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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

11/10/2011 Nativegrl77

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 50^th 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.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate debates/votes HR2112

10/20/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convened at 10:00amET October 20, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill.
At 12:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Heather Higginbottom to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget with two minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Conrad and Sessions or their designees.
At approximately 12:02pm, the Senate will conduct up to 3 roll call votes in relation to the following:

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #78, the nomination of Heather A. Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget
Vitter amendment #769, as modified (drug importation) (60-vote threshold);
Webb amendment #750 (Criminal Justice Commission) (60-vote threshold);
At approximately 2:00pm, the Senate will conduct up to 4 roll call votes in relation to the following:

Merkley amendment #879, to be modified with the changes at the desk (freight and rail products made in the US)
Brown amendment #874, to be modified with the changes at the desk (Fair Housing Initiatives Program) (60-vote threshold)
Moran amendment #815 (Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act)
Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants) (60-vote threshold)
Additional roll call votes in relation to amendments H.R.2112 are expected during Thursday’s session in an effort to complete action on the bill. As a reminder to all Senators, Senator Reid filed cloture on the substitute amendment and the bill during Wednesday’s session of the Senate.
Also during Wednesday’s session of the Senate, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #204, S.1723, the Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act. Additionally, Senator McConnell filed cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #205, S.1726, the Withholding Tax Relief Act.

The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to the Inouye substitute amendment #738 and H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill is 1:00pm today. If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

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

Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills)
Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan)
Landrieu amendment #781 (farmer program loans)
Coburn amendment #791 (prohibit funds for direct payments to individuals with income over $1M)
Coburn amendment #792, as modified (end payments to slumlords)
Ayotte amendment #753 (prohibit funds for prosecutions of enemy combatants in Article III Courts)
Crapo amendment #814 (derivatives – Dodd-Frank)
Merkley amendment #879 (freight and rail products made in the US)
Moran amendment #815 (spending levels for Watershed Protection)
Bingaman amendment #771, as modified (funds to investigate trade violations)
Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants)
Menendez amendment #857 (extend loan limits for FHA, VA and others)
Lee motion to recommit H.R.2112 (FY11 levels)
Sessions amendment #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program)
DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine)
DeMint amendment #764 (eliminate increase in funding)
Lautenberg amendment #836 (Economic Development Assistance Program)
Gillibrand amendment #869 (increase funding for emergency conservation/emergency watershed protection programs)

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)

At approximately 12:00pm today, the Senate will conduct up to 3 roll call votes in relation to the following:

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #78, the nomination of Heather A. Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget
Vitter amendment #769, as modified (drug importation) (60-vote threshold);
Webb amendment #750 (Criminal Justice Commission) (60-vote threshold);

1:00pm filing deadline for all first degree amendments.

At approximately 2:00pm today, the Senate will conduct up to 4 roll call votes in relation to the following:

Merkley amendment #879, to be modified with the changes at the desk (freight and rail products made in the US)
Brown amendment #874, to be modified with the changes at the desk (Fair Housing Initiatives Program) (60-vote threshold)
Moran amendment #815 (Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act)
Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants) (60-vote threshold)

Additional roll call votes are expected today in an effort to complete action on H.R.2112.

We also hope to vote on confirmation of John Bryson to be Secretary of Commerce.

Additionally, cloture was filed on the motions to proceed to S.1723, the Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act and S.1726, the Withholding Tax Relief Act. Unless an agreement is reached, these cloture votes will occur on Friday.

By unanimous consent, the Murray amendment #772 (reconstruction of highway facilities damaged by natural disasters or emergencies) was withdrawn.

VOTES

12:52pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Webb amendment #750 (To establish a National Criminal Justice Commission) Not Agreed To: 57-43

12:02pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Merkley amendment #879 (rail freight manufactured in the US) (60-vote threshold) Not Agreed To: 55-44

The Senate agreed to the Moran amendment #815 by voice vote.

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

Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills)
Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan)
Landrieu amendment #781 (farmer program loans)
Coburn amendment #791 (prohibit funds for direct payments to individuals with income over $1M)
Coburn amendment #792, as modified (end payments to slumlords)
Ayotte amendment #753 (prohibit funds for prosecutions of enemy combatants in Article III Courts)
Crapo amendment #814 (derivatives – Dodd-Frank)
Bingaman amendment #771, as modified (funds to investigate trade violations)
Menendez amendment #857 (extend loan limits for FHA, VA and others)
Lee motion to recommit H.R.2112 (FY11 levels)
Sessions amendment #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program)
DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine)
DeMint amendment #764 (eliminate increase in funding)
Lautenberg amendment #836 (Economic Development Assistance Program)
Gillibrand amendment #869 (increase funding for emergency conservation/emergency watershed protection programs)

The following amendments have been considered and VOTES taken

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

7:23pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of John Edgar Bryson to be Secretary of Commerce; Confirmed: 74-26

We are close to reaching an agreement to begin a long series of roll call votes shortly—in the next 5-10 minutes or so. The first votes will be on the following:

– Cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1723, Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act of 2011

– Cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1726, Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2011

Further, we expect to lock in an agreement on a path forward on HR, 2112, the Agriculture/CJS/THUD appropriations bill. The subsequent votes will be in relation to the appropriations bill.

When the agreement is reached, another message will be sent.

The Senate will conduct up to 27 votes, with 17 expected roll call votes, in relation to the following shortly:

– cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1723

– cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1726

– Landrieu #781, as modified, with the changes which are at the desk (expected voice vote);

– Kohl #755 (expected voice vote);

-Vitter #917 to Menendez #857 (60-vote threshold);

– Menendez #857 (60-vote threshold);

– Gillibrand #869;

– Lautenberg #836;

– Bingaman #771, as modified (expected voice vote);

– Sessions #810 (60-vote threshold);

– Coburn #791;

– Coburn #792 (60-vote threshold);

– Coburn #796 (60-vote threshold);

– Coburn #800;

– Paul #821 (60-vote threshold);

– Portman #859 (expected voice vote);

– McCain #892 (expected voice vote);

– Cantwell #893, as modified with the changes that are at the desk (expected voice vote);

– Cochran #805 (expected voice vote);

– Burr #890 (expected voice vote);

– DeMint #763;

– Inouye #918 (expected voice vote);

– Ayotte #753 (60-vote threshold);

– Crapo #814 (60-vote threshold);

– Kyl #919(expected voice vote); and

– Lee Motion to Recommit.

– Cloture on the substitute amendment #738

That there will be no amendments or points of order against any of the amendments in order prior to the votes other than budget points of order.

There will be two minutes equally divided in the usual form prior to each vote; all votes after the first vote will be 10 minute in duration.

If cloture is invoked, the substitute amendment will be agreed to and the Senate will resume consideration of the bill at 4:00pm, Monday, October 31st and proceed to votes in relation to any remaining germane pending amendments in the order they were offered; further, upon disposition of any pending germane amendments, the bill, as amended, will be read a third time, and the Senate will proceed to vote on passage of the bill with no intervening action or debate; when the Senate receives a message from the House with respect to H.R.2112, the Senate will insist on its amendment, request, or agree to, a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair will be authorized to appoint the following conferees – Kohl, Harkin, Feinstein, Johnson (SD), Nelson (NE), Pryor, Brown (OH), Inouye, Murray, Mikulski, Blunt, Cochran, McConnell, Collins, Moran, Hoeven, Hutchison and Shelby.

If cloture is not invoked on the substitute amendment #738, as amended, cloture on the underlying bill be vitiated; and the bill be returned to the calendar in status quo.

9:55pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reid motion to proceed to S.1723, Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act of 2011. Not Agreed To: 50-50

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 21, 2011.

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Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate

10/19/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convened at 9:30amET October 19, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one
hour with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the
Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final
half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of
H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill. The
time until 12:00pm will be equally divided and controlled between the Leaders or
their designees. At approximately 12:00pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call
vote in relation to the McCain amendment #739 (critical surface transportation).
Additional roll call votes are expected during WednesdayThe following amendments are pending to H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and
Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill:
- Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills)
- Webb amendment #750, as modified (National Criminal Justice Commission)
- Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan)
- Murray amendment #772 (reconstruction of highway facilities damaged by
  natural disasters or emergencies)
- McCain amendment #741 (ethanol blender pumps and storage facilities)
- Sanders amendment #816 (energy efficiency programs for small businesses)
- Landrieu amendment #781 (farmer program loans)
- Vitter amendment #769 (drug reimportation)
- Coburn amendment #791 (prohibit funds for direct payments to individuals
  with income over $1M)
- Coburn #792 (end payments to slumlords)

The previous order has been amended to consider 3 District Judges at noon.
There are now 2 roll call votes expected at approximately 12:10pm in
relation to the Mariani nomination and the McCain amendment #739. The
details of the agreement are below.

At noon, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the
following nominations with 10 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled
between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees:

Calendar #272, Mark Raymond Hornak to be US District Judge for the Western
District of Pennsylvania
Calendar #273, Robert David Mariani, to be US District Judge for the Middle
District of Pennsylvania
Calendar #274, Robert N. Scola, Jr., to be US District Judge for the
Southern District of Florida

The Hornak and Scola nominations will be confirmed by unanimous consent; the
Mariani nomination will require a roll call vote. The Senate will then resume
Legislative Session and consideration H.R.2112 with two minutes of debate
equally divided and controlled between Senators McCain and Boxer or their
designees prior to the vote in relation to the McCain amendment #739.

Senator Harkin asked unanimous consent the HELP Committee be authorized to meet
in Executive Session today for the consideration of a bill to reauthorize the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Senator Paul then objected to Senator
Harkin’s request.

The Senate has reached an agreement that the next first degree amendments in order to be called up and made pending to H.R.2112 and the substitute amendment #738 be the following:

– Ayotte #753 (prohibit funds for coastal and marine spatial planning);

– Crapo #814 (implementation of provisions of title VII of Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform);

– Moran #815 (Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act);

– Coburn #793 (Transparency in federally attended and funded conferences);

– Coburn #798, as modified, with the changes that are at the desk (prohibit funds for purchase of new passenger motor vehicles);

– DeMint #763 (prohibit funds to implement regulations regarding removal of essential-use designation for epinephrine);

– DeMint #764 (Eliminate increase in funding);

– Grassley #860 (accountability in federal grant programs administered by DOJ);

– Sessions #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program);

– Lautenberg #836 (additional funding for Economic Development Assistance Programs);

– Brown #874 (increase funds to carry out section 561 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987, with offset);

– Merkley #879 (limit appropriations for freight and rail transportation unless products used are manufactured in US);

– Bingaman #771 (funds to investigate trade violations);

– Gillibrand #869 (increase funding for emergency conservation/emergency watershed protection programs);

– Feinstein #855 (Farm Service Agency must enforce certain average adjusted gross income limitations); and

– Menendez #857 (extend loan limits for FHA, VA and others).

Further, that a motion to recommit from Senator Lee be in order; that, if offered, the motion be set aside and the Senate return to the consideration of the pending amendments.

The Ayotte amendment #753 (prohibit funds for prosecutions of enemy combatants in Article III Courts), the Crapo amendment #814 (implementation of title VII of Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform) and the Merkley amendment #879 (limit appropriations for freight and rail transportation unless products used are manufactured in US) are now pending to H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill.

Additionally, Senator Vitter modified his amendment #769 (drug importation) with the changes at the desk.

The Moran amendment #815 (Watershed Protection and Flood Protection Act) and the Bingaman amendment #771, as modified with the changes at the desk (funds to investigate trade violations) are now pending to H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill.

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

Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills)
Webb amendment #750, as modified (National Criminal Justice Commission)
Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan)
Murray amendment #772 (reconstruction of highway facilities damaged by natural disasters or emergencies)
Sanders amendment #816 (energy efficiency programs for small businesses)
Landrieu amendment #781 (farmer program loans)
Vitter amendment #769, as modified (drug reimportation)
Coburn amendment #791 (prohibit funds for direct payments to individuals with income over $1M)
Coburn amendment #792, as modified (end payments to slumlords)
Ayotte amendment #753 (prohibit funds for prosecutions of enemy combatants in Article III Courts)
Crapo amendment #814 (derivatives – Dodd-Frank)
Merkley amendment #879 (freight and rail products made in the US)
Moran amendment #815 (spending levels for Watershed Protection)
Bingaman amendment #771, as modified (funds to investigate trade violations)
Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants)
Menendez amendment #857 (extend loan limits for FHA, VA and others)
Lee motion to recommit H.R.2112 (FY11 levels)
Sessions amendment #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program)
DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine)
DeMint amendment #764 (eliminate increase in funding)
Lautenberg amendment #836 (Economic Development Assistance Program)

The following amendments have been considered and voted on

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

VOTES

12:10pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Robert David
Mariani to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of
Pennsylvania; Confirmed: 82-17

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

Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants)
Menendez amendment #857 (extend loans limits for FHA, VA and others)
Lee motion to recommit the bill (FY2011 levels)
Sessions amendment #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program)

Additionally, Senator Coburn modified his amendment #792 with the changes at the desk.

During Wednesday’s session of the Senate, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #204, S.1723, the Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act.

Senator McConnell then filed cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #205, S.1726, the Withholding Tax Relief Act.

Additionally, Senator Reid announced there will be no further roll call votes during today’s session of the Senate.

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed Calendar #125, S.894, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011

Adopted S.Res.299, designating October 2011 as “National Work and Family Month”.

Adopted S.Res.300, supporting the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

———————————————————————————————-

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 21, 2011.

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Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate

10/18/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convened at 10:00amET October 18, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in 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.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation Appropriations bill.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly
caucus meetings.
We will work on an agreement with respect to the amendments pending to
H.R.2112 and notify Senators when votes are scheduled.

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

Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills)
Webb amendment #750, as modified (National Criminal Justice Commission)
Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan)
Cornyn amendment #775 (Operation Fast and Furious)
Murray amendment #772 (reconstruction of highway facilities damaged by
natural disasters or emergencies)
McCain amendment #739 (critical surface transportation)
McCain amendment #740 (eliminate TAA funding for firms)
McCain amendment #741 (ethanol blender pumps and storage facilities)

11:45am The Senate has resumed consideration of HR 2112, Agriculture/CJS/THUD
appropriations bill.

Senator McCain has offered the following amendments:

McCain #739 (Critical surface transportation)
McCain #740 (Eliminate funding for TAA for firms program)
McCain #741 (Ethanol blender pumps/storage facilities)

LEGISLATIVE
ITEMS

Passed S.270, La Pine Land Conveyance

Passed S.292, Salmon Lake Conveyance

Passed S.333, Little Wood River Ranch hydro license

Passed S.334, American Falls Reservoir hydro license

Passed S.404, a bill to modify a land grant patent issued by the Secretary of
the Interior

Passed H.R.489, C.C. Cragin Dam and Reservoir

Passed H.R.470, Hoover Dam

Passed H.R.765, Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement

Discharged Energy and Passed S.925, Mt. Andrea Lawrence Designation Act of
2011

Adopted S.Con.Res.32, correcting the enrollment of H.R.470, Hoover Dam

Adopted S.Res.298, expressing support for the designation of October 20,
2011, as the “National Day on Writing”.

EXECUTIVE
ITEMS

Confirmed #429 Dan W. Mozena – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People’s Republic of
Bangladesh

Confirmed #430 Robert A. Mandell — to be Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Luxembourg

Confirmed #431 Thomas Charles Krajeski — to be Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Bahrain

Confirmed #432 Susan Denise Page — to be Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of South
Sudan

Confirmed #433 Adrienne S. O’Neal — to be Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Cape
Verde

Confirmed #434 Mary Beth Leonard — to be Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Mali

Confirmed #435 Mark Francis Brzezinski — to be Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Sweden

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF OCTOBER 18, 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 10:00 a.m. on October 21, 2011.

11:03:05 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 the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on October 17, 2011 at 12:26 p.m.: That the Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 31.11:02:35 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.11:02:30 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.11:01:05 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Andrea Martin, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Washington, DC.11:00:54 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.11:00:40 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.