Tag Archives: Senate

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Will the House move into the 21st Century

11/08/2013 Nativegrl77

Senate Passes Landmark LGBT Rights Bill

Great News: It may have taken nearly two decades, but the Senate finally passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act today on a strong, bipartisan vote of 64-32 (one supporter was absent). Support was unanimous among Democrats and 10 Republicans, including conservative Senators like Kelly Ayotte (NH), Pat Toomey (PA), and Orrin Hatch (UT), also supported the landmark civil rights legislation.

Only one Republican senator even bothered to speak against the bill.

Good News: Before passing the bill, the Senate also overwhelmingly defeated a very damaging amendment that would’ve negated many of the bill’s protections by dramatically and unnecessarily expanding the bill’s religious exemptions, which are already quite expansive.

Bad News: Even before today’s historic vote, Speaker Boehner (R-OH) and other GOP leaders in the House of Representatives already said they won’t bring up the bill, even though it would almost certainly pass with a combination of Democratic and Republican votes.

Ugly News: Shockingly, 32 Senate Republicans voted today to deny one of the most basic civil rights — the right to earn a living — to LGBT people.

Bonus News: Hawaii is set to pass marriage equality tomorrow, which would make it the 16th such state overall and the 2nd just this week!

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 11/7 the House

11/07/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Thursday, November 7, 2013. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.815, the Employee Non-Discrimination Act.

During Wednesday’s session of the Senate cloture was filed on S.815. As a result, the first degree amendment filing deadline is 10:30am and the 2^nd degree amendment filing deadline is 11:30am.

At 11:45am, there will be 2 roll call votes in relation to the following:

– Toomey amendment #2013 (broadens the number of groups covered under the religious exemption) (60-vote threshold) and

(the committee-reported substitute amendment will be agreed to by unanimous consent)

– Motion to invoke cloture on S.815, ENDA, as amended If cloture is invoked, there will be a 3^rd roll call vote at 1:45pm on passage of S.815, ENDA, as amended.

11:52am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the Toomey amendment #2013 (broadens the number of groups covered under the religious exemption);

Not Agreed To: 43-55

Next votes:

Immediately following Toomey vote:

– Cloture on S.815, ENDA, as amended.

1:45pm:

– Passage of S.815, ENDA, as amended

12:21pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.815, ENDA, as amended

Invoked: 64-34

2014 Senate Calendar – 113^th Congress, Second Session

Convene – January 6, 2014

January 20 – 24 State Work Period (Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday January 20)

February 17 – 21 State Work Period (Presidents’ Day February 17)

March 17-21 State Work Period

April 14 – 25 State Work Period (Passover begins April 15; Good Friday April 18; Easter April 20)

May 26 – May 30 State Work Period (Memorial Day May 26)

June 30 – July 4 State Work Period (Independence Day July 4)

August 4 – September 5 State Work Period (Labor Day September1)

Target adjournment – TBD

At 1:50pm, the Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.815, the Employee Non-Discrimination Act, as amended.

Passed: 64-32

Prior to adjourning today, Senator Reid filed cloture on Executive Calendar #346, the nomination of Cornelia T.L. Pillard, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit; and on the motion to proceed to Calendar #236, H.R.3204, a bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to human drug compounding and drug supply chain security.

By consent, the cloture vote on the Pillard nomination will occur at 5:30pm on Tuesday, November 12. If cloture is not invoked, the Senate would proceed immediately to the cloture vote on the motion to proceed to H.R.3204, Drug Quality and Security Act. If cloture is invoked on the nomination, the cloture vote on the motion to proceed to H.R.3204 would occur upon disposition of the nomination.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Toomey amendment #2013 (broadens the number of groups covered under the religious exemption); Not Agreed To: 43-55

2) Motion to invoke cloture on S.815, the Employee Non-Discrimination Act, as amended; Invoked: 64-34

3) Passage of S.815, ENDA, as amended; Passed: 64-32

Additional LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged Foreign Relations and adopted S.Res.280, recognizing the 40^th anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from the Vietnam War and expressing renewed support for United States veterans of that conflict.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.1661, to require the Secretary of State to offer rewards of up to $5,000,000 for information regarding the attacks on the United States diplomatic mission at Benghazi, Libya that began September 11, 2012.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

——————————————————————-

Last Floor Action:
5:11:55 P.M. – The House adjourned
pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00
a.m. on November 12, 2013, unless the House receives a message from the Senate
transmitting its adoption of H. Con. Res. 62, in which case the House shall
stand adjourned pursuant to that concurrent resolution.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Check out OFA’s new video on immigration reform

10/25/2013 Nativegrl77

With the shutdown behind us, Americans are looking to Congress to get back to solving problems instead of creating them.
And at the top of the legislative agenda is comprehensive immigration reform. The Senate passed a bill this summer (more than 100 days ago now), but so far the House has failed to move it forward.
We’re the ones who can help change that — OFA is doubling down on its immigration reform effort, and we want to show members of Congress exactly what they’re up against.
You’ve said immigration reform is something you’re willing to fight for, so we think you’ll like this — watch highlights from OFA’s organizing so far, and invite your friends to join you in this critical effort.

Video: OFA's taking on immigration reform

When reform passed in the Senate, it had the support of a bipartisan super-majority. It’s a no-brainer for a lot of reasons. It’s good for families, and it’s great for the economy — adding millions of jobs, and reducing the deficit by more than $800 billion.
It’s up to us to make sure the House knows they need to fix our broken immigration system.
Watch this video and see what OFA is doing to move the debate forward, then ask your friends and family to join in today:
http://my.barackobama.com/Organizing-for-Immigration-Reform-Video
Thanks,
Pedro
Pedro Morillas Immigration Campaign Manager Organizing for Action

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 10/24 the House

10/24/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, October 28, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #344, the nomination of Richard F. Griffin, Jr., of the District of Columbia, to be General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board for a term of four years. There will be up to one hour of debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Griffin nomination.

*************************************************

Last Floor Action:
7:42:28 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on October 24, 2013.

12:00:37 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:53 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Mac Thornberry to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:01:03 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, St. Luke Institute, Washington DC.
12:02:07 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:15 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:37 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on October 28, 2013.

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 10/23 the House

10/23/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, October 28, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Griffin nomination.

**********************************************************************************************

Last Floor Action: 10/23
10:01:02 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The
House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour
Debate, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative
business.

Last Floor Action:
9:31:24 P.M. – The House adjourned
pursuant to H. Res. 383 and H. Res. 384.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00
a.m. on October 23, 2013.

10:00:20 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:45 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Chris Stewart to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:02 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour Debate, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

11:45:57 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:04 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 23.
12:00:18 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:37 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Ms. Foxx demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Foxx objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Speaker postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.
12:02:05 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Crawford to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:15 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.
12:40:45 P.M.	H. Res. 385	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 385 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3080) to provide for improvements to the rivers and harbors of the United States, to provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources, and for other purposes.”
12:44:00 P.M.	H. Res. 385	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 385.
2:16:41 P.M.	H. Res. 385	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 554).
2:16:42 P.M.	H. Res. 385	On agreeing to the resolution Roll Call 555 – Recorded vote pending.

2:24:21 P.M.	H. Res. 385	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 271 – 147 (Roll no. 555).
2:24:24 P.M.	H. Res. 385	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:26:03 P.M.	H.R. 3080	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 385. H.R. 3080 — “To provide for improvements to the rivers and harbors of the United States, to provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources, and for other purposes.”
2:26:08 P.M.	H.R. 3080	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3080 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. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution makes in order as original text for purpose of amendment, an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113-24.
2:26:28 P.M.	H.R. 3080	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 385 and Rule XVIII.
2:26:29 P.M.	H.R. 3080	The Speaker designated the Honorable Jeff Fortenberry to act as Chairman of the Committee.
2:26:38 P.M.	H.R. 3080	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3080.

2:26:38 P.M.	H.R. 3080	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3080.
3:46:50 P.M.	H.R. 3080	An amendment, offered by Mr. Gibbs, numbered 1 printed in House Report 113-251 to add a new section that provides for expediting the completion of any on-going feasibility study for a project initiated prior to enactment and clarifies that the Corps of Engineers is authorized to move to preconstruction planning, engineering, and design activities immediately after completing a feasibility study. Amends Section 107 of H.R. 3080 to add a savings clause to ensure work carried out under an existing statute related to navigation that is repealed in H.R. 3080 can continue if initiated prior to enactment. Adds a new section providing non-Federal interests the ability to carry out work at their own expense for a project where a final feasibility report has been completed but has not received authorization from Congress. Requires the non-Federal interest to carry out work subject to any State or Federal permitting requirements and to carry out the project in accordance with the final feasibility report. Amends Section 120 of H.R. 3080 to request the Corps of Engineers to review the uses and economic feasibility of non-structural alternatives in their review of existing authorities for carrying out work after a storm event. Amends Section 102 of H.R. 3080 to add natural gas companies to the entities eligible to contribute funds to Corps of Engineers to expedite the processing of permits within the regulatory program of the Corps of Engineers. Makes other technical and conforming changes to H.R. 3080.
3:47:04 P.M.	H.R. 3080	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 385, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gibbs amendment No. 1.
3:55:45 P.M.	H.R. 3080	On agreeing to the Gibbs amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:55:59 P.M.	H.R. 3080	An amendment, offered by Mr. DeFazio, numbered 2 printed in House Report 113-251 to delay the application of environmental `streamlining’ provisions in the bill until the Secretary certifies that there is sufficient funding to reduce the current backlog of authorized Corps projects to less than $20 billion; more than $40 billion in projects have already been authorized using existing environmental review processes, but have yet to receive funding for construction.
3:56:01 P.M.	H.R. 3080	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 385, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeFazio amendment No. 2.
4:06:32 P.M.	H.R. 3080	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the DeFazio amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. DeFazio demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:07:06 P.M.	H.R. 3080	An amendment, offered by Mr. Flores, numbered 3 printed in House Report 113-251 to prohibit programs or actions authorized under this Act from further implementation of coastal and marine spatial planning and ecosystem-based management components under Executive Order 13547. Requires the Secretary of the Army to conduct and submit a study detailing all activities engaged in and resources expended in furtherance of Executive Order 13547. The study also should include any budget requests for fiscal year 2014 for support of implementation of Executive Order 13547, and be submitted to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
4:07:09 P.M.	H.R. 3080	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 385, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flores amendment No. 3.
4:19:17 P.M.	H.R. 3080	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flores amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Farr demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:20:17 P.M.	H.R. 3080	Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Shuster, consisting of amendments numbered 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 printed in House Report 113-251.
4:20:26 P.M.	H.R. 3080	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 385, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Shuster amendments en bloc No. 1.
4:20:27 P.M.	H.R. 3080	Shuster amendment; modified by unanimous consent.
4:27:28 P.M.	H.R. 3080	On agreeing to the Shuster amendments; as modified Agreed to by voice vote.
4:27:51 P.M.	H.R. 3080	An amendment, offered by Mr. Young (AK), numbered 5 printed in House Report 113-251 to requires USACE to contract with private sector surveying and mapping firms, wherever practical, in performance of surveying and mapping services and activities for Corps projects. Amendment woul also require the Secretary to issue agency guidanceto encourage use of the private sector for surveying and mapping services, and requires a process to provide oversight of the performance of compliance with the guidance.
4:27:53 P.M.	H.R. 3080	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 385, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Young (AK) amendment No. 5.
4:36:24 P.M.	H.R. 3080	On agreeing to the Young (AK) amendment; Failed by voice vote.
4:36:49 P.M.	H.R. 3080	An amendment, offered by Mr. Hastings (FL), numbered 6 printed in House Report 113-251 to include operation and maintenance costs associated with sand transfer plants in the annual operations and maintenance budget of the Corps of Engineers.
4:36:52 P.M.	H.R. 3080	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 385, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment No. 6.
4:43:21 P.M.	H.R. 3080	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Hastings (FL) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:44:19 P.M.	H.R. 3080	An amendment, offered by Mr. Bentivolio, numbered 7 printed in House Report 113-251 to increase the amount of backlogged projects to be de-authorized, beyond what is initially de-authorized in the bill from $12,000,000,000 to $35,000,000,000.
4:44:21 P.M.	H.R. 3080	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 385, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bentivolio amendment No. 7.
4:54:49 P.M.	H.R. 3080	On agreeing to the Bentivolio amendment; Failed by voice vote.
4:55:14 P.M.	H.R. 3080	An amendment, offered by Mr. Jones, numbered 8 printed in House Report 113-251 to exempt the disaster restriction on projects which non-federal interests may contribute to.
4:55:15 P.M.	H.R. 3080	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 385, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jones amendment No. 8.
4:57:02 P.M.	H.R. 3080	By unanimous consent, the Jones amendment was withdrawn.
4:57:06 P.M.	H.R. 3080	An amendment, offered by Ms. Velazquez, numbered 13 printed in House Report 113-251 to establish a national water-based freight policy to improve the movement of freight and cargo over waterways, canals, ports, and harbors.
4:57:09 P.M.	H.R. 3080	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 385, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Velazquez amendment No. 13.
5:05:57 P.M.	H.R. 3080	On agreeing to the Velazquez amendment; Failed by voice vote.
5:06:24 P.M.	H.R. 3080	An amendment, offered by Mr. Richmond, numbered 16 printed in House Report 113-251 to direct the Corps to calculate the national benefits of proposed flood protection projects, including benefits from a reduction in national and regional economic losses, as well as the protection of evacuation routes.
5:06:26 P.M.	H.R. 3080	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 385, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Richmond amendment No. 16.
5:15:01 P.M.	H.R. 3080	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Richmond amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Richmond demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
5:15:28 P.M.	H.R. 3080	An amendment, offered by Mr. Gardner, numbered 24 printed in House Report 113-251 to establishe the Office of Water Storage at the Army Corp of Engineers to serve as an initial point of contact for the acquisition or satisfaction of a Federal permit for a water storage facility.
5:15:30 P.M.	H.R. 3080	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 385, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gardner amendment No. 24.
5:18:59 P.M.	H.R. 3080	By unanimous consent, the Gardner amendment was withdrawn.
5:19:19 P.M.	H.R. 3080	UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the adoption of amendments which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
5:20:13 P.M.	H.R. 3080	On agreeing to the DeFazio amendment (A002) Roll Call 556 – Recorded vote pending.

5:53:27 P.M.	H.R. 3080	On agreeing to the DeFazio amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 236 (Roll no. 556).
6:02:06 P.M.	H.R. 3080	On agreeing to the Flores amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 225 – 193 (Roll no. 557).
6:07:52 P.M.	H.R. 3080	On agreeing to the Hastings (FL) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 133 – 287 (Roll no. 558).
6:14:20 P.M.	H.R. 3080	On agreeing to the Richmond amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 237 – 183 (Roll no. 559).
6:14:37 P.M.	H.R. 3080	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 3080.
6:15:33 P.M.	H.R. 3080	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.
6:23:23 P.M.	H.R. 3080	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 417 – 3 (Roll no. 560).
6:23:24 P.M.	H.R. 3080	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:23:28 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.
6:23:42 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
6:24:26 P.M.		COLLOQUY ON HOUSE SCHEDULE – The Chair recognized Mr. Hoyer for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Mr. Cantor on the expectations regarding the legislative schedule for the House during the upcoming week.
6:39:53 P.M.		Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent that the order of the House of January 3, 2013, regarding Morning-Hour debate not apply on Thursday, October 24, 2013, and that when the House adjourns on Thursday, October 24, 2013, it adjourn to meet on Monday, October 28, 2013, at 12 noon for Morning-Hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business. Agreed to without objection.
6:40:01 P.M.		Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on Wednesday, October 23, 2013, it adjourn to meet at 12 noon on Thursday, October 24, 2013. Agreed to without objection.
6:41:39 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:45:02 P.M.		Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe – pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 3003, and the order of the House of January 3, 2013 the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Ms. Slaughter, Mr. McIntyre and Mr. Cohen.
6:46:00 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.