Tag Archives: Senate

The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET Friday 4, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be no roll call votes during Friday’s session of the Senate.

By unanimous consent, the Senate locked in the agreement outlined below with respect to Executive nominations. As a result of this agreement, there will be 2 roll call votes at 5:30pm on Monday.

On Monday, February 7, 2011, at 4:30 pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

– Calendar #3 Paul Holmes, of AR, to be US District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas;

– Calendar #6 Diana Saldana, of TX, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of Texas;

– Calendar #8 Marco Hernandez, of OR, to be US District Judge for the District of Oregon.

There will be one hour for debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, Calendar #8 will be confirmed and the Senate will proceed to vote on confirmation of Calendar #3 and Calendar #6 in that order.

As a result of this agreement, at 5:30pm on Monday, February 7, there will be 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the following nominations:

– Calendar #3 Paul Holmes, of AR, to be US District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas; and

– Calendar #6 Diana Saldana, of TX, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of Texas;

———————————————————————————————-

The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET February 3, 2011

Morning business until 10:30am.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, the FAA Authorization bill.

The following amendments are pending to S.223:

– Whitehouse amendment #8 (laser pointers)

– Wicker amendment #14 (Excludes TSA from collective bargaining)

– Blunt amendment #5 (private screening company)

– Nelson (FL) #34 (NASA)

– Paul #21 (reduce authorization for FAA to FY2008 levels)

– Wyden #27 (increase test sites for unmanned aerial vehicles)

– Paul #19 (Davis Bacon)

Other Senators are waiting to offer their amendments. Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.

1-3pm morning business for the purpose of giving remarks relative to the upcoming centennial of the birth of President Ronald Reagan.

3:00pm Senator Manchin will give his maiden speech to the Senate.

The Senate has entered into an agreement that provides for 2 roll call votes around 5:20pm, if all time is used. Please note that some time may be yielded back and the votes could begin earlier.

Under the agreement, Senator Paul will call up amendment #19 (Davis Bacon). There will then be up to 30 minutes for debate equally divided between Senators Paul and Rockefeller, or their designees. There will then be up to 10 minutes for debate equally divided on the Whitehouse amendment #8 (laser pointers) between Senators Whitehouse and Hutchison, or their designees.

Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the following amendments:

– Whitehouse #8 (laser pointers)

– Paul #19 (Davis Bacon)

There will be no amendments or points of order in order prior to the votes.

Votes:

10: Whitehouse amendment #8: (laser pointers);

Agreed To: 96-1

11: Rockefeller motion to table the Paul amendment #19: (Davis Bacon);

Tabled: 55-42

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.42, a resolution making Majority Party committee appointments.

Adopted S.Res.43, a resolution making Minority Party committee appointments.

Adopted S.Res.44, a resolution supporting democracy, universal rights, and the peaceful transition to a representative government in Egypt.

Adopted S.Res.45, a resolution congratulating the Eastern Washington University Football team for winning the 2010 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision title.

—————————————-

the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET Wednesday

Following any Leader remarks, Senator Paul will be recognized for up to 20 minutes in morning business to deliver his maiden speech.

Following his remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, the Federal Aviation Administration bill.

The following amendments are pending to S.223, FAA Authorization:

– Stabenow #9 (1099 Reporting)

– McConnell #13 (Health Care Repeal)

– Levin #28 (1099 repeal)

This morning in his opening statement, Senator Reid announced to his colleagues that he spoke to Senator McConnell and they agreed to work towards having up to 3 roll call votes in the 5-6pm range this evening.

Those votes would be in relation to the following amendments to S.223, FAA Authorization:

– Possible Democratic amendment (1099 Reporting);

– Stabenow amendment #9 (1099 Reporting); and

– McConnell amendment #13 (Health Care Law Repeal).

At 5:15pm, the Senate will proceed to a series of 3 roll call votes in relation to the following amendments to S.223, FAA Authorization:

– Levin amendment #28 (repeal of 1099 with oil and gas offset);

– Stabenow amendment #9 (repeal of 1099 with unspent discretionary funds offset, exempts DoD, VA and Social Security Administration); and

– McConnell amendment #13 (repeal of health care reform).

The Levin amendment is subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold for its adoption. No other amendments, points of order or motions are in order to these amendments prior to the votes except a Budge point of order, if applicable.

There will be 2 minutes for debate prior to each vote. The first vote will be 15 minutes in duration and the remaining 2 votes will be 10 minutes in duration.

Votes:

7: Levin amendment #28: (repeal of 1099 with oil and gas offset) (60-vote threshold);

Not Agreed To: 44-54

8: Stabenow motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to Stabenow amendment #9: (repeal of 1099 with unspent discretionary funds offset, exempts DoD, VA and Social Security Administration);

Waived: 81-17 (subsequently agreed to by consent)

9: McConnell motion to waive Budget Act with respect to McConnell amendment #13: (repeal of health care reform);

Not Agreed To: 47-51

There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.30, a resolution celebrating February 2, 2011, as the 25th anniversary of ‘National Women and Girls in Sports Day’.

Adopted S.Res.36, a resolution raising awareness and encouraging the prevention of stalking by designating January 2011 as “National Stalking Awareness Month”.

Adopted S.Res.37, a resolution recognizing the goals of Catholic Schools Week.

Adopted S.Res.38, a resolution congratulating Brooklyn Center, Minnesota on its 100th anniversary.

Adopted S.Res.39, a resolution congratulating the Auburn University football team for winning the 2010 Bowl Championship Series National Championship.

Adopted S.Res.40, a resolution congratulating the University of Akron men’s soccer team on winning the National Collegiate Athletic Associate Division I Men’s Soccer Championship.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Lift our country

01/31/2011 Nativegrl77

In this new Congress, it is not enough to talk about common ground. We must — together — seek it.

We must enact an agenda that will lift our country from this recession and confront the challenges of this new decade.

One key group of individuals will be champions of this effort: the Democrats in the Senate. They will keep the agenda focused on progress — on growing the economy, on adding jobs. They will keep us moving forward.

In the weeks and months ahead, we must do everything we can to support these lawmakers.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee stands ready to do just that — and lay the groundwork to protect our majority in the next round of elections.

The DSCC has set a goal of raising $50,000 by January 31 to ensure they have the resources to beat back mistruths and distortions, hire staff for the next set of races, and support the work of Democrats in the Senate.

This is a moment that calls for respect and a seriousness of purpose from lawmakers of every party and persuasion.

The challenges we face as a people demand nothing less.

We must spur innovation and renew our nation’s infrastructure so that the United States remains competitive and prosperous in a global economy.

We must reform our education system so that America’s young people have the knowledge and skills to create and fill the jobs of a new age.

We must discover and implement the solutions that will allow us to stop the warming of our planet, create green jobs, and deliver security for future generations.

As this new year unfolds, Senator Harry Reid and other Democrats will lead the effort to answer these challenges. And they will be supported in all their work by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

To lay the groundwork for that kind of progress, the DSCC must raise $50,000 before January 31. Chip in $5 or more to help them meet their goal.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress … The Senate -in Session today 2pmET

01/31/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes at 2:00pm 1/31/2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no roll call votes during Monday’s session of the Senate. However, the Majority Leader hopes to reach an agreement to begin consideration of S.223, the Federal Aviation Administration Act.

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.22, a resolution condemning the New Year’s Day attack on the Coptic Christian community in Alexandria, Egypt and urging the Government of Egypt to fully investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous act.

AdoptedS.res. 34, a resolution designating the week of February 7 through 11, 2011, as “National School Counseling Week.”

Adopted S.Res.35, a resolution expressing support for the designation of January 28, 2011 as National Data Privacy Day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress… The Senate will be back in Session 1/31 -the Republican led House 2/8

01/27/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

what is going on in Congress … Republican led House … the Democratic led Senate -updates when needed

01/26/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET January 26, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 10:30am with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. The Republicans will control the first half and the Majority will control the final half.

At 10:30am, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.Res.14, a resolution honoring the victims and heroes of the shooting on January 8, 2011 in Tucson Arizona. There will be up to 3 ½ hours for debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time the Senate will proceed to a vote on the adoption of the resolution, with no amendments or motions in order prior to the vote on adoption. If the resolution is adopted, by consent the preamble will be agreed to.

Upon disposition of the resolution, the Senate will resume morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Votes:

1: Adoption of S.Res.14, a resolution honoring the victims and heroes of the shooting on January 8, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona;

Agreed to: 97-0

Unanimous Consent:

Passed H.R.366, a bill to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (through May 31, 2011).

Adopted S.Res.26, a resolution recognizing the anniversary of the tragic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, honoring those who lost their lives in that earthquake, and expressing continued solidarity with the Haitian people

————————————————————————————————-

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 26, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 26, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:56 P.M. –

The House adjourned pursuant to S. Con. Res. 1. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on February 8, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Ms. Chu moved that the House do now adjourn.

2:25 P.M. –

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

2:24 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Heath Shuler, Member of Congress. Mr. Shuler notified the House that he was taking a leave of absence from the Committee on Small Business until his tenure on the Committee on the Budget is completed. It was his understanding from Clause C of Rule 19 of the Democratice Caucus Rules that he would continue to accrue seniority during the leave of absence, at the same rate as if he had continued to serve on the Committee on Small Business. Accompanying this letter was a letter from the Democratic Leader verifying that his seniority on the Committee on Small Business will continue to accrue during his absence.

2:23 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable Ms. Lofgren, Zoe . Ms. Lofgren, Zoe submitted her resignation from the Committee on Ethics. The resignation was accepted without objection.

2:17 P.M. –

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

2:16 P.M. –

JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE – Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1024(a), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE: Mr. Brady of TX, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Camp, Mr. Duffy, Mr. Amash and Mr. Mulvaney.

2:15 P.M. –

Pursuant to section 201(a)(2) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment – Control Act of 1974 (2. U.S.C. 601), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker and President Pro Tempore of the Senate announced that they had jointly appointed Dr. Douglas W. Elmendorf as Director of the Congressional Budget Office for the term expiring January 3, 2015.

HOUSE DEMOCRACY PARTNERSHIP – Pursuant to section 4(a) of House Resolution 5, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the HOUSE DEMOCRACY PARTNERSHIP: Mr. Dreier, Mr. Fortenberry, Mrs. Biggert, Mr. Conaway, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Boustany, Mr. Wilson of SC, Mr. Roskam, Mr. Crenshaw and Mr. Diaz-Balart.

UNITED STATES GROUP OF THE NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 1928a, Clause 10 of rule 1, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the UNITED STATES GROUP OF THE NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY: Mr. Turner, Mr. Shimkus, Mr. Shuster, Mr. Miller of FL, Mrs. Emerson, Ms. Granger and Mr. Bilirakis.

BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION – Pursuant to sections 5580 and 5581 of the revised statutes (20 U.S.C 42-43), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION: Mr. Johnson Sam of TX and Mr. LaTourette.

2:14 P.M. –

PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELELLIGENCE – Pursuant to clause 11 of rule X, clause 11 of rule I, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELELLIGENCE: Mr. Ruppersberger, Mr. Thompson of CA, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Langevin, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Boren, Mr. Gutierrez and Mr. Chandler.

H. Res. 62:

electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 359:

to reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions

2:13 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 160 (Roll no. 25).

2:05 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 173 – 228 (Roll no. 24).

1:49 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

1:40 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the Committee on Ways and means to report the bill back to the House forthwith with an amendment which strikes all after the enacting clause and inserts in lieu thereof a complete new text.

1:36 P.M. –

Mr. Walz (MN) moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means.

Mr. Walz moves to recommit the bill H.R. 359 to the Committee on Ways and Means with instructions to report the same to the House forthwith with the following amendment: ¢

The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

1:35 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 359.

On agreeing to the Peters amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 396 – 7 (Roll no. 23).

1:11 P.M. –

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

1:08 P.M. –

Mr. Roskam raised a point of order against the Polis amendment Mr. Roskam stated that the provisions of the amendment violated clause 10, of rule XXI. The Chair sustained the point of order.

1:01 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Polis amendment in the nature of a substitute under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Polis.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in the Congressional Record to insert an entirely new text.

1:00 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the Moore amendment was withdrawn.

12:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Moore amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Ms. Moore.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in the Congressional Record to insert an entirely new text.

12:57 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the Tsongas amendment was withdrawn.

12:54 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tsongas amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Ms. Tsongas.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to add a new section entitled Prohibition on the Use of Federal Funds for Presidential Campaign and Lobbying Activities.

By unanimous consent, the Castor (FL) amendment was withdrawn.

12:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Castor (FL) amendment number 2 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Ms. Castor (FL).

An amendment numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to transfer funds in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund to the Office of Justice programs to provide for local law enforcement costs of providing security at Presidential nominating conventions.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Peters amendment, the Chair put the question on the amendment and announced by voice vote the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Peters requested a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

12:44 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Peters amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Peters.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to add language to the bill stipulating that all amounts in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund after the date of the enactment of the legislation shall be transferred by the Secretary to the general fund of Treasury only if used to reduce the deficit.

11:44 A.M. –

The Committee of the Whole resumed its sitting.

11:43 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 3.

H.R. 359:

to reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions

11:42 A.M. –

The Committee of the Whole rose informally to receive a message.

11:35 A.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 359.

11:34 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven C. LaTourette to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 54 and Rule XVIII.

11:33 A.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 359 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is open to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. All points of order against provisions of the bill are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 54.

H. Res. 54:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 359) to reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions

11:31 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 234 – 178 (Roll no. 22).

10:15 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 54.

Considered as privileged matter.

10:02 A.M. –

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

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

10:01 A.M. –

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