Tag Archives: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

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Daily Snapshot … #ACA and Jobs

11/24/2013 Nativegrl77

a repost from 7/30/13

What the Affordable Care Act Really Means for Job Growth

The White House released a new analysis of the relationship between the Affordable Care Act and job growth in the form of an animated GIF.

Prices for personal consumption expenditures (PCE) on health care goods and services rose just 1.1 percent over the twelve months ending in May 2013, the slowest rate of increase in nearly 50 years.

The White House released a new report detailing the important benefits provided by the bipartisan Senate immigration reform bill for the domestic agriculture sector, its workforce, and rural American communities.

#ACA and Small Business

11/24/2013 Nativegrl77

1st Posted ~~ July 2013

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT: KEY SMALL BUSINESS PROVISIONS

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will help small businesses by lowering premium cost growth and increasing access to quality, affordable health insurance. If you’re a small employer, the following are some of the ACA provisions that may apply.

Provisions Currently in Effect

Small Business Tax Credits

The small business tax credit helps small businesses afford the cost of health care coverage for their employees and is specifically targeted for those businesses with low- and moderate-income workers. The credit is designed to encourage small employers to offer health insurance coverage for the first time or maintain coverage they already have. Businesses that have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, pay average annual wages below $50,000, and contribute 50% or more toward employees’ self-only health insurance premiums may qualify for a small business tax credit of up to 35% to help offset the costs of insurance. In 2014, this tax credit goes up to 50% and is available to qualified small businesses who participate in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), described below. Eligible small employers can claim the current credit through 2013, and the enhanced credit can be claimed for any two consecutive taxable years beginning in 2014 through the SHOP.

Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBCs) Disclosure Rules

Employers are required to provide employees with a standard Summary of Benefits and Coverage form explaining what their plan covers and what it costs. The purpose of the SBC form is to help employees better understand and evaluate their health insurance options. Penalties may be imposed for non-compliance. The Department of Labor has provided a sample completed SBC that employers may reference.

Medical Loss Ratio Rebates

Under ACA, insurance companies must spend at least 80% of premium dollars on medical care rather than administrative costs. Insurers who do not meet this ratio are required to provide rebates to their policyholders, which is typically an employer who provides a group health plan. Employers who receive these premium rebates must determine whether the rebates constitute plan assets. If treated as a plan asset, employers have discretion to determine a reasonable and fair allocation of the rebate. For more information on the federal tax treatment of Medical Loss Ratio rebates, refer to IRS’s FAQs.

W-2 Reporting of Aggregate Health Care Costs

Beginning January 2013 (applicable to 2012 reporting), most employers must report the aggregate annual cost of employer-provided coverage for each employee on the Form W-2. The new W-2 reporting requirement is informational only and it does not require taxation on any health plan coverage. Reporting is required for most employer-sponsored health coverage, including group medical coverage.

Small Employer Exception: For 2012 reporting and beyond until further guidance is issued, the W-2 reporting requirement does not apply to employers required to file fewer than 250 Form W-2s in the prior calendar year. To learn more about the requirements, as well as exclusions, visit IRS.gov.

Limits on Flexible Spending Account Contributions

Beginning January 2013, the maximum amount an employee may elect to contribute to health care flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) for any year will be capped at $2500, subject to cost-of-living adjustments. Note that the limit only applies to elective employee contributions and does not extend to employer contributions. To learn more about FSA Contributions, as well as what is excluded from the cap, visit IRS.gov.

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Additional Medicare Withholding on Wages

Beginning January 1, 2013, ACA increases the employee portion of the Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance (HI) withholdings by .9% (from 1.45% to 2.35%) on employees with incomes of over $200,000 for single filers and $250,000 for married joint filers. It is the employer’s obligation to withhold this additional tax, which applies only to wages in excess of these thresholds. The employer portion of the tax will remain unchanged at 1.45%.

New Medicare Assessment on Net Investment Income

Beginning January 1, 2013, a 3.8% tax will be assessed on net investment income such as taxable capital gains, dividends, rents, royalties, and interest for taxpayers with Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) over $200,000 for single filers and $250,000 for married joint filers. Common types of income that are not investment income are wages, unemployment compensation, operating income from a non-passive business, Social Security Benefits, alimony, tax-exempt interest, and self-employment income.

Employer Notification of the New Health Insurance Marketplace

Beginning January 1, 2014, consumers, self-employed, and small businesses will have access to affordable coverage through the new health insurance Marketplace. No later than October 1, 2013, employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (generally, those firms that have at least one employee and at least $500,000 in annual dollar volume of business), must provide notification to their employees of coverage options available through the Marketplace. Employers are required to provide this notice to all current employees, and to each new employee beginning October 1, 2013, regardless of plan enrollment status (if applicable) or of part-time or full-time status. Separate notice is not required for dependents or other individuals who are or may become eligible for coverage under the plan but who are not employees. The Department of Labor has provided employers with two sample notices they may use to comply with this rule, one for employers who do not offer a health plan and another for employers who offer a health plan for some or all employees. Refer to DOL’s Technical Guidance for more information.

Upcoming Provisions in 2014

Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) and Individual Marketplaces

Coverage through the competitive health insurance marketplaces for individuals and small businesses will be in place January 1, 2014, with open enrollment beginning October 1, 2013. The Marketplaces will offer four levels of benefit packages that differ by the percentage of costs the health plan covers. Individuals and the self-employed may qualify for individual tax credits and subsidies on a sliding scale, based on income, through the Marketplaces.

Small businesses with generally 50 or fewer employees will have access to Marketplaces through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). Currently, small businesses may pay on average 18% more than big businesses for health insurance because of administrative costs. SHOP will offer small businesses increased purchasing power to obtain a better choice of high-quality coverage at a lower cost. SHOP will also pool risks for small groups and reduce administrative complexity, thereby reducing costs. In 2016, employers with up to 100 employees will be able to participate in SHOP. Businesses can enroll starting on October 1, 2013 through their brokers or directly through the SHOP. Stay connected to the latest information on the Marketplaces by going to signup.healthcare.gov.

90-Day Maximum Waiting Period

Beginning January 1, 2014, individuals who are eligible for health coverage will not have to wait more than 90 days to begin coverage. HHS, IRS, and the Department of Labor have issued proposed rules on how employers should apply the 90-day rule.

Workplace Wellness Programs

The Affordable Care Act creates new incentives to promote employer wellness programs and encourage employers to take more opportunities to support healthier workplaces. Health-contingent wellness programs generally require individuals to meet a specific standard related to their health to obtain a reward, such as programs that

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provide a reward to employees who don’t use, or decrease their use of, tobacco, and programs that reward employees who achieve a specified level or lower cholesterol. Under final rules that take effect on January 1, 2014, the maximum reward to employers using a health-contingent wellness program will increase from 20 percent to 30 percent of the cost of health coverage. Additionally, the maximum reward for programs designed to prevent or reduce tobacco use will be as much as 50 percent. The final rules also allow for flexibility in the types of wellness programs employers can offer. For more information and to view the final rules, visit http://www.dol.gov/ebsa.

Upcoming Provisions in 2015

Employer Shared Responsibility Provisions

Beginning in 2015, employers with 50 or more full-time (or full-time equivalent) employees that do not offer affordable health insurance that provides minimum value to their full-time employees (and dependents) may be required to pay an assessment if at least one of their full-time employees is certified to receive a premium tax credit to purchase coverage in an individual Marketplace. A full-time employee is one who is employed an average of at least 30 hours per week. If a business meets the threshold level of 50 full-time or full-time equivalent employees, or is close to it, it’s important to understand how these rules may apply and how the payment amounts could be calculated. Refer to this FAQ from the IRS for more information.

Note: On July 2, 2013, Treasury issued transitional relief to employers covered by these rules indicating that no shared responsibility payments will apply until 2015. Further guidance is expected to be issued shortly.

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees are generally not affected by the Employer Shared Responsibility rules – that is nearly

96 percent of all firms in the United States. These smaller employers do not have to pay an assessment if their full-time employees receive premium tax credits to purchase coverage in one of the new Marketplaces.

Health Insurance Coverage Reporting Requirements

Beginning in 2015, employers subject to the Employer Shared Responsibility rules must provide the IRS with information about full time employees’ coverage under the health plans and the cost of benefits provided. Likewise, employers that sponsor self-insured plans must submit reports detailing information for each covered individual. Treasury is expected to publish Proposed Rules this summer that provide further guidance about these provisions.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s health care web page, http://www.sba.gov/healthcare, is dedicated to educating small business owners about the Affordable Care Act. This site serves as a gateway for small business owners, connecting them with information provided by SBA’s federal partners responsible for implementing the law, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Healthcare.gov is a web portal maintained by HHS. The small business tab includes information about the new health insurance Marketplaces, coverage options, and more. Businesses can stay connected to the latest information on the Marketplaces by signing up for text and email alerts at signup.healthcare.gov.

For a Glossary of key terms under the Affordable Care Act, click here.

IRS website includes summaries of tax-related ACA provisions, FAQs, and eligibility worksheets.

Employers can also refer to the Department of Labor’s website for ACA-related information at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/healthreform.

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4.8 Million Denied Coverage

11/21/2013 Nativegrl77

By CAP Action War Room

The Republican Coverage Gap

The frenzy of attention surrounding insurance companies dropping substandard policies peaked last week when the House of Representatives voted on the GOP’s 46th attempt to repeal Obamacare.

Republicans, however, don’t seem to much care about the nearly 5 MILLION poor Americans who won’t receive any coverage at all because Republican governors and state legislators in 25 states are refusing to expand Medicaid. Indeed, the very same politicians and conservative groups expressing the most outrage about insurers dropping substandard insurance plans are also actively campaigning against the Medicaid expansion.

This means that families making just a few thousand dollars a year are still not considered poor enough to qualify for Medicaid in Texas and many other states refusing to expand eligibility.

Here’s a ThinkProgress infographic showing how those being denied coverage by Republicans for political reasons compares to those who have received cancellation notices.

real_victims-53

You can find out more on the coverage gap HERE.

BOTTOM LINE: The number of Americans who Republicans want to gain coverage under Obamacare is ZERO, which they’ve demonstrated by voting almost 50 times to repeal the law. While Democrats want to make Obamacare work, Republicans only want it to go away and are working to deny millions of the neediest Americans health coverage in the meantime.

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 11/21 the House

11/21/2013 Nativegrl77

The featured picture is of President Barack Obama and his moms … Family

All Americans should have the right to gain, experience have affordable comprehensive health care -Point4CounterPoint

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:30am on Thursday, November 21, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1197, the National Defense Authorization Act.

During Wednesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on S.1197.

As result, the filing deadline for all first degree amendments to the bill is 1:00pm on Thursday.

During leader remarks, Senator Reid moved to proceed to S.1356, Workforce Investment Act of 2013.

At 11:08am, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the Reid motion to proceed to reconsider the vote by which cloture was not invoked on Executive Calendar #227, the nomination of Patricia Ann Millett, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit;

Agreed To: 57-40 ( Hatch, Chambliss, Isakson voted present. Collins and Murkowski vote aye)).

11:29am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to adjourn;

Not Agreed to: 46-54

11:46am the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to reconsider Executive Calendar #227, the nomination of Patricia Ann Millett, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit

Agreed To: 57-43

Senator Reid raised a point of order that the vote on cloture for all nominations other than for the Supreme Court is by majority vote. The point of order was not sustained by the Chair. Senator Reid then appealed the ruling of the Chair and asked for the yeas and nays.

Senator McConnell then made a series of parliamentary inquires.

At 12:10pm, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the question: does the ruling of the chair stand that the cloture vote for all nominations other than for the Supreme Court is not by majority vote? Senator Reid will vote no. (Appealing rule of the chair vote) Senator Reid will vote no;

The Appeal of the ruling of the chair was not sustained 48-52

The ruling of the chair was not sustained by a vote of 48-53.

 
Chair:     UNDER THE PRECEDENT SET BY THE SENATE TODAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013,

THE THRESHOLD FOR CLOTURE ON NOMINATIONS, NOT INCLUDING THOSE

OF THE SUPREME COURT OF UNITED STATES, IS NOW A MAJORITY. THAT

IS THE RULING OF THE CHAIR.

Senator McConnell then appealed the ruling of the chair and asked for the yeas and nays.

           MR. McCONNELL: MAKE A POINT OF ORDER THAT NOMINATIONS ARE FULLY
           DEBATABLE URPD THE RULES OF THE SENATE UNLESS I WAS THERE OF
           SENATORS CHOSEN AND SWORN HAVE VOTED TO BRING DEBATE TO A
           CLOSE. UNDER THE PRECEDENT JUST SET BY THE SENATE, CLOTURE IS
           INVOKED AT A MAJORITY. THEREFORE, I APPEAL THE RULING OF THE
           CHAIR AND ASK FOR THE YEAS AND NAYS.

At 12:35, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the question: Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the judgment of the Senate?

Decision of the Chair: a vote on cloture for all nominations (other than for the Supreme Court) is by majority vote.

Sustained: 52-48

2:57pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #327, the nomination of Patricia Ann Millett, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, upon reconsideration;

Invoked: 55-43

Under the new cloture rules for nominations (Rule 22), a majority vote is required to invoke cloture on all nominations, except for nominations to the Supreme Court.

There will now be up to 30 hours for debate on the Millett nomination.

Additional roll call votes are expected today.

We are working on an agreement to hold the cloture vote on S.1197, National Defense Authorization Act, and the adjournment resolution this afternoon. We could vote around 3:45pm.

Under Rule 22, the filing deadline for second degree amendments is 1 hour prior to the beginning of the cloture vote. We are working on a consent to set the filing deadline for second degree amendments for later today, potentially for 5pm.

Another message will be sent once any agreement is reached.

The Senate has reached an agreement that results in 2 roll call votes at 4:00pm today. Those votes are on the following items:

– Motion to invoke cloture on S.1197, National Defense Authorization Act; and

– Adopting of S.Con.Res.28, adjournment resolution.

The filing deadline for second degree amendments to S.1197, is 5pm today.

4:03pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1197, National Defense Authorization Act;

Not invoked: 51-44

Senator Reid changed his vote to no (for procedural reasons) and entered a motion to reconsider at a later time the vote by which cloture was not invoked.

4:31pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on adoption of S.Con.Res.28, adjournment resolution;

Adopted: 51-42

There will be no further roll call votes today.

Senator Schumer asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass S.1774, a bill to reauthorize the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 for 1 year. Senator Sessions objected.

If the Senate does not receive a message that the House has adopted S.Con.Res.28, the adjournment resolution, the Senate will meet conduct pro forma sessions only with no business conducted on the following dates and times:

Friday, November 22^nd at 11:15am
Tuesday, November 26^th at 11:00am
Friday, November 29^th at 1:00pm
Tuesday, December 3^rd at 11:00am and
Friday, December 6^th at 10:30am

If the Senate receives a message that the House has adopted S.Con.Res.28, the Senate will stand adjourned until 2:00pm on Monday, December 9^th.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Reid motion to proceed to the motion to reconsider the vote by which cloture was not invoked on Executive Calendar #327, the nomination of Patricia Ann Millett, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit; Agreed to: 57-40-3(present)

2) McConnell motion to adjourn until 5:00pm; Not Agreed to: 46-54

3) Reid motion to reconsider the vote by which cloture was not invoked on Executive Calendar #327, the Millett nomination; Agreed to: 57-43

4) Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the judgment of the Senate (cloture on nominations (other than Supreme Court nominees) require the votes of three-fifths of Senators duly chosen and sworn and not a majority)(Reid appeal of the chair); the decision of the Chair was not sustained: 52-48

5) Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the judgment of the Senate (cloture on nominations (other than Supreme Court nominees) is a majority vote) (McConnell appeal of the chair); the decision of the Chair was sustained: 52-48

6) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #327, the nomination of Patricia Ann Millett, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, upon reconsideration; Invoked: 55-43

7) Motion to invoke cloture on S.1197, the National Defense Authorization Act; Not Invoked: 51-44

8) Adoption of S.Con.Res.28, Providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives; Adopted: 51-42

Additional LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Began the Rule 14 process of the following bills:

S.1774, a bill to reauthorize the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 for 1 year. (Nelson-Schumer)
S.1775, the Victims Protection Act of 2013. (McCaskill)
H.R.1965, the Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act. (Republican request)
H.R.2728, the Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act. (Republican request)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1752, the Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013. (Gillibrand)

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Last Floor Action:
11:29:50 A.M. -H.R. 1900
On agreeing
to the Speier amendment (A003) Roll Call 607 – Recorded vote pending.

Last Floor Action:
9:03:02 A.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The
House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would
be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

9:00:21 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:00:26 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
9:00:47 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:02:22 A.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
9:02:25 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Bishop of UT to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:03:02 A.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.
9:18:40 A.M.	H.R. 1900	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 420. H.R. 1900 — “To provide for the timely consideration of all licenses, permits, and approvals required under Federal law with respect to the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of any natural gas pipeline projects.”
9:18:45 A.M.	H.R. 1900	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1900 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.
9:18:58 A.M.	H.R. 1900	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 420 and Rule XVIII.
9:19:01 A.M.	H.R. 1900	The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Chairman of the Committee.
9:19:08 A.M.	H.R. 1900	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1900.
10:10:27 A.M.	H.R. 1900	An amendment, offered by Mr. Tonko, numbered 1 printed in House Report 113-272 to require the application for a natural gas pipeline to include information to ensure that methane emissions will be minimized before the application can be considered for approval.
10:10:30 A.M.	H.R. 1900	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 420, the Committee of Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Tonko amendment No. 1.
10:16:59 A.M.	H.R. 1900	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Tonko amendment No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Tonko demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:17:17 A.M.	H.R. 1900	An amendment, offered by Ms. Castor (FL), numbered 2 printed in House Report 113-272 to strike the provision that requires FERC to automatically issue other agencies’ permits if the deadline is missed.
10:17:19 A.M.	H.R. 1900	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 420, the Committee of Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Castor (FL) amendment No. 2.
10:27:09 A.M.	H.R. 1900	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Castor (FL) amendment No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Castor demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:27:33 A.M.	H.R. 1900	An amendment, offered by Ms. Speier, numbered 3 printed in House Report 113-272 to toll the time limits until FERC has considered and responded to state or local objections or concerns about the pipeline project.
10:27:36 A.M.	H.R. 1900	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 420, the Committee of Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Speier amendment No. 3.
10:34:05 A.M.	H.R. 1900	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Speier amendment No. 3, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Speier demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:34:32 A.M.	H.R. 1900	An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee, numbered 4 printed in House Report 113-272 to delay the implementation of the bill, if enacted, so long as sequestration is in effect.
10:34:35 A.M.	H.R. 1900	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 420, the Committee of Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 4.
10:41:43 A.M.	H.R. 1900	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 4, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee (TX) demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:42:02 A.M.	H.R. 1900	An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Dingell, numbered 5 printed in House Report 113-272 to replace the bill with a requirement that GAO complete a study on what, if any, delays are expected by FERC or other federal, state, or local permitting authorities in issuing permits regarding the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of any natural gas pipeline project.
10:42:06 A.M.	H.R. 1900	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 420, the Committee of Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Dingell amendment No. 5.
10:51:43 A.M.	H.R. 1900	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Dingell amendment No. 5, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Dingell demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:52:03 A.M.	H.R. 1900	UNFINISHED 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.
11:24:06 A.M.	H.R. 1900	On agreeing to the Tonko amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 605).
11:29:39 A.M.	H.R. 1900	On agreeing to the Castor (FL) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 606).
11:29:50 A.M.	H.R. 1900	On agreeing to the Speier amendment (A003) Roll Call 607 – Recorded vote pending.

11:34:29 A.M.	H.R. 1900	On agreeing to the Speier amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 236 (Roll no. 607).
11:39:21 A.M.	H.R. 1900	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 243 (Roll no. 608).
11:44:03 A.M.	H.R. 1900	On agreeing to the Dingell amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 239 (Roll no. 609).
11:44:21 A.M.	H.R. 1900	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1900.
11:45:10 A.M.	H.R. 1900	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
11:45:57 A.M.	H.R. 1900	Mr. Tierney moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.
11:46:25 A.M.	H.R. 1900	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Tierney 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 prevent any provisions of the underlying bill from taking effect unless the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, in consultation with appropriate regulatory agencies, determines that the implementation of the bill will not: adversely impact natural gas pipeline safety; or inhibit the ability of communities to meaningfully engage in the siting of natural gas pipelines that affect them.
11:50:25 A.M.	H.R. 1900	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
11:56:53 A.M.	H.R. 1900	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 180 – 233 (Roll no. 610).
11:57:00 A.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk notified the House that she received a letter from the Honorable Tom Schedler, Secretary of State, State of Louisiana, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held November 16, 2013, the Honorable Vance M. McAllister was elected Representative to Congress for the Fifth Congressional District, State of Louisiana.
11:58:19 A.M.		ADMINISTERING OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Vance M. McAllister, Fifth Congressional District, Louisiana, presented himself in the well of the House and the Speaker proceeded to administer the Oath of Office.
11:59:37 A.M.		The Dean of the Louisiana delegation, Representative Charles Boustany, and Represenative Cedric Richmond addressed the House and introduced Representative Vance M. McAllister, Fifth Congressional District, State of Louisiana.
12:03:38 P.M.		ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath to the gentleman from Louisiana, the whole number of the House is 432.
12:14:18 P.M.	H.R. 1900	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 252 – 165 (Roll no. 611).
12:14:20 P.M.	H.R. 1900	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:15:00 P.M.	H.R. 3381	Mr. Rogers (MI) announced that the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has ordered the bill, H.R. 3381, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, reported favorably to the House with amendments and that if Members wish to review the classified information, they should contact the committee’s director of security to arrange a time and date.
12:16:00 P.M.		Mr. Rogers (MI) asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on November 22. Agreed to without objection.
12:17:32 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
12:42:58 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has proceeded to Special Order speeches without prejudice to the possible resumption of legislative business.
2:42:10 P.M.		United States Merchant Marine Academy – Pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 51312(b), and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the United States Merchant Marine Academy: Mr. King of NY.
2:42:15 P.M.		National Historical Publications and Records Commission – Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 2501, and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the National Historical Publications and Records Commission: Mr. Barr (KY).
2:43:15 P.M.		Mr. Larson (CT) moved that the House do now adjourn.
2:43:25 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
2:43:30 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order.The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 22, 2013.

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Do you know what the Affordable Care Act means to your Small Business?

11/19/2013 Nativegrl77

Have you heard about the new Health Care Marketplace?

Join the Portland District Office and Cover Oregon on Monday, November 25 from 8:30-10 a.m., to learn more about the Affordable Care Act and how the new online marketplace will make shopping for health coverage easier.The SBA and Cover Oregon will cover: