Tag Archives: McConnell

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.954, the Farm bill. We will continue to work through amendments to the Farm bill during Wednesday’s session of the Senate.
At 4:00pm, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of Calendar #43, S.Res.65, resolution strongly supporting the full implementation of United States and international sanctions on Iran and urging the President to continue to strengthen enforcement of sanctions legislation.
- There will be 60 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form.
- Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:00pm), there will be a roll call vote in relation to the resolution. If the resolution is agreed to, the preamble will be agreed to.
During Tuesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Unless an agreement is reached, Senators should expect that cloture vote on Thursday morning.
This morning Senator McConnell asked unanimous consent that the Senate vote on Tuesday, June 4, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, following consultation with the Republican Leader, on confirmation of Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Senator Reid objected and explained some of his frustrations over continued Republican delay on nominations. As a reminder, Senator Reid filed cloture on the Srinivasan nomination last night and the cloture vote will occur tomorrow.Senator McConnell noted that there is another circuit judge on the calendar that was reported prior to the Srinivasan nomination that the Wyoming senators would like to confirm. Senator Reid then suggested we confirm that nomination today and again asked consent to vote today on the Srinivasan today.
Senator McConnell objected and said he would continue working on nominations off the floor.
The Senate is in a period of morning business for 1 hour, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. Following morning business (approx 11:35am), the Senate will resume consideration of S.954, the Farm bill. Today we will continue to process amendments to the bill. Currently the Leahy amendment #998 (rural broadband) is pending.As a reminder, at 5pm today, the Senate will vote on adoption of S.Res.65, a resolution strongly supporting the full implementation of United States and international sanctions on Iran and urging the President to continue to strengthen enforcement of sanctions legislation.
For the information of senators, there is a chance that when we resume consideration of the Farm bill Senator Inhofe will offer amendment #960 (repeal nutrition entitlements programs and establish nutrition assistance block grants) and we vote in relation to the amendment as early as 12:00 noon.
At 12:00 noon the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Inhofe amendment #960 (nutrition block grants);Not Agreed To: 36-60
The following amendments to S.954, the Farm bill, were agreed to by unanimous consent:- Franken #992 (access to grocery delivery for homebound seniors and persons with disabilities); and- Vitter #1056 (end food stamp eligibility for convicted violent rapists, pedophiles, and murders)
Senator Kaine asked unanimous consent to go to conference on the Budget resolution and that 2 motions to instruct conferees relative to the debt limit and taxes/revenue be in order. Senator Rubio asked that the request be modified to prohibit consideration of any conference report that includes reconciliation instructions regarding the debt limit. Senator Kaine objected to modify his request. Senator Rubio objected to the original request. Senator McCain then argued that we go through regular order and go to conference on the budget resolution, with motions to instruct conferees in order, and a debate ensued.

Senator Stabenow has called up Shaheen amendment #925 (Sugar programs ). We are working towards an agreement to vote in relation to the amendment this afternoon, perhaps around the vote on the Iran Sanctions resolution.

At 3:45pm the Senate will begin consideration of S.Res.65, Iran Sanctions. There will be up to 50 minutes for debate, with the Majority controlling 20 minutes and the Republicans controlling 30 minutes. At approximately 4:35pm, the Senate will proceed to vote on adoption of the resolution. There will then be 2 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote in relation to the Shaheen amendment #925 (sugar programs). No second degree amendments are in order to the Shaheen amendment prior to the vote.

4:35pm votes

– Adoption of S.Res.65, Iran Sanctions

– Shaheen amendment #925 (sugar programs)

The Senate has reached an agreement that tomorrow, following the cloture vote on the Srinivasan nomination and notwithstanding cloture having been invoked, if invoked, the Senate resume legislative session and consideration of S.954, the Farm bill, and the Senate then proceed to vote in relation to the pending Sanders amendment #965 (GMO food labels). No second degree amendments are in order prior to the vote. the amendment is subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. The time consumed during consideration of the Farm bill will count post-cloture.

There will be 2 roll call votes at 10:30am:

– motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia; and

– Sanders amendment #965 (GMO foods)(60 affirmative-vote threshold).

4:36pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of S.Res.65, Iran Sanctions.

Adopted: 99-0

:04pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Shaheen amendment #925 (sugar programs);

Not Agreed To: 44-54

The managers of the bill will continue to work on amendments, however, there will be no further roll call votes today.

There will be no further roll call votes during today’s session.

The following amendments are pending to S.954, the Farm bill:

Leahy amendment #998 (gigabit Internet pilot program)
Sanders amendment #965 (GMO foods)

The following amendments have been considered to S.954, the Farm bill:

Cantwell amendment #919 (Indian tribes – land and soil conservation programs) Agreed to: 87-8
Sessions amendment #945, as modified (eligibility criteria for agriculture irrigation assistance) Agreed to by unanimous consent
Roberts amendment #948 (SNAP) Not Agreed to: 40-58
Gillibrand amendment #931 (SNAP funding) Not Agreed to: 26-70
Inhofe amendment #960 (repeal SNAP and establish nutrition assistance block program) Not Agreed to: 36-60
Franken amendment #992 (access to grocery delivery for homebound seniors and persons with disabilities) Agreed to by unanimous consent
Vitter amendment #1056 (end food stamp eligibility for convicted violent rapists, pedophiles, and murderers) Agreed to by unanimous consent
Shaheen amendment #925 (Federal sugar program) Not Agreed to: 45-54

Senator Sanders called up amendment #965 (GMO food labels). We are working on an agreement to vote in relation to the his amendment tomorrow. As a reminder, the cloture vote on the Srinavasan will occur tomorrow, potentially in the 10:30am range. Stay tuned for a final decision on the vote time.

The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Inhofe amendment #960 (nutrition assistance block grants) to S.954, the Farm bill; Not Agreed to: 36-60

2) Adoption of S.Res.65, Iran Sanctions; Adopted: 99-0

3) Shaheen amendment #965 (federal sugar program reform) to S.954; Not Agreed to: 45-54

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.258, the Stolen Valor Act of 2013.

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.45, the Repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1003, the Comprehensive Student Loan Protection Act. (Coburn)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1004, the Anti-Trust Freedom Act. (Paul)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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May 2013
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Last Floor Action:
5:05:58 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 22, 2013.

10:00:17 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:22 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Tom McClintock to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:02 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.
10:56:26 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:55 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 22.
12:00:57 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Dr. Ken Whitten, Idlewild Baptist Church, Lutz, Florida
12:02:33 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:34 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Olson to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:04:22 P.M.		The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:38:03 P.M.		Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities – Pursuant to Section 3 of the Protect Our Kids Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-275), the Minority Leader appointed Mr. Robert E. “Bud” Cramer of Huntsville Alabama.
12:38:25 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 message from the Secretary of the Senate on May 22, 2013 at 11:08 a.m. stating that that body had made appointments to the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission.
12:38:55 P.M.	H. Res. 228	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 228 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3) to approve the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Keystone XL pipeline, and for other purposes.”
12:41:32 P.M.	H. Res. 228	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 228.
2:01:56 P.M.	H. Res. 228	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 223 – 194 (Roll no. 167).
2:02:00 P.M.		MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Oklahoma tornado storm.
2:15:33 P.M.	H. Res. 228	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 228 – 185 (Roll no. 168).
2:15:33 P.M.	H. Res. 228	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:16:41 P.M.	H.R. 3	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 228. H.R. 3 — “To approve the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Keystone XL pipeline, and for other purposes.”
2:16:46 P.M.	H.R. 3	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3 with 1 hour and 30 minutes 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.
2:16:58 P.M.	H.R. 3	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 228 and Rule XVIII.
2:16:59 P.M.	H.R. 3	The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Chairman of the Committee.
2:17:08 P.M.	H.R. 3	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 90 minutes of general debate on H.R. 3.

4:03:53 P.M.	H.R. 3	An amendment, offered by Mr. Weber (TX), numbered 1 printed in House Report 113-88 to add to the findings in Section 2 highlighting the State Department’s scientific and environmental findings which conclude that the Keystone XL pipeline is a safe and environmentally sound project
4:04:14 P.M.	H.R. 3	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 228, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Weber(TX) amendment No. 1.
4:15:34 P.M.	H.R. 3	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Weber amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Weber demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:16:11 P.M.	H.R. 3	An amendment, offered by Mr. Waxman, numbered 2 printed in House Report 113-88 to add a finding that “the reliance on oil sands crudes for transportation fuels would likely result in an increase in incremental greenhouse gas emissions” in the United States, resulting in additional greenhouse gas emissions equal to 4.3 million passenger vehicles. Also provides that the bill will not go into effect unless the President finds that TransCanada or tar sands producers will fully offset the additional greenhouse gas emissions.
4:16:31 P.M.	H.R. 3	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 228, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waxman amendment No. 2.
4:24:12 P.M.	H.R. 3	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Waxman amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Waxman demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:24:52 P.M.	H.R. 3	An amendment, offered by Mr. Johnson (GA), numbered 3 printed in House Report 113-88 to require a study on the health impacts of increased air pollution in communities surrounding the refineries that will transport diluted bitumen through the proposed Keystone XL pipeline.
4:25:09 P.M.	H.R. 3	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 228, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Johnson(GA) amendment No. 3.
4:30:53 P.M.	H.R. 3	POSTPONED 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 noes had prevailed. Mr. Johnson (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:31:43 P.M.	H.R. 3	An amendment, offered by Mr. Connolly, numbered 4 printed in House Report 113-88 to require a threat assessment of pipeline vulnerabilities to terrorist attack and corrective actions necessary to protect the pipeline from such an attack and to mitigate any resulting spill.
4:32:01 P.M.	H.R. 3	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 228, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Connolly amendment No. 4.
4:37:52 P.M.	H.R. 3	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Connolly amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Connolly demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:38:21 P.M.	H.R. 3	An amendment, offered by Mr. Rahall, numbered 5 printed in House Report 113-88 to strike section 3 of the bill (Keystone XL Permit Approval). Section 3 eliminates the requirement for a Presidential Permit to construct the Keystone XL pipeline across an international border. Section 3 further deems the new application for the Keystone XL pipeline approved, based on a final environmental impact statement issued by the U.S. Department of State for a different pipeline route.
4:38:38 P.M.	H.R. 3	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 228, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rahall amendment No. 5.
4:47:37 P.M.	H.R. 3	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rahall amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rahall demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:48:14 P.M.	H.R. 3	An amendment, offered by Ms. Esty, numbered 6 printed in House Report 113-88 to remove the mandate to allow one specifically named company to never receive appropriate oversight through the permit process for operation and/or maintenance–in perpetuity, while allowing construction permit fast-track.
4:48:37 P.M.	H.R. 3	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 228, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Esty amendment No. 6.
4:48:39 P.M.	H.R. 3	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Esty amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Esty demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:56:52 P.M.	H.R. 3	An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee, numbered 7 printed in House Report 113-88 to lengthen the time period for filing a claim under the Act from 60 days to 1 year
4:57:10 P.M.	H.R. 3	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 228, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 7.
5:04:49 P.M.	H.R. 3	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
5:05:20 P.M.	H.R. 3	An amendment, offered by Ms. Chu, numbered 8 printed in House Report 113-88 to require the GAO to conduct a study and prepare a report of the Keystone XL pipeline to determine the total projected costs of pipeline spill cleanup, including the potential impacts of a petroleum spill on public health and the environment and the quantity and quality of water available for agricultural and municipal purposes.
5:05:37 P.M.	H.R. 3	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 228, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Chu amendment No. 8.
5:12:37 P.M.	H.R. 3	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Chu amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Chu demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
5:13:12 P.M.	H.R. 3	An amendment, offered by Mr. Cohen, numbered 9 printed in House Report 113-88 to require TransCanada to submit its oil spill response plan, and any updates to the plan, to the Governors of each State in which the Keystone XL pipeline operates. TransCanada is required to develop such a plan under current law and regulations; only certain Federal agencies receive and review the plan.
5:13:42 P.M.	H.R. 3	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 228, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cohen amendment No. 9.
5:18:00 P.M.	H.R. 3	On agreeing to the Cohen amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:18:33 P.M.	H.R. 3	An amendment, offered by Mr. Holt, numbered 10 printed in House Report 113-88 to increase American energy independence by requiring that all oil and refined fuels transported through the Keystone XL Pipeline be used here in the United States and not exported, unless the President finds that an exception is required by law or in the national interest.
5:18:50 P.M.	H.R. 3	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 228, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Holt amendment No. 10.
5:29:04 P.M.	H.R. 3	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Holt demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
5:59:12 P.M.	H.R. 3	On agreeing to the Weber (TX) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 246 – 168 (Roll no. 169).
6:04:04 P.M.	H.R. 3	On agreeing to the Waxman amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 146 – 269 (Roll no. 170).
6:09:24 P.M.	H.R. 3	On agreeing to the Johnson (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 177 – 239 (Roll no. 171).
6:12:43 P.M.	H.R. 3	On agreeing to the Connolly amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 176 – 239 (Roll no. 172).
6:16:45 P.M.	H.R. 3	On agreeing to the Rahall amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 177 – 238 (Roll no. 173).
6:21:05 P.M.	H.R. 3	On agreeing to the Esty amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 234 (Roll no. 174).
6:25:34 P.M.	H.R. 3	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 234 (Roll no. 175).
6:29:09 P.M.	H.R. 3	On agreeing to the Chu amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 185 – 231 (Roll no. 176).
6:33:49 P.M.	H.R. 3	On agreeing to the Holt amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 162 – 255 (Roll no. 177).
6:34:07 P.M.	H.R. 3	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 3.
6:35:05 P.M.	H.R. 3	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
6:35:17 P.M.	H.R. 3	The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
6:36:12 P.M.	H.R. 3	Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.
6:36:31 P.M.	H.R. 3	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bishop (NY) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the House to report the same back with an amendment requiring TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. to certify to the President that diluted bitumen and other materials derived from tar sands or oils sands that are transported through the Keystone XL pipeline be treated as crude oil for the purposes of determining contributions that fund the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.
6:44:24 P.M.	H.R. 3	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
6:52:31 P.M.	H.R. 3	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 194 – 223 (Roll no. 178).
7:01:05 P.M.	H.R. 3	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 241 – 175, 1 Present (Roll no. 179).
7:01:06 P.M.	H.R. 3	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:01:20 P.M.		Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 232.
7:02:29 P.M.		Ms. Foxx asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2013. Agreed to without objection.
7:03:20 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
7:03:39 P.M.	H.R. 1949	Mr. Messer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1949 — “To direct the Secretary of Education to convene the Advisory Committee on Improving Postsecondary Education Data to conduct a study on improvements to postsecondary education transparency at the Federal level.”
7:03:59 P.M.	H.R. 1949	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:04:40 P.M.	H.R. 1949	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1949.
7:19:36 P.M.	H.R. 1949	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
7:19:38 P.M.	H.R. 1949	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:20:12 P.M.	H.R. 271	Mr. Olson moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 271 — “To clarify that compliance with an emergency order under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act may not be considered a violation of any Federal, State, or local environmental law or regulation, and for other purposes.”
7:20:30 P.M.	H.R. 271	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:20:36 P.M.	H.R. 271	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 271.
7:33:43 P.M.	H.R. 271	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
7:33:46 P.M.	H.R. 271	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:34:07 P.M.		Migratory Bird Conservation Commission – Pursuant to section 2 of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act and the order of the House of January 3, 2013 the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission: Mr. Wittman and Mr. Dingell.
7:34:27 P.M.		Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission – Pursuant to section 672(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed Mr. Dov S. Zakheim, Silver Spring, MD; Mr. Michael R. Higgins, Washington, DC.
7:34:47 P.M.		Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission – Pursuant to section 4(c) of H. Res. 5, 113th Congress the Minority Leader appointed the following member of the House to the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission: Mr. McGovern.
7:35:56 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
7:41:25 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

9:11:43 P.M.		Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:11:53 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:11:54 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on May 23, 2013.

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~ my 2cents ...

towrah Tuesday &some News

01/03/2012 Nativegrl77

just another rant … revived

Failed Promises

Like what we are experiencing under the Republican controlled House of Representatives versus change to or a redirection of promises that President Obama has had to make on numerous occasions. It is obvious the two situations are quite different. The first two years of the Obama Admin the Republican Tea Party spent most of their time on the floor of Congress saying no, blocking, making the Democratic Party scale back or run away from legitimate bills that party of NO attached felonious amendments to that no member of Congress could in good conscious vote for. In the weeks and months following these just say no votes, Americans in Public Service began losing jobs and the unemployment rate increased and will continue; Republicans without remorse started calling the unemployed lazy, unmotivated and if all else failed they should ask for charity. We have 2012 candidates running for President that are even less compassionate for those who are unemployed underemployed or in that 99%. Corporations are people too and if you are not rich? Well, that is on you.

The ultimate show of privileged behavior is when Republicans decided to hold the middle class hostage while demanding the bush bonus dollars be made permanent, under the guise of that top 2% being the job creators. The campaign for the midterm elections considered an off year usually gets few voters out to vote though in what definitely is a first of many firsts in the Obama’s Presidency, the midterms were important to all Americans looking back. Yet, folks did the same ole same, some opted out on purpose and even more voted right of center on purpose. That is beyond my understanding but the whole notion of teaching a President a lesson is the one of the worse reasons to vote against your best interest. While most know the outcome of the midterm elections, I think that many people do not understand what truly happened. President Obama said he got shellacked and would try to make a move to be more bipartisan, though senator McConnell said if he wants us to consider compromise he would have to do, say and act like we want him to and on conservative airwaves McConnell said his job was to make Obama a one term President. The midterm elections were bad for everyone and as the months moved along buyer’s remorse set in though it took way too long for me. For the last three years, Americans have been hearing Republicans say that we need to create jobs. Mr. Boehner and his comrades definitely used the jobs, jobs, jobs slogan to win the House of Representatives in 2010. Sadly, these carpetbaggers have been waving one hand in the air while using the other to attack, slash, cut, and burn every effort to get our economy back on track.

Yes, President Obama did promise change and he has kept over half of them, he also stated that he could not make changes alone … we all would have to participate. That comment is a hard reality given the crap that the Republican Tea Party keeps pulling out of somewhere disguised with them saying they are listening to what Americans want. That claim is a proven falsehood, the promises the Republican Tea Party has made repeatedly has or …could put us at risk.

I certainly feel our country is at risk with failed promises, reckless and or provocative rhetoric but contrary to what we hear in the news … it is definitely coming from Teapublican members of Congress and Governors.

I still have the Audacity of hope and change …

Other News …

C-SPAN’s Coverage of Iowa Caucuses Begins at 7pm ET

Rick Perry Ends Campaign Day in Perry, Iowa

Rick Santorum Ends Day Before Caucuses in Altoona, Iowa

Mitt Romney Holds Final Rally on Day Before Caucuses

Ron Paul Tours 5 Cities on Last Day of Iowa Campaign

Newt Gingrich Works for Final Votes in Iowa

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Talks About Military Cuts

DHS Secretary Napolitano Discusses International Partnerships

Mitt Romney Interviewed by Iowa Newspaper

Rick Perry Interviewed by Iowa Newspaper

White House Briefing with Jay Carney

Panel on Obama Is a “Teflon President”

House GOP Discuss Payroll Tax

Rep. Nancy Pelosi News Conference

~ my 2cents ...

TGIF &Some News

12/16/2011 Nativegrl77

just another rant …

Isn’t it bad enough we have to hear Republicans , talking heads or Pundits use this moment to jack the President all around only to have to hear our own progressives and some libs say this that or the other about how the President has obviously mishandled crossing his t’s or dotting his i’s, I get heated when I hear this nonsense. I do not understand all the nic-pic nor is it worth the time because the lawmakers in Congress as territorial as they are create the laws and all those complaining about how the President should remind each other often. The ordinary person has no idea what is actually going on behind closed doors and we never will but taking what pundits, TV hosts or political strategists do for a living, as the truth is just wrong. I used to listen to those directly involved in our political process, which, if it is coming from the conservatives it unfortunately is growing in misinformation and a party meme that is not only extreme but gives me the creeps. The things happening in both Chambers of Congress since Republicans decided to go to the dark side has made this voter distrust most if not all the words coming from McConnell, speaker Boehner, leader cantor who put Profit before the People and then Grover Norquist ahead of country. Americans should not have to suffer at the hands of, because of or due to a small group of unruly Teapublicans who seem to have forgotten they not only are supposed to be our fellow Americans they were voted into office to work for all Americans not just their respective States. Yet, the Teapublican have proved to be scary and controlling the leaders of their party. They are reckless, ruthless, and insanely responsible for the S&P rating downgrade forced upon the US. It is obvious that the brinksmanship that Republicans engaged in gave the S&P a sense of uncertainty and a lack of trust in any break in the gridlock.

This has been a tough week; the rhetoric on the airwaves is always toxic but the nastiness even hints of discriminatory talk, which has been ongoing for the last 24 months seems to be increasing. If you listen to Teapublican surrogates, many are trying to stir up trouble for the President and or second-guessing what the debt deficit, the bad employment numbers and the economy’s effect on his bid for a second term. It is sad, disappointing, let alone irritating to have to listen to my own Political Party try and put his behavior in a box. The point is he has to do what he can to get to the ultimate end and that is to bring back the Middle and Lower Class as well as our Democracy. It is a heavy lift to take on decades long of BS only to have not only the opposition work to bring you down by bring the econ to the edge of death but with friends like the pl the rest of us Obama Supporters need to remember … Barack Obama said he could not do this by himself… why? because of the obstacles that is Teapublican ideology

FYI – how often do we have to remind those out on the ledge …the opposing party is not your father’s conservative political brand.

The last guy seemed to have done everything for his Oil and Corporate friends and very few things for the Middle and Lower classes if at all.

We may not all agree with the President’s efforts but given what he has to work with, I just do not understand why most progressives and or libs have been the worst whiners ever who also seem to be holding President Obama at a higher standard than President in the past. I like to think about where we would be if the McCain/Palin ticket had won but not too long, you will get sick. There is no question; President Obama has obstacles to jump over, Republicans like McConnell who stated his job is to make Barack Obama a one term President as well as a goal post that keeps being moved by the Republican Party. President Obama has delivered on about 85% of all his promises even with all the bs going on all political levels and will need ALL of our support – no whiners need apply as the professional and elite left demands seem driven with hints of childishness. Apparently, that type of behaviour is unacceptable from both sides of the political aisle and has been called out by Standard &Poor. Is anyone else offended that a group rumored to be among those “Raters” giving out random AAA ratings to worthless toxic waste is still recognized and respected. It makes me wonder just what side of the political aisle this group is from and given what we do know they need to answer some question and be investigated for their rumored part in our financial crisis.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the World. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Other News

Pres. Obama Speaks About Middle East Pea

UPDATE: Author & Journalist Christopher Hitchens Dies at Age 62 – click here for his C-SPAN appearances

Review Continues of Euro Debt Crisis and U.S. Impact

“The Contenders” Historians Roundtable Discussion

House Democrats on Jobs

House GOP Discuss Funding Deal

White House Responds to Spending Agreement

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

mild Monday &Some News

10/24/2011 Nativegrl77

just another rant … not just mine

A comment came in to respond to an article i posted written by Cecil re: McConnell & his Party. I admit i am very cynical about the majority of us being fixated on or off of FOX news enough to assimilate info and or fact check enough to have opinions or make informed decisions – the mid-terms were a great example of how FOX helped create , push and elect a group of extreme conservatives whose agenda is to take their country back https://justanother2cents.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/what-im-reading-guy-cecil-13/

HER:Tired of snarky McConnell comments. The majority of us are not fixed to FOX news, can assimilate information and fact check before forming opinions. Fact: Congress has used the filibuster to stall progress now more than at any other time in history. If Obama could make strides here/without Congress/as he has in war policy….people would be back to work! Nov. 2010 GOP newbies, worst mistake ever…………vote!

ME: Actually, I am in total agreement with your facts about Congress, the filibuster and the new low Teapublicans have shown Americans because they have decided to use the filibuster more than any other time in history to stall progress and defeat a President. I am not so sure that was the primary reason for the act of a filibuster. It is not protecting the American People at all and those Senators who are abusing the spirit of the filibuster should be held accountable. I am an Obama supporter. I get divided government but what we see going on in Congress led by Teapublicans is beyond anything We the People should accept and or allow. I have not lost the audacity of hope and or change. In my opinion, we need a Congress that functions For the People& By the People and works with the President of the United States not a Congress that filibusters at the expense of ALL the People. We also need our center left people to open their eyes. I want them to take a hard look at how Teapublicans have chosen to control the House of Representatives. I need them to compare and contrast just what President Obama has done given he became the captain of ship already sinking, has tried to be bipartisan as any President should but given the cold shoulder by an extremely conservative group of people who say they want smaller Government but ask them about social issues and they freak out. I believe this group I call Teapublicans if given the opportunity with or without McConnell want to make President Obama a one-term President. I believe the Midterm elections were no fluke and indeed FOX had a lot to with it. I feel their scare tactics have always been directed to targeted people like the poor working class, older people, those on the edge of equaility and those against immigration under any circumstance. The info coming from FOX was scary enough that our Older people voted right of center, some gays voted right of center in protest and even more decided to stay home which was pushed by both sides of the political meme. Yes, i too am tired of the silly, offensive and questionable McConnell comments but they are getting airtime on both conservative and liberal media. It is my hope that with proper vetting the truth backed with a whole lot of facts will be brought forth over the next few months with an overwhelming number of people voting for President Obama2012 and sanity prevails.

Other News …

Week Ahead on Capitol Hill

Deficit “Super Committee” Meets, House Works on Tax Changes

Campaign 2012

Romney Holds NH Rally, Obama in the West

GOP candidates in Iowa over the weekend

Monitors Discuss Global Financial Regulation

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress -what is going on in the Senate 2/2, 2/3 & 2/4

02/01/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET Friday 4, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be no roll call votes during Friday’s session of the Senate.

By unanimous consent, the Senate locked in the agreement outlined below with respect to Executive nominations. As a result of this agreement, there will be 2 roll call votes at 5:30pm on Monday.

On Monday, February 7, 2011, at 4:30 pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

– Calendar #3 Paul Holmes, of AR, to be US District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas;

– Calendar #6 Diana Saldana, of TX, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of Texas;

– Calendar #8 Marco Hernandez, of OR, to be US District Judge for the District of Oregon.

There will be one hour for debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, Calendar #8 will be confirmed and the Senate will proceed to vote on confirmation of Calendar #3 and Calendar #6 in that order.

As a result of this agreement, at 5:30pm on Monday, February 7, there will be 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the following nominations:

– Calendar #3 Paul Holmes, of AR, to be US District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas; and

– Calendar #6 Diana Saldana, of TX, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of Texas;

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The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET February 3, 2011

Morning business until 10:30am.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, the FAA Authorization bill.

The following amendments are pending to S.223:

– Whitehouse amendment #8 (laser pointers)

– Wicker amendment #14 (Excludes TSA from collective bargaining)

– Blunt amendment #5 (private screening company)

– Nelson (FL) #34 (NASA)

– Paul #21 (reduce authorization for FAA to FY2008 levels)

– Wyden #27 (increase test sites for unmanned aerial vehicles)

– Paul #19 (Davis Bacon)

Other Senators are waiting to offer their amendments. Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.

1-3pm morning business for the purpose of giving remarks relative to the upcoming centennial of the birth of President Ronald Reagan.

3:00pm Senator Manchin will give his maiden speech to the Senate.

The Senate has entered into an agreement that provides for 2 roll call votes around 5:20pm, if all time is used. Please note that some time may be yielded back and the votes could begin earlier.

Under the agreement, Senator Paul will call up amendment #19 (Davis Bacon). There will then be up to 30 minutes for debate equally divided between Senators Paul and Rockefeller, or their designees. There will then be up to 10 minutes for debate equally divided on the Whitehouse amendment #8 (laser pointers) between Senators Whitehouse and Hutchison, or their designees.

Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the following amendments:

– Whitehouse #8 (laser pointers)

– Paul #19 (Davis Bacon)

There will be no amendments or points of order in order prior to the votes.

Votes:

10: Whitehouse amendment #8: (laser pointers);

Agreed To: 96-1

11: Rockefeller motion to table the Paul amendment #19: (Davis Bacon);

Tabled: 55-42

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.42, a resolution making Majority Party committee appointments.

Adopted S.Res.43, a resolution making Minority Party committee appointments.

Adopted S.Res.44, a resolution supporting democracy, universal rights, and the peaceful transition to a representative government in Egypt.

Adopted S.Res.45, a resolution congratulating the Eastern Washington University Football team for winning the 2010 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision title.

—————————————-

the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET Wednesday

Following any Leader remarks, Senator Paul will be recognized for up to 20 minutes in morning business to deliver his maiden speech.

Following his remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, the Federal Aviation Administration bill.

The following amendments are pending to S.223, FAA Authorization:

– Stabenow #9 (1099 Reporting)

– McConnell #13 (Health Care Repeal)

– Levin #28 (1099 repeal)

This morning in his opening statement, Senator Reid announced to his colleagues that he spoke to Senator McConnell and they agreed to work towards having up to 3 roll call votes in the 5-6pm range this evening.

Those votes would be in relation to the following amendments to S.223, FAA Authorization:

– Possible Democratic amendment (1099 Reporting);

– Stabenow amendment #9 (1099 Reporting); and

– McConnell amendment #13 (Health Care Law Repeal).

At 5:15pm, the Senate will proceed to a series of 3 roll call votes in relation to the following amendments to S.223, FAA Authorization:

– Levin amendment #28 (repeal of 1099 with oil and gas offset);

– Stabenow amendment #9 (repeal of 1099 with unspent discretionary funds offset, exempts DoD, VA and Social Security Administration); and

– McConnell amendment #13 (repeal of health care reform).

The Levin amendment is subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold for its adoption. No other amendments, points of order or motions are in order to these amendments prior to the votes except a Budge point of order, if applicable.

There will be 2 minutes for debate prior to each vote. The first vote will be 15 minutes in duration and the remaining 2 votes will be 10 minutes in duration.

Votes:

7: Levin amendment #28: (repeal of 1099 with oil and gas offset) (60-vote threshold);

Not Agreed To: 44-54

8: Stabenow motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to Stabenow amendment #9: (repeal of 1099 with unspent discretionary funds offset, exempts DoD, VA and Social Security Administration);

Waived: 81-17 (subsequently agreed to by consent)

9: McConnell motion to waive Budget Act with respect to McConnell amendment #13: (repeal of health care reform);

Not Agreed To: 47-51

There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.30, a resolution celebrating February 2, 2011, as the 25th anniversary of ‘National Women and Girls in Sports Day’.

Adopted S.Res.36, a resolution raising awareness and encouraging the prevention of stalking by designating January 2011 as “National Stalking Awareness Month”.

Adopted S.Res.37, a resolution recognizing the goals of Catholic Schools Week.

Adopted S.Res.38, a resolution congratulating Brooklyn Center, Minnesota on its 100th anniversary.

Adopted S.Res.39, a resolution congratulating the Auburn University football team for winning the 2010 Bowl Championship Series National Championship.

Adopted S.Res.40, a resolution congratulating the University of Akron men’s soccer team on winning the National Collegiate Athletic Associate Division I Men’s Soccer Championship.