Tag Archives: Morning business

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Workers Under Attack — Again


By ThinkProgress War Room

Last Minute Attack on Unions in Michigan

After sweeping into complete control of state government for the first time in almost a decade following the 2010 election, Michigan Republicans wasted little time before pursuing numerous pieces of right-wing legislation, including

*The emergency manager law was repealed via referendum by Michigan voters last month; however, the Michigan legislature is rushing to pass a new version as we speak.

Despite pursuing this extreme agenda and other anti-union measures, Republicans had chosen to set aside one of the right’s favorite goals: a so-called “right to work” anti-union law. Indiana Republicans passed such a law in 2011 and well-known fights over anti-union measures occurred in numerous other states including Ohio and Wisconsin. For his part, Snyder even went so far as to say that right to work legislation was “divisive” and not “appropriate for Michigan in 2012.”

Mere months after making those comments, Snyder has flip-flopped and endorsed a last-minute, lame duck effort by Republicans in the legislature to push through a right to work bill. Worse yet, Republicans are including a provision in the bill that will make it impossible for voters to repeal the measure via referendum.

ThinkProgress’ Travis Waldron explains why such laws are accurately referred to as “right to work for less” by unions and pro-worker groups:

Though Snyder refers to his agenda as “pro-worker,” a quick glance at studies of “right-to-work” legislation paints a different picture. According to the Economic Policy Institute, right-to-work laws have virtually no impact on job growth and have a negative impact on both union and nonunion workers, reducing wages by up to $1,500 a year. A Ball State University study conducted during Indiana’s push to pass right-to-work found that “no impact is likely” for job growth or wages in the manufacturing sector. Another EPI study suggests that right-to-work laws had a negative impact on Oklahoma’s economy and that right-to-work is “is ineffective as a strategy for increasing a state’s employment.”

The right-to-work experiment failed miserably the last time it was tried in the Midwest. Indiana originally passed right-to-work laws in 1957, but workers hated the new laws so much that they were repealed just eight years later.

Check out this recent Center for American Progress report for more on why right to work is wrong.

It should come as no surprise that the Koch Brothers and their Americans for Prosperity front group are heavily involved in this anti-union push, just as they have been in other states like Wisconsin, Indiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Ohio.

Unfortunately, it appears that the measure could become law within the next few days. A bill narrowly cleared the Michigan House just within the past hour. Since several Republicans opposed the measure and Democrats actually picked up seats in the Michigan House in last month’s elections, it’s clear why Republicans are rushing this and other controversial measures through at the last minute during a lame duck session.

The situation on the ground is evolving very quickly and the state capitol in Lansing has been the site of large protests today. Earlier today, the doors of the capitol were locked in order to prevent demonstrators from entering; however, an injunction ordering the capitol to be re-opened. A few demonstrators able to make it inside were arrested and pepper-sprayed after they attempted to enter the senate chamber.

Stay tuned to ThinkProgress for the latest updates.

BOTTOM LINE:Stronger unions mean a stronger middle class, so right-wing attacks on unions are really just attacks on all working and middle-class Americans.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

11 reason why you should be glad Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) is resigning in order to head the Heritage Foundation.

5 Republicans who could replace Jim DeMint.

As of today, you can legally get same-sex married and smoke pot (at least under state law) in Washington State.

Former Bush press secretary: female domestic abuse victims should “make better decisions.”

Extending emergency unemployment benefits will support far more jobs than extending the Bush tax cuts would.

Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell filibustered his own bill to lift the debt ceiling.

The GOP’s bad fiscal cliff hand, by the numbers.

GOP Rep. says there is a growing sense President Obama has won on tax rates for the wealthy.

7 upcoming television dramas to get excited about.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Do the Math


You Don’t Have to Be an Economist…

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

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

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

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

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

In Case You Missed It
Here are some of the top stories from the White House blog:Open Source and the Power of Community
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve established an official White House presence on Drupal.org, an online community dedicated to maintaining and improving Drupal, the software that powers WhiteHouse.gov.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Continuing the Progress in Tribal Communitie​s


The White House

Continuing the Progress in Tribal Communities

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

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

The report highlights:

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

Download here: Continuing the Progress in Tribal Communities

~ Recent Post

CONGRESS :


Obama Launches DNC Campaign Tour At Illinois State Capitol

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Confirmed: 72-23

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

 

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

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

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

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

Discharged and adopted S.Res.595, expressing support for the goals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, and encouraging the people of the United States to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children.

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

 

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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« Previous Day

Black History

Congress: the House, led by Republicans – the Senate, Dems considers S.2204,Repeal Big Oil Tax


the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET March 27, 2012

  • 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 the motion to proceed to S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act, post-cloture.  By unanimous consent, all time during adjournment, recess and morning business will count post-cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2204.
  • At 12:30pm, the Senate will recess subject to the call of the Chair to accommodate the weekly caucus meetings and the official photograph of the 112th Congress.
  • We hope to begin consideration of S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act during Tuesday’s session.

The Senate has reached an agreement that results 1 roll call vote beginning at 3:30pm today. The agreement is as follows:

The time until 3:30pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. At 3:30pm, the Senate will adopt the motion to proceed to S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies bill. We will then proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill.

3:45pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill; Not Invoked: 51-46

Senator Reid changed his vote to no and entered a motion to reconsider the failed cloture vote.

 The Senate then resumed consideration of S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies bill. Senator Reid then filled the amendment tree and filed cloture on the bill. We expect the cloture vote on the bill to occur Thursday.

 Senator Reid then moved to proceed to Legislative Calendar #339, S.2230, the Paying a Fair Share Act (Buffet Rule).

This afternoon, Senator DeMint asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass Legislative Calendar #336, S.2191, a bill to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to prohibit the Attorney General from administering or enforcing certain accessibility regulations relating to pools at public accommodations or provided by public entities.

Senator Harkin objected to the request.

Senator Reid asked unanimous consent that the Foreign Relations Committee be discharged from further consideration of H.R.1905, the Iran Threat Reduction Act, and the Senate proceed to its consideration; that all after the enacting clause be stricken and a substitute amendment, which includes the text of Calendar #320, S.2101, the Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Human Rights Act, as reported by the Banking Committee, be inserted in lieu thereof; that the bill, as amended, be read a third time and passed; and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Senator Paul objected to the request.

———————————————————————————————————-

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 27, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

 . -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.6:38:34 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.6:36:10 P.M. -Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 597.6:35:54 P.M. -H.R. 3309Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:35:53 P.M. -H.R. 3309On passage Passed by recorded vote: 247 – 174 (Roll no. 138).6:29:56 P.M. -H.R. 3309On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 184 – 236 (Roll no. 137).6:12:59 P.M. -H.R. 3309The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.6:03:49 P.M. -H.R. 3309Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Perlmutter motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment to prohibit the underlying bill from limiting the ability of the FCC to adopt a rule or amend an existing rule to protect online privacy including requirements that prohibit licensees or regulated entities from mandating that job applicants or employees disclose confidential passwords to social networking sites.6:03:25 P.M. -H.R. 3309Mr. Perlmutter moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.6:02:30 P.M. -H.R. 3309The 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.6:02:10 P.M. -H.R. 3309The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.6:01:22 P.M. -H.R. 3309The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 3309.6:01:14 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Owens amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 194 – 222 (Roll no. 136).5:57:04 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Eshoo amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 179 – 238 (Roll no. 135).5:52:39 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Crowley amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 196 – 219 (Roll no. 134).5:24:24 P.M. -H.R. 3309UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.5:23:12 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Eshoo amendment; as modified Agreed to by voice vote.5:22:59 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Eshoo amendment No. 10, as modified.5:22:17 P.M. -H.R. 3309Eshoo amendment; modified by unanimous consent. Amendment inserts a new section regarding communications of first responders.5:21:45 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Ms. Eshoo, numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-422 to express that nothing in this Act shall impede the FCC from providing efficient and effective communication systems for state and local first responders.5:17:57 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Speier amendment; Failed by voice vote.5:10:56 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Speier amendment No. 9.5:10:52 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Ms. Speier, numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-422 to prevent this Act from taking effect until the FCC provides a report on the impact of the changes of this Act on the FCC’s mandate to promote competition and innovation.5:10:33 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Green, Al amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.5:09:37 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Green, Al (TX) amendment No. 8.5:09:34 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Mr. Green, Al, numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-422 to clarify that the Act would not impede the FCC’s ability to provide in times of an emergency, for effective and efficient communication systems to alert the public of dangerous weather conditions.5:08:27 P.M. -H.R. 3309POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Owens amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Owens demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.5:02:03 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Owens amendment No. 7.5:01:59 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Mr. Owens, numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-422 to express that nothing in this Act shall impede the FCC from implementing rules to ensure broadband access in rural areas.5:01:48 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Walden amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.4:58:26 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Walden amendment No. 6.4:58:23 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Mr. Walden, numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-422 to make the FCC’s handling of FOIA requests more open and transparent.4:57:32 P.M. -H.R. 3309POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Eshoo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Eshoo demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:47:43 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Eshoo amendment No. 5.4:47:19 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Ms. Eshoo, numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-422 to require entities sponsoring political programming to disclose the identity of any donor that has contributed $10,000 or more to such entity in an election reporting cycle.4:44:47 P.M. -H.R. 3309POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Crowley amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Crowley demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:39:33 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Crowley amendment No. 1.4:39:30 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Mr. Crowley, numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-422 to require, in the event that the FCC creates or amends a rule relating to baby monitors, the FCC to require the packaging of a new baby monitor to display a warning label so that families are informed that video and sounds captured by an analog baby monitor may be easily viewed or heard by potential intruders outside a consumer’s home.3:32:41 P.M. -H.R. 3309GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3309.3:32:12 P.M. -H.R. 3309The Speaker designated the Honorable Adam Kinzinger to act as Chairman of the Committee.3:32:09 P.M. -H.R. 3309House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 595 and Rule XVIII.3:29:50 P.M. -H.R. 3309Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3309 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution waives all points of order against the bill. The resolution waives all points of order against amendment printed in the report.3:29:45 P.M. -H.R. 3309Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 595. H.R. 3309 — “To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for greater transparency and efficiency in the procedures followed by the Federal Communications Commission.”3:29:11 P.M. -H.R. 4239At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.2:35:39 P.M. -H.R. 4239DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4239.2:35:37 P.M. -H.R. 4239Considered under suspension of the rules.2:35:24 P.M. -H.R. 4239Mr. Mica moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4239 — “To provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment of a multiyear law reauthorizing such programs.”2:32:17 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.2:26:25 P.M. -POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE – Mrs. Maloney rose to a point of personal privilege. The Chair announced that it had been made aware of a basis for the point of personal privilege and recognized Mrs. Maloney to proceed for up to one hour on her point of personal privilege.2:24:44 P.M. -H.R. 3298Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:24:43 P.M. -H.R. 3298On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 414 – 5 (Roll no. 133).2:16:30 P.M. -H.R. 3298Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3298 — “To establish the position of Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and for other purposes.”2:16:06 P.M. -H.R. 3606Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:16:05 P.M. -H.R. 3606On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 380 – 41 (Roll no. 132).2:09:13 P.M. -H. Res. 595Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:09:10 P.M. -H. Res. 595On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 242 – 177 (Roll no. 131).2:01:14 P.M. -MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in remembrance of our brave men and women in uniform who have given their lives in the service of our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, and all who serve in our armed forces and their families.2:00:21 P.M. -H. Res. 595On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 236 – 182 (Roll no. 130).1:10:19 P.M. -H. Res. 595DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 595.1:07:37 P.M. -H. Res. 595Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 595 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3309) to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for greater transparency and efficiency in the procedures followed by the Federal Communications Commission.”1:07:05 P.M. -H. Res. 596Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:07:00 P.M. -H. Res. 596On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.1:06:33 P.M. -H. Res. 596Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 596 — “Requesting return of official papers on H.R. 5.”1:05:44 P.M. -H.R. 3606At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.12:29:18 P.M. -H.R. 3606DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 3606.12:29:00 P.M. -H.R. 3606Mr. Bachus moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.12:28:27 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.12:27:37 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 March 27, 2012 at 9:15 a.m. stating that that body had agreed to H. Con. Res. 108 without amendment and had made appointments to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.12:02:28 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.12:02:04 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. McHenry to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:01:56 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:00:38 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:32 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 27.10:54:17 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:48:29 A.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House resumed with Morning-Hour Debate.10:47:33 A.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 3606 with an amendment. The Senate also agreed to the House amendment to S. 2038. The Senate made appointments to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.10:01:07 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.10:00:19 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Erik Paulsen to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:08 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.