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Tag Archives: Republican
CONGRESS: A Bloated Lame Duck
Congress returned yesterday for a jam-packed lame duck session, facing a mountain of bills that congressional Democrats, hobbled by Republican obstructionism, were unable to address during the normal session. Some pieces of this unfinished business are basic necessities that Congress must pass, such as a continuing resolution to fund the government into early next year, while other measures are key progressive agenda items, like the DREAM Act. Both parties have said they want to address extending the Bush-era tax cuts, which are set to expire on December 31, and “[t]he battle over the tax cuts could provide the most fascinating example of high-stakes endgame negotiations in memory .” Meanwhile, federal unemployment benefits are set to expire for some recipients on Dec. 1, but “Senate Republicans might not make it easy to pass another extension” — Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY), and then the entire GOP caucus, infamously blocked an extension this spring. Democrats are also hoping to complete a defense authorization bill that would repeal the military’s discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, “but the path forward remains unclear,” as Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), a key player in negotiations, has indicated that he will not abide by his commitments on the issue. The White House has identified the New START nuclear arms treaty with Russia as a “top priority” for the lame duck, while Democratic leadership in both chambers wants a measure that would send $250 checks to Social Security recipients, in lieu of a Cost of Living Adjustment. Meanwhile, the House may take up a major child nutrition bill, and yesterday, the Senate moved to pass a much-needed food safety measure. For their part, Senate Republicans are hoping to pass a year-long moratorium on earmarks by attaching it to the first available bill. In order words, as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said, “We have a long list of things to get done and not a lot of time to do them. … The question is, how much, if any, are [Republicans] willing to work with us?” In fact, this “long list” of items is a result of Republican obstructionism over the past two years, and judging by their pledges of “no compromise” for the upcoming Congress, it seems unlikely that congressional GOPers are in any mood to cooperate now.
LAME DUCK HISTORY: Lame duck sessions have become commonplace in Washington in recent years, but this was not always the case. The possibility of a lame duck session only began in 1935 with the ratification of the 20th Amendment, which established that new Congress convenes in regular session starting on Jan. 3. Since then, there have been only 18 lame duck sessions, or about one for every two congressional sessions. Many of these have been pro forma, “in which no business is conducted,” but Congress convenes to satisfy a constitutional obligation to meet periodically. Most other lame ducks have convened in order to make necessary, but banal, appropriations. Others have focused on a single issue , such as the censure of former Sen. Joseph McCarthy in 1954 or the buildup to World War II. However, since 1994, after Republicans swept to victory, lame ducks have been held during all but one congressional session. And as congressional scholar Norman Ornstein wrote of the current session, “The looming lame-duck session will be among the most interesting of the 17 since 1940,” with its plethora of legislative goals. Congress allowed President Bush to accomplish a lot during his first lame duck session in 2002 — the Department of Homeland Security was created and the Senate confirmed 20 Bush judges , including controversial ones — but it’s unclear whether the same will be true for Obama’s.
GOP OBSTRUCTION: The enormous backlog of critical legislation left for the lame duck is a result of congressional Republicans, mostly in the Senate, abusing the chamber’s procedural rules — which “are based on tradition, not the Constitution” — to slow down, block, or stop the Democratic majority’s agenda. While the Senate was always intended to be more deliberative than the House, this Congress’s batch of Senate Republicans made a calculation early on that the best move for them politically would be to cripple progressive policy, and hollow out the federal government by refusing to confirm President Obama’s nominees in a timely manner. For example, while it is now taken for granted than any major piece of legislation needs 60 votes to pass the Senate, this has not always been the case. Use of the filibuster — the minority’s tactic to halt action on a bill through endless debate — has skyrocketed in the past two decades, creating a de facto need for 60 votes to get anything done. And as the Center for American Progress’ Ian Millhiser has explained, much Senate business in effect requires all 100 senators to agree to move forward. “Unless the senators unanimously consent to holding a vote immediately, dissenting senators may demand up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate before a vote can actually take place, and they can prevent the Senate from considering any other business during these hours of delay.” Exploiting the 30-hour rule for every vote, the minority can subvert Senate business to point that there simply isn’t enough time on the legislative calender to get much done. As Millhiser points out, at 30 hours of debate, it “adds up to over 1,200 days and nights required to confirm all of a president’s nominees over minority objection — more Senate work days than there are in two entire presidential terms.”
NEEDED REFORM: Recognizing the absurdity of Senate rules, a number of junior Senate Democrats have committed to reshaping the broken way the upper chamber does business, including reforming the filibuster. Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO), his cousin Sen. Tom Udall (D- NM), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) “are expected to wage a fresh campaign to change Senate operating procedures” when the new Senate convenes in January with a slimmer Democratic majority. A “top goal” for these junior Democrats “is to change Senate rules that allow a single member of the minority party to prevent legislation from advancing” — the filibuster. Both Udalls, along with Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), who has his own proposal to reform the filibuster, told The Hill this week they are not backing down from their effort, despite Republican gains in the chamber. Tom Udall told the Hill that “he will force a motion on the first day of the next Congress to have Vice President Joe Biden adopt new rules for the two-year session. Then, Udall said, he will seek consensus among senators from both parties to lower the 60-vote threshold for procedural motions. Only a simple majority of 51 votes would be necessary for such a move, and Udall said he expects support from some Republicans.” Meanwhile, Mark Udall and Ornstein have proposed a milder plan that would “restrict the use of the filibuster by the minority party, while limiting the majority’s control over minority amendments.” For his part, Harkin has said he will push his own plan next year, which calls for a “gradual decrease in the voting threshold for procedural motions — a plan he first proposed in 1995, when Democrats were the minority party.” “At a time when split control of Congress will necessitate compromise, this is an ideal moment to bring about needed rule changes in the Senate that would protect minority rights to debate and deliberation, while ensuring majority rule in the Senate,” Harkin said. They may even get some help from new Republicans. Sen.-elect Dan Coats (R-IN), who has previously served in the Senate, embraced reforming the Senate rules in a recent interview with NPR, saying, “I would support removing” the filibuster.
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trippi Tuesday …& some News
The President will be giving out the Medal of Honor today, which is such a proud moment to be an American in a time when we use to have two wars now only one as well as the first person of colour as our President giving you chills. It is a very special day to be alive and see all the wonder things President Obama has been able to accomplish with or without the help of, I guess Americans who call themselves Republicans. The weather here sucked last night and early this morning though it has calmed down finally it is just the beginning of autumn, which will move into winter sometime soon.
I posted a letter to Americans from Leader Harry Reid and apparently, it upset someone so much that they responded. While I am glad to get responses to the various articles posted, this one seems a bit dramatic. It is obvious the person is very right of center and it confirms how personal feelings create gridlock. Unfortunately, this same attitude will continue to happen on the floor of Congress as personal feelings get in the way of doing the peoples business. As Republican members of Congress show lack of compromise so do their constituents and while that may be normal up to a point in our own private lives, this behavior cannot continue on for too long as we all know the quicker folks work together the sooner Americans will be able to move into the 21st Century. Anyway, below is the response to the open letter to Americans from Harry Reid.
A desperate lie by a desperate piece of filth. It’s laughable in the extreme. The truth is that Americans did not vote the Liberal filth out of office for the sake of working with their remnants.
They and their supporters, the domestic enemies of America, can sit down and shut up or things will go harshly for them sooner than it might otherwise.
Other News …
Rep. Rangel is convicted by House panel on ethics violations on 11 of 13 counts -non-legal action
Cholera outbreak sparks riots in Haiti
Republican leaders suddenly decide to vote against earmarks -pushed by tea party members
Tina Fey is censored by PBS -on Palin comments
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Walmart drug plan for seniors may not be best dealConsumer alert: A new Medicare drug plan with the lowest upfront cost in the country may not be for everyone, experts say.
CSPAN …
Senate Democratic and Republican Leadership Election Press Conferences
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Tell Congress: Help Jobless Workers Not Millionaires
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It’s hard to believe — but Congress is considering cutting taxes for the rich at the same time they discontinue unemployment insurance benefits for the millions of people who are out of work! The emergency unemployment insurance program expires at the end of November. If Congress fails to extend it, this lifeline will be cut for 2 million workers in December alone. And, because these families won’t have income to spend in their communities to support their families, more jobs will be lost. Yet, some of the same Members of Congress who are saying that they can’t afford to extend emergency unemployment benefits for another year insist on extending tax breaks for millionaires. Will you stand up for your neighbor and call your Members of Congress? Calling is easy to do.
The Bush-era tax cuts and recent improvements in tax credits for working families will expire on December 31 unless Congress acts to renew them. Tax breaks for millionaires are also set to expire this year. Congress should extend tax benefits for middle- and lower-income families and not waste $700 billion giving tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. We have a limited amount of time to take action. Please take a stand for justice by calling 1-866-606-1189 today. Thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, |
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what’s going on in Congress: the House meets Today …the Senate resumes on 11/17
The Senate is not meeting on 11/16 but convenes on 11/17
As a reminder, on Wednesday, September 29, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to the following bills:
– S.3815, the Promoting National Gas and Electric Vehicles Act of 2010;
– S.3772, The Paycheck Fairness Act; and
– S.510, The FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act.
Senators should expect the next roll call vote to occur at a time to be determined on Wednesday, November 17, 2010.
The first vote of the week will be on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3815, the Promoting National Gas and Electric Vehicles Act of 2010.
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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 12:30pmET November 16, 2010
CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 16, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION
5:56 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
5:55 P.M. –
Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Jones be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on November 18. Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Jones be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on November 17.
- H. Con. Res. 329:
- recognizing the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
5:54 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.
5:45 P.M. –
Considered under suspension of the rules. DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 329.
Ms. Hirono moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
- H. Res. 1715:
- congratulating Joe Paterno on his 400th win as Penn State Nittany Lions football head coach
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.
5:37 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1715. Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Hirono moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
. H. Res. 1655:
expressing support for designation of October as “National Farm to School Month”
5:25 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1655.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Hirono moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
celebrating September 30, 2010, as the 60th Anniversary of Impact Aid
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.
5:18 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1641.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Hirono moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
recognizing Brooklyn Botanic Garden on its 100th anniversary as the preeminent horticultural attraction in the borough of Brooklyn and its longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and education for the City of New York
5:14 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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 401 – 0, 1 Present (Roll no. 571).
5:07 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
5:06 P.M. –
ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath to the gentleman from Indiana, the whole number of the House is 434.
5:01 P.M. –
The Dean of the Indiana delegation, Representative Dan Burton, addressed the House and introduced Representative Marlin Stutzman, Third District, Indiana.
5:00 P.M. –
ADMINISTERING THE OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Marlin A. Stutzman from the Third Congressional District, State of Indiana, presented himself in the well of the House to take the Oath of Office administered by the Speaker of the House.
The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a facsimile copy of a letter received from Mr. Todd Rokita, Secretary of State, State of Indiana, indicating that based on the unofficial results of the election held on November 2, 2010, the Honorable Marlin A. Stutzman was elected Representative in Congress for the Third Congressional District, State of Indiana.
congratulates the town of Tarboro, North Carolina, on the occasion of its 250th anniversary
4:59 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 the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 570).
4:51 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
recognizing Gail Abarbanel and the Rape Treatment Center, and for other purposes
4:50 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 the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 569).
recognizing Gail Abarbanel and the Rape Treatment Center, and for other purposes
4:20 P.M. –
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Roll Call 569 – 2/3 Yea and Nay vote pending.
Considered as unfinished business.
4:19 P.M. –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
expressing support for designation of the month of October 2010 as National Principals Month
4:12 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1652.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Hirono moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
expressing support for designation of the week of October 24, 2010, as “Undergraduate Research Week”
4:11 P.M. –
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
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.
4:03 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1654.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Hirono moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
congratulating the engineers, scientists, psychologists, and staff of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for helping to successfully rescue 33 trapped Chilean miners from a collapsed mine near Copiapo, Chile
4:00 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.
3:51 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1714.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Johnson, E. B. moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
to improve certain administrative operations of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, and for other purposes
3:50 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.
3:46 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6399.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mrs. Davis (CA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 337 West Clark Street in Eureka, California, as the “Sam Sacco Post Office Building”
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.
3:39 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6387.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1351 2nd Street in Napa, California, as the “Tom Kongsgaard Post Office Building”
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:32 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6237.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
congratulating the champion, finalists, and all other participants in the 83rd Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee
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.
3:25 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1494.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Broadway in Lynbrook, New York, as the “Navy Corpsman Jeffrey L. Wiener Post Office Building”
3:24 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.
3:16 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3567.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
to amend title 11, District of Columbia Official Code, to revise certain administrative authorities of the District of Columbia courts, and to authorize the District of Columbia Public Defender Service to provide professional liability insurance for officers and employees of the Service for claims relating to services furnished within the scope of employment with the Service
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:10 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5367.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
to amend the National Children’s Island Act of 1995 to expand allowable uses for Kingman and Heritage Islands by the District of Columbia, and for other purposes
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.
3:04 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6278.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
to amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to reduce the waiting period for holding special elections to fill vacancies in the membership of the Council of the District of Columbia
3:03 P.M. –
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote
to amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to reduce the waiting period for holding special elections to fill vacancies in the membership of the Council of the District of Columbia
2:57 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5702.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
to designate the Little River Branch facility of the United States Postal Service located at 140 NE 84th Street in Miami, Florida, as the “Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. Post Office”
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:56 P.M. –
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
2:51 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5655.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
commending Bob Sheppard for his long and respected career as the public-address announcer for the New York Yankees and the New York Giants
2:49 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.
2:40 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1529.
2:39 P.M. –
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2 Government Center in Fall River, Massachusetts, as the “Sergeant Robert Barrett Post Office Building”
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.
2:31 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5758.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
recognizing Brooklyn Botanic Garden on its 100th anniversary as the preeminent horticultural attraction in the borough of Brooklyn and its longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and education for the City of New York
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.
2:16 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1428.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
congratulates the town of Tarboro, North Carolina, on the occasion of its 250th anniversary
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.
2:12 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1475.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
2:11 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
2:03 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:02 P.M. –
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Fleming 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. Daniel Coughlin.
The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 16.
12:43 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
12:32 P.M. –
MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:31 P.M. –
The Speaker designated the Honorable Loretta Sanchez to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:30 P.M. –
The House convened, starting a new legislative day
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