Tag Archives: Senate

a message from Senator AL Franken


Al Franken - U.S. Senator, Minnesota

Dear Carmen,

There’s nothing worse than a verbose fundraising email, so I’ll get right to the point: We’re $12,342 away from our November fundraising goal — can you click here to contribute $5 or $10 and help us reach it?

Please?

Thanks,

Al

P.S.: Okay, in case you felt shortchanged by that fairly brusque email, let me reassure you that, in fact, your support really does mean an awful lot to me. Every time I ask my staff how we’re doing and hear about all the $25 contributions people are sending in and all the nice notes that come along with the contributions, it lifts my spirits and makes me even more committed to doing the good work you worked so hard to send me to the Senate to do. It’s just that, when I asked the team how we were doing today, they told me about being $12,342 short of our monthly goal. And I know there are only 13 hours left, but I really, really want to get there. Not just for the satisfaction of reaching a goal, but because we need that money to fund our grassroots, people-powered campaign. And it really does make a difference when you send in a few dollars — in fact, if everyone who read this email sent in a few dollars, we’d blow through that goal. Actually, if only the people who read all the way through to this ridiculously long P.S. sent in a few dollars, we’d be all set for the month. Anyway.

P.P.S.: Please click here to contribute.

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate ..will resume consideration of S. 1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act & debating the Udall amendment #1107 to S.1867, the DoD Authorization bill.


the Senate Convened 10:00am November 29, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business for 1 hour, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the final 30 minutes.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act. When the Senate resumes the DoD Authorization bill, Senator Udall (CO) will be recognized to speak.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the Department of Defense Authorization Act is 2:30pm on Tuesday.

The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act is 2:30pm today. If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment to the bill, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

The Senate is now debating the Udall amendment #1107 to S.1867, the DoD Authorization bill. The time until 12:15pm will be equally divided between the proponents and opponents of the amendment. Additional debate on the amendment is possible beyond 12:15pm

2:34pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Udall (CO) amendment #1107 (detainees); Not Agreed To: 37-61

Senator Levin announced on the floor that he is currently working on an agreement that would result in 2 votes both with 60-vote thresholds. Those votes would be in relation to the Paul amendment #1064 (Iraq) and the Landrieu amendment #1115 (SBIR). The managers are also working on clearing a package of approximately 40 amendments.

Further, prior to the caucus recess, the McCain amendment #1230 (TRICARE) was modified further. The McCain amendment #1281 (transfer arms to Georgia) was modified.

By unanimous consent, the Levin-McCain amendment #1092 (contracting) was agreed to. The Senate is now considering the Paul amendment #1064, with 30 minutes of debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will resume consideration of the Landrieu amendment #1115 with up to 30 minutes of debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of that time, the Senate will proceed to votes in relation to the two amendments in the following order:

– Paul #1064 (Iraq)

– Landrieu #1115 (SBIR)

There will be two minutes equally divided in between the votes with no amendments in order to either amendment prior to the votes. Both amendments are subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.

As a result of this agreement, senators should expect a series of 2 roll call votes at approximately 6:20pm, if all time is used.

The Landrieu amendment #1115 (SBIR), as modified, was agreed to by voice vote. There will be no further roll call votes tonight. The next vote will occur around 11am tomorrow. That vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1867, DoD Authorization bill.

At approximately 11:00am on Wednesday, November 30th, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act.

 The filing deadline for all second degree amendments to S.1867 is 10:30am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. If your Senator has a germane 2nd degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Udall (CO) amendment #1107 to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act; Not Agreed to: 37-61

2) Paul amendment #1064; Not Agreed to: 30-67(60-vote threshold)

 LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.337, designating December 10, 2011, as “Wreaths Across America Day”.

Adopted S.Res.338, a resolution to authorize the production of records by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Adopted S.Res.339, a resolution to authorize the production of records by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1917, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 29, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 30, 2011.8:21:33 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.8:21:22 P.M. -Mr. Tonko moved that the House do now adjourn.7:33:21 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.7:32:30 P.M. -Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 477.7:20:22 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:14:03 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:11:03 P.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.7:10:42 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.7:10:25 P.M. -H.R. 1801Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:10:24 P.M. -H.R. 1801On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 – 0 (Roll no. 862).7:03:25 P.M. -H.R. 1801Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1801 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for expedited security screenings for members of the Armed Forces.”7:02:35 P.M. -H.R. 2192Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:02:25 P.M. -H.R. 2192On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 407 – 1 (Roll no. 861).6:55:34 P.M. -H.R. 2192Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2192 — “To exempt for an additional 4-year period, from the application of the means-test presumption of abuse under chapter 7, qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for not less than 90 days.”6:54:27 P.M. -H.R. 3012Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:54:26 P.M. -H.R. 3012On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 389 – 15 (Roll no. 860).6:31:02 P.M. -H.R. 3012Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3012 — “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants, and for other purposes.”6:30:47 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.6:30:37 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 29.5:03:54 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.5:03:39 P.M. -H.R. 2465Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:03:34 P.M. -H.R. 2465On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.4:47:16 P.M. -H.R. 2465DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2465.4:47:13 P.M. -H.R. 2465Considered under suspension of the rules.4:46:56 P.M. -H.R. 2465Mr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2465 — “To amend the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act.”4:45:45 P.M. -H.R. 1801At 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.4:35:05 P.M. -H.R. 1801DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1801.4:35:02 P.M. -H.R. 1801Considered under suspension of the rules.4:34:18 P.M. -H.R. 1801Mr. Cravaack moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1801 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for expedited security screenings for members of the Armed Forces.”4:33:47 P.M. -H.R. 2192At 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.4:25:01 P.M. -H.R. 2192DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2192.4:24:59 P.M. -H.R. 2192Considered under suspension of the rules.4:24:39 P.M. -H.R. 2192Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2192 — “To exempt for an additional 4-year period, from the application of the means-test presumption of abuse under chapter 7, qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for not less than 90 days.”4:23:18 P.M. -H.R. 3012At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cohen 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.4:07:19 P.M. -H.R. 3012DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3012.4:07:17 P.M. -H.R. 3012Considered under suspension of the rules.4:07:03 P.M. -H.R. 3012 Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3012 — “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants, and for other purposes.”4:06:36 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:05:30 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 29.2:13:43 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. today.2:03:09 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:41 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Kucinich to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:01:11 P.M. -POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Kucinich demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Kucinich objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.2:00:50 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:42 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.2:00:24 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress: Republican led House – the Senate … resume consideration of S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act.


The Senate will convene at 1:00pm on Monday, November 28, 2011. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act.

At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #270, the nomination of Christopher Droney, of Connecticut, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit 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), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Droney nomination.

Additional roll call votes in relation to amendments to the DoD Authorization act are possible Monday evening.

Following Leader remarks this afternoon, Senator Reid filed cloture on S.1867, Department of Defense Authorization. The Senate is now considering the DoD Authorization bill for debate only until 5:00pm.

At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Christopher Droney, of Connecticut, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit. There will be up to 30 minutes for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

As a result, at approximately 5:30pm today the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of the Droney nomination.

5:33pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Christopher Droney, of CT, to be US Circuit Judge for the 2nd Circuit; Confirmed: 88-0

By unanimous consent, the McConnell for Kirk amendment #1084 (Iran Sanctions) and the Menendez amendment #1292 (Iran Sanctions) were withdrawn and the Menendez-Kirk amendment #1414 (Iran Sanctions) was called up. Further, notwithstanding cloture being invoked, if invoked, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, and prior to passage of the Defense Authorization bill, there will be up to 1 hour of debate equally divided in the usual form on the Menendez-Kirk amendment, prior to a vote in relation to the amendment. No amendments, motions or points of order are in order to the amendment prior to the vote other than budget points of order and the applicable motions to waive.

The Leahy amendment #1072 (National Guard) was passed by voice vote.

WRAP UP …

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Tuesday, November 29. Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business for 1 hour, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the final 30 minutes. Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act. When the Senate resumes the DoD Authorization bill, Senator Udall (CO) will be recognized to speak.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the Department of Defense Authorization Act is 2:30pm on Tuesday.

Wrap Up

Legislative:

The Senate began the Rule 14 process on S.1817, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 (Casey)

Executive:

Confirmed the nomination of Christopher Droney, of CT, to be US Circuit Judge for the 2nd Circuit; Confirmed: 88-0

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on November 29, 2011.

Congress:11/22- 28 the Republican led House -the Senate will consider S.1867,the Department of Defense Authorization Act 11/28 & Nominees after 3yrs -another reason to vote out Rs


The Senate will convene at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 for a pro forma session only, with no business conducted and at 10:30am on Friday, November 25, 2011 for a pro forma session, with no business conducted.

The Senate will convene at 1:00pm on Monday, November 28, 2011. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act.

At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #270, the nomination of Christopher Droney, of Connecticut, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit 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), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Droney nomination.

Additional roll call votes in relation to amendments to the DoD Authorization act are possible Monday evening.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 25, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

en-usPursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:45:03 ESTYes1:05:40 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on November 29, 2011.1:04:53 P.M. -The House received a communication from Toinetta Bridgeforth, Contract Specialist, Office of the Chi ef Administrative Officer. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Bridgeforth notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for testimony in a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she determined that compliance with the subpoena is consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.1:04:52 P.M. -The House received a communication from Lawrence B. Toperoff, Chief Acquisitions Officer, Officer of the Chief Administrative Officer. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Toperoff notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for testimony in a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he determined that compliance with the subpoena is consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.1:03:04 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 November 22, 2011 at 10:53 a.m. stating that that body had passed S. 1541.1:02:00 P.M. -POLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.1:00:41 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Gene Hemrick, Washington Theological Union, Washington, D.C.1:00:40 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven C. LaTourette to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.1:00:14 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDING

SLEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 22, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

 . -The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on November 25, 2011.10:14:17 A.M. -The House received a communication from Cory Gardner, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Gardner notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena for documents and testimony by the District Court of Larimer County, Colorado and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was inconsistent with the precedents and privileges of the House. Mr. Gardner also notified the House that on November 10, 2011, the District Court of Larimer County, Colorado quashed this subpoena and that testimony and production of documents are no longer required.10:04:05 A.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice that an Executive Order has been issued with respect to the actions and policies of the Government of Iran. – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-74).10:03:57 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 sealed envelope from the White House on November 21, 2011, at 4:15 p.m., and said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits an Executive Order he has issued with respect to Iran.10:03:00 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.10:02:56 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.10:01:30 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Mark Farr, Faith and Politics Institute, Washington, DC.10:01:20 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven C. LaTourette to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:59 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress: the Republican led House – pro forma session – the Senate **both back on 11/22**


The Senate will convene at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 for a pro forma session only, with no business conducted and at 10:30am on Friday, November 25, 2011 for a pro forma session, with no business conducted.

The Senate will convene at 1:00pm on Monday, November 28, 2011. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act.

At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #270, the nomination of Christopher Droney, of Connecticut, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit 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), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Droney nomination.

Additional roll call votes in relation to amendments to the DoD Authorization act are possible Monday evening.

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The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 22, 2011.