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Black History

Congress: the Republican led House the Senate considers HR3606,Capitol Formation/IPO bill and Judicial nominees


the Senate Convened at 9:30amET March 15, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 11:00am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first half hour and the Republicans controlling the second half hour.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.3606, the Capital Formation bill.
  • At 1:45pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations with 15 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees:

At 1:45pm today, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations with 15 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees:

– Cal. #408, Gina Marie Groh, of West Virginia, to be US District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia

– Cal. #461, Michael Walter Fitzgerald, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California

Upon the use or yielding back of time (approximately 2:00pm), there will be 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed above.

The following amendments are pending to H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill:

  • Reed-Landrieu-Levin-Brown(OH) amendment #1833 (substitute)
  • Reid amendment #1834 (date change)
  • Reid amendment #1835 (date change) to amendment #1834
  • Cantwell-Johnson-Graham-Shelby, et al, amendment #1836 (Ex-Im Bank)
  • Motion to commit H.R.3606 with instructions (date change)
  • Reid amendment #1839 to the instructions (date change)
  • Reid amendment #1840 to amendment #1839 (date change)

2:02 pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Gina Marie Groh, of WV, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia; Confirmed: 95-2

2:23pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Michael Walter Fitzgerald, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Central District of California; Confirmed: 91-6

There will be no further roll call votes this week.

Senators should expect the next roll call vote on Tuesday, March 20th prior to the weekly caucus meetings.

TODAY’S ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Confirmation of the nomination of Gina Marie Groh, of WV, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia; Confirmed: 95-2

2) Confirmation of the nomination of Michael Walter Fitzgerald, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Central District of California; Confirmed: 91-6

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Agriculture Committee and passed H.R.473, the Help to Access Land for the Education (HALE) of Scouts Act.

Discharged the Banking Committee and passed H.R.886, the United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act with a Boozman-Pryor amendment.

Adopted S.Res.398, Recognizing the 191st anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American Democracy.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.2191, to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to prohibit the Attorney General from administering or enforcing certain accessibility reglations relation to pools at public accommodations or provided by public entities (DeMint).

The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to the Reed-Landrieu-Levin-Brown (OH), et al, substitute amendment #1833 and H.R.3630 is 4:00pm on Monday, March 19th.

If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

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 The next in the House  meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 16, 2012.

Black History

Congress: Republicans in the House – the Senate led by Democrats passes S.1813 74-22


 the Senate Convened at 9:30amET March 14, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, there will be one hour of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first half and the Majority will control the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1813, Surface Infrastructure, with the time until 11:30am equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or designees.
  • At 11:30am, we expect 3 roll call votes in relation to the following items:
  • Boxer amendment #1816 (SoS emergency exemptions),
  • Paul amendment #1556 (emergency exemptions), and
  • Passage of S.1813, as amended.
  • Upon disposition of the transportation bill, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 2:00pm with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • At 2:00pm the Senate will proceed to Executive Session with 30 minutes for debate equally divided prior to the cloture vote on the Groh nomination (Executive Calendar #408).
  • At 2:30pm there will be up to 17 cloture votes on judicial nominations, unless an agreement on nominations can be reached.

The Senate is in a period of morning business for 1 hour. Following morning business (approx. 10:36am), we will resume consideration of S.1813, Surface Transportation, with the time until 11:30am equally divided.

The only remaining first degree amendments in order to the transportation bill are the ones listed below. At 11:30am, we expect to have roll call votes on Boxer #1816, Paul #1556, and passage of 1813, Surface Transportation, as amended. I’ve noted what we expect to happen on the remaining amendments below.

– Corker #1810 (fail by voice vote)

– Carper #1670 (may make a statement, but is not expected to offer)

– Hutchison #1568 (may make a statement, but is not expected to offer)

– McCain #1669, as modified (will be withdrawn—included in the managers’ package)

– Alexander #1779 (pass by voice vote)

– Boxer #1816 (roll call vote)

– Paul #1556 (roll call vote)

– Shaheen #1678 (included in managers’ package, will not be offered)

The following amendments have been considered to S.1813, the Surface Transportation Act:

  • Johnson-Shelby #1515 (banking title); withdrawn
  • Reid amendment #1633 (Banking, Finance and Commerce titles); withdrawn
  • Reid amendment #1634 (date change); withdrawn
  • Reid motion to commit with instructions (date change); withdrawn
  • Reid amendment #1636 to the motion to commit (date change); withdrawn
  • Reid amendment #1637 to #1636 (date change); withdrawn
  • Blunt amendment #1520 (moral objections to health care services); Tabled: 51-48
  • Reid amendment #1730 (Banking, Finance and Commerce titles); withdrawn
  • Reid amendment #1761; Agreed to by UC
  • Vitter amendment #1535 (OCS) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 44-54
  • Baucus amendment #1825 (Rural Schools) (60-vote threshold); Agreed To: 82-16
  • Collins amendment #1660 (Boiler MACT) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 52-46
  • Coburn amendment #1738 (OMB/Duplicative Programs) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 52-46
  • Nelson(FL) amendment #1822 (RESTORE) (60-vote threshold); Agreed To: 76-22
  • Wyden amendment #1817 (Keystone Pipeline) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 33-65
  • Hoeven amendment #1537 (Keystone Pipeline) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 56-42
  • Levin amendment #1818 (offshore tax havens); Agreed to by voice vote
  • DeMint amendment #1756 (state discretionary authority); Not Agreed To: 30-67
  • Bingaman amendment #1759 (privatized highways); Agreed To: 50-47
  • Roberts amendment #1826 (ANWAR,Keystone, etc.) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 41-57
  • Stabenow amendment #1812 (energy tax extenders) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 49-49
  • DeMint amendment #1589 (repeal of energy tax subsidies) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 26-72
  • Menendez-Burr amendment #1782 (natural gas) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 51-47
  • Coats amendment #1517 (Apportionment formula); Not Agreed To: 28-70
  • Brown(OH) amendment #1819 (Buy America); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Blunt amendment #1540 (Off system bridges); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Klobuchar amendment #1617 (Ag transportation); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Portman amendment #1736 (gas tax flexibility); Not Agreed to: 30-68
  • Corker amendment #1785, as modified (discretionary spending cap adjustment); Fell when the Budget Act was Not Waived: 40-58
  • Portman amendment #1742 (rest areas); Not Agreed to: 12-86
  • McCain amendment #1669, as modified (Grand Canyon noise abatement); Withdrawn
  • Corker amendment #1810 (limitation on expenditures); Not agreed to by voice vote
  • Alexander amendment #1779 (over-flights of national parks); Agreed to by voice vote

11:37am The Senate began a roll call vote on Boxer amendment #1816 (SoS on expedited emergency environmental reviews)

11:37am The Senate began a roll call vote on Boxer amendment #1816 (SoS on expedited emergency environmental reviews); Agreed To: 76-20

12:10pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Paul motion to waive Budget Act with respect to Paul amendment #1556 (environmental waivers); Not Waived: 42-54

12:38pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill; Passed: 74-22

By consent, the cloture motions on the judges were vitiated. As a result, we will not have any votes at 2:30pm today. Senator Reid intends to turn to H.R.3606, the IPO bill, next.

Cloture was vitiated on the following nominations:

Cal.#408, Gina Marie Groh, of West Virginia;

Cal.#441, David Nuffer, of Utah;

Cal.#461, Michael Walter Fitzgerald, of California;

Cal.#462, Ronnie Abrams, of New York;

Cal.#463, Rudolph Contreras, of Virginia;

Cal.#464, Miranda Du, of Nevada;

Cal.#497, Susie Morgan, of Louisiana;

Cal.#509, Gregg Jeffrey Costa, of Texas;

Cal.#510, David Campos Guaderrama, of Texas;

Cal.#528, Brian C. Wimes, of Missouri;

Cal.#568, Kristine Gerhard Baker, of Arkansas;

Cal.#569, John Z. Lee, of Illinois;

Cal.#570, George Levi Russell, III, of Maryland;

Cal.#571, John J. Tharp, Jr., of Illinois;

Cal.#610, Jeffrey J. Helmick, of Ohio;

Cal.#612, Mary Geiger Lewis, of South Carolina; and

Cal.#613, Timothy S. Hillman, of Massachusetts

The previous order to proceed to Executive Session at 2pm has been vitiated.

The Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each and the time equally divided.

 At 1:45pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations with 15 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees:

  • Cal. #408, Gina Marie Groh, of West Virginia, to be US District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia
  • Cal. #461, Michael Walter Fitzgerald, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California

Upon the use or yielding back of time (approximately 2:00pm), there will be 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed above.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Boxer amendment #1816 (SoS emergency exemptions); Agreed To: 76-20

2) Motion to Waive the Budget Act with respect to the Paul amendment #1556 (emergency exemptions); Not Agreed To: 42-54

3) Passage of S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill, as amended; Passed: 74-22

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.396, supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2191, to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to prohibit the Attorney General from administering or enforcing certain accessibility reglations relation to pools at public accommodations or provided by public entities (DeMint).

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 16, 2012.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate resumes S.1813 & 3yrs later nominations 2down 100 to go


the Senate Convenes: 10:00amET March 6, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill.  The filing deadline for all second degree amendments to the Reid amendment #1761 is 11:30am on Tuesday.
  • At approximately 12:00pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reid amendment #1761 to S.1813.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • At 2:15pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and conduct two roll call votes on confirmation of the following:

At approximately 12:00pm today, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reid amendment #1761 to S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill.

Additionally, there will be 2 roll call votes at approximately 2:15pm on confirmation of the following Executive Calendar items:

–          Calendar #439, Mary Elizabeth Phillips, of MO, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Missouri and

–          Calendar #440, Thomas Owen Rice, of WA, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington.

12:21pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reid amendment #1761 to S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill; Not Invoked: 52-44

2:17pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Mary Elizabeth Phillips, of MO, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Missouri; Confirmed: 95-2

2:43pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Thomas Owen Rice, of WA, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington; Confirmed: 93-4

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Motion to invoke cloture on the Reid amendment #1761 to S.1813; Not Invoked: 52-44

2)      Confirmation of the nomination of Mary Elizabeth Phillips, of MO, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Missouri; Confirmed: 95-2

3)      Confirmation of the nomination of Thomas Owen Rice, of WA, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington; Confirmed: 93-4

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.389, designating the first week of April 2012 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week”.

Passed Calendar #253, S.1886, the Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act of 2011 with a Leahy-Grassley amendment by voice vote.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH  6, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.3:45:48 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.3:45:12 P.M. -H.R. 2842Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2842 as unfinished business.3:44:57 P.M. -H.R. 2842On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.3:44:44 P.M. -H.R. 2842Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to rise.3:43:29 P.M. -H.R. 2842On agreeing to the Ellison amendment; Failed by voice vote.3:29:58 P.M. -H.R. 2842DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 570, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Ellison amendment No. 3 under the five-minute rule.3:29:56 P.M. -H.R. 2842An amendment, offered by Mr. Ellison,  numbered 3 printed in the Congressional Record to add a section to H.R. 2842 which states that section 2 of the bill and the amendments made by section 2 shall not take effect unless the Secretary finds that such section and amendments, if in effect, shall not result in a net loss of jobs.3:28:16 P.M. -H.R. 2842POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Napolitano amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Napolitano demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.3:17:13 P.M. -H.R. 2842DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 570, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Napolitano amendment No. 1 under the five-minute rule.3:17:10 P.M. -H.R. 2842An amendment, offered by Mrs. Napolitano,  numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to strike the exemption for small conduit hydropower development from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.3:16:47 P.M. -H.R. 2842On agreeing to the Tipton amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.3:16:16 P.M. -H.R. 2842DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 570, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tipton amendment No. 2 under the five-minute rule.3:16:13 P.M. -H.R. 2842An amendment, offered by Mr. Tipton,  numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to strike “2011” and insert “2012” in section 1.2:34:41 P.M. -H.R. 2842GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2842.2:34:30 P.M. -H.R. 2842The Speaker designated the Honorable Jason Chaffetz to act as Chairman of the Committee.2:34:29 P.M. -H.R. 2842House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 570 and Rule XVIII.2:34:04 P.M. -H.R. 2842Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2842 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 read by section. Specified amendments are in order. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill. All points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived.2:33:59 P.M. -H.R. 2842Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 570. H.R. 2842 — “To authorize all Bureau of Reclamation conduit facilities for hydropower development under Federal Reclamation law, and for other purposes.”2:33:35 P.M. -H. Res. 570Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:33:19 P.M. -H. Res. 570On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.2:33:17 P.M. -H. Res. 570On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 177 (Roll no. 97).2:14:04 P.M. -H. Res. 570Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 570 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2842) to authorize all Bureau of Reclamation conduit facilities for hydropower development under Federal Reclamation law, and for other purposes.”2:13:20 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on ordering the previous question for H. Res. 570, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.2:13:19 P.M. -ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the passing of the gentleman from the State of New Jersey, Mr. Payne, the whole number of the House is 433.2:13:18 P.M. -H. Res. 571Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:13:09 P.M. -H. Res. 571On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.2:11:36 P.M. -H. Res. 571Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 571 — “Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of the Honorable Donald M. Payne, a Representative from the State of New Jersey.”2:08:08 P.M. -MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in honor of the life of Honorable Donald M. Payne, a Representative from the State of New Jersey.2:06:51 P.M. -H.R. 4105Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:06:49 P.M. -H.R. 4105On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 370 – 39 (Roll no. 96).1:38:09 P.M. -H.R. 4105Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4105 — “To apply the countervailing duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 to nonmarket economy countries, and for other purposes.”1:37:32 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on a motion to suspend the rules, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.1:37:31 P.M. -H. Res. 570POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 570, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Slaughter demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.1:08:00 P.M. -H. Res. 570DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 570.1:05:59 P.M. -H. Res. 570Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 570 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2842) to authorize all Bureau of Reclamation conduit facilities for hydropower development under Federal Reclamation law, and for other purposes.”1:04:39 P.M. -H.R. 4105At 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.12:32:40 P.M. -H.R. 4105DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4105.12:32:38 P.M. -H.R. 4105Considered under suspension of the rules.12:32:24 P.M. -H.R. 4105Mr. Camp moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4105 — “To apply the countervailing duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 to nonmarket economy countries, and for other purposes.”12:31:36 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until later in the legislative day.12:03:13 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.12:03:04 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Higgins to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:03:00 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:01:02 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:59 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 6.11:01:25 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:01:04 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.10:00:27 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Lynn Jenkins to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:10 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate


The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, March 5, 2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no roll call votes on Monday, March 5.

On Friday, Senator Reid filed cloture on the Reid amendment #1761 and S.1813, Surface Transportation bill. At 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 6, the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reid amendment #1761.

At 2:15pm on Tuesday, March 6, there will be 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the following nominations:

– Cal #439 Mary Elizabeth Phillips, of Missouri, to be US District Judge for the Western District of Missouri

– Cal #440 Thomas Owen Rice, of Washington, to be District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington.

The filing deadline for first degree amendments to S.1813 is 4:00pm on Monday, March 5.

The filing deadline for second degree amendments to Reid amendment #1761 and S.1813 is 4:00pm Tuesday, March 6.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.2153, a bill to apply the countervailing duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 to nonmarket economies and for other purposes.  When the Senate receives H.R.4105 from the House and if it is identical to S.2153, the Senate will pass H.R.4105 with no amendments.

Discharged Foreign Relations and Adopted S.Res.386, calling for free and fair elections in Iran.

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.1837, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 5, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

.  -The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 6, 2012.8:07:56 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.8:07:32 P.M. -Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.7:07:31 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.6:59:15 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.6:58:01 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 36Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:58:00 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 36On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.6:57:13 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 36Considered by unanimous consent. S. Con. Res. 36 — “To authorize the use of the rotunda and Emancipation Hall of the Capitol by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies in connection with the proceedings and ceremonies conducted for the inauguration of the President-elect and the Vice President-elect of the United States.”6:57:13 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 36Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.6:57:12 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 35Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:57:11 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 35On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.6:56:45 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 35Considered by unanimous consent. S. Con. Res. 35 — “To establish the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for the inauguration of the President-elect and Vice President-elect of the United States on January 21, 2013.”6:56:45 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 35Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.6:56:29 P.M. -H.R. 3637Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:56:28 P.M. -H.R. 3637On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 362 – 2 (Roll no. 95).6:32:27 P.M. -H.R. 3637Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3637 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 401 Old Dixie Highway in Jupiter, Florida, as the “Roy Schallern Rood Post Office Building”.”6:32:13 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:31:40 P.M. -Mr. Bishop (UT) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 570.6:30:09 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 5.5:29:35 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 6:30 p.m. today.5:29:01 P.M. -S. 1710Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:28:58 P.M. -S. 1710On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.5:21:19 P.M. -S. 1710DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1710.5:21:18 P.M. -S. 1710Considered under suspension of the rules.5:21:00 P.M. -S. 1710Mr. Denham moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 1710 — “To designate the United States courthouse located at 222 West 7th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska, as the James M. Fitzgerald United States Courthouse.”5:19:00 P.M. -H.R. 3413Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:18:53 P.M. -H.R. 3413On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.5:10:16 P.M. -H.R. 3413Considered under suspension of the rules.5:10:02 P.M. -H.R. 3413Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3413 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1449 West Avenue in Bronx, New York, as the “Private Isaac T. Cortes Post Office”.”5:10:00 P.M. -H.R. 3413DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3413.5:09:22 P.M. -H.R. 3637At 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.5:00:53 P.M. -H.R. 3637DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3637.5:00:51 P.M. -H.R. 3637Considered under suspension of the rules.5:00:36 P.M. -H.R. 3637Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3637 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 401 Old Dixie Highway in Jupiter, Florida, as the “Roy Schallern Rood Post Office Building”.”5:00:27 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.5:00:16 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 5.2:16:38 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 5:00 P.M. today.2:14:24 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice stating that the national emergency with respect to the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Zimbabwe and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic processes or institutions is to continue in effect beyond March 6, 2012. – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-92).2:13:42 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 the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on March 2, 2012, at 10:18 a.m., stating that that body had agreed to S. Con. Res. 35 and S. Con. Res. 36.2:05:02 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:04:03 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:04:00 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:02:35 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:31 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 5.12:09:35 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  2:00 P.M. today.12:05:00 P.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.12:04:25 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Jeff Denham to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.12:04:10 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress: the Senate debates votes and fails Americans ?


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At approximately 9am, there will be a series of 4 roll call votes in relation to the following items:

–          Reid substitute amendment to H.R.3630, 2 month extension of the payroll tax reduction, doc fix, and unemployment insurance (60-vote threshold);

((up to 15 minutes for debate))

–          Passage of H.R.3672, emergency disaster funding (60-vote threshold);

–          Adoption of H.Con.Res.94, a correcting resolution to provide offsets for the emergency disaster funding (60-vote threshold); and

–          Adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.2055, Omnibus Appropriations (60-vote threshold).

9:21am The Senate began a roll call vote on the Reid-McConnell substitute amendment #1465 (2-month extension of the payroll tax reduction) to H.R.3630, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act; Agreed to: 89-10

10:02am The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of H.R.3672, Emergency Disaster Funding; Passed: 72-27

10:21am The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of H.Con.Res.94, a correcting resolution to provide offsets for the emergency disaster funding; Not Adopted: 43-56

**** The Congressional Budgetary Office announced this morning that the payroll tax cut extension package that passed in the Senate, by a vote of 89-10, reduces the deficit by approximately $3 billion.  Read the CBO report here. ****

10:44am The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.2055, Omnibus Appropriations; Adopted: 67-32

There will be no further roll call votes this year.  The next roll call vote will be on Monday, January 23, 2012.

Senator Merkley asked unanimous consent the Banking Committee be discharged from further consideration of S.1874, the HUBZone Qualified Census Tract Act of 2011, and the bill be passed.

Senator Kyl objected to Senator Merkley’s request.  The unofficial transcript of Senators Merkley, Snowe, Landrieu and Kyl’s remarks is below.

11:00:51 NSP} (MR. MERKLEY) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

MR. MERKLEY: THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT. I RISE TO ASK UNANIMOUS

CONSENT OF ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES, BEFORE I EXPLAIN THE UNANIMOUS

CONSENT REQUEST, I WILL GIVE A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND. THIS

IS SENATE BILL 1874 THAT SENATOR SNOWE AND I HAVE WORKED ON FOR

SOME TIME BECAUSE OF OUR MUTUAL INTEREST IN MAKING THE HUB ZONE

PROCESS FOR RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WORK BETTER. WHEN THIS

PROCESS OCCURS WITH EACH CENSUS, THERE IS A TWO-YEAR NIGHTMARE

OF RED TAPE BEFORE COMMUNITIES THAT SHOULD BENEFIT FROM THIS

{11:01:22} (MR. MERKLEY) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO SO, AND

ACROSS THE COUNTRY RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE RURAL COMMUNITIES THAT

ABSOLUTELY NEED TO BENEFIT FROM THIS MOST RECENT CENSUS. THEY

HAVE HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT RATES. THEY ARE HIT HARD BY THE DROP IN

EXPORTS. THEY ARE HIT HARD BY THE COLLAPSE OF THE HOUSING

COMMUNITY. SAWMILLS HAVE SHUT DOWN, PAPER MILLS HAVE SHUT DOWN.

AND SO SO MANY FOLKS COME TO THIS FLOOR TO TALK ABOUT CUTTING

{11:01:55} (MR. MERKLEY) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

RED TAPE AND TALKING ABOUT HELPING ECONOMY IN THE HEART OF

RURAL AMERICA. THEY COME TO THIS FLOOR AND THEY TALK ABOUT HOW

IMPORTANT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOBS IS, AND THIS IS A

LITTLE FIX THAT TAKES A YEAR OUT OF THE BUREAUCRACY, AND THAT’S

WHY SENATOR SNOWE AND I HAVE WORKED TOGETHER ON THIS PROCESS.

NOW, TWICE WE HAVE BROUGHT THIS FORWARD AND TWICE IT HAS BEEN

CLEARED BY EVERY MEMBER OF THIS BODY. NEITHER TIME DID IT MAKE

IT INTO A BILL THAT GOT TO THE PRESIDENT’S DESK. SO WE ARE

{11:02:31} (MR. MERKLEY) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

COMING BACK ONCE MORE TO SAY LET COMMON SENSE TO FIX THIS

SNAFUS — THE SNAFUS IN THE BUREAUCRACY THAT ARE TAKING AWAY

OPPORTUNITY FOR RURAL AMERICA. LET’S PUT AN END TO THAT TODAY.

AND I WILL DEFER TO MY COLLEAGUE TO SPEAK AND THEN WE WILL ASK

FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT. I YIELD TO THE SENATOR FROM MAINE.

{11:02:54 NSP} (MS. SNOWE) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

MS. SNOWE: MR. PRESIDENT.

{11:02:57 NSP} (THE PRESIDING OFFICER) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE SENATOR FROM MAINE.

{11:03:01 NSP} (MS. SNOWE) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

MS. SNOWE: THANK YOU, AND I WANT TO THANK THE SENATOR FROM

OREGON REGARDING THIS CRITICAL ISSUE THAT WE HAVE BEEN WORKING

ON FOR A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD OF TIME, THAT WE THOUGHT WE HAD

REALLY CLEARED ON BOTH SIDES. THERE IS NO OBJECTIONS TO THIS

LANGUAGE, WHICH IS MIGHTILY IMPORTANT TO IMPROVING THE RURAL

ECONOMIES OF THIS COUNTRY, PARTICULARLY BECAUSE IT WOULD

EXPEDITE THE HUB ZONE DESIGNATION TO ALLOW SMALL BUSINESSES IN

THOSE HUB ZONES TO PROVIDE JOBS BY VIRTUE OF THE FACT THAT THEY

{11:03:31} (MS. SNOWE) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

WOULD GET PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT IN THE CONTRACTING PROCESS. AS

WE KNOW, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS MORE THAN $400 BILLION

WORTH OF CONTRACTS. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT SMALL BUSINESSES

AND PARTICULARLY THOSE LOCATED IN HARD-HIT AREAS OF OUR COUNTRY

HAVE ACCESS TO THOSE CONTRACTING DOLLARS AND ARE ABLE TO

PARTICIPATE ON AN EQUAL FOOTING. THIS WOULD CREATE JOBS. SO I

REGRET THE FACT THAT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO GET SUPPORT TO MOVE

THIS LEGISLATION FORWARD BECAUSE I KNOW THE SENATOR FROM OREGON

{11:04:03} (MS. SNOWE) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

HAS TESTED IT ON BOTH SIDES. WE HAVE RUN IT THROUGH THE

HOTLINE. THERE ARE NO OBJECTIONS TO THE LANGUAGE, AND I CANNOT

UNDERSTAND WHY WE CAN’T MOVE THIS VERY IMPORTANT PROPOSITION

THAT ABSOLUTELY WOULD BE CENTRAL TO CREATING JOBS IN THE AREAS

THAT NEED IT MOST THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE

GET SUCH A HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT RATE. SO THIS ISN’T A DIFFICULT

ISSUE TO UNDERSTAND. IT’S VERY STRAIGHTFORWARD. EVERYBODY

AGREES TO THE LANGUAGE. IT’S MAKING SURE THAT WE CAN IMPROVE

{11:04:35} (MS. SNOWE) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

THE LANGUAGE SO WE CAN EXPEDITE THE TIME FRAME IN WHICH THESE

DES NATIONS OCCUR FOR HUB ZONES, PARTICULARLY BECAUSE HUB ZONES

ARE THOSE AREAS THAT ARE SUFFERING MOST WITH RESPECT TO THE

DOWNTURN OF THIS ECONOMY. WHEN WE HAVE A PALTRY ECONOMIC GROWTH

OF 1.3%, .4% OR 2%, WHEN WE HAVE AN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE THAT’S

8.6% BUT WE HAVE HAD 9% OR HIGHER FOR A GOOD 28 MONTHS OR THE

LAST 34 MONTHS, WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, AND THIS

COULD HELP SMALL BUSINESSES AND IT COULD HELP THOSE PEOPLE IN

{11:05:09} (MS. SNOWE) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

THOSE AREAS WHO ARE CURRENTLY UNEMPLOYED. SO I WOULD HOPE THAT

THERE WOULD BE NO OBJECTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THIS INITIATIVE.

AND I WANT TO THANK THE SENATOR FROM OREGON FOR HIS LEADERSHIP

ON THIS MATTER.

{11:05:24 NSP} (MR. MERKLEY) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

MR. MERKLEY: I THANK MY COLLEAGUE. AND THE THIRD SPONSOR ON

THIS BILL IS SENATOR LANDRIEU, THE CHAIR OF THE SMALL BUSINESS

COMMITTEE, AND I YIELD TO HER.

{11:05:32 NSP} (MR. KYL) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

MR. KYL: MR. PRESIDENT, I ASK THE INDULGENCE OF MY COLLEAGUE.

IF MY COLLEAGUE COULD ASK THE UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST TO

WHICH I CAN RESPOND, THEN I CAN LEAVE. WOULD MY COLLEAGUE BE

WILLING TO DO THAT, PLEASE?

{11:05:46 NSP} (MR. MERKLEY) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

MR. MERKLEY: WE WOULD BE WILLING TO DO THAT, ABSOLUTELY. MR.

PRESIDENT, I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THE BANKING COMMITTEE BE

DISCHARGED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF S. 1874, THE HUB ZONE

QUALIFIED CENSUS TRACK ACT OF 2011, AND THE SENATE PROCEED TO

ITS CONSIDERATION, THAT THE BILL BE READ A THIRD TIME AND

PASSED AND THE MOTION TO RECONSIDER BE LAID UPON THE TABLE WITH

NO INTERVENING ACTION OR DEBATE, AND ANY STATEMENTS RELATING TO

THE BILL BE PLACED IN THE RECORD AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE AS IF

READ.

{11:06:12 NSP} (THE PRESIDING OFFICER) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: IS THERE OBJECTION?

{11:06:16 NSP} (MR. KYL) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

MR. KYL: MR. PRESIDENT, ON — THERE IS OBJECTION ON OUR SIDE,

AND I WILL OBJECT, BUT I DO WANT TO MAKE THE POINT THAT AS A

RESULT OF SENATOR SNOWE AND SENATOR MERKLEY’S INTERCESSION

HERE, OUR STAFF HAS TALKED TO SENATOR SHELBY WHO SAYS THAT HE

WILL TRY TO WORK TO GET IT CLEARED AND TO HOTLINE IT AGAIN ON

OUR SIDE TODAY. SO AT THIS TIME I CANNOT CLEAR IT, BUT THERE

WILL BE AN EFFORT TO ACCOMPLISH THAT RESULT.

{11:06:40 NSP} (THE PRESIDING OFFICER) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: OBJECTION IS HEARD. THE SENATOR FROM

OREGON.

{11:06:43 NSP} (MR. MERKLEY) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

MR. MERKLEY: I THANK MY COLLEAGUE FROM ARIZONA. WE APPRECIATE

HIS HELP. WE APPRECIATE THE — THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE

BANKING COMMITTEE ASSISTING IN THIS MATTER, AND I YIELD TO MY

COLLEAGUE FROM LOUISIANA.

{11:06:57 NSP} (MS. LANDRIEU) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

MS. LANDRIEU: THANK YOU. MR. PRESIDENT, I WANT TO ADD MY VOICE

TO THE STRONG WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE BY SENATOR MERKLEY AND

SENATOR SNOWE, AND AS THE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE THAT HAS SOME

JURISDICTION OVER THE HUB ZONE PROGRAM, I WANT TO URGE THE

BANKING COMMITTEE AND THE STAFF AND OFFER THE STAFF OF THE

SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE FOR THE MAJORITY SIDE TO WORK VERY

HARD TODAY TO SEE IF WE CAN GET THIS CLEARED. IT’S VERY, VERY

IMPORTANT TO THE RANKING MEMBER OF OUR COMMITTEE WHO HAS WORKED

SO HARD ON THIS AND TO THE SENATOR FROM OREGON WHO HAS MADE

{11:07:27} (MS. LANDRIEU) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

VERY STRONG ARGUMENTS ABOUT THE EXPEDITING AND STREAMLINING

SOME OF THESE APPROVALS. SO I WISH THEM THE BEST. WE’RE GOING

TO WORK TODAY TO SEE IF WE CAN GET THIS CLEARED, AND IT WOULD

BE THE SECOND REALLY SUBSTANTIAL VICTORY IN SORT OF THE HOME –

IN THE SMALL BUSINESS SPACE, HAVING GOTTEN OUR SBIR BILL

THROUGH JUST RECENTLY, AFTER SIX YEARS OF VERY ACRIMONIOUS

DEBATE, IF WE COULD GET THIS FIX TO THE HUB ZONE PROGRAM, IT

WOULD BE TERRIFIC, AND I JUST THANK THE SENATORS FOR THEIR HARD

{11:08:02} (MS. LANDRIEU) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

WORK, AND I YIELD THE FLOOR.

During Saturday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on the Reid motion to proceed to Calendar #70, S.968, a bill to prevent online threats to economic creativity and theft of intellectual property and for other purposes.

By unanimous consent, this roll call vote will be at 2:15pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012.

Senator Reid asked unanimous consent that the Senate take up and confirm the following nominations on the Executive Calendar and Senator McConnell objected to the request.

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

# 67 Philip E. Coyle, III, of California, to be an Associate Director of the Office of Science and

Technology Policy

 

INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND

#86 Ben S. Bernanke – United States Alternate Governor of the International Monetary Fund

 

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

#108 Scott C. Doney – to be Chief Scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

#112 William J. Boarman – to be Public Printer

 

CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

#258 Phyllis Nichamoff Segal – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service

#259 Lisa M. Quiroz — to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and

Community Service

#260 John D. Podesta — to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service

#261 Matthew Francis McCabe — to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service

#262 Marguerite W. Kondracke — to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service

#263 Jane D. Hartley – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service

#264 Richard Christman – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service

 

SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPORATION

#338 Anthony Frank D’Agostino – to be a Director of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation

#339 Anthony Frank D’Agostino – to be a Director of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (Reappointment)

#340 Gregory Karawan – to be a Director of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation

 

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

#344 Martin J. Gruenberg – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Reappointment)

#345 Martin J. Gruenberg – to be Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

#346 Thomas J. Curry – to be Comptroller of the Currency

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

#403 Kenneth J. Kopocis – to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

 

BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION

#413 Richard Cordray – to be Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection for a term of five years

 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

#421 Joyce A. Barr – to be Assistant Secretary of State (Administration)

#422 Michael A. Hammer – to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Public Affairs)

 

HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

#450 Laura A. Cordero – to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation for a term expiring December 15, 2015

 

AMTRAK BOARD OF DIRECTORS

#456 Albert DiClemente – to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of five years

 

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

#494 David T. Danielson – to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy)

#495 LaDoris Guess Harris – to be Director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact, Department of Energy

#496 Gregory Howard Woods – to be General Counsel of the Department of Energy

 

STATE JUSTICE INSTITUTE

#499 James R. Hannah – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute

#500 Daniel J. Becker – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute

 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

#501 Mari Carmen Aponte – to be Ambassador of the US of America to the Republic of El Salvador.

#502 Adam E. Namm – to be Ambassador of the US of America to the Republic of Ecuador.

#503 Michael Anthony McFaul – to be Ambassador of the US of America to the Russian Federation.

#504 Roberta S. Jacobson – to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Western Hemisphere Affairs),

#505 Elizabeth M. Cousens – to be Representative of the United States of America on the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador.

#506 Elizabeth M. Cousens – to be an Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations, during her tenure of service as Representative of the United States of America on the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

 

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

#507 Michael E. Horowitz – to be Inspector General

 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

#511 Rebecca M. Blank – to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce

 

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

#512 Ajit Varadaraj Pai – to be a Member of the FCC for a term of five years from July 1, 2011

#513 Jessica Rosenworcel – to be a Member of the FCC for a term of five years from July 1, 2010

 

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

#514 Jon D. Leibowitz – to be a FTC for a term of seven years from September 26, 2010

#515 Maureen K. Ohlhausen – to be a FTC for a term of seven years from September 26, 2011

 

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

#516 Kathryn Keneally – to be an Assistant Attorney General

 

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

#517 Maurice A. Jones – to be Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

#518 Carol J. Galante – to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

 

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

#519 Thomas Hoenig – to be Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

#520 Thomas Hoenig – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for a term of six years

 

NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

#521 Deepa Gupta – to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts for a term expiring Sept. 3, 2016

#522 Christopher Merrill – to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring Jan. 26, 2016

 

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY

#523 Stephanie Orlando – to be a Member of the National Council on Disability for the remainder of the term expiring Sept. 17, 2011

#524 Stephanie Orlando – to be a Member of the National Council on Disability for a term expiring Sept. 17, 2014

#525 Gary Blumenthal – to be a Member of the National Council on Disability for a term expiring Sept. 17, 2013

 

CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

#526 Wendy M. Spencer – to be Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service

 

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

#527 – Arunava Majumdar – to be Under Secretary of Energy

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

#529 Brad Carson – to be General Counsel of the Department of the Army

#530 Michael A. Sheehan – to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense

 

AIR FORCE

#531 to be Brigadier General – Col. Merle D. Hart

#532 to be Lieutenant General – Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc

#533 to be Brigadier General – Col. Brian E. Dominguez

#534 to be Brigadier General – Col. John P. Currenti

#535 to be Brigadier General –

Colonel John D. Bansemer

Colonel David B. Been

Colonel Michael T. Brewer

Colonel Thomas A. Bussiere

Colonel Clinton E. Crosier

Colonel Albert M. Elton, II

Colonel Michael A. Fantini

Colonel Timothy G. Fay

Colonel Edward A. Fienga

Colonel Steven D. Garland

Colonel Thomas W. Geary

Colonel Cedric D. George

Colonel Blaine D. Holt

Colonel Scott A. Howell

Colonel Ronald L. Huntley

Colonel Allen J. Jamerson

Colonel James C. Johnson

Colonel Mark D. Kelly

Colonel Scott A. Kindsvater

Colonel Donald E. Kirkland

Colonel Bruce H. McClintock

Colonel Martha A. Meeker

Colonel John E. Michel

Colonel Charles L. Moore, Jr.

Colonel Gregory S. Otey

Colonel John T. Quintas

Colonel Michael D. Rothstein

Colonel Kevin B. Schneider

Colonel Scott F. Smith

Colonel Bradley D. Spacy

Colonel Ferdinand B. Stoss

Colonel Jacqueline D. Van Ovost

Colonel James C. Vechery

Colonel Christopher P. Weggeman

Colonel Kevin B. Wooton

Colonel Sarah E. Zabel

 

ARMY

#536 to be Major General – Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally, III

#537 to be Brigadier General –

Colonel John W. Baker

Colonel Margaret W. Burcham

Colonel Richard D. Clarke, Jr.

Colonel Roger L. Cloutier, Jr.

Colonel Timothy R. Coffin

Colonel Peggy C. Combs

Colonel Bruce T. Crawford

Colonel Jason T. Evans

Colonel Stephen E. Farmen

Colonel John G. Ferrari

Colonel Kimberly Field

Colonel Duane A. Gamble

Colonel Ryan F. Gonsalves

Colonel Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr.

Colonel Steven R. Grove

Colonel William B. Hickman

Colonel Christopher P. Hughes

Colonel Daniel P. Hughes

Colonel Daniel L. Karbler

Colonel Ronald F. Lewis

Colonel James B. Linder

Colonel Michael D. Lundy

Colonel David K. MacEwen

Colonel Todd B. McCaffrey

Colonel Paul M. Nakasone

Colonel Paul A. Ostrowski

Colonel Laura J. Richardson

Colonel Steven A. Shapiro

Colonel James E. Simpson

Colonel Mark R. Stammer

Colonel Michael C. Wehr

Colonel Eric P. Wendt

#538 to be Major General – Brig. Gen. Lynn A. Collyar

#539 to be Lieutenant General – Maj. Gen. Mary A. Legere

#540 to be Major General – Col. Jimmie O. Keenan

 

#541         Mary John Miller – to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury

#542         Henry J. Aaron – to be a Member of the Social Security Advisory Board

#543         Kathleen Kerrigan – to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for the term of fifteen years

#544         Alastair M. Fitzpayne – to  be a Deputy Under Secretary of the Treasury

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Reid-McConnell substitute amendment #1465 (2-month extension of the payroll tax deduction, doc fix, and unemployment insurance) to H.R.3630; Agreed to: 89-10

2)      Passage of H.R.3672, emergency disaster funding; Passed: 72-27

3)      Adoption of H.Con.Res.94, a correcting resolution to provide offsets for the emergency disaster funding; Not Adopted: 43-56

4)      Adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.2055, Omnibus Appropriations; Adopted: 67-32

 

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.3630, a bill to extend the payroll tax holiday, unemployment compensation, Medicare physician payment, provide for the consideration of the Keystone XL pipeline, as amended.

Adopted S.Res.349, commemorating and honoring the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families as the official combat mission in Iraq draws to a close by voice vote.

Adopted H.J.Res.96, a 6-day continuing resolution.

Concurred in the House message to accompany S.278, the Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District Land Exchange Act of 2011.

Discharged the Banking Committee and Passed S.1874, the HUBZone Qualified Census Tract Act of 2011.

Discharged the Foreign Relations Committee and Passed S.1959, to require a report on the designation of the Haqqani Network as a foreign terrorist organization and for other purposes with a Burr amendment.

Discharged the EPW Committee and Passed S.1710, a bill to designate the United States courthouse located at 222 West 7th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska, as the James M. Fitzgerald United States Courthouse.

Passed H.R.1264, To designate the property between the United States Federal Courthouse and the Ed Jones Building located at 109 South Highland Avenue in Jackson, Tennessee, as the “M.D. Anderson Plaza” and to authorize the placement of a historical/identification marker on the grounds recognizing the achievements and philanthropy of  M.D. Anderson.

Passed Calendar #258, H.R.789, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 20 Main Street in Little Ferry, New Jersey, as the “Sergeant Matthew J. Fenton Post Office”.

Passed Calendar #259, H.R.2422, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 45 Bay Street, Suite 2, in Staten Island, New York, as the “Sergeant Angel Mendez Post Office”.

Adopted S.Res.351, Recognizing the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.440, To provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia.

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.3012, the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2011.

 

 

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

#421 Joyce A. Barr – to be Assistant Secretary of State (Administration)

 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

#503 Michael Anthony McFaul – to be Ambassador of the US of America to the Russian Federation.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

#529 Brad Carson – to be General Counsel of the Department of the Army

#530 Michael A. Sheehan – to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense

 

AIR FORCE

#531 to be Brigadier General – Col. Merle D. Hart

#532 to be Lieutenant General – Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc

#533 to be Brigadier General – Col. Brian E. Dominguez

#534 to be Brigadier General – Col. John P. Currenti

#535 to be Brigadier General –

Colonel John D. Bansemer

Colonel David B. Been

Colonel Michael T. Brewer

Colonel Thomas A. Bussiere

Colonel Clinton E. Crosier

Colonel Albert M. Elton, II

Colonel Michael A. Fantini

Colonel Timothy G. Fay

Colonel Edward A. Fienga

Colonel Steven D. Garland

Colonel Thomas W. Geary

Colonel Cedric D. George

Colonel Blaine D. Holt

Colonel Scott A. Howell

Colonel Ronald L. Huntley

Colonel Allen J. Jamerson

Colonel James C. Johnson

Colonel Mark D. Kelly

Colonel Scott A. Kindsvater

Colonel Donald E. Kirkland

Colonel Bruce H. McClintock

Colonel Martha A. Meeker

Colonel John E. Michel

Colonel Charles L. Moore, Jr.

Colonel Gregory S. Otey

Colonel John T. Quintas

Colonel Michael D. Rothstein

Colonel Kevin B. Schneider

Colonel Scott F. Smith

Colonel Ferdinand B. Stoss

Colonel Jacqueline D. Van Ovost

Colonel James C. Vechery

Colonel Christopher P. Weggeman

Colonel Kevin B. Wooton

Colonel Sarah E. Zabel

 

ARMY

#536 to be Major General – Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally, III

#537 to be Brigadier General –

Colonel John W. Baker

Colonel Margaret W. Burcham

Colonel Richard D. Clarke, Jr.

Colonel Roger L. Cloutier, Jr.

Colonel Timothy R. Coffin

Colonel Peggy C. Combs

Colonel Bruce T. Crawford

Colonel Jason T. Evans

Colonel Stephen E. Farmen

Colonel John G. Ferrari

Colonel Kimberly Field

Colonel Duane A. Gamble

Colonel Ryan F. Gonsalves

Colonel Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr.

Colonel Steven R. Grove

Colonel William B. Hickman

Colonel Christopher P. Hughes

Colonel Daniel P. Hughes

Colonel Daniel L. Karbler

Colonel Ronald F. Lewis

Colonel James B. Linder

Colonel Michael D. Lundy

Colonel David K. MacEwen

Colonel Todd B. McCaffrey

Colonel Paul M. Nakasone

Colonel Paul A. Ostrowski

Colonel Laura J. Richardson

Colonel Steven A. Shapiro

Colonel James E. Simpson

Colonel Mark R. Stammer

Colonel Michael C. Wehr

Colonel Eric P. Wendt

#538 to be Major General – Brig. Gen. Lynn A. Collyar

#539 to be Lieutenant General – Maj. Gen. Mary A. Legere

#540 to be Major General – Col. Jimmie O. Keenan

All nominations on the Secretary’s desk

 

All nominations received by the Senate during the 112th Congress, first session, will remain in status quo, notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXXI, paragraph 6, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, with the following exceptions:

Cal. #43 Caitlin Joan Halligan, to be US Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia

Cal. # 67 Philip E. Coyle, III, to be an Associate Director Office of Science and Technology Policy

Cal. #112 William J. Boarman – to be Public Printer

Cal. #185 Michael Green US District Judge for the Western District of New York

Cal. #413 Richard Cordray – to be Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection

PN2 Victoria Frances Nourse, of Wisconsin, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit

PN14 Louis B. Butler, Jr., of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin

PN95 V. Natasha Perdew Silas, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia

PN96-112 Linda T. Walker, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia

PN158 Arvo Mikkanen, of Oklahoma, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Oklahoma

PN317 Steve Six, of Kansas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit

PN653 Rebecca R. Wodder, of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife

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The House adjourned  12/16/2011  pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 19, 2011.