Tag Archives: Senate

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CONGRESS: The Republican led House : the Senate, led by Dem


The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET November 27, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized. The first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • We hope to consider the Disabilities Treaty (Executive Calendar #6, Treaty Document 112-7) during tomorrow’s session.

2:35pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of the motion to proceed to Executive Session for the consideration of Treaty 112-7, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

Agreed to: 61-36

The Senate is in Executive Session considering Treaty 112-7, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with debate only until 6:30pm. The time until 5pm is equally divided and controlled between the proponents and opponents.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider Treaty Document #112-7, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Agreed to: 61-36

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.3642, the Theft of Trade Secrets Clarification Act of 2012.

Adopted S.Res.602, designating 2012-2013 as the “Year of the Korean War Veteran” and recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.3637, FDIC TAG Extension bill. (Reid)

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00p.mET on November 27, 2012.

2:00:07 P.M.   <ACTION_DESCRIPTION>The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:00:19 P.M.   <ACTION_DESCRIPTION>The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
2:00:42 P.M.   <TODAY’S class=hiddenGrammarError title=”Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives” href=”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaplain_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives&#8221; pre=”prayer ” target=”_blank” rel=”wikipedia” House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:02:22 P.M.   <The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:02:25 P.M.   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:54 P.M.   The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 6063.
2:03:27 P.M.   a communication from The Honorable Nydia M. Velazquez. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Velazquez notified the House that she had been served with a subpoena for documents issued by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Kings in connection with civil litigation currently pending before that court and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena is inconsistent with the privileges and precedents of the House.
2:03:44 P.M.   <ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:10:31 P.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 P.M. today.
4:34:56 P.M.   The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 27.
4:35:11 P.M.   will be postponed until a time to be announced.
4:35:18 P.M. H.R. 6025 <>Mrs. Miller (MI) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 6025 — “To provide for annual reports on the status of operational control of the international land and maritime borders of the United States and unlawful entries, and for other purposes.”
4:35:30 P.M. H.R. 6025 <Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:35:33 P.M. H.R. 6025 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6025.
4:42:19 P.M. H.R. 6025 motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:42:22 P.M. H.R. 6025 <>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:42:40 P.M. H.R. 5913 <MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” McCaul moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 5913 — “To create an independent advisory panel to comprehensively assess the management structure and capabilities related to the Department of Homeland Security and make recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of the Department.”
4:42:48 P.M. H.R. 5913 <Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:42:51 P.M. H.R. 5913 <>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5913.
4:53:46 P.M. H.R. 5913 <On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:53:49 P.M. H.R. 5913 >Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:54:18 P.M. H.R. 915 Mr. McCaul moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.
4:54:35 P.M. H.R. 915 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 915.
5:07:00 P.M. H.R. 915 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.
5:07:31 P.M. H.R. 5997 <MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 5997 — “To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify authority under existing grant guidance authorizing use of Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities.”
5:07:42 P.M. H.R. 5997 <Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:07:43 P.M. H.R. 5997 <DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5997.
5:15:47 P.M. H.R. 5997 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.
5:16:17 P.M. H.R. 6328 <MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6328 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to transfer unclaimed clothing recovered at airport security checkpoints to local veterans organizations and other local charitable organizations, and for other purposes.”
5:16:25 P.M. H.R. 6328 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:16:27 P.M. H.R. 6328 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6328.
5:22:59 P.M. H.R. 6328 <On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:23:02 P.M. H.R. 6328 <Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:23:30 P.M.   Mr. Bilirakis asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, it adjourn to meet at noon on Wednesday, November 28, 2012. Agreed to without objection.
5:25:37 P.M.   The House received a communication from Representative Jackson (IL) wherein he resigns as a member of the House of Representatives effective Wednesday, November 21, 2012.
5:26:46 P.M.   <ACTION_DESCRIPTION>ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Jackson, the whole number of the House is 433.
5:27:46 P.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:16 P.M.   The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 27.
6:31:24 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.
6:31:58 P.M. H.R. 5997 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5997 — “To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify authority under existing grant guidance authorizing use of Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities.”
6:57:12 P.M. H.R. 5997 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 397 – 1 (Roll no. 609).
6:57:14 P.M. H.R. 5997 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:07:00 P.M. H.R. 915 <On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 397 – 4 (Roll no. 610).
7:07:01 P.M. H.R. 915 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:11:28 P.M.   The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
9:44:01 P.M.   <MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” Lungren, Daniel E. moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:44:14 P.M.   On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:44:15 P.M.   The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on November 28, 2012.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Fix the filibuster !


On Tue, Nov 20, 2012 at 11:44 AM, Tim Leahy, Team Merkley <campaign@jeffmerkley.com> wrote:

Friends,
Senator Merkley’s campaign to fix the filibuster is gaining momentum. Over 200,000 people have now signed our petition to the U.S. Senate, and our campaign is getting noticed all across America!
Senator Merkley is working hard to convince his colleagues in the Senate that the time is now for filibuster reform. And it makes a huge difference when he can point to a groundswell of grassroots support.
We can do this!
Tim Leahy
Team Merkley
—— Forwarded Message ———
From: Senator Jeff Merkley
Subject: Take Action: Fix the Filibuster
Date: Nov 15, 2012 19:14 a.m. PST

To: Friends

Join Elizabeth Warren, Tom Harkin, Kirsten Gillibrand, Tom Udall, and Jeff Merkley.
Friends,
Our country faces serious problems. And serious problems deserve serious consideration.
But far too often, we’ve seen good ideas stall in the Senate because a single Senator can stop everything and block an up-or-down vote without a single word uttered on the Senate floor.
Passionate debate is a good thing. Which is why I’ve proposed a “talking filibuster” — a requirement that if a Senator is going to block a vote by arguing that more debate is needed, then he or she must do so by taking the floor and making a case to the American people. That way, the American people can judge for themselves whether the obstruction makes those Senators heroes, or bums.
And when debate stops, it’s time for an up-or-down majority vote.
Please join me and Senators Tom Udall, Kirsten Gillibrand, Tom Harkin and Senator-elect Elizabeth Warren in this fight to reform the Senate by signing our petition.
In a few short weeks, we can make this change happen. But it won’t be easy. And it’s going to require that the American people speak with one, clear, loud voice.
Thank you.
Onward,
Jeff Merkley
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

CONGRESS: the Republicans/House : the Democrats/Senate


11/15/2012 : There will be no further roll call votes during this week’s session of the Senate.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to invoke cloture on S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012; Invoked: 84-12

 LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.1440, the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act with a committee-reported substitute amendment and an Alexander amendment by voice vote.

 Passed H.R.6570, an Act to amend the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to consolidate certain CBO reporting requirements.

 Discharged the HELP committee and adopted S.Res.490, a resolution designating the week of September 16, 2012, as “Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week”, reaffirming the importance of an enhanced and coordinated research effort on mitochondrial diseases, and commending the National Institutes of Health for its efforts to improve the understanding of mitochondrial diseases.

Adopted S.Res.597, a resolution to permit the collection of clothing, toys, food, and house wares during the holiday season for charitable purposes in Senate buildings.

 Adopted S.Res.598, commending and congratulating the San Francisco Giants for winning the 2012 World Series.

 Adopted S.Res.599, expressing vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders, and recognizing and strongly supporting its right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens against acts of terrorism.

 Adopted S.Con.Res.60, a resolution providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate pending the adjournment of the House of Representatives.

 EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

-FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

Executive Calendar #345 Martin J. Gruenberg – to be Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

 -FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

Executive Calendar #519 Thomas Hoenig – to be Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

If the House does not adopt S.Con.Res.60, the adjournment resolution, the Senate will convene on the following dates and at the following times for pro forma sessions only with no business conducted:

– Friday, November 16th at 9:30am

– Tuesday, November 20th at 12:00pm

– Friday, November 23rd at 3:00pm

the Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET November 26, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
  • It will be in order for Senator Sessions or his designee to recognized to make a Budget Act point of order with respect to S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012. Subsequently, it will be order for Senator Reid or his designee to move to waive the point of order.
  • At 5:30pm, all post-cloture time on S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 will be considered expired. The Senate will then proceed to up to two roll call votes:
  • Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to S.3525 (if a point of order and motion to waive are raised)
  • Passage of S.3525, as amended by the Tester substitute amendment #2875

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Watch Live House Floor Proceedings

House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of November 16, 2012

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Black History

CONGRESS: the Republicans/House : the Democrats/Senate


the Senate Convenes: 9:00amET November 15, 2012

  • Following the prayer and the pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
  • The filing deadline for second degree amendments to S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 is 9:10am on Thursday.
  • At 9:15am, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.3525.

9:20am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.3525, Sportsmen’s Act of 2012;   Invoked: 84-12

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 15, 2012.

10:00:27 A.M.   The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:37 A.M.   <ACTION_DESCRIPTION>The Speaker designated the Honorable Blake Farenthold to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:50 A.M.   The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 6118 and H.R. 6131, without amendment.
10:01:10 A.M.   MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:50:38 A.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:21 P.M.   The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 15.
12:00:25 P.M.   Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Alan Keiran, Office of the United States Senate.
12:01:38 P.M.   The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:44 P.M.   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Biggert to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:36 P.M.   ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:24:30 P.M. H. Res. 808 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 808 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6156) to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to products of the Russian Federation and Moldova and to require reports on the compliance of the Russian Federation with its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization, and for other purposes.”
12:24:44 P.M. H. Res. 808 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 808.
1:25:26 P.M. H. Res. 808 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 808, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.
1:26:04 P.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

For science (and NOT the election)


Union of Concerned Scientists

Congress: Keep Independent Federal Agencies Independent

After the election, the Senate will likely take up misguided legislation that would give the White House more control over certain federal agencies that protect our health and safety—such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The bill would make it more difficult for these agencies to use the latest science to protect the public from emerging threats—and make it easier for the White House to interfere in the work of these critical independent agencies. As a result, special interests with deep pockets would have even more influence in Washington.

Don’t let the lame duck Congress pass this terrible legislation.

Urge your senators today to strongly oppose the so-called Independent Agency Regulatory Analysis Act.

Take Action Today!

Sincerely,
MichaelHalpern_jpg
Michael Halpern
National Field Organizer
Center for Science and Democracy
Union of Concerned Scientists