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TGIF in Congress – lame duck calendar …


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 17, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the New START Treaty. The treaty will be open to amendments tomorrow.

Senators are encouraged to come to the floor to offer and debate their amendments.

Roll call votes are possible to occur throughout the day.

As a reminder, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to concur with respect to HR5281, DREAM Act and on the motion to concur with respect to HR2965, DADT. The first cloture vote will occur early Saturday morning at a time to be determined.

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.1481, Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2009.
Passed H.R.4973, National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act of 2010.

Passed H.R.5901, Real Estate Jobs and Investment Act of 2010
(with Baucus substitute and title amendments)

Passed H.R.5116, COMPETE Act (with Hutchison substitute)

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 17, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

5:18 P.M. –

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

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 5116 amended.

5:11 P.M. –

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

5:10 P.M. –

Mr. Burton of IN requested general leave to address the House for 5 minutes on December 21.

Mr. Burton of IN requested general leave to address the House for 5 minutes on December 20.

5:08 P.M. –

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

5:07 P.M. –

Mr. Garamendi asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, December 17, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

5:06 P.M. –

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 6523.

H. Res. 1767:

commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid

5:05 P.M. –

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

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

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 3874:

to amend the Safe Drinking Act to reduce lead in drinking water

5:04 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 226 – 109 (Roll no. 656).

4:53 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5510:

to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to allow amounts under the Troubled Assets Relief Program to be used to provide legal assistance to homeowners to avoid foreclosure

4:52 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 210 – 145 (Roll no. 655).

4:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

4:30 P.M. –

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

H.J. Res. 105:

making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

4:28 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by voice vote.

4:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 105.

Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 105 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. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the joint resolution are waived except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1776.

4:23 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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 17, 2010 at 3:15 p.m. stating that that body had passed S. 1481 and H.R. 4973; passed H.R. 5901 with amendments.

H.R. 2142:

to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council

4:20 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 212 – 131 (Roll no. 654).

H. Res. 1776:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 105) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

4:12 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: 184 – 159 (Roll no. 653).

4:05 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Con. Res. 336:

providing for the sine die adjournment of the second session of the 111th Congress

4:04 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: 196 – 153 (Roll no. 652).

3:31 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1776:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 105) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

3:30 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1776, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Sessions 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.

3:29 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

3:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1776

Considered as privileged matter.

3:18 P.M. –

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1776.

3:17 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 17.

1:50 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

1:49 P.M. –

INDIAN LAW AND ORDER COMMISSION – Pursuant to section 235 of the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (PUB. L. 111-211), and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the INDIAN LAW AND ORDER COMMISSION: Ms. Herseth Sandlin and Mr. Pomeroy .

H.R. 628:

to establish a pilot program in certain United States district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges

1:48 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 371 – 1 (Roll no. 651).

1:36 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 6523:

to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 341 – 48 (Roll no. 650).

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

1:27 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1107:

to enact certain laws relating to public contracts as title 41, United States Code, “Public Contracts”

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 385 – 0 (Roll no. 649).

1:19 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1377:

honoring the accomplishments of Norman Yoshio Mineta, and for other purposes

1:18 P.M. –

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

1:17 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 384 – 0 (Roll no. 648).

12:50 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

12:49 P.M. –

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

H.R. 6523:

to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

11:49 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6523.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5510:

to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to allow amounts under the Troubled Assets Relief Program to be used to provide legal assistance to homeowners to avoid foreclosure

11:47 A.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

11:12 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5510.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 6533:

to implement the recommendations of the Federal Communications Commission report to the Congress regarding low-power FM service, and for other purposes

11:10 A.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

10:53 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6533.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Doyle moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 3874:

to amend the Safe Drinking Act to reduce lead in drinking water

10:52 A.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

10:27 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3874.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Doyle moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Con. Res. 335:

honoring the exceptional achievements of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and recognizing the significant contributions he has made to United States national security, humanitarian causes, and peaceful resolutions of international conflict

10:26 A.M. –

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

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

10:01 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 335.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1767:

commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid

9:59 A.M. –

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

9:49 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1767.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1621:

recognizing the 100th anniversary of the historic founding of Catholic Charities USA

9:48 A.M. –

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

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

9:39 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1621.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 2142:

to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

9:27 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 2142.

Mr. Cuellar moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

H. Res. 1733:

recognizing Mark Twain as one of America’s most famous literary icons on the 175th anniversary of his birth and the 100th anniversary of his death

9:25 A.M. –

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

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

9:15 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1733.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 3592:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Commerce Drive in Tyrone, Georgia, as the “First Lieutenant Robert Wilson Collins Post Office Building”

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

9:08 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3592.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Cuellar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

9:07 A.M. –

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

9:02 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

9:01 A.M. –

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

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 4602, H.R. 5133, H.R. 5605, H.R. 5606, H.R. 5655, H.R. 5877, H.R. 6400, H.R. 6392, H.R. 2142, H.R. 5809, S. 3874, S. 4036, and S. 3592.

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

9:00 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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A massive game of chicken


Click here to sign the letterI am angry and frustrated that national Republicans, yet again, played political games and held the middle class hostage to extend tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans who need them the least. It is irresponsible, selfish, and wrong.

At the end of the day, I voted for this tax package to protect middle-class families from a tax hike while extending unemployment benefits for 13 months, continuing the sales tax deduction, cutting payroll taxes, and doing everything we can to create jobs.

But it came at tremendous cost.

So I want you to join me in telling Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, House Republican Leader John Boehner, and their right-wing colleagues that we won’t forget how they put their wealthy special interest backers ahead of the national interest and ahead of hard-working families all across America -– and we’re going to hold them accountable.

Click here to sign my open letter to Senator McConnell, Representative Boehner, and the Republican Party now -– and join me in committing to repealing these wasteful tax cuts for the wealthy as soon as we can!

While Democrats offered plans to extend middle-class tax cuts for more than 98% of all Americans, Representative Boehner, Senator McConnell, and their right-wing colleagues refused.

Quite simply, they were willing to play a massive game of chicken with the American people and let all the tax cuts expire unless they got billions of dollars to funnel back to their wealthy corporate backers.

There’s no doubt about it: This package will help millions of hard-working Americans who are doing everything they can to get by in these tough times and keep more of their hard-earned money. And it will stop Republicans from cold-heartedly cutting off unemployment benefits to people who are fighting to find jobs, keep their homes, and feed their families during the holidays.

But, to overcome Republican obstruction and selfishness, helping these middle-class families required an unnecessary and irresponsible tax giveaway for the very wealthiest Americans who aren’t facing the same challenges.

It’s outrageous.

Click here to sign my open letter to Senator McConnell, Representative Boehner, and the Republican Party now — and tell them we’ll hold them accountable for their irresponsibility!

I’m so thankful that by extending middle-class tax cuts, continuing the sales tax deduction, and extending unemployment insurance that we’ll be helping middle-class families and getting our economy back on track.

But I won’t forget the price that national Republicans made us pay to do the right thing.

And, with your help, we’ll roll back these irresponsible Bush tax cuts for the wealthy at the earliest possible opportunity.

Thanks for standing with me and speaking out.

Sincerely,

Patty Murray
U.S. Senator

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GOP Congress to be Batsh*t Insane | Bush-Appointed Judge Fights Health Care Reform | “Easier” to Prosecute Assange Than NY Times


By Sarah Seltzer | AlterNet
By Sarah Seltzer | AlterNet
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

lame ducks Session -Congress :depicted by Clifford K. Berryman


The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET December 14, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the House Message to accompany H.R.4853, the vehicle for the tax agreement, post-cloture.

– Senator Bond will be recognized at 11:30am to give his farewell speech.
– Senator Gregg will be recognized at 2:15pm to give his farewell speech.
– Senator Harkin will be recognized at 3:15 to speak for up to 45 minutes.
– Senator Kirk will be recognized at 5:00pm to deliver his Maiden speech.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings. All time during any period of morning business, recess or adjournment will count post-cloture. Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.
Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.4005, Preserving Foreign Criminal Assets for Forfeiture Act of 2010

———————————————————————————————————-

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 14, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

7:00 P.M. –

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

6:58 P.M. –

Mr. Jones requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 17: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min, and himself for 5 min.

6:57 P.M. –

Mr. Jones requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 16: Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min, Mr. Flake for 5 min, and Mr. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln of FL for 5 min.

Mr. Jones requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 15: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min, Mr. Flake for 5 min, Mr. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln of FL for 5 min, Mr. McClintock for 5 min, and Mr. Gingrey of GA for 5 min.

6:50 P.M. –

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

H.R. 6510:

to direct the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property in Houston, Texas, to the Military Museum of Texas, and for other purposes

6:48 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 363 – 0 (Roll no. 630).

6:40 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 3167:

to amend title 13 of the United States Code to provide for a 5-year term of office for the Director of the Census and to provide for the authority and duties of the Director and Deputy Director of the Census, and for other purposes

6:39 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 201 – 167 (Roll no. 629).

6:32 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 1405:

to redesignate the Longfellow National Historic Site, Massachusetts, as the “Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site”

6:31 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 364 – 0 (Roll no. 628).

6:02 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:01 P.M. –

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

6:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 14.

5:02 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H.R. 6516:

to make technical corrections to provisions of law enacted by the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010

5:01 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

4:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6516.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Cummings moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 6510:

to direct the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property in Houston, Texas, to the Military Museum of Texas, and for other purposes

4:57 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

4:52 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H.R. 6510.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 2941 amended.

H.R. 6510:

to direct the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property in Houston, Texas, to the Military Museum of Texas, and for other purposes

4:37 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6510.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1759:

expressing support for designation of January 23rd as “Ed Roberts Day”

4:35 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

4:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1759.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 1275:

to establish a National Foundation on Physical Fitness and Sports to carry out activities to support and supplement the mission of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

4:28 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

4:14 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1275.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Grijalva moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 3984:

to amend and extend the Museum and Library Services Act, and for other purposes

4:13 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

4:07 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3984.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Grijalva moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

4:06 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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 14, 2010 at 1:12 p.m. stating that that body had passed S. 2902, H.R. 6278, and S. 3447; passed H.R. 628 with an amendment.

S. 3167:

to amend title 13 of the United States Code to provide for a 5-year term of office for the Director of the Census and to provide for the authority and duties of the Director and Deputy Director of the Census, and for other purposes

4:05 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

3:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3167.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Maloney moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5446:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 600 Florida Avenue in Cocoa, Florida, as the “Harry T. and Harriette Moore Post Office”

3:28 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

3:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5446.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1743:

congratulating Gerda Weissmann Klein on being selected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom

3:20 P.M. –

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

3:11 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1743.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 3794:

to amend chapter 5 of title 40, United States Code, to include organizations whose membership comprises substantially veterans as recipient organizations for the donation of Federal surplus personal property through State agencies

3:10 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

3:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House resumed debate on S. 3794.

3:08 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 77 and passed S. 372. The Senate also agreed to the House amendment to S. 3817.

S. 3794:

to amend chapter 5 of title 40, United States Code, to include organizations whose membership comprises substantially veterans as recipient organizations for the donation of Federal surplus personal property through State agencies

3:05 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3794.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 6205:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1449 West Avenue in Bronx, New York, as the “Private Isaac T. Cortes Post Office”

3:04 P.M. –

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

2:59 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6205.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. Con. Res. 72:

recognizing the 45th anniversary of the White House Fellows Program

2:58 P.M. –

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

2:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. Con. Res. 72.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 1405:

to redesignate the Longfellow National Historic Site, Massachusetts, as the “Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site”

2:46 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

2:40 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1405.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Rahall moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 1609:

to authorize a single fisheries cooperative for the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands longline catcher processor subsector, and for other purposes

2:39 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:33 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1609.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Rahall moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 1061:

to transfer certain land to the United States to be held in trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, to place land into trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, and for other purposes

2:32 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

2:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 1061.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Rahall moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.

S. 2906:

to amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to modify a provision relating to leases involving certain Indian tribes

2:21 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2906.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Rahall moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 1448:

to amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to authorize the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw, the Klamath Tribes, and the Burns Paiute Tribe to obtain 99-year lease authority for trust land

2:18 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:16 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1448.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Larsen (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

2:15 P.M. –

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

2:04 P.M. –

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

2:03 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Scott Schloegel, Chief of Staff, Congressman Bart Stupak. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Schloegel notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena for testimony, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.

The House received a communication from Bart Stupak, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Stupak notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena for testimony, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.

2:02 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Chaffetz 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.

2:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 14.

12:42 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

12:31 P.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

12:30 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Gary C. Peters to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Senate set to debate tax plan compromise (via Anderson Cooper 360)


A senior White House adviser says it is time to move forward with the compromise. CNN Wire Staff Washington (CNN) — Senators are expected to open debate on the tax compromise reached by President Barack Obama and Republicans Monday, but House Democrats will likely try to change the deal, one of their leaders said … Read More

via Anderson Cooper 360