Today Maj. Leader Harry Reid has scheduled a procedural vote today to limit debate and move closer to a final vote on the financial reform bill passage. If cloture is approved, a final vote to pass the legislation could take place on Thursday or Friday;

Republicans are still blocking Reform, 57-42; though a few  Dems voted against cloture, among them was Senator Cantwell/Fiengold voted against cloture.a Feingold stated he voted no because they were ending the debates before job is done; 2 Republicans voted yes: Sen Reid voted no to keep the procedure alive; Apparently, Dems voting no did so because they want their amendments to get a vote and Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) plans to drop his push to weaken derivatives reform …stay tuned

Updates of debates/votes

The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET May 19, 2010

There will be a period of morning business for 1hour with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each . The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the Majority will control the final 30 minutes.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.3217, Wall Street Reform. By unanimous consent, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur not prior to 3:15pm.

The filing deadline for second degree amendments is 1pm.

The Senate stands in recess until 3:15pm.

The following amendments are pending to
Dodd-Lincoln #3739 (Substitute) to S.3217:
– Brownback #3789, as further modified (automobile manufacturers)
– Specter #3776 (civil action)
– Leahy #3823 (antitrust laws)
– Whitehouse #3746, as modified (States rights)
-Cantwell #3884, as modified (Glass Steagall)
– Cardin #4050 (resource extraction issuers)
Grassley #4072 (Inspector General)

The Senate has reached an agreement to concurrently debate the Whitehouse amendment #3746, as further modified (consumer protection) and Ensign amendment (text of which is identical to amendment #’s 4119, 4120, and 4121 with a change in the instruction line).

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

– Whitehouse #3746, as further modified (consumer protection), and
– Ensign amendment (definition of credit).

Senator Dodd also asked unanimous consent that it be in order for the Cantwell amendment #4086 to be called up for consideration.

Senator Shelby objected to the request.

Votes:
158: Motion to Invoke cloture on the Dodd-Lincoln amendment #3739: (Substitute);
Invoked: 57-42

– Snowe-Pryor #3883 (small business) was agreed to by voice vote

159: Whitehouse amendment #3746: , as further modified (States Rights)(60-vote threshold);Not Agreed To: 60

160: Ensign amendment #4146: (definition of “credit”) was agreed to by voice vote

Unanimous Consent:

The Senate confirmed the nomination of Brigadier General Michael J. Walsh to be Major General.

– Passed S.920, the Information Technology (IT) Oversight and Waste Prevention Act (with a Carper-Collins amendment).

– Adopted S.Res.534, a resolution designating May 1, 2010, as “Silver STar SErvice Banner Day”.

– Adopted S.Res.535, a resolution honoring the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, for his service to the people of Mexico, and welcoming the President to the United States.

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The next meeting in the House is  scheduled 10amET May 19, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 19, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

4:57 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

4:56 P.M. –

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 26: himself for 5 min, and Mr. Jones for 5 min. Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Hastings of WA be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 24.

4:49 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H. Res. 1364:

honoring the historic and community significance of the Chatham County Courthouse and expressing condolences to Chatham County and the town of Pittsboro for the fire damage sustained by the courthouse on March 25, 2010

4:48 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 406 – 1 (Roll no. 283).

4:41 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1292:

congratulating the Emporia State University Lady Hornets women’s basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championship

4:40 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 407 – 1, 1 Present (Roll no. 282).

4:34 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 403:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Teacher Day to honor and celebrate teachers in the United States

4:33 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 – 2, 1 Present (Roll no. 281).

4:25 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5099:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 15 South Main Street in Sharon, Massachusetts, as the “Michael C. Rothberg Post Office”

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 – 1 (Roll no. 280).

3:55 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

3:54 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

3:53 P.M. –

Mr. Hastings (FL) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1363.

H.R. 5327:

to authorize assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system

At 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.

3:23 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5327. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. McMahon moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 873:

establishing a United States Consulate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

3:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 873. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. McMahon moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1324:

expressing condolences and sympathies for the people of China following the tragic earthquake in the Qinghai province of the Peoples Republic of China on April 14, 2010

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. McMahon objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

3:00 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1324. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. McMahon moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 5139:

to provide for the International Organizations Immunities Act to be extended to the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Civilian Office in Kosovo

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

2:54 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5139. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. McMahon moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1339:

expressing support for designation of May as National Foster Care Month and acknowledging the responsibility that Congress has to promote safety, well-being, improved outcomes, and permanency for the Nation’s collective children

2:53 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. McDermott objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

2:44 P.M. –

Considered under suspension of the rules. DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1339.

Mr. McDermott moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 5128:

to designate the Department of the Interior Building in Washington, District of Columbia, as the “Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building”

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Teague objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

2:32 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5128. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Teague moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 1177:

to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition of 5 United States Army 5-Star Generals, George Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower, Henry “Hap” Arnold, and Omar Bradley, alumni of the United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to coincide with the celebration of the 132nd Anniversary of the founding of the United States Army Command and General Staff College

2:31 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Moore (KS) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

2:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1177. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Moore (KS) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 2546:

to ensure that the right of an individual to display the Service flag on residential property not be abridged

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

1:59 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2546. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Moore (KS) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 713:

recognizing the significant contributions of United States automobile dealerships, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that in the interest of equity, automobile dealers whose franchises have been terminated through no fault of their own be given an opportunity of first consideration once the auto market rebounds and stabilizes

1:58 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

1:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 713. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Capps moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 996:

expressing support for designation of September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

1:48 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mrs. Capps objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

1:36 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 996. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Capps moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1361:

recognizing North Carolina Central University on its 100th anniversary

1:35 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Fudge objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

1:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1361. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1336:

congratulating the University of Texas men’s swimming and diving team for winning the NCAA Division I national championship

1:18 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Fudge objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

1:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1336. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1362:

celebrating the life and achievements of Lena Mary Calhoun Horne and honoring her for her triumphs against racial discrimination and her steadfast commitment to the civil rights of all people

1:08 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 – 1 (Roll no. 279).

12:59 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1325:

recognizing National Missing Children’s Day

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 – 0 (Roll no. 278).

12:51 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5325:

to invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 261 – 148 (Roll no. 277).

12:42 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1514:

to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to reauthorize the juvenile accountability block grants program through fiscal year 2014

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 364 – 45 (Roll no. 276).

12:13 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

12:12 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1292:

congratulating the Emporia State University Lady Hornets women’s basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championship

12:11 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Fudge objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

12:00 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1292. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H.R. 2136:

to establish the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones Fire Suppression Demonstration Incentive Program within the Department of Education to promote installation of fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in qualified student housing and dormitories, and for other purposes

11:59 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

11:51 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2136. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5220:

to reauthorize the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004, to provide assistance to Best Buddies to support the expansion and development of mentoring programs, and for other purposes

11:50 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

11:18 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5220. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5325:

to invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes

11:16 A.M. –

At 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.

10:31 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5325. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Gordon (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

10:30 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

10:25 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed with one minute speeches. The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 5014 and S. 736.

10:02 A.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. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Jenkins to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:00 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. William Smith, Memorial Baptist Church, Arlington, Virginia The Speaker designated the Honorable Henry Cuellar to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.