Tag Archives: Republican

Im writing to you from Manchester, New Hampshire, where last night I witnessed a spectacle that every single Obama supporter needs to hear about.

The major GOP presidential candidates debated for the first time and made one thing very clear: They have no agenda but to take down President Obama.

They even nodded along when one called the Obama administration a “destructive force,” and they said nothing when another said the President has “embraced our enemies.”

Last night was a wake-up call to anyone who thinks they can sit tight while the Republicans battle each other for the nomination: The campaign to defeat Barack Obama and roll back his entire record is well underway. And that’s the one thing on which all of their potential candidates agree.

It was seven against one. Since the President won’t be speaking for himself at one of these debates until next year, our best response is to show the Republicans that when they attack Barack Obama, it only makes us fight back harder.

www.democrats.org <<< Check out the Website

Fundamentally, last night’s debate was about which of their candidates would turn back the clock the farthest.

They came out for re-fighting the battles they lost on Wall Street reform and the health care law. They backed reinstating “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

They even talked about abolishing the Environmental Protection Agency — and phasing out Social Security and Medicare.

They actually spent time debating whether they think Sarah Palin would have made a better vice president than Joe Biden (spoiler alert: They still think so!).

But the words “education” and “middle class” were never uttered even once.

If you were watching at home, you might have thought it was a re-run from four or eight years ago.

Most of these people are full-time candidates with nothing to lose and nothing to do but keep pushing to take us back to the failed policies of the past. Help fight back with a donation today:

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Tuesday in Congress: debates&votes in – the Republican led House -the Senate

06/14/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes at 10amET June 14, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 11am with Senators permitted to speak 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 and the Republicans controlling the final half.Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:
– Cal # 73, Claire C. Cecchi, of New Jersey, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey
– Cal # 81, Esther Salas, of New Jersey, to be United States District Judge for the District of New JerseyThere will be one hour for debate equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to up to 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the Cecchi and Salas nominations.The filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to the Coburn amendment #436, as modified to S.782, the Economic Development Act is at 11:30am on Tuesday.Further, following disposition of the nominations, the Senate will recess until 2:15 p.m., for the weekly party conferences.At 2:15pm, the Senate will resume consideration of S.782, the Economic Development Act, with 5 minutes for debate only equally divided and controlled between the proponents and opponents of the Coburn amendment #436, as modified prior to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Coburn amendment #436, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise TaxCredit).Following the cloture vote, Senator Rubio will be recognized as if in morning business for debate only for up to 20 minutes for the purpose of giving his maiden speech to the Senate.The following 17 amendments are pending to S.782, the Economic Development Act:-DeMint amendment #394 (to repeal Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act)
-Paul amendment #414 (to increase debt limit by $2.406 trillion)
-Cardin amendment #407 (prohibition on interest charges for on-time principal payments)
-Merkley amendment #428 (mortgage servicing)
-Kohl amendment #389 (NOPEC)
-Hutchison amendment #423 (delay implementation of health care reform until pending lawsuits are resolved)
-Portman amendment ##417 (inclusion of application to independent regulatory agencies)
-Portman amendment #418 (Unfunded Mandates Reform Act)
–McCain amendment #411 (prohibit Federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps/storage facilities)
-McCain amendment #412(repeal of Davis-Bacon wage requirements)
-Merkley amendment #440 (Energy Efficient Loan Program)
-Coburn amendment #436, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit) *cloture filed
-Brown (MA) amendment #405 (repeal imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities)
–Inhofe amendment #430 (reduce the amounts appropriated for EDA)
-Inhofe amendment #438 (regulatory assessment)
-Merkley amendment #427 (technical correction to the HUBZone designation process)
-McCain 2nd degree amendment #441 (to prohibit federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps or ethanol storage facilities) to Coburn amendment #436, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit)

Votes:
88: Confirmation of Cal # 73, Claire C. Cecchi, of New Jersey, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey; Confirmed: 98-0 Confirmed Cal # 81, Esther Salas, of New Jersey, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey by voice vote.89: Now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the Coburn amendment #436: , as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit) to S.782, the Economic Development Act; Not Invoked: 40-59

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 14, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

11:39 P.M. – On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 15, 2011.

Ms. Foxx moved that the House do now adjourn.

11:38 P.M. – The House received a communication from the Honorable Brad Sherman. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Sherman notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena, issued by the Superior Court of California, for testimony and documents and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subpoena was not a “proper exercise of jurisdiction by the court”.

H.R. 2112:: making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2112as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Kingston moved that the Committee rise.

11:36 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Richardson amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Richardson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

11:26 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Richardson amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Richardson.

An amendment to reduce funding for the Farm Service Agency account by $10 million and to increase funding for the Commodity Assistance Program account by $10 million.

11:25 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

11:16 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.

11:15 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 9 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the account for Agricultural Marketing Services by $7,750,000 (10 percent) and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

11:14 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Clarke (MI) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Clarke (MI) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

11:07 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Clarke (MI) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Clarke (MI).

An amendment to reduce funding for the Buildings and Facilities account by $1 million and to increase funding for the Agricultural Marketing Service account by $1 million.

11:06 P.M. – Mr. Kingston raised a point of order against the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Mr. Kingston stated that the amendment does not meet the budget neutral requirement necessary for the amendment to be considered en bloc. The Chair sustained the point of order.

10:56 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Jackson Lee amendment under the five-minute rule pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

10:55 P.M. – On agreeing to the Nugent amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:48 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Nugent amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Nugent.

An amendment to increase funding for the Agricultural Research Service by $2 million and to reduce funding for Foreign Assistance by $2.5 million.

10:47 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:44 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funding for the Economic Research Service by $7 million and to increase the spending reduction account by a similar amount.

10:43 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Chaffetz amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Kingston demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Chaffetz amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Chaffetz.

An amendment to reduce funding for the Economic Research Service by $43 million; reduce funding for the National Agricultural Statistics Service by $85 million; reduce funding for salaries and expenses of the Agricultural Research Service by $650 million; reduce funding for Food For Peace Title II Grants by $1,040,198,000 and to apply $1,818,198,000 to the savings reduction account.

10:18 P.M. – On agreeing to the Young (IN) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:16 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Young (IN) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Young (IN).

An amendment to reduce the account for Departmental Administration by $2,390,000 and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

10:15 P.M. – On agreeing to the Clarke (MI) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:09 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Clarke (MI) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Clarke (MI).

An amendment to increase funding for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program by $5 million offset by a reduction in the Departmental Administration account by a similar amount.

10:08 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:04 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 8 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the account for operation, maintenance, improvement, and repair of Agriculture buildings and facilities by $20,900,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

10:03 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Farr amendment, the Chair put the question adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Farr demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:58 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Farr amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Farr.

An amendment to increase funding for Agricultural Marketing Service by $300,000 and reduce the account for Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments by $342,000.

9:57 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sessions amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Farr demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:53 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Sessions amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Sessions.

An amendment to strike the proviso relating to FAIR Act of Circular A-76 activities.

9:52 P.M. – On agreeing to the Fortenberry amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

9:42 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Fortenberry amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Fortenberry.

An amendment to increase funding for the Rural Energy for America Program by $1 million offset by a reduction in the account for the Office of the Chief Information Officer by a similar amount.

9:40 P.M. – Mr. Kingston raised a point of order against the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Mr. Kingston stated that the amendment does not meet the budget neutral requirement necessary for the amendment to be considered en bloc. The Chair sustained the point of order.

9:31 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Jackson Lee amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment to increase funding for the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture by $25 million offset by a reduction in the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account by a similar amount.

9:30 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the DeLauro amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. DeLauro demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:22 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the DeLauro amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. DeLauro.

An amendment to increase funding for the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition by $1 million which is offset by specified reductions in other accounts.

9:21 P.M. – On agreeing to the DeLauro amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:29 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the DeLauro amendment under the five-minute rule.

7:28 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. DeLauro.

An amendment to increase and reduce necessary expenses for the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture by $136,070,000.

3:43 P.M. – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2112.

2:36 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2112.House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 300and Rule XVIII.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Candice S. Miller to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2112with 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 paragraph. Bill is open to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 300.

2:34 P.M. – The House received a communication from the Honorable Tom Reed. Mr. Reed submitted his resignation from the Committee on Rules. The resignation was accepted without objection.

H. Res. 303:: electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

2:33 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 300:: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2112) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

2:32 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 235 – 180 (Roll no. 419).

2:25 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on agreeing to H.Res. 300 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 2055:: making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 411 – 5 (Roll no. 418).

2:18 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 184 – 234 (Roll no. 417).

1:54 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

1:43 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Owens 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 with an amendment to increase funds for veterans medical services for post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide prevention by $20 million and offsets it with a $25 million reduction in the Department of Veteran Affairs’ information technology programs. Subsequently, the reservation of a point of order was removed.Mr. Owens moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.

1:42 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

1:41 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H.R. 2055, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 300:: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2112) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 300, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution, and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the resolution until later in the legislative day.

1:40 P.M. – The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:27 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 300.Considered as privileged matter.

12:26 P.M. – PRINTING PROCEEDINGS OF FORMER MEMBERS PROGRAM – Mrs. Foxx asked unanimous consent that the proceedings during the former Members program be printed in the Congressional Record and that all Members and former Members who spoke during the recess have the privilege of revising and extending their remarks. Agreed to without objection.

12:25 P.M. – MEXICO-UNITED STATES INTERPARLIAMENTARY GROUP – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 276h, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the MEXICO-UNITED STATES INTERPARLIAMENTARY GROUP: Mr. Mack, Mr. Nunes, Mr. Bilbray and Mr. Canseco.

12:24 P.M. – The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to blocking the property of certain persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in Belarus – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-35).

12:23 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 June 14, 2011 at 10:38 a.m.: Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group.

12:02 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.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Cicilline to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:01 P.M. – The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Mark Smith, Ohio Christian University, Circleville, OH.The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 14.

10:30 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:01 A.M. – MORNING HOUR DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. – The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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A new GOP push to delay repealing DADT is on –

06/13/2011 Nativegrl77

If you thought the fight to end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was finally over, think again.

We all thought it was a done deal when President Obama signed the repeal into law. But House Republicans pulled a stunt that could delay or even stop the repeal from taking effect by passing an outrageous series of amendments to the bill that funds our military.

We can’t stay silent in the face of this new GOP push to turn back the clock on repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t tell.

Help the DCCC surpass their goal of getting 100,000 signatures to their petition supporting the repeal. We need to hold the House Republicans accountable for putting their radical social agenda ahead of keeping our military strong and our families safe.

Voice your outrage at House Republicans trying to turn back the clock on repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Sign our petition and then forward it to your friends and family.http://www.dccc.org/page/m/1d63ca50/1b9dd8ab/486ed6cc/4e0cee73/619517217/VEsH/

When I served in Congress, it was an honor to sponsor and fight for legislation to finally end this discriminatory policy. As an Army officer, I saw firsthand how the policy forces patriots to lie about who they are just so they can defend the freedoms that make America great.

We could not have passed legislation to repeal this policy without your grassroots support. Now, we must keep the pressure on, by exposing the despicable tactics that the Republicans are using to stop the repeal from taking effect.

Sign our petition opposing the efforts being made by House Republicans to turn back the clock on repeal. http://www.dccc.org/page/m/1d63ca50/1b9dd8ab/486ed6cc/4e0cee73/619517217/VEsH/

We’ve come too far. We must see this fight through to the end.

It’s time to put Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in the history books for good.

Patrick Murphy

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Congress will be back on 6/13 @2pmET

06/13/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes at 2pmET June 13, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 6pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.Morning business has been extended until 7pm.

Votes:
There will be no roll call votes on June 13.

Unanimous Consent:
S.Res.207, supporting National Men’s Health Week

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on June 13, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 13, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 13, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION
7:30 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:27 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

7:26 P.M. – Mr. Sessions filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 300.

H.R. 2055:: making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

7:25 P.M. – On retaining Title II (Department of Veterans Affairs) Agreed to by recorded vote: 409 – 1 (Roll no. 416).

7:09 P.M. – Pursuant to section 2(a) of House Resolution 288, the Chair put the question on retaining Title II (relating to Veterans’ Affairs) of the bill and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Foxx demanded a recorded vote to decide the question.

7:08 P.M. – The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.The previous question was ordered without objection.

7:07 P.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2055.

7:06 P.M. – On agreeing to the Sherman amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 248 – 163 (Roll no. 415).

6:58 P.M. – On agreeing to the Amash amendment Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 232 (Roll no. 414).

6:53 P.M. – On agreeing to the LaTourette amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 204 – 203 (Roll no. 413).

6:30 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

6:29 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 13.

4:13 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

H.R. 2055:: making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

4:12 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2055as unfinished business.On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Culberson moved that the Committee now rise.

4:08 P.M. – On agreeing to the Fitzpatrick amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:59 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Fitzpatrick amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Fitzpatrick.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used for using procedures that do not give small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans any preference to obtaining the contracts under the Small Business Act.

By unanimous consent, the Coffman (CO) amendment was withdrawn.

3:53 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Coffman (CO) amendment under the five-minute rule, pending the reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Coffman (CO).

An amendment printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to provide disability compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, to any veteran for post-traumatic stress disorder if the required in-service stressor claimed by the veteran is related to the veteran’s fear of hostile military or terrorist activity and the places, types and circumstances of the veteran’s service did not include a combat zone.

On agreeing to the Flores amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:40 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flores amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Flores.

An amendment printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to enforce section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act.

3:39 P.M. – Mr. Culberson raised a point of order against the Amash amendment Mr. Culberson stated that the amendment seeks to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriationbill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

3:37 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Amash amendment number 5 under the five-minute rule, pending the reservation of a point of order.

3:36 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Amash.

An amendment nubered 5 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds for projects or programs named for an individual serving as a Senator in the United States Senate or as the President of the United States.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sherman amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Dicks demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:26 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Sherman amendment number 2 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Sherman.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds in contravention of the War Powers Resolution.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Amash amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Culberson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:07 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Amash amendment number 4 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Amash.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to enforce the Davis-Bacon Act.

3:06 P.M. – On agreeing to the Meeks amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:56 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Meeks amendment number 1 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Meeks.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to declare as excess to the needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs of otherwise take any action to exchange, trade, auction, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, or reduce the acerage of, Federal land and improvements at the St. Albans campus.

2:55 P.M. – POSPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the LaTourette amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Culberson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:23 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the LaTourette amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. LaTourette.

An amendment printed in the Congressional Record to strike section 415 of the bill.

2:22 P.M. – On agreeing to the Mica amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:14 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Mica amendment under the five-minute rule.

2:13 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Mica.

An amendment printed in the Congressional Record to increase the funding for Military Construction Authorization by $25 million through transfer.

2:12 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

2:11 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

2:02 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Rigell to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

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

2:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.The Speaker designated the Honorable Tom McClintock to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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what is Congress doing: the Republican led House – the Senate

06/09/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET June 9, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.782, the Economic Development Act.There are several amendments pending to S.782. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.

The time until 2:15pm today will be equally divided and controlled between Senators Boxer and Snowe, or their designees, for debate on the Snowe amendment #390 (regulatory reform).

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 2:15pm today), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote in relation to the Snowe amendment #390. The vote will be subject to a 60-vote threshold. No amendments, points of order, or motions are in order to the Snowe amendment prior to the vote, other than budget points of order and the applicable motions to waive and the amendment will not be divisible.

There will be no further roll call votes today.

Senator Coburn filed cloture on amendment #436 (436, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit).

The following amendments are currently pending to S.782, the Economic Development Act:
-DeMint amendment #394 (to repeal Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act)
-Paul amendment #414 (to increase debt limit by $2.406 trillion)
-Cardin amendment #407 (prohibition on interest charges for on-time principal payments)
-Merkley amendment #428 (mortgage servicing)
-Kohl amendment #389 (NOPEC)
-Hutchison amendment #423 (delay implementation of health care reform until pending lawsuits are resolved)
-Portman amendment ##417 (inclusion of application to independent regulatory agencies)
-Portman amendment #418 (Unfunded Mandates Reform Act)
-McCain amendment #411 (prohibit Federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps/storage facilities)
-McCain amendment #412(repeal of Davis-Bacon wage requirements)
-Merkley amendment #440 (Energy Efficient Loan Program)
-Coburn amendment #436, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit) *cloture filed on this amendment
-Brown (MA) amendment #405 (repeal imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities)
-Inhofe amendment #430 (reduce the amounts appropriated for EDA)
-Inhofe amendment #438 (regulatory assessment)
-Merkley amendment #427 (technical correction to the HUBZone designation process)
-McCain 2nd degree amendment #441 (to prohibit federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps or ethanol storage facilities) to Coburn amendment #436, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit).

The Senate is now in a period of morning business.

Votes:
87: Snowe amendment #390: (regulatory reform)(60-vote threshold);
Not Agreed To: 53-46

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on June 9, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 9, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

10:32 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on June 13, 2011.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

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

10:30 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Doctor Alan Kieran.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas J. Rooney to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.