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Black History

Congress: Republicans led House – the Senate considers S.1925,VAWA, S.1789,Postal Reform Bill


the Senate Convenes: 9:30am

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act with the time until 2:00pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.  The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes; the Majority will control the second 30 minutes.  Additionally, Republicans will control the time from 11:30am until 12:30pm and the Majority will control the time from 12:30pm until 1:30pm.
  • At 2:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1789, the Postal Reform bill.  There will be several votes beginning at 2:00pm in order to complete action on the Postal Reform bill.
  • The following amendments are the only amendments remaining in order.  Upon disposition of the amendments, the Senate will vote on passage of S.1789, as amended.  The amendments with an asterisk following them are amendments we hope can be disposed of without a roll call vote.

2:12pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Manchin amendment #2079 (extend moratorium on closings); Not Agreed To: 43-53

Senator Paul asked unanimous consent to call up amendment #2023 (prohibit foreign assistance to Egypt) . Senator Lieberman objected.

2:46pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Paul #2028 (alternative methods pilot program); Not Agreed To: 35-64

The following amendments are pending to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill:

The following amendments to S.1789 have been considered:

3:08pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Paul amendment #2039 (prohibit collective bargaining); Not Agreed To: 23-76

3:28pm  The Senate began a roll call vote on Casey amendment #2042 (delivery time); Not Agreed To: 44-54

3:52pm The Senate began a roll call vote on DeMint amendment #2046 (unions); Not Agreed to: 46-53

4:29pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.1789, the Postal Reform bill, as amended; Passed: 62-37

The Senate has adopted the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization, with debate only for the remainder of the night and until 11:30am tomorrow.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Manchin amendment #2079 (extend moratorium on closings) to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill; Not Agreed To: 43-53

2)      Paul amendment #2028 (alternative methods pilot program); Not Agreed To: 35-64

3)      Paul amendment #2039 (prohibit collective bargaining); Not Agreed To: 23-76

4)      Casey amendment #2042 (delivery time); Not Agreed To: 44-54

5)      DeMint amendment #2046 (unions); Not Agreed To: 46-53

6)      Passage of S.1789, the Postal Reform bill, as amended; Passed: 62-37

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.437, congratulating the Boston College men’s ice hockey team on winning its fifth National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Hockey Championship.

Adopted S.Res.438,  to support the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month.

By unanimous consent, read S.2366, a bill to extend student federal loan interest rates for undergraduate Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Alexander, McConnell, Enzi and others) twice and placed it on the calendar.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

At 11:30am tomorrow, Thursday, April 26, the Senate will turn to Executive Session with 30 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a series of 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the following nominations:

–          Cal. #509 Gregg Jeffrey Costa, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas; and

–          Cal. #510 David Campos Guaderrama, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas.

As a result, senators should expect 2 roll call votes at approximately 12:00 noon tomorrow.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 25, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION.

-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 26, 2012.7:34:10 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.7:34:00 P.M. -Mr. Nugent moved that the House do now adjourn.7:33:00 P.M. -Mr. Nugent filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 631.5:36:47 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.5:35:52 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with futher one minute speeches.5:31:56 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Ways and Means for consideration of secs. 141 and 142 of the House bill, and secs. 1801, 40101, 40102, 40201, 40202, 40204, 40205, 40301-40307, 40309-40314, 100112-100114, and 100116 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Camp, Tiberi, and Blumenauer.5:31:45 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for consideration of secs. 121, 123, 136, and 137 of the House bill, and sec. 1534, subtitle F of title I of Division A, secs. 20013, 20014, 20029, 31101, 31103, 31111, 31204, 31504, 32705, 33009, 34008, and Division E of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Hall, Cravaack, and Johnson, E. B.5:31:30 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Natural Resources for consideration of secs. 123, 142, 204, and titles III and VI of the House bill, and sec. 1116, subtitles C, F, and G of title I of Division A, sec. 33009, titles VI and VII of Division C, sec. 40101, subtitles A and B of title I of Division F, and sec. 100301 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Hastings (WA), Bishop (UT), and Markey.5:31:22 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration of sec. 142 and titles II and V of the House bill, and secs. 1113, 1201, 1202, subtitles B, C, D, and E of title I of Division C, secs. 32701-32705, 32710, 32713, 40101, and 40301 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Upton, Whitfield, and Waxman.5:31:12 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration of the House bill (except sec. 141) and the Senate amendment (except secs. 1801, 40102, 40201, 40202, 40204, 40205, 40305, 40307, 40309-40312, 100112-100114, and 100116), and modifications committed to conference: Mica, Young (AK), Duncan (TN), Shuster, Capito, Crawford, Herrera Beutler, Bucshon, Hanna, Southerland, Lankford, Ribble, Rahall, DeFazio, Costello, Norton, Nadler, Brown (FL), Cummings, Boswell, and Bishop (NY).5:27:33 P.M. -H.R. 1038Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:27:33 P.M. -H.R. 1038On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 421 – 1 (Roll no. 181).5:21:13 P.M. -H.R. 1038Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1038 — “To authorize the conveyance of two small parcels of land within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest containing private improvements that were developed based upon the reliance of the landowners in an erroneous survey conducted in May 1960.”5:20:59 P.M. -H.R. 3336Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:20:58 P.M. -H.R. 3336On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 312 – 111 (Roll no. 180).5:12:32 P.M. -H.R. 3336Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3336 — “To ensure the exclusion of small lenders from certain regulations of the Dodd-Frank Act.”5:12:22 P.M. -H.R. 4348Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:12:21 P.M. -H.R. 4348On motion that the House instruct conferees Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 181 – 242 (Roll no. 179).4:45:32 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of the Rahall motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348 and adoption of motions to suspend the rules, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.4:45:28 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 25.3:24:00 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  4:45 P.M. today.3:23:21 P.M. -H.R. 4348POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rahall motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348, the Chair put the question on the motion and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rahall demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.3:23:04 P.M. -H.R. 4348The previous question was ordered without objection.2:24:18 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Rahall motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the managers on the part of the House at conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 4348 be instructed to recede from disagreement to the amendment of the Senate.2:23:57 P.M. -H.R. 4348Mr. Rahall moved that the House instruct conferees.2:23:25 P.M. -H.R. 4348On motion that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference Agreed to without objection.2:23:03 P.M. -H.R. 4348Mr. Mica asked unanimous consent that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference.2:22:13 P.M. -H.R. 3336At 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.1:56:23 P.M. -H.R. 3336DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3336.1:56:22 P.M. -H.R. 3336Considered under suspension of the rules.1:56:07 P.M. -H.R. 3336Mr. Lucas moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3336 — “To ensure the exclusion of small lenders from certain regulations of the Dodd-Frank Act.”1:55:32 P.M. -H.R. 2146Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:55:25 P.M. -H.R. 2146On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.1:30:52 P.M. -H.R. 2146DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2146.1:30:49 P.M. -H.R. 2146Considered under suspension of the rules.1:30:38 P.M. -H.R. 2146Mr. Issa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2146 — “To amend title 31, United States Code, to require accountability and transparency in Federal spending, and for other purposes.”1:29:54 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.1:08:36 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.1:02:10 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Stutzman to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.1:02:07 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.1:00:49 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Matthew Barnes, Capital Commission Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana1:00:37 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 25.10:51:38 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  1:00 P.M. today.10:01:01 A.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 1:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.10:00:38 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven M. Palazzo to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:27 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate considers S.1789, S.1925 & NLRB


the Senate Convened at 10:00amet April 24, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
  • At 10:30am, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.36, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to representation election procedures with the time until 12:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • At 12:30pm, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, VAWA.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:50pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • At 2:15pm, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.36 and conduct a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.36.  If the motion is defeated, there will be several roll call votes in order to complete action on S.1789, the Postal Reform bill following the vote at 2:15pm.

This morning the Senate executed the previous order to send the Transportation bill to conference and appointed the senators listed below as conferees. H.R.4348, as amended with the text of S.1813 as passed by the Senate, is the vehicle for the conference.

Boxer

Baucus

Rockefeller

Durbin

Johnson (SD)

Schumer

Nelson (FL)

Menendez

Inhofe

Vitter

Hatch

Shelby

Hutchison

Hoeven

2:16pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.36, a joint resolution of disapproval relative to the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) relating to representation election procedures; Not Agreed to: 45-54

3:08pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Lieberman motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified and S.1789, the Postal Reform bill; Agreed to: 62-37

3:38 pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the McCain amendment #2033 (reorganization commission) to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill; Not Agreed to: 30-69

4:08pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Coburn amendment #2061, as modified (mandatory retirement); not agreed to: 33-65

The following amendments are pending to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill:

The following amendments to S.1789 have been considered:

The following amendments to S.1789 have been considered:

WRAP UP

 ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Motion to proceed to S.J.Res.36, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to representation election procedures; Not Agreed To: 45-54

2)      Lieberman motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the substitute amendment #2000, as modified and S.1789, the Postal Reform bill; Agreed To: 62-37

3)      McCain amendment #2033 (reorganization commission); Not Agreed To: 30-69

4)      Coburn amendment #2061, as modified (mandatory retirement); Not Agreed To: 33-65

5)      Udall(NM) amendment #2043, as modified (six-day delivery); Not Agreed To: 43-56

6)      Akaka amendment #2034 (workers compensation); Not Agreed To: 46-53

7)      Corker amendment #2083 (frequency of mail delivery); Not Agreed To: 29-70

8)      Akaka amendment #2049 (managerial organizations); Not Agreed To: 57-42

9)      Paul amendment #2025 (end mailbox use monopoly); Not Agreed To: 35-64

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.432, designating April 30, 2012, as “Día de los Niños: Celebrating Young Americans”.

Adopted S.Res.433, designating April 2012 as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month”.

By unanimous consent, the following items were placed on the Legislative Calendar:

–          S.2338, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012. (Hutchison, Grassley and Cornyn)

–          S.2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act. (Reid)

–          S.2344, To extend the National Flood Insurance Program until December 31, 2012. (Vitter)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 24, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

  -The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 25, 2012.9:02:10 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.9:02:00 P.M. -Mr. Pearce moved that the House do now adjourn.7:23:06 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:15:35 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:14:56 P.M. -Mr. Walden asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, for Morning-Hour debate and 1 p.m. for legislative business. Agreed to without objection.7:14:39 P.M. -H.R. 2157Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:14:36 P.M. -H.R. 2157On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 376 – 2 (Roll no. 178).6:45:19 P.M. -H.R. 2157Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2157 — “To facilitate a land exchange involving certain National Forest System lands in the Inyo National Forest, and for other purposes.”6:45:02 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:45:01 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 24.5:02:50 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  6:30 P.M. today.5:02:25 P.M. -H.R. 2240At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Bishop (UT) 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.4:57:04 P.M. -H.R. 2240DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2240.4:57:03 P.M. -H.R. 2240Considered under suspension of the rules.4:57:00 P.M. -H.R. 2240Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2240 — “To authorize the exchange of land or interest in land between Lowell National Historical Park and the city of Lowell in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and for other purposes.”4:56:45 P.M. -H.R. 491Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:56:41 P.M. -H.R. 491On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.4:53:31 P.M. -H.R. 491DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 491.4:53:29 P.M. -H.R. 491Considered under suspension of the rules.4:53:11 P.M. -H.R. 491Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 491 — “To modify the boundaries of Cibola National Forest in the State of New Mexico, to transfer certain Bureau of Land Management land for inclusion in the national forest, and for other purposes.”4:53:07 P.M. -H.R. 2947Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:53:04 P.M. -H.R. 2947On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.4:49:55 P.M. -H.R. 2947DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2947.4:49:53 P.M. -H.R. 2947Considered under suspension of the rules.4:49:30 P.M. -H.R. 2947Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2947 — “To provide for the release of the reversionary interest held by the United States in certain land conveyed by the United States in 1950 for the establishment of an airport in Cook County, Minnesota.”4:49:13 P.M. -H.R. 2050At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Bishop (UT) 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.4:44:22 P.M. -H.R. 2050DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2050.4:44:20 P.M. -H.R. 2050Considered under suspension of the rules.4:44:00 P.M. -H.R. 2050Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2050 — “To authorize the continued use of certain water diversions located on National Forest System land in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in the State of Idaho, and for other purposes.”4:43:41 P.M. -H.R. 2157At 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.4:38:34 P.M. -H.R. 2157DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2157.4:38:30 P.M. -H.R. 2157Considered under suspension of the rules.4:38:00 P.M. -H.R. 2157Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2157 — “To facilitate a land exchange involving certain National Forest System lands in the Inyo National Forest, and for other purposes.”4:37:50 P.M. -H.R. 1038At 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.4:31:27 P.M. -H.R. 1038DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1038.4:31:25 P.M. -H.R. 1038Considered under suspension of the rules.4:31:03 P.M. -H.R. 1038Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1038 — “To authorize the conveyance of two small parcels of land within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest containing private improvements that were developed based upon the reliance of the landowners in an erroneous survey conducted in May 1960.”4:30:26 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:30:20 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 24.2:14:25 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  4:30 P.M. today.2:13:43 P.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on April 24, 2012 at 12:45 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 4348 with an amendment; insisted on its amendment, requested a conference with the House and appointed conferees.2:03:20 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:54 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Sablan to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:02:46 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:01:39 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Joel Osteen, Lakewood Church, Houston, Texas2:00:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 24.12:10:58 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  2:00 P.M. today.12:00:57 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.12:00:30 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable John Abney Culberson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.12:00:18 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House passes HR1021,Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act of 2011 – the Senate considers S.1925,S.JRes.36,NLRB,Judicial nominees and S.1789


the Senate Convenes at 12:00pmET April 23, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
  • At 2:00pm, the Republican Leader or his designee will be recognized to make a motion to proceed to S.J.Res.36, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to representation election procedures with 2 hours of debate, equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • At 4:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
  • At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #528, the nomination of Brian C. Wimes, of MO, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri with 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.  Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Wimes nomination.
  • On Thursday, the Senate reached an agreement to complete action on S.1789, the Postal Reform bill.  The Majority Leader announced that the time from 12:00pm-2:00pm, 4:00pm-5:00pm and the time following the vote on Monday evening will be for Senators to debate their amendments to the Postal Reform bill.

5:31pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #528, the nomination of Brian Wimes, of MO, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri; Confirmed: 92-1

The following amendments are pending to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill:

The following amendments to S.1789 have been considered:

ROLL CALL VOTE

1)      Confirmation of the nomination of Brian C. Wimes, of MO, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri; Confirmed: 92-1

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.2327, a bill to prohibit direct foreign assistance to the Government of Egypt until the President makes certain certifications related to treatment of nongovernmental organization workers, and for other purposes. (Paul)

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2338, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012. (Hutchison, Grassley and Cornyn)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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House Floor Activities                

Legislative Day of April 23, 2012  

-The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on April 24, 2012.11:03:39 A.M. -The House received a communication from Eric With, District Director, Office of Congressman Michael C. Burgess. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. With notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the 362nd Judicial District Court in Denton, Texas, for testimony in a criminal case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.11:03:02 A.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 April 23, 2012 at 9:15 a.m., stating that that body had passed H.R. 1021 with an amendment.11:02:10 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.11:02:06 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.11:01:03 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.11:00:34 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable John Abney Culberson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.11:00:24 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on April 24, 2012.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Fundraising … 2012 Gap


DSCC Has Record Breaking Quarter Thanks to Strong Grassroots Support

The first three months of 2012 showed the incredible enthusiasm of Democratic supporters. The DSCC set a first quarter fundraising record by raising almost 20% more than our Republican counterparts.

You played a big role in our success; 97% of the gifts came from grassroots donors.

Thank you for your continuing support!

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Top Action

Critical Vote on Protecting Women Just Days Away

In what is just the latest in a series of Republican attacks on women, Senate Republicans are trying to eliminate the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

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Twice before, VAWA was reauthorized with widespread, bipartisan support from both houses of Congress. But now, Republicans have grown so radical they won’t even commit to protecting women from violence.

Join Democrats and demand Senate Republicans stop trying to eliminate VAWA!

Add your name »

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Enthusiasm Gap Felt in Senate Races Around the Country

The enthusiasm gap between Democrats and Republicans is stretching to Senate races as well. According to Politico, “In the dozen most competitive contests across the country, Democrats once again collected more cash during the first three months of the year than Republicans, who are expected to wage an aggressive battle for the Senate majority.”

Among the strongest performers this quarter were Elizabeth Warren, Tammy Baldwin, Debbie Stabenow, and Claire McCaskill.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – Congress takes Friday off – the Senate considers S.1925,Judicial nominees & S.1789


the Senate Convenes at  12:00pmET April 23, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
  • At 2:00pm, the Republican Leader or his designee will be recognized to make a motion to proceed to S.J.Res.36, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to representation election procedures with 2 hours of debate, equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • At 4:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
  • At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #528, the nomination of Brian C. Wimes, of MO, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri with 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.  Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Wimes nomination.
  • On Thursday, the Senate reached an agreement to complete action on S.1789, the Postal Reform bill.  The Majority Leader announced that the time from 12:00pm-2:00pm, 4:00pm-5:00pm and the time following the vote on Monday evening will be for Senators to debate their amendments to the Postal Reform bill.

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The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on April 23, 2012.