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Black History

Congress: the Republican led House vote on Highway&Mass Transit bill attached XL pipeline – the Senate resumes S.1789 & S.1925


the Senate Convened at 9:30amET April 18, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act with the first hour equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
  • As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified and on S.1789, the Postal Reform bill on Tuesday. If no agreement is reached, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur Thursday morning.
  • The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified and to S.1789 is 1:00pm on Wednesday.

At 2:15pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified.  If cloture is not invoked, there will be a 2nd roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1789, the Postal Reform bill.

We continue to work on an agreement regarding amendments to the Postal Reform bill and will notify Senators if such an agreement is reached.

The filing deadline for 2nd degree amendments to the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified and to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill is 11:00am on Thursday. If your Senator has a germane 2nd degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her ability 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.

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged Judiciary and adopted S.Res.406, a resolution commending the achievements and recognizing the importance of the Alliance to Save Energy on the 35th anniversary of the incorporation of the Alliance.

Adopted S.Res.425, designating April 23, 2012, as “National Adopt a Library Day”.

Adopted S.Res.426, congratulating the Lady Bears of Baylor University on winning the 2012 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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the Republican led House plans to cut Military Food Stamps from Budget

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 18, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.5:08:44 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.5:08:16 P.M. -The House received a communication from the Honorable James P. McGovern, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. McGovern notified the House that he had been served with a subponea for testimony issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Industrial Accidents and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that because the subpoena is not “material and relevant”, compliance with the subpoena is inconsistent with the privileges and precedents of the House.5:07:34 P.M. -Mr. Gibson asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on April 19. Agreed to without objection.5:07:07 P.M. -H.R. 2453Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:07:06 P.M. -H.R. 2453On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 408 – 4, 2 Present (Roll no. 171).4:59:41 P.M. -H.R. 2453Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2453 — “To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of Mark Twain.”4:59:37 P.M. -H.R. 4348Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:59:37 P.M. -H.R. 4348On passage Passed by recorded vote: 293 – 127 (Roll no. 170).4:49:23 P.M. -H.R. 4348On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 176 – 242 (Roll no. 169).4:32:11 P.M. -H.R. 4348The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.4:22:08 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to prohibit the use of Highway Trust Fund revenues from being used for the construction of highways in foreign countries, and rescinds over $12 million in funds available for a road in Canada. It would also eliminate a $3.7 billion corridor earmark under the Appalachian Development Highway System program.4:21:47 P.M. -H.R. 4348Mr. Polis moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.4:20:59 P.M. -H.R. 4348The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.4:20:47 P.M. -H.R. 4348The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.4:20:04 P.M. -H.R. 4348The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 4348.4:19:58 P.M. -H.R. 4348On agreeing to the Ribble amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 255 – 165 (Roll no. 168).3:51:00 P.M. -H.R. 4348UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of the Ribble amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.3:50:43 P.M. -H.R. 4348On agreeing to the McKinley amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.3:37:50 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McKinley amendment.3:37:48 P.M. -H.R. 4348An amendment, offered by Mr. McKinley,  numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-446 to insert the text of H.R. 2273, Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act. Would leave regulation and enforcement of coal combustion residuals to the states, and utilize the existing framework and requirements of federal regulatory programs for those states to follow.3:37:03 P.M. -H.R. 4348POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ribble amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Rahall demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:25:06 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ribble amendment.3:25:04 P.M. -H.R. 4348An amendment, offered by Mr. Ribble,  numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-446 to add to the bill the environmental streamlining provisions from Title III of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (H.R. 7).3:24:37 P.M. -H.R. 4348On agreeing to the Boustany amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.3:07:58 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Boustany amendment.3:07:56 P.M. -H.R. 4348An amendment, offered by Mr. Boustany,  numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-446 to include a guarantee that requires that the total amount available for spending from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) each fiscal year be equal to the Trust Fund receipts as estimated by the President’s budget for that year.1:55:12 P.M. -H.R. 4348GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 4348.1:55:01 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker designated the Honorable Lynn A. Westmoreland to act as Chairman of the Committee.1:55:00 P.M. -H.R. 4348House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 619 and Rule XVIII.1:54:46 P.M. -H.R. 4348Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4348 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill, and provisions in the bill. The resolution waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report.1:54:41 P.M. -H.R. 4348Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 619. H.R. 4348 — “To provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment of a multiyear law reauthorizing such programs, and for other purposes.”1:54:26 P.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 295 – 118, 2 Present (Roll no. 167).1:48:00 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal on which the yeas and nays had been demanded and on which further proceedings had been postponed.1:47:44 P.M. -H. Res. 619Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:47:43 P.M. -H. Res. 619On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 246 – 177 (Roll no. 166).1:40:25 P.M. -H. Res. 619On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 – 180 (Roll no. 165).12:28:21 P.M. -H. Res. 619DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 619.12:26:21 P.M. -H. Res. 619Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 619 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4348) to provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment of a multiyear law reauthorizing such programs, and for other purposes.”12:04:18 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.12:04:10 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Lankford to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:03:07 P.M. -POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Wilson (SC) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Wilson (SC) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.12:02:14 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:11 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 18.10:46:05 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:58 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.10:00:29 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:13 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House debate/vote Hunting&Fishing on Fed Land- 234-175 – the Senate consider S.1789, the Postal Reform bill


the Senate Convenes: 10:00am

  • 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 Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will consider the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill with up to 10 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. By consent, the motion to proceed to the motion to reconsider the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the motion to proceed to S.1789 (on March 27, 2012) will be agreed to and the motion to reconsider will be also be agreed to. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 11:10am), there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill, upon reconsideration.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

11:15am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill; Invoked: Invoked: 74-22

The Senate is debating the motion to proceed to S.1789, post cloture.

By unanimous consent, the motion to proceed to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill was agreed to. Senator Reid then asked consent that only relevant amendments be in order to the bill. Senator Paul objected to his request.

Senator Reid then withdrew the committee-reported substitute amendment and offered the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, filled the remainder of the amendment tree and filed cloture on the substitute amendment #2000 and filed cloture on S.1789.

If no agreement is reached, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur on Thursday morning.

Lastly, Senator Reid moved to proceed to Legislative Calendar #312, S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.

The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified and to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill is 1:00pm on Wednesday. If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her ability 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.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill; Invoked: 74-22

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.420, designating April 5, 2012, as “Gold Star Wives Day”.

Adopted S.Res.421, designating April 20 through 22, 2012 as “Global Youth Service Day”.

Adopted S.Res.422, commending and congratulating the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team for winning the Division I NCAA Championship.

Adopted S.Res.423, congratulating Western Washington University for winning the 2012 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Men’s Basketball Championship.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 17, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION 

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:14:53 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:14:21 P.M. -H.R. 4089Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:14:19 P.M. -H.R. 4089On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 164).7:05:11 P.M. -H.R. 4089On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 163).6:47:40 P.M. -H.R. 4089The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered pursuant to the rule.6:38:34 P.M. -H.R. 4089DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Tierney motion to recommit with instructions, pending reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment to authorize funds for the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to effectively enforce oversight of the oil market to combat speculation, and market manipulation. It would also prohibit Members from engaging in hunting or fishing trips on Federal land paid for by registered lobbyists. Subsequently, the reservation of a point of order was removed.6:38:13 P.M. -H.R. 4089Mr. Tierney moved to recommit with instructions to Natural Resources.6:38:11 P.M. -H.R. 4089The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.6:37:11 P.M. -H.R. 4089The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.6:37:10 P.M. -H.R. 4089The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 4089.6:37:04 P.M. -H.R. 4089On agreeing to the Foxx amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll no. 162).6:31:32 P.M. -H.R. 4089On agreeing to the Heinrich amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 161).6:27:18 P.M. -H.R. 4089On agreeing to the Peters amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 160).6:23:52 P.M. -H.R. 4089On agreeing to the Grijalva amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 159).6:19:46 P.M. -H.R. 4089On agreeing to the Holt amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 158).5:55:25 P.M. -H.R. 4089UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.5:54:50 P.M. -H.R. 4089The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.5:54:37 P.M. -H.R. 4089Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4089 — “To protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing and shooting.”5:53:25 P.M. -Ms. Foxx filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 619 and H. Res. 620.5:53:19 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 17.5:10:57 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.5:10:40 P.M. -H.R. 4089Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 4089 as unfinished business.5:10:29 P.M. -H.R. 4089On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.5:10:10 P.M. -H.R. 4089Mr. Hastings (WA) moved that the Committee rise.5:09:47 P.M. -H.R. 4089POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Foxx amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Grijalva demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:58:28 P.M. -H.R. 4089DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 614, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Foxx amendment No. 8.4:58:24 P.M. -H.R. 4089An amendment, offered by Ms. Foxx, numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-444 to require Presidential monument designations provided for under the Antiquities Act to be approved by the state legislatures and governors where the proposed monument is located.4:57:59 P.M. -H.R. 4089POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Heinrich amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Heinrich demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:46:51 P.M. -H.R. 4089DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 614, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Heinrich amendment No. 7.4:46:49 P.M. -H.R. 4089An amendment, offered by Mr. Heinrich, numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-444 to preserve hunting, fishing and recreational shooting in wilderness areas by specifying that the underlying bill will not allow development and motorized recreation in wilderness.4:46:36 P.M. -H.R. 4089By unanimous consent, the Bishop (NY) amendment was withdrawn.4:43:07 P.M. -H.R. 4089DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 614, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bishop (NY) amendment No. 6.4:43:05 P.M. -H.R. 4089An amendment, offered by Mr. Bishop (NY), numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-444 to allow for recreational fishing of Atlantic Striped Bass in the Block Island Sound transit zone.4:42:38 P.M. -H.R. 4089On agreeing to the Fleming amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.4:33:54 P.M. -H.R. 4089DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 614, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Fleming amendment No. 5.4:33:52 P.M. -H.R. 4089An amendment, offered by Mr. Fleming, numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-444 to prohibit the Forest Service from banning hunters with dogs during deer season on Kisatchie National Forest.4:32:29 P.M. -H.R. 4089POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Peters amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Peters demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:21:59 P.M. -H.R. 4089DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 614, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Peters amendment No. 4.4:21:55 P.M. -H.R. 4089An amendment, offered by Mr. Peters, numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-444 to strike a provision in the underlying bill allowing the importation of endangered polar bear trophies from Canada by hunters who killed the bears despite warnings that importation of the bears would likely be illegal.4:20:36 P.M. -H.R. 4089POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Grijalva amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Grijalva demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:12:29 P.M. -H.R. 4089DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 614, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Grijalva amendment No. 3.4:12:27 P.M. -H.R. 4089An amendment, offered by Mr. Grijalva, numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-444 to make the new restrictions on managing hunting, fishing and recreational shooting effective only if the amount of land available for those purposes falls below 75% of all federal public lands.4:12:10 P.M. -H.R. 4089POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Holt demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:02:47 P.M. -H.R. 4089DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 614, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Holt amendment No. 2.4:02:44 P.M. -H.R. 4089An amendment, offered by Mr. Holt, numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-444 to make a technical correction to clarify that all units of the National Park System, not just National Parks and National Monuments, are exempt from Title I. National Park System units currently open for hunting or recreational shooting would not be affected.4:02:17 P.M. -H.R. 4089On agreeing to the Hastings (WA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.4:00:30 P.M. -H.R. 4089DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 614, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (WA) amendment No. 1.4:00:22 P.M. -H.R. 4089An amendment, offered by Mr. Hastings (WA), numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-444 to add shooting ranges to the list of valid uses of public land and clarifies the term “wilderness areas” by adding “including Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Study Areas, or lands administratively classified as wilderness eligible or suitable and primitive or semi-primitive areas.” Amendment states that the protection given to hunting in wilderness areas is not intended to permit motorized recreation or mineral extraction and reduces the reporting requirements. Amendment addresses technical conflicts between Title I and Title II over certain Bureau of Land Management land and would make several technical changes.3:16:20 P.M. -H.R. 4089GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 4089.3:14:33 P.M. -H.R. 4089The Speaker designated the Honorable Jo Ann Emerson to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.3:14:30 P.M. -H.R. 4089House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 614 and Rule XVIII.3:13:44 P.M. -H.R. 4089Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4089 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. In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 112-19. Pending the adoption of a concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2013, the provisions of H. Con. Res. 112, as adopted by the House, shall have force and effect in the House as though Congress has adopted such concurrent resolution with modifications specified in this resolution.3:13:39 P.M. -H.R. 4089Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 614. H.R. 4089 — “To protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing and shooting.”3:13:20 P.M. -H.R. 1815Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.3:13:19 P.M. -H.R. 1815On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 – 2 (Roll no. 157).3:06:53 P.M. -H.R. 1815Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1815 — “To posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Lena Horne in recognition of her achievements and contributions to American culture and the civil rights movement.”3:06:41 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.3:06:21 P.M. -H. Res. 614Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.3:06:20 P.M. -H. Res. 614On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 228 – 184 (Roll no. 156).2:56:38 P.M. -H. Res. 614On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 235 – 179 (Roll no. 155).1:19:00 P.M. -H. Res. 614DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 614.1:18:59 P.M. -H. Res. 614Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 614 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4089) to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing and shooting, and for other purposes.”1:18:34 P.M. -H. Res. 614On question of consideration of the Resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 234 – 175 (Roll no. 154).12:33:00 P.M. -H. Res. 614POINT OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION – Ms. Moore stated that the provisions of H. Res. 614 violates section 426(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and made a point of order against the consideration of the resolution. Subsequently, the Chair noted that the required threshold of identifying the specific language in question had been met, and the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the question of consideration. At the conclusion of debate on the question of consideration, the Chair will put the question to wit: Will the House now consider the resolution?12:29:10 P.M. -H. Res. 614 By direction of the Committee on Rules, Mr. Bishop (UT) called up the resolution H. Res. 614, and asked for its immediate consideration.12:02:37 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.12:02:09 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Hahn to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:02:06 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:00:47 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:42 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 17.11:12:43 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:57 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.10:00:39 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Charles J. “Chuck” Fleischmann to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:24 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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a Budget to Benefit the 1%


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The GOP Budget In One Chart

By         ThinkProgress War Room              on Apr 13, 2012 at 4:38 pm

A Budget to Benefit the 1 Percent

Tax Day is coming up on April 17, so it’s worth remember who will pay more in taxes under the Ryan-Romney Republican budget — the poorest Americans — and whose taxes will be cut in dramatic fashion — the very wealthiest Americans.

If the percentages aren’t shocking enough, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that the Ryan-Romney budget would give each millionaire a $265,000 tax cut on top of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, which it of course also extends.

It should also be noted that Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) has promised to close trillions in unspecified tax loopholes, which would likely result in tax increases for millions more middle class Americans than are depicted in this chart.  We can’t say for sure, however, because Ryan refuses to name a single one of the loopholes he’d close.

IN ONE SENTENCE: Instead of ending Medicare in order to slash taxes on millionaires, it’s time to pass the Buffett Rule so millionaire start paying their fair share.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You May Have Missed

Gallup finds overwhelming public support for the Buffett Rule.

General election in a nutshell: President Obama wants to increase his own taxes, Mitt Romney wants to lower his own.

Ron Paul may finally get a chance to defeat the Federal Reserve after all.

For the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops, “religious liberty” means being able to discriminate against gay people.

American taxpayers are subsidizing dirty coal development to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars.

One result of the tough economy is more job diversity on television.

Bank of America proves how heartless they are. Again.

Why the Buffett Rule is more than just a gimmick.

A city the size of Chicago that doesn’t have a sewer system.

Other recent Progress Reports

Apr 12, 2012: Mitt Romney’s Pledge to the 1%

Why is Mitt Romney Making Pledges to a Washington Lobbyist? We’ve previously told you about the 1% Pledge — a pledge run by Washington superlobbyist Grover Norquist that the vast majority of Congressional Republicans have taken.  Instead of merely pledging to uphold the oath they take to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States,” these […]

Apr 11, 2012: GOP War on Women, Mitt Romney Edition

Equal Pay for Equal Work? Romney Will Have to Get Back to You Even as top party leaders, including Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, continue to denounce the GOP’s very real war on women as a “fiction” “manufactured” by Democrats and the media, Republicans continue to add more fuel to the fire. The Romney […]

Apr 10, 2012: Rick Santorum’s TOP TEN Attacks on Mitt Romney

The Primary Is Over, But These Attacks Will Live On Late this afternoon, Rick Santorum announced that he was suspending his campaign, effectively handing the Republican nomination over to Mitt Romney.  A top aide to the former Pennsylvania senator told reporters that Santorum and Romney agreed to meet in the near future, and Romney sent out […]

Apr 9, 2012: NEW VIDEO: President Reagan Backs the Buffett Rule

Even the Gipper Wanted Millionaires to Pay Their Fair Share Last fall, when President Obama debuted the Buffett Rule — the simple idea that millionaires and billionaires should pay at least the same tax rate as middle class workers — we climbed into the wayback machine and found a video of President Ronald Reagan decrying “crazy” […]

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Truth to Power – Speaking it well, President Obama


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President Obama discusses the fundamental issues at stake for our Nation, and how we can restore a sense of security for people who are willing to work hard and act responsibly in this country. April 3, 2012.

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Stand UP for Medicare … Sherrod Brown


I’m proud to call myself a progressive. I know what our community has achieved over the years on behalf of working families. And I’m proud to stand with fighting progressives like you any day of the week.

Click here to sign this important petition.

But there’s never been a more important time for fighting progressives to stand together than right now. Medicare — one of our proudest achievements and a critical element of seniors’ economic security — is under attack.

Click here to stand with fighting progressives and help defend Medicare!

This isn’t the first time Republicans have tried to pass the Ryan plan, which would end Medicare as we know it and leave seniors out in the cold when it comes to health insurance. But the far right only has to win this fight once — we have to show that we’ll always be there to defend this important pillar of American society.

 By signing my petition, you won’t just be helping to defeat this latest Republican attack on Medicare. You’ll be sending them a clear signal that fighting progressives like you and me will always be there to fight back whenever Republicans threaten the economic security of American seniors.

The far right is determined to get its way sooner or later. They think it’s just a matter of time before our coalition cracks and our defense of Medicare weakens. They’re willing to try as many times as it takes.

We have to show them that we’ll never waver in our defense of Medicare. Please sign my petition today — let’s see how many fighting progressives we can put together to show the GOP that our coalition is stronger than ever.

It’s not enough to win this fight once. We have to make a strong enough statement that it resonates for years. We have to show Republicans that Medicare will always have defenders in the fighting progressives of America.

Click here to sign this important petition.

Thank you,