly Partnered With Violent Gangs To Save Money

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate


the Senate Convened at 9:00amET November 18, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act.
  • Senators are encouraged to offer their amendments during Friday’s session.
  • There will be no roll call votes on Friday. The next roll call vote will be at approximately 5:30pm on Monday, November 28, 2011.

The following amendments are pending to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act:

  • Levin amendment #1092 (counterfeit electronic parts)
  • Kirk amendment #1084 (Iran Sanctions)
  • Leahy amendment #1072 (National Guard)
  • Paul amendment #1064 (repeal of Military Force Against Iraq Authorization Resolution)
  • Merkley amendment #1174 (Afghanistan)
  • Feinstein amendment #1125 (limiting military custody of detainees to those captured abroad)
  • Feinstein amendment #1126 (prohibiting military authority to indefinitely detain US citizens)
  • Udall (CO) amendment #1107 (review of military custody of detainees)
  • Landrieu amendment #1115 (SBIR)
  • Franken amendment #1197 (small business contractors)
  • Cardin amendment #1073 (DC National Guard Youth Challenge Expansion)
  • Begich amendment #1114 (National Guard and Survivors)
  • Begich amendment #1149 (Land conveyance, AK)
  • Shaheen amendment #1120 (access to reproductive healthcare for servicewomen)
  • Collins amendment #1105 (certification requirements for transfer detainees)
  • Collins amendment #1155 (education assistance for physical therapy programs)
  • Collins amendment #1158 (Gitmo)
  • Collins amendment #1180 (man-portable air-defense systems originating from Libya)
  • Inhofe amendment #1094 (Dept of Commerce in contract authority)
  • Inhofe amendment #1095 (mental health counseling)
  • Inhofe amendment #1096 (treatment options for TBI and PTSD)
  • Inhofe amendment #1097 (psychological programs and TBI)
  • Inhofe amendment #1098 (foreign boycotts)
  • Inhofe amendment #1099 (hearing injuries/loss)
  • Inhofe amendment #1100 (products/services produced in Latvia)
  • Inhofe amendment #1101 (C-12 aircraft)
  • Inhofe amendment #1102 (unmanned aerial systems performing airborne inspections)
  • Inhofe amendment #1093 (long term requirements for detainment of high-volume enemy combatants)
  • Casey amendment #1215
  • Casey amendment #1139 (subcontractor notification)
  • Cornyn amendment #1200 (Multirole fighter aircraft to Taiwan)
  • Ayotte amendment #1066 (Audit Readiness Plan)
  • Ayotte amendment #1067, as modified (Congress notification of custody/disposition of Al Qaeda members and affiliate)
  • Ayotte amendment #1068 (Authorize lawful interrogation methods)
  • Brown (MA) amendment #1119 (To protect child custody rights of deployed service members)
  • Brown (MA) amendment #1090 (Housing allowance, Nat’l Guard)
  • Brown (MA) amendment #1089 (Disclosure from institutions providing tuition assistance programs from DOD)
  • Wicker amendment #1056 (Military Chaplains, marriage choice)
  • Wicker amendment #1116 (Career assistance re: commercial motor vehicles)
  • Udall (NM) amendment #1153 (Aviation smuggling provisions re: ultralight vehicles)
  • Udall (MN) amendment #1154 (Open burn pits)
  • Udall (NM) amendment #1202 (Buy America Act re: photovoltaic devices)
  • Corker amendment #1171 (prohibits funding of security forces in Pakistan)
  • Corker amendment #1172 (Coalition Support Fund re: Pakistan)
  • Corker amendment #1173 (SoS NATO)
  • Bingaman amendment #1117 (White Sands Missile Range & Fort Bliss)
  • Gillibrand amendment #1187 (defense IT/cyber workforce)
  • Gillibrand amendment #1211 (National Guard counseling and reintegration services)
  • Merkley amendment #1239 (Fry Spouse Scholarship)
  • Merkley amendment #1256 (Afghanistan)
  • Merkley amendment #1257 (Afghanistan)
  • Merkely amendment #1258 (HUBZone)
  • Leahy amendment #1087 (FOIA)
  • Leahy amendment #1186 (contracting)
  • Wyden amendment #1160 (Umatilla Army Chemical Depot)
  • Wyden amendment #1253 (reserve member reintegration)
  • Graham amendment #1179
  • McCain amendment #1230, as modified
  • Heller amendment #1137 (make Jerusalem the capital of Israel)
  • Heller amendment #1138 (repatriation of US military remains from Libya)
  • McCain amendment #1247 (defense funds for Guam)
  • McCain amendment #1246 (US military force structure in Pacific)
  • McCain amendment #1229 (cyber security agreement btw DoD and Dept of Homeland Security)
  • McCain amendment #1249 (cost-Plus Contracting)
  • McCain amendment #1220 (AK Native Corporation contracting)
  • McCain amendment #1132 (statement of budgetary resource auditability)
  • McCain amendment #1248 (ship repairs in the Northern Marianas)
  • McCain amendment #1250 (report on Probation of the F-35B program)
  • McCain amendment #1118 (surcharges collected by commissary stores)
  • Sessions amendment #1182 (Army Brigade Combat teams)
  • Sessions amendment #1183 (Nuclear Triad)
  • Sessions amendment #1184 (Naval Surface Vessels)
  • Sessions amendment #1185 (Missile Defense)
  • Sessions amendment #1274 (detention of enemy combatants)
  • Reed amendment #1146 (military technicians re: personnel category)
  • Reed amendment #1147 (military technicians re: bonuses)
  • Reed amendment #1148 (military technicians re: rights)
  • Reed amendment #1204 (pilot program on mental health)
  • Levin amendment #1293 (high speed ferries – Navy)
  • Boxer amendment #1206 (defense contractors’ salaries)
  • Menendez amendment #1292 (bank of Iran)
  • Reed amendment #1294 (consumer credit protections for members of the Armed Forces)
  • Chambliss amendment #1304 (Air Force Material Command)
  • Brown (OH) amendment #1259 (domestic manufactures to defense supply chain opportunities)
  • Brown (OH) amendment #1260 (Buy American re: specialty metal)
  • Brown (OH) amendment #1261 (small business HUBZones)
  • Brown (OH) amendment #1262 (DoD procurement, specialty metals)
  • Brown (OH) amendment #1263 (John Kunkel Army Reserve Center, OH)
  • Leahy amendment #1080 (applicability of requirements of military custody of detainees)
  • Wyden amendment #1296 (report re: indemnification of DoD contracts)
  • Pryor amendment #1151 (gratuity for Reserves)
  • Pryor amendment #1152 (authorize Reserves as veterans)
  • Nelson (FL) amendment #1209 (Survivor Benefit Plan)
  • Nelson (FL) amendment #1210 (DDG-51 class destroyers, FL)
  • Nelson (FL) amendment #1236 (flag officer positions – Air Force)
  • Nelson (FL) amendment #1255 (burn pit exposure at Joint Base Balad)
  • McCain amendment #1281 (transfer arms to Georgia)
  • Blunt amendment #1133 (employment rights for National Guard)
  • Blunt amendment #1134 (naming Navy vessels)
  • Murkowski amendment #1286 (DoD IG report – TRICARE)
  • Murkowski amendment #1287 (limit retirement of C-23)
  • Rubio amendment #1290 (strike national security waiver authority for military custody)
  • Rubio amendment #1291 (strike national security waiver authority -Gitmo)
The following amendments have been considered:
  • Ayotte amendment #1065 (force structure for strategic airlift aircraft) agreed to by unanimous consent
  • Cardin amendment #1188 (expand Operation Hero Miles); agreed to by voice vote
  • McCain amendment #1071 (evolved expendable launch vehicle program); agreed to by unanimous consent
  • Roberts amendment #1086 (Captain Emil Kapaun Medal of Honor); agreed to by unanimous consent
  • McCain amendment #1106 (report on status of implementation of Final Report of 2010 Army Acquisition Review panel); agreed to by unanimous consent
  • Casey amendment #1140 (Comptroller General on DoD military spouse employment program); agreed to by unanimous consent
  • Levin amendment #1219 (authority for military reserves to active duty to provide assistance in a disaster or emergency); agreed to by unanimous consent
 

 

At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, but not prior to December 5, 2011, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

  • #363 Edgardo Ramos – to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York
  • #364 Andrew L. Carter, Jr. – to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York
  • #365 James Rodney Gilstrap – to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas
  • #406 Dana L. Christensen – to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana

There will be a total of one hour for debate equally divided between Senators Leahy and Grassley, or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time the Senate proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nominations in the order listed.

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Judiciary Committee and Passed S.1541, a bill to revise the Federal charter for the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. to reflect a change in eligibility requirements for membership.

Adopted S.Res.335, honoring the life and legacy of Evelyn H. Lauder.

Adopted S.Res.336, to permit the collection of clothing, toys, food, and housewares during the holiday season for charitable purposes in Senate buildings.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

#436 Winslow Lorenzo Sargeant – to be Chief Counsel for Advocacy, Small Business Administration

THE JUDICIARY

#445 Catharine Friend Easterly – to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of fifteen years

#446 Corinne Ann Beckwith – to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of fifteen years

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

#447 Ernest Mitchell, Jr. – to be Administrator of the United States Fire Administrator of the United States Fire Administration

FEDERAL RETIREMENT THRIFT INVESTMENT BOARD

#448 Ronald David McCray – to be a Member of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board for a term expiring September 25, 2012

#449 Ronald David McCray — to be a Member of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board for a term expiring September 25, 2016

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

#451 Claude M. Steele – to be a Member of the National Science Board, National Science Foundation, for a term expiring May 10, 2014

#452 Anneila I. Sargent – to be a Member of the National Science Board, National Science Foundation, for a term expiring May 10, 2016

FEDERAL RETIREMENT THRIFT INVESTMENT BOARD

#453 Dana Katherine Bilyeu – to be a Member of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board

NATIONAL CONSUMER COOPERATIVE BANK

#454 Cyrus Amir-Mokri – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Consumer Cooperative Bank

FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

#455 Michael A. Khouri – to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for a term expiring June 30, 2016

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

#457 Robert L. Sumwalt III – to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2016

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

#466 David A. Montoya – to be Inspector General, Department of Housing and Urban Development

THE JUDICIARY

#467 John Francis McCabe – to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

#468 Peter Arno Krauthamer – to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

#469 Danya Ariel Dayson – to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

COURT SERVICES AND OFFENDER SUPERVISION AGENCY FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

#470 Nancy Maria Ware – to be Director of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

#471 Michael A. Hughes – to be United States Marshal for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

FEDERAL RETIREMENT THRIFT INVESTMENT BOARD

#498 David Avren Jones – to be a Member of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board

———————————————————————————————————————————————

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 18, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION 

 House Republicans Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States failed  261 – 165

http://clerk.house.gov/cgi-bin/vote.asp?year=2011&rollnumber=859&TB_iframe=true&height=400&width=650  HRes470  <<< was your member of Congress on the right side of this vote?

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.2:07:00 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.2:06:30 P.M. -H.R. 3321Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:06:21 P.M. -H.R. 3321On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.2:06:00 P.M. -H.R. 3321Mr. LoBiondo asked unanimous consent that the House agree to the Senate amendment.2:05:20 P.M. -Mr. LoBiondo asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, November 25, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 2:00 p.m on Tuesday, November 29, 2011. Agreed to without objection.2:05:10 P.M. -Mr. LoBiondo asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 1:00 p.m on Friday, November 25, 2011. Agreed to without objection.2:05:00 P.M. -Mr. LoBiondo asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, November 18, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. Agreed to without objection.2:03:58 P.M. -H. Res. 470Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:03:52 P.M. -H. Res. 470On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 167 (Roll no. 859).1:57:26 P.M. -H. Res. 470Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 470 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3094) to amend the National Labor Relations Act with respect to representation hearings and the timing of elections of labor organizations under that Act.”1:57:25 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H. Res. 470, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.1:57:23 P.M. -H.J. Res. 2On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 261 – 165 (Roll no. 858).10:08:20 A.M. -H.J. Res. 2DEBATE – The House resumed debate on H.J. Res. 2. When proceedings were postponed on Thursday, November 17, 2011, 2 hours and 42 minutes of debate remained.10:08:03 A.M. -H.J. Res. 2Considered as unfinished business. H.J. Res. 2 — “Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.”10:07:07 A.M. -S. 1637Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.10:07:05 A.M. -S. 1637On passage Passed without objection.10:06:09 A.M. -S. 1637Considered by unanimous consent. S. 1637 — “To clarify appeal time limits in civil actions to which United States officers or employees are parties.”10:06:09 A.M. -S. 1637Mr. Smith (TX) asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.10:06:01 A.M. -H.R. 394Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.10:06:00 A.M. -H.R. 394On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendments Agreed to without objection.10:05:16 A.M. -H.R. 394Mr. Smith (TX) asked unanimous consent that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendments.10:04:30 A.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 November 18, 2011 at 8:52 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 2056, with amendments, H.R. 1059, with an amendment, H.R. 3321 with an amendment, and S. 99.10:03:03 A.M. -H. Res. 470POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 470, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until a time to be announced.10:02:51 A.M. -H. Res. 470The previous question was ordered without objection.9:17:43 A.M. -H. Res. 470DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 470.9:14:33 A.M. -H. Res. 470Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 470 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3094) to amend the National Labor Relations Act with respect to representation hearings and the timing of elections of labor organizations under that Act.”9:03:44 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.9:02:19 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.9:02:13 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.9:00:31 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.9:00:14 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate Considers SJRes27-EPA SJRes6-FCC HR674-the 3% Withholding Repeal Act HR2354-the Energy and Water Appropriations bill


 Call Your Members of Congress – #PASSTHEBILLS

the Senate Convened 9:30amET November 10, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 10:00am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • At 10:00am, the Republican Leader, or his designee, will be recognized to make a motion to proceed to S.J.Res.27, (Cross Border Air Pollution/EPA) with up to 2 hours of debate, equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • At 12:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.6 (Net Neutrality/FCC) with up to five minutes of debate, equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees.
  • At approximately 12:05pm, there will be up to 2 roll call votes in the following order:
  • Motion to proceed to S.J.Res.6, Net Neutrality/FCC (majority threshold)
  • (2 minutes of debate)
  • Motion to proceed to S.J.Res.27, Cross Border Air Protection/EPA (majority threshold)
  • At approximately 2:30pm, there will be up to 4 roll call votes in the following order:
  • McCain second degree amendment #928 (the text of S.1720) (60-vote threshold)
  • Tester amendment #927 (the VOW to Hire Heroes Act)(60-vote threshold)
  • Passage of H.R.674, the 3% Withholding Repeal Act, as amended, if amended
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations bill (the expected vehicle for Energy & Water, Financial Services and Foreign Operations Appropriations bills).
  • Senators should be aware we may get consent to begin the second series of votes earlier.

At approximately 12:05pm, there will be up to 2 roll call votes in relation to the following items:

  • Motion to proceed to S.J.Res.6, Net Neutrality/FCC (majority threshold)
  • (2 minutes of debate)
  • Motion to proceed to S.J.Res.27, Cross Border Air Protection/EPA (majority threshold)

By unanimous consent, the afternoon series of votes will now begin at 1:45pm. Those votes will be in relation to the following items:

  • McCain second degree amendment #928 (the text of S.1720) (60-vote threshold)
  • Tester amendment #927 (the VOW to Hire Heroes Act)(60-vote threshold)
  • Passage of H.R.674, the 3% Withholding Repeal Act, as amended, if amended
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations bill (the expected vehicle for Energy & Water, Financial Services and Foreign Operations Appropriations bills).

12:08pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the McConnell motion to proceed to S.J.Res.6, Net Neutrality/FCC (majority threshold): Not Agreed To: 46-52

12:36pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the McConnell motion to proceed to S.J.Res. 27, Cross Border Air Protection/EPA (majority threshold): Not Agreed To: 41-56

12:49pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the McCain-Paul amendment #928 (the text of S.1720): Not Agreed To: 41-56, 1-present

2:14pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Tester-Murray-Baucus amendment #927 (The VOW to Hire Heroes Act). Agreed To: 94-1; 1-present

2:33pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage HR 674, as amended, 3% Withholding Repeal and Job Creation Act. Passed: 95-0; 1-present

2:52pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to HR 2354, Energy and Water Appropriations. Invoked: 81-14

The Senate is considering the motion to proceed to HR 2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, post-cloture.

There will be no further roll call votes today.

There will be no roll call votes tomorrow or Monday.

The Senate will debate the Energy and Water bill Monday.

Senators should expect a vote on a judge before caucus on Tuesday.

At approximately 11:00am on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following:

  • Cal #354 Sharon L. Gleason, to be United States District Judge for the District of Alaska and
  • Cal #355 Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California

with one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12:00pm), the Senate will conduct up to 2 roll call votes in relation to the nominations in the order listed above.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) McConnell motion to proceed to S.J.Res.6, Net Neutrality/FCC; Not Agreed to: 46-52

2) McConnell motion to proceed to S.J.Res.27, Cross Border Air Pollution/EPA; Not Agreed to: 41-56

3) McCain second degree amendment #928 (the text of S.1720) to the Tester amendment #927 to H.R.674, the 3% Withholding Repeal Act; Not Agreed to: 40-56

4) Tester amendment #927 to H.R.674; Agreed to: 94-1-1(present)

5) Passage of H.R.674, as amended; Passed: 95-0-1(present)

6) Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations bill; Invoked: 81-14

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.363: a bill to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to convey property of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the City of Pascagoula, Mississippi with a Wicker amendment

Passed H.R.398, a bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to toll, during active-duty service abroad in the Armed Forces, the periods of time to file a petition and appear for an interview to remove the conditional basis for permanent resident status, and for other purposes. (by voice vote)

Adopted S.Res.320, designating November 26, 2011, as “Small Business Saturday” and supporting efforts to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses.

Adopted S.Res.321, Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Federal Executive Boards.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

AIR FORCE

#472 Col. Giovanni K. Tuck – to be Brigadier General

#473 Maj. Gen. Robin Rand – to be Lieutenant General

#474 Brig. Gen. Everett H. Thomas – to be Major General

#475 Maj. Gen. Ronnie D. Hawkins to be Lt. Gen.

#476 Col. Judy M. Griego – to be Brigadier General

#477 Maj. Gen. John W. Hesterman, III – to be Lieutenant General

And all nominations on the Secretary’s desk in the Air Force, Army, and Navy

———————————————————————————————————-

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 10, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on November 14, 2011.2:33:48 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 the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-71).2:33:22 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 9, 2011, at 12:54 p.m., and said to contain a message from the President whereby he transmits a notice concerning the national emergency with respect to weapons of mass destruction.2:32:45 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 10, 2011, at 11:23 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 2447.2:32:14 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:32:09 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:31:03 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Alan Keiran, Office of the United States Senate Chaplain.2:30:42 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.2:30:27 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.