Tag Archives: Republican

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congess in Session –


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET March 4, 2011

There will be no roll call votes during Friday’s session

Morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

1:00pm Filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.23, the America Invents Act

This afternoon Senator Reid asked unanimous consent that upon disposition of S.23, the America Invents Act, the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R.1, Defense Appropriations and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011; the Majority Leader be recognized to offer a substitute amendment (Inouye amendment #149); there be 4 hours for debate prior to a vote in relation to the substitute amendment; upon disposition of the substitute amendment, the Senate proceed to vote on passage of HR1, as amended, if amended; with no motions or amendments in order to the substitute amendment or to the bill prior to the votes; and the substitute amendment and the bill be subject to a 60-vote threshold.

Senator McConnell objected for the time being and said that his caucus needs more time to review the substitute amendment.

Senator Reid then asked unanimous consent that upon disposition of S.23, the America Invents Act, the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R.1, the Defense Appropriations and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011; .

Senator McConnell also objected to this request.

Senator Reid then moved to proceed to HR1 and filed cloture on the motion.

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on March 4, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 4, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:03 P.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 March 8, 2011 for Morning-Hour Debate.

2:02 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – 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.

2:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Barry Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate, Washington DC.

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

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

RECALL Wisconsin’​s GOP Senators!


It’s time to show right-wing lawmakers that they cannot use budget gaps, created by their own massive giveaways to their corporate sponsors, as an excuse to attack Americans‘ fundamental rights.

The budget plan proposed by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and advanced by his Republican allies in the legislature which would rip away the collective bargaining rights of public workers is a shocking example of extreme overreach … it’s time to hold these people accountable!

In Wisconsin, voters can recall their state elected officials after they have been in office for a year. That means that Gov. Walker cannot be recalled until 2012, but eight of the GOP Senators who have pushed for passage of Walker’s plan are eligible for recall NOW — and the state Democrats have taken steps to begin the recall process.

First things first: Let us know you’re on board and sign our petition supporting the recall effort. http://site.pfaw.org/site/R?i=GbPmpmXeNOxyIYbTQmjhcQ..

This is not just about Wisconsin — it’s about right-wing power grabs and assaults Americans’ rights everywhere. If we can successfully recall these lawmakers in  Wisconsin, it will help set us up for similar recall efforts where they are possible in other states and, more importantly, it will make governors and legislators think twice about pushing such measures to begin with.

Show lawmakers in Wisconsin and all states that this type of overreach will not be taken sitting down.

Join this effort now.

— Ben Betz, Online Communications Manager http://site.pfaw.org/site/R?i=O4zSzS3uSvIPX3v3DdxGXg..

P.S. This is going to be BIG and PFAW hopes to be a real force in this effort. That means we’ll need as many of our members and activists, from around the country, engaged in it.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: -the Republican led House -the Senate …both meet @10amET


The Senate convenes at 10:00amET Thursday 3, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 11:00am 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.

At 11:00am, the Senate will resume consideration of S.23, the America Invents Act.

The following amendments are pending to S.23:

– Leahy amendment #114 (Title amendment)

– Bennet amendment #116 (small business fast track)

The Senate has reached an agreement to vote at 12:30pm in relation to the Feinstein amendment #133, as modified (strikes first to file provisions in the bill). The time until 12:30pm will be equally divided and controlled between the proponents and opponents with no amendments in order to the Feinstein amendment prior to the vote.

There will be a period of morning business from 2-4pm. The Majority will control the first hour and the Republicans will control the next hour.

This evening, Senator Reid filed cloture on S.23, the America Invents Act. By consent, the cloture vote will occur after the 2 judge votes on Monday, March 7 (the 2 judge votes will begin at 5:30pm).

As a result of cloture being filed, the filing deadline for first degree amendments is 1pm tomorrow, Friday, March 4. If your senator has a germane amendment and would like to preserve the ability to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may file it at the desk for you. If you have already filed, there is no need to refile.

Votes:

31: Grassley motion to table the Feinstein amendment #133: , as modified; Tabled: 87-13

There will be no further roll call votes today.

Unanimous Consent:

Agreed to the Stabenow amendment #126 (Detroit satellite office) by voice vote

Agreed to Bingaman amendment #142 (PTO length of time between reviews).

Passed HR662, Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011.

Adopted S.Res89, a resolution relating to the death of Frank W. Buckles, the longest surviving United States veteran of the First World War.

Adopted S.Res.90, a resolution supporting the goal of “International Women’s Day” and recognizing this year’s centennial anniversary of National Women’s Day.

S.Res.91, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

Adopted S.Res.92, a resolution to authorize the payment of legal expenses of Senate employees out of the contingent fund of the Senate.

Confirmed the following nominations:

#35 Daniel L. Shields III, of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam.

#36 Pamela L. Spratlen, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kyrgyz Republic.

#37 Sue Kathrine Brown, of Texas, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Montenegro.

#38 David Lee Carden, of New York, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

#39 Eric G. Postel, of Wisconsin, to be an Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, vice Jacqueline Ellen Schafer, resigned.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 3, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:47 P.M. –

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

2:41 P.M. –

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

Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, March 4, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Thursday, March 3, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 4, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 4:

to repeal the expansion of information reporting requirements for payments of $600 or more to corporations, and for other purposes

2:11 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 314 – 112 (Roll no. 162).

1:46 P.M. –

Point of order raised by Mr. Weiner on the voice vote of the measure. Mr Weiner stated that the bill purportedly included a Federal income tax increase making the clause 5b of Rule XXI requirement for a three-fifths majority for passage of the measure applicable. Point of order overruled by the Chair.

1:43 P.M. –

On motion to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 – 181 (Roll no. 161).

1:19 P.M. –

Mr. Camp moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair

Mr. Levin appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.

1:18 P.M. –

Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.

1:06 P.M. –

Mr. Camp raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr Camp states that the motion violates clause 10 of Rule XXI by proposing an increase in mandatory spending over a relevant period of time. Sustained by the Chair.

1:00 P.M. –

The instructions contained in the McNernney motion seek to require the Committee on Ways and Means to report the bill back to the House forthwith with an amendment which inserts sections entitled “NONREFUNDABLE PERSONAL CREDIT FOR TAXPAYERS SUBJECT TO A TAX INCREASE UNDER THE SMALL BUSINESS PAPERWORK MANDATE ELIMINATION ACT OF 2011”, “INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO DOMESTIC PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES”, and “MAJOR INTEGRATED OIL COMPANIES INELIGIBLE FOR LAST-IN, FIRST-OUT MEHTOD OF INVENTORY”.

Mr. McNerney moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

11:30 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House resumed debate on H.R. 4.

11:29 A.M. –

WORDS TAKEN DOWN – During the course of debate, exception was taken to certain words used in debate. Subsequently, unanimous consent was granted to withdraw the words and the House resumed debate on H.R. 4.

10:25 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with two hours and thirty minutes of debate on H.R. 4.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4 with 2 hours and 30 minutes of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without instructions is allowed. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of the amendment recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now printed in H.R. 705 shall be considered as adopted. The resolution waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The waiver of all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, is prophylactic in nature.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 129.

10:05 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 10 per side of the aisle.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:04 A.M. –

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

10:01 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Ohio’s Assault On Workers’ Rights

1 Comment

In the largest political protest the state Capitol has seen in 15 years, thousands of demonstrators descended on the Ohio statehouse yesterday to protest Gov. John Kasich‘s (R) bill taking away workers’ collective bargaining rights. The demonstrators, estimated at 8,500 strong, are speaking out against a bill that would “dramatically curtail bargaining powers of government workers, as the state becomes the latest flash point in the fight over union rights.” While much of the focus in recent weeks has been on Wisconsin, Ohio Republicans are taking a page from Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s (R) playbook to use the state’s budget woes as a pretext to cripple public sector unions with their own legislation, Senate Bill 5. Ohio’s bill would actually “go further than the one in Wisconsin by also affecting police officers and firefighters,” but unlike in the standoff in Wisconsin, Democrats in Ohio “don’t have the numbers to walk out and delay a vote.” The Ohio Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee approved the changes today , which come in the form of a 99-page amendment to the bill. The committee’s chairman, state Sen. Kevin Bacon (R) worried he would not have enough votes to bring the measure to the Senate floor after Republican Sen. Bill Seitz (R), a committee member, said he would oppose it. Seitz even wrote an op-ed to the Cincinnati Enquirer warning the bill “overreach[es].” In a stunning move this morning, the Republican leadership yanked Seitz off the Labor committee, replacing him with a supporter of S.B 5 ahead of the vote.

READ THE BILL : The bill and its amendment would enact “sweeping changes” to the state’s existing collective-bargaining law, allowing only “wages, hours, and terms and conditions” to be subject to collective bargaining, while health care benefits, pensions, and other issues would not. As many labor supporters have noted, however, management could simply unilaterally dock workers’ benefits packages to compensate for any pay increases gained through collective bargaining. More disturbingly, the bill would ban strikes. The penalty for illegal striking would be termination, the docking of twice the workers’ daily pay rate, or even 30 days in jail. It would also end binding arbitration as the method for resolving police and fire contract impasses, replacing it “with a completely unworkable, unfair system.” “Such an arrangement, said Jim Gilbert, head of the union representing most police officers in Franklin County, would almost certainly lead to a preordained outcome [of] which the employer approves.” On top of all this, S.B.5 and its 99-page amendment would limit paid vacation and sick leave. Kasich has said the bill is necessary to solve the state’s fiscal issues, and has even claimed it will help bring jobs to Ohio. But as Ohio Progressive blog Plunderbund noted, “Senate Bill 5 isn’t about creating jobs in Ohio” and Kasich knows it. Showing a stunning lack of faith in his bill’s ability to deliver jobs, Kasich recently told Newsweek that unemployment may remain high through the next election. “We have a long way to run. If the jobs come in ’13, then God bless them,” Kasich said.

THE OPPOSITION : As in Wisconsin, public employee unions started opposition to the bill, but it quickly spread to other labor groups, then to concerned citizens and groups who have not directly affected by the legislation, but also don’t want to see their state become a unfair place for workers. “Firefighters, teachers, nurses, labor unions and others” arrived early yesterday morning for the biggest turnout yet in a week of protests, and are expected to be back in front of the statehouse today. Without collective bargaining, state employees would be at the mercy of all-powerful employer with little recourse. Columbus firefighter Lt. David Blair told the Columbus Dispatch that for him, the issue is more than money. “For me, it’s about safety. Our fire gear is subject to negotiation. If they take away the tools to do our job, people will perish,” he said. And it’s not just labor unions and their allies. The Catholic bishops of Ohio weighed in against the bill, saying they “encourage leaders in government, labor, and business to pursue changes that promote the common good without the elimination of collective bargaining. We urge continued good faith in ongoing negotiations.” And Seitz, a Republican, wrote in his op-ed that “[t]he bill is flawed because it says the employees’ only rights in that case are to work under a perpetual wage freeze, with management dictating the outcome. This reduces collective bargaining to a sham .” Moreover, the 99-page amendment was released only Monday, and legislators are expected to vote on it today, giving them almost no time to read or consider it. There’s not even a summary from Ohio’s Legislative Service Commission, the state’s version of the Congressional Research Service. As Seitz wrote, “Neither will I support a bill without taking time to read and understand it.”

BETTER WAYS TO FIX THE BUDGET : Opponents of the bill note that the current collective bargaining law works just fine. Indeed, the number of public employee strikes plummeted after the law was enacted in 1983, and has remained low ever since. Yet Kasich argues that unions are crippling the Ohio government. But more importantly, as in Wisconsin, kneecapping unions will do little to solve the state’s budget woes. Kasich claims his union busting would save the state $1.3 billion, but if Kasich is serious about solving the budget problem, he would abandon his political attack on the unions and focus on things that would actually make a difference. One way to do this would be to crack down on the state’s special interest tax dodging and tax breaks for the rich. The Progress Report identified a number of areas in which this would be possible. Kasich could end Ohio’s 2005 tax cuts for the wealthiest to make them pay their fare share. Restoring the income tax rate to 7.5 percent on those making over $200,000, and creating a new 8.5 percent rate on income above $500,000 would generate $950 million a year. The state could also end tax credits and benefits for wealthy Ohioans who don’t need them. These include a tax exemption for Social Security and railroad retirement, the limiting of which could help save $55 million, a homestead property tax reduction, which could help save $118 million, among others. Ending some of these unnecessary tax credits may even find big bipartisan support. For example, Ohio actually has an “income-tax deduction for gambling losses,” the elimination of which could save the state $80 million every two years. The fact that Kasich and his Republican colleagues haven’t considered these options exposes his efforts for what they are — union busting in the guise of sound fiscal policy.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

what’s going on in Congress … the Republican led House will debate repealing Obamacare -the Senate will deal with Republicans


The Senate Covnenes at 9:30amET March 2,2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 11:00am, with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes, the Majority will control the next 30 minutes, and the remaining time until 11:00am will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees, with the Majority controlling the final half.

At 11:00am, the Senate will proceed to vote on passage of H.J.Res.44, the 2-week continuing resolution.

Upon disposition of H.J.Res.44, the Senate will resume consideration of S.23, the America Invents Act.

The following amendments are pending to S.23:

– Leahy amendment #114 (Title amendment)

– Bennet amendment #116 (small business fast track)

– Feinstein amendment #133 (strike first to file provision)

The Senate has entered into an agreement that results 1 roll call vote at 5:15pm.

Under the agreement, the time until 5:15pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders, or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the Lee amendment #115 (constitutional balanced budget amendment). The Lee amendment will be subject to a 60-vote threshold.

Upon disposition of the Lee amendment, the Senate will resume consideration of the Menendez amendment #124 (prioritization of technologies). Senator Menendez will be recognized to modify the amendment and the amendment, as modified, will be agreed to.

No amendments are in order to the amendments in this agreement.

Votes:

29: Passage of H.J.Res.44, Continuing Resolution through March 18, 2011;

Passed: 91-9

30: Lee amendment #115: (constitutional balanced budget amendment) (60-vote threshold);

Not Agreed To: 58-40.

There will be no further roll call votes.

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.81, a resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods March 1, 2011, through September 30, 2011, and October 1, 2011, through September 30, 2012, and October 1, 2012, through February 28, 2013.

Agreed to Kirk amendment #123 (Ombudsman for small busienss concerns)

Agreed to Bennet amendment #117, as modified (regional PTO offices)

Agreed to Menendez amendment #124, as modified (prioritization for technologies important to American competitiveness)

Confirmed the following nominations:

All nominations on the Secretary’s desk.

AIR FORCE

#13 Lieutenant General, Lt. Gen. Eric E. Fiel.

#14 Brigadier General, Col. Howard D. Stendahl.

#15 Lieutenant General, Maj. Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski.

#16 Lieutenant General, Maj. Gen. Michael J. Basla.

ARMY

#17 Lieutenant General, Lt. Gen. Dennis L. Via.

#18 Lieutenant General, Lt. Gen. Mark P. Hertling.

#19 Lieutenant General, Maj. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence.

#20 Lieutenant General, Maj. Gen. John M. Bednarek.

#21 Lieutenant General, Maj. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski.

#22 Major General, Brig. Gen. Renaldo Rivera.

#23 Major General, Brig. Gen. William M. Buckler, Jr.

#24 Major General, Brig. Gen. Mark J. MacCarley.

#25 Brigadier General, Col. Arlen R. Royalty.

#26 Lieutenant General, Maj. Gen. Rhett A. Hernandez.

#27 Brigadier General, Col. Johnny M. Sellers.

#28 Brigadier General, Col. Janson D. Boyles.

#29 Lieutenant General, Maj. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks.

MARINE CORPS

#30 The following named officers for appointment in the United States Marine Corps to the grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: to be Major General

Brigadier General Juan G. Ayala

Brigadier General David H. Berger

Brigadier General William D. Beydler

Brigadier General Mark A. Brilakis

Brigadier General Mark A. Clark

Brigadier General Charles L. Hudson

Brigadier General Thomas M. Murray

Brigadier General Lawrence D. Nicholson

Brigadier General Andrew W. O’Donnell, Jr.

Brigadier General Robert R. Ruark

Brigadier General Glenn M. Walters

 )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 2, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

5:54 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with special order speeches.

5:50 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, 2011 -referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-12).

4:54 P.M. –

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

4:44 P.M. –

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

H.R. 662:

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

4:42 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 421 – 4 (Roll no. 160).

4:36 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 246, 2 Present (Roll no. 159).

4:19 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

4:10 P.M. –

Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Polis (CO) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the Committee on Transportation to report the bill back to the House forthwith with an amendment which inserts a section rescinding all unobligated balances of contract authority provided or reserved for planning, design, or construction of the Gravina Island bridge, Alaska, or the Knik Arm bridge, Alaska.

4:09 P.M. –

Mr. Polis moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.

At the end of the bill, add the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): ¢ TITLE V-GRAVINA ISLAND BRIDGE AND KNIK ARM BRIDGE RESCISSIONS ¢ SEC. 501. RESCISSION OF GRAVINA ISLAND AND KNIK ARM BRIDGE EARMARKS.***

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

4:08 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Mica amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 422 – 0 (Roll no. 158).

3:41 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 128, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Mica amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Mica.

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 128 the text of the amendment is printed in House Report 112-20.

2:53 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 662.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 662 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. A specified amendment is in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The amendment printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution, if offered by Representative Mica of Florida or his designee, which shall be in order without intervention of any point of order, shall be considered as read, shall be separately debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 128.

2:52 P.M. –

The House received a communication from John L. Mica, Chairman. Mr. Mica notified the House that on February 16, 2011, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met in open session to consider a resolution related to the General Services Administration’s (GSA) FY 2011 Capital Investment and Leasing Program. The resolution authorizes the consolidation of the operations of the National Gallery of Art and the Federal Trade Commission that will result in savings to the federal government. The Committee adopted the resolution by voice vote with a quorum present.

2:51 P.M. –

Mr. Westmoreland asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Wednesday, March 2, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 129:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 4) to repeal the expansion of information reporting requirements for payments of $600 or more to corporations, and for other purposes

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 252 – 175 (Roll no. 157).

2:44 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 – 185 (Roll no. 156).

2:36 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on ordering the previous question on H.Res. 129 and agreeing to the resolution, if ordered all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 128:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 662) 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

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 256 – 169 (Roll no. 155).

2:12 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

1:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 128.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 129:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 4) to repeal the expansion of information reporting requirements for payments of $600 or more to corporations, and for other purposes

1:27 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 129, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

12:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 129.

Considered as privileged matter.

12:03 P.M. –

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

12:02 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 388 and H.J. Res. 44.

12:01 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Carnahan 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.

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 2.

10:32 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 Kevin Yoder to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.