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Congress: the Republican led House -the Senate


the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET July 26, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 12:15pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Majority controlling the first 30 minutes and the Republicans controlling the second 30 minutes.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Sessionto consider the following nominations en bloc:
  • With 2 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form.
  • Therefore at approximately 12:17pm on Tuesday, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of Calendar #83. Calendar #84 is expected to be confirmed by voice vote.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • At 2:15pm, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1323, the legislative vehicle for the debt limit increase.

At approximately 12:15pm, the Senate will be in Executive Session to consider the nominations of Paul Engelmayer to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York and Ramona Manglona to be Judge for the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands with 2 minutes of debate.

VOTES

At approximately 12:17pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Engelmayer nomination. The Manglona nomination is expected to be confirmed by voice vote.

12:17pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Paul Engelmayer to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York; Confirmed: 98-0

Passed S.846 a bill to designate the United States courthouse located at 80 Lafayette Street in Jefferson City, Missouri, as the Christopher S. Bond United States Courthouse.

Discharged EPW and passed S.1406, a bill to designate the United States courthouse under construction at 510 19th Street, Bakersfield, California, as the Myron Donovan Crocker United States Courthouse.

Discharged the Banking Committee of H.R.1309, Flood Insurance and returned it to the House pursuant to their message on July 25, 2011 requesting its return.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 26, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

H.R. 2584:
making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

8:38 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole continued with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

8:37 P.M. – Mr. Scott (SC) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 372.

H.R. 2584:
making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

8:35 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2584as unfinished business.On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Simpson moved that the Committee rise.

8:15 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Dicks.

An amendment to strike the proviso relating to funding limitations in the Endangered Species Act.

On agreeing to the Tipton amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

8:13 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Tipton.

An amendment to increase funding for land acquisition by $2.5 million and to increase funding for acquisition of lands for national forests special acts by $2.5 million offset by a reduction in funds of $5 million from environmental programs and management accounts.

8:12 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lamborn amendment Failed by voice vote.

7:54 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lamborn amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Lamborn.

An amendment to zero out land acquisition accounts of BLM, FWS, NPS, and FS.

7:53 P.M. – On agreeing to the Bass (NH) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:41 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bass (NH) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Bass (NH).

An amendment to increase land acquisition accounts of BLM by $1 million, FWS by $4 million , NPS by $4 million, and FS by $4 million, offset by the Office of the Secretary.

7:27 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Clarke (MI) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Clarke (MI) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:16 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Clarke (MI) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Clarke (MI).

An amendment to increase EPA/EPM by $10,000,000, offset by BLM/MLR (Asian carp).

7:15 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2056:
to instruct the Inspector General of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to study the impact of insured depository institution failures, and for other purposes 

7:14 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Westmoreland 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.

6:57 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2056.Mr. Westmoreland moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

H.R. 2608:
to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes 

6:56 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

6:46 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2608.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Hanna moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

6:45 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H.R. 1938:
to direct the President to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes 

6:44 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On passage Passed by recorded vote: 279 – 147, 1 Present (Roll no. 650).

6:37 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 248 (Roll no. 649).

6:22 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

6:11 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sutton motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to require that the President take all necessary actions to ensure that the Keystone pipeline does not result in unfair increases in gas price and that eminent domain is not used to seize farmland to build the pipeline.

6:09 P.M. – Ms. Sutton moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.

Ms. Sutton moved to recommit the bill H.R. 1938 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith, with the following amendments: � Page 6, after line 24, insert the following new paragraphs: ***

6:08 P.M. – 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.

6:07 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. 1938.

6:06 P.M. – On agreeing to the Kucinich amendment Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 261 (Roll no. 648).

6:03 P.M. – On agreeing to the Johnson (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 263 (Roll no. 647).

5:57 P.M. – On agreeing to the Hanabusa amendment Failed by recorded vote: 168 – 260 (Roll no. 646).

5:53 P.M. – On agreeing to the Rush amendment Failed by recorded vote: 161 – 265 (Roll no. 645).

5:49 P.M. – On agreeing to the Murphy (CT) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 152 – 275 (Roll no. 644).

5:45 P.M. – On agreeing to the Cohen amendment Failed by recorded vote: 155 – 272 (Roll no. 643).

5:41 P.M. – On agreeing to the Eshoo amendment Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 264 (Roll no. 642).

5:37 P.M. – On agreeing to the Rush amendment Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 261, 1 Present (Roll no. 641).

5:31 P.M. – MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence for the men and women serving in the Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

H.R. 1938:
to direct the President to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes 

5:30 P.M. – On agreeing to the Welch amendment Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 260 (Roll no. 640).

5:04 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

5:03 P.M. – POSPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Kucinich amendment No. 11, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Kucinich demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:53 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kucinich amendment No. 11.Amendment offered by Mr. Kucinich.

An amendment numbered 11 printed in House Report 112-181 to require an analysis of the effect of the proposed pipeline on manipulation of oil markets and increased gas prices for American consumers.

4:52 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:46 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 10.Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-181 to add a sense of Congress that the United States must decrease its dependence on oil from countries that are hostile to the interests of the United States of America and that Canada has long been a strong trading partner and increasing access to their energy resources will create jobs in the United States.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Johnson (Ga) amendment No. 9, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Johnson (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:37 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Johnson (GA) amendment No. 9.

4:36 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Johnson (GA).

An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-181 to require a study on the health impacts of increased air pollution in communities surrounding the refineries that will transport diluted bitumen through the proposed Keystone XL pipeline.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hanabusa amendment No. 8, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Terry demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:29 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hanabusa amendment No. 8.Amendment offered by Ms. Hanabusa.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-181 to require that a Presidential Permit approving the construction and operation of the Keystone XL pipeline will not be issued unless the Secretary of Energy in consultation with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), certify that the applicant has calculated a worst-case oil spill scenario for the proposed pipeline; and has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary and the PHMSA that the applicant possesses the capability and technology to respond immediately and effectively to such a worst-case scenario.

4:28 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rush amendment No. 7, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rush demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:17 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rush amendment No. 7.Amendment offered by Mr. Rush.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-181 to extend the deadline for permit decision to 120 days after final environmental impact statement or until January 1, 2012.

4:16 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Murphy (CT) amendment No. 6, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Terry demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:06 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Murphy (CT) amendment No. 6.

4:05 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Murphy (CT).

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-181 to add findings language noting that construction of the pipeline would permit a new source of oil exports to China and other nations.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cohen amendment No. 5, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Cohen demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:58 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cohen amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Cohen.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-181 to strike finding 16 and replaces it with language that outlines TransCanada’s recent pipeline safety issues with the Keystone pipeline.

3:57 P.M. – On agreeing to the Christensen amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:47 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Christensen amendment.Amendment offered by Mrs. Christensen.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-181 to include a finding stating that the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement estimates that the Keystone XL pipeline would increase carbon pollution associated with United States fuel use by up to 23,000,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

3:46 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Eshoo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Eshoo demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:39 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Eshoo amendment.Amendment offered by Ms. Eshoo.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-181 to include a finding stating the PHMSA Administrator testified at a Congressional hearing and stated that the PHMSA had not done a study analyzing the risks associated with transporting diluted bitumen. Amendment would also require PHMSA to complete a review of the risks associated with transporting diluted bitumen, and whether current pipeline regulations are sufficient.

3:38 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rush amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rush demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:28 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rush amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Rush.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-181 to strike paragraph 15 of the findings section.

3:27 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Welch amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Terry demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:18 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Welch amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Welch.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-181 to add language to the findings section that states that the Keystone XL pipeline would run through the Ogallala Aquifer and explains the risk involved with this route.

2:03 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1938.

2:02 P.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Jo Ann Emerson to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 370and Rule XVIII.

2:01 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1938with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without installowed. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. All points of order against the amendments printed in this report are waived. The waiver of all points of order is prophylactic.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 370.

1:55 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 26.

1:50 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

1:49 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess pursuant to H.Res. 299. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 313 – 111, 2 Present (Roll no. 639).

H.R. 1383:
to temporarily preserve higher rates for tuition and fees for programs of education at non-public institutions of higher learning pursued by individuals enrolled in the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs before the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, and for other purposes 

1:43 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 424 – 0 (Roll no. 638).

H. Res. 370:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1938) to direct the President to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes 

1:35 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 246 – 171 (Roll no. 637).

1:11 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H.Res. 370, a motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 1383and approval of the Speaker’s journal all of which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 26.

1:02 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H. Res. 370:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1938) to direct the President to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes 

1:01 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 370, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hastings(FL) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on agreeing to the resolution until a time to be announced.The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:33 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 370.

12:31 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

12:04 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.

12:03 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Pitts to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Brooks 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. Brooks demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair announced that further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal would be postponed until later in the legislative day.

12:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Miroslaus Stelmaszczyk, Holy Family Church, Creighton, PennsylvaniaThe House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 26.

11:07 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

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

10:00 A.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Dennis A. Ross to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Congress at work ? the Republican led House -the Senate


 The Senate Convened at 9:30amET July 21, 2011
  • Following Leader remarks, Senator Reid will to move to proceed to H.R.2560, the Cut, Cap and Balance Act. The time until 2:00pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the Republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the Majority controlling the next 30 minutes.
  • Senator Reid announced he intends to allow for a full debate on H.R.2560 over the next few days.
 VOTES

At this point, it is likely a roll call vote on the motion to table the motion to proceed to H.R.2560, the Cut, Cap and Balance Act will occur around 10:30am on Friday, July 22nd.

However, this is subject to change. Once a vote is set, another message will be posted.

The Senate has passed S.1103, a bill to extend the term of the incumbent Director of the FBI with a Coburn amendment, which is at the desk and the committee-reported substitute amendment by voice vote and entered into the following consent agreement with respect to the expected nomination of Robert Mueller.

If Robert S. Mueller, III, is nominated to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the nomination will be placed directly on the Executive Calendar; and at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination with 2 hours for debate equally divded in the usual form; upon the use or yielding back of time the Senate will proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nomination.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 21, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

 The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on July 22, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Crenshaw moved that the House do now adjourn.

H.R. 2551:
making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

9:40 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2551as unfinished business.On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Crenshaw moved that the committee rise.

 

9:39 P.M. – On agreeing to the Flake amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

9:31 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

 

An amendment numbered 11 printed in House Report 112-173 to prohibit use of funds by Members, committees, and leadership for purchase of online ads that link to a website maintained by Members, committees, and leadership offices.

 

9:30 P.M. – On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by voice vote.

 

9:22 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

 

An amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-173 to require all mail funded by the Members’ representational allowance and from funds for official mail for committees and leadership offices of the House bear the official letterhead of the Member, committee, or office involved.

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

 

9:21 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

 

9:20 P.M. – ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Crenshaw asked unanimous consent that during further consideration of H.R. 2551 pursuant to H. Res. 359, the following amendments be permitted to be offered out of the specified order: Amendment No. 10 by Mr. Flake; Amendment No. 11 by Mr. Flake. Agreed to without objection.Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2551as unfinished business.

 

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Crenshaw moved that the Committee rise.

 

9:19 P.M. – On agreeing to the Hanna amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

9:15 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hanna amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Hanna.

 

An amendment numbered 16 printed in House Report 112-173 to prohibit use of funds by the Chief Administrative Officer to make any payments from any MRA for the leasing of a vehicle in an amount that exceeds $1,000 in any month.

 

9:14 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Thompson (PA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Honda demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

9:03 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Thompson (PA) amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Thompson (PA).

 

An amendment numbered 15 printed in House Report 112-173 to prohibit use of funds to purchase, acquire, install, or use any medium screw base compact fluorescent lamp or light bulb (CFL).

 

9:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the Paulsen amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

8:58 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Paulsen amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Paulsen.

 

An amendment numbered 14 printed in House Report 112-173 to prevent use of funds to distribute printed copies of the Congressional Record to Member offices.

 

8:57 P.M. – On agreeing to the Paulsen amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

8:56 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Paulsen amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Paulsen.

 

An amendment numbered 13 printed in House Report 112-173 to prevent the distribution of printed legislation to Member offices unless a Member requests the legislation.

 

8:55 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Stutzman amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Crenshaw demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

8:46 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Stutzman amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Stutzman.

 

An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-173 to reduce the GPO funding by $4,946,140.80 by transferring $3,414,150.29 from GPO, Congressional Printing and Binding and $1,531,990.51 from GPO, Office of Superintendent of Documents, to the spending reduction account.

 

8:45 P.M. – On agreeing to the Altmire amendment as modified Agreed to by voice vote.

 

8:40 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Altmire amendment, as modified.Altmire amendment modified by unanimous consent.

 

Amendment offered by Mr. Altmire.

An amendment numbered 7, as modified, printed in House Report 112-173 to restore $1 million in funding to the Thirty-Year Mass Deacidification Program with the Library of Congress’ Salaries and Expenses Account.

 

8:39 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

8:33 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceed with 10 minutes of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

 

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-173 to reduce funding for the Botanic Garden to the FY 2008 level (a $3,192,000 reduction) and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

 

8:30 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hayworth amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Hayworth demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

8:24 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hayworth amendment.Amendment offered by Ms. Hayworth.

 

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-173 to reduce funding for the Botanic Garden by $632,780 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

 

8:23 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by voice vote.

 

8:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

 

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-173 to reduce funding for the Office of Compliance to the FY 2008 level ($467,000 reduction) and transfers the savings to the spending reduction account.

 

8:18 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by voice vote.

 

8:13 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment.

 

8:12 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-173 to reduce funding for the Joint Economic Committee by $1,050,750 (25%) and transfers those dollars to the spending reduction account.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Watt(NC) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Watt(NC) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

 

8:00 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Watt (NC) amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Watt.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-173 to reduce funding for the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) by 40% ($619,200) and transfer the funds to the Spending Reduction Account.

 

7:59 P.M. – On agreeing to the Honda amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

7:58 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Honda amendment.

 

7:57 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Honda.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-173 to transfer Member Transition Activities funds to increase the Capitol Police fund by $1,000,000 in order to establish a Security Fund for Member’s District Office Security Upgrades.

 

7:29 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2551.House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 359and Rule XVIII.

 

The Speaker designated the Honorable Rob Woodall to act as Chairman of the Committee.

 

7:28 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2551with 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.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 359.

 

7:27 P.M. – ORDER OF BUSINESS – Mr. Crenshaw asked unanimous consent that during consideration of H.R. 2551, pursuant to House Resolution 359, the following amendments be permitted to be offered out of the specified order: Amendment No. 9 by Mr. Moran and Amendment No. 12 by Mr. Holt. Agreed to without objection.Mr. Bishop (UT) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 363.

H.R. 1315:
to amend the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to strengthen the review authority of the Financial Stability Oversight Council of regulations issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection 

7:26 P.M. – The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 1315.The text of H.R. 830, as passed by the House, was appended to the end of H.R. 1315as new matter.

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 241 – 173 (Roll no. 621).

 

7:18 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 232 (Roll no. 620).

 

7:01 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

 

6:49 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Michaud motion to recommit with instructions, pending reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add a new section retaining the current two-thirds majority vote requirement for the Financial Stability Oversight Council to set aside a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulation designed to safeguard seniors from fraud relating to their Social Security and Medicare benefits, foreclosure, robosigning, reverse mortgages, and pensions or other retirement savings. Subsequently, the point of order was withdrawn.

 

6:48 P.M. – Mr. Michaud moved to recommit with instructions to Financial Services.

 

6:47 P.M. – The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 1103.

 

H.R. 1315:
to amend the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to strengthen the review authority of the Financial Stability Oversight Council of regulations issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection 

6:46 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

 

6:45 P.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1315.

 

6:44 P.M. – On agreeing to the Rigell amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 246 – 167 (Roll no. 619).

 

6:40 P.M. – On agreeing to the Maloney amendment Failed by recorded vote: 168 – 244 (Roll no. 618).

 

6:37 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 240 (Roll no. 617).

 

6:33 P.M. – On agreeing to the Miller (NC) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 238 (Roll no. 616).

 

6:28 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 170 – 239 (Roll no. 615).

 

6:03 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

 

6:02 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rigell amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Miller (NC) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

5:55 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rigell amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Rigell.

 

An amendment numbered 11 printed in House Report 112-172 to require the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to (1) submit an analysis on the impact of its proposed rule or regulation on the financial industry, and (2) an analysis of consumers and small businesses’ access to credit as a result of the regulation, to the Financial Stability Oversight Council for the purposes of public review.

 

5:54 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lankford amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

5:47 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lankford amendment.

 

5:46 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Lankford.

An amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-172 to require the Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System/CFPB to submit an annual report to Congress no later than February 1, 2012, and every year thereafter, which identifies (1) all new guidance/regulation/ru es prescribed by the Bureau, (2) any Bureau authority which overlaps with other federal agencies/departments, (3) Bureau administrative expenses, and (4) Bureau unobligated balances. Would require that the report be posted online and published using existing funds.

On agreeing to the DeFazio amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

 

5:45 P.M. – VACATING PROCEEDINGS – Mr. DeFazio asked unanimous consent to vacate the proceedings by which a recorded vote was ordered on the adoption of amendment no. 3 to the end that the amendment be agreed to by the voice vote.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Maloney amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Capito demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

5:37 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Maloney amendment.

 

5:36 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mrs. Maloney.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-172 to transfer all authority that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would receive to the Secretary of the Treasury if no Commission Chair is in place by July 21st until such time as a Chair has been confirmed by the Senate.

On agreeing to the Chu amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

 

5:31 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Chu amendment.

 

5:30 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Chu.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-172 to give additional responsibility to the Commissioner responsible for oversight of the Bureau’s activities pertaining to the protection of older consumers, minorities, youth, and veterans. The commissioner would be required to research how language barriers can lead to unfair and abusive lending practices, and report to full Commission ways to protect consumers from these unfair and deceptive practices.

On agreeing to the Quigley amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

 

5:28 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Quigley amendment.

 

5:27 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Quigley.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-172 to require the Financial Stability Oversight Council to provide live online streaming or broadcasting of Council meetings pertaining to review of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulations.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Capito demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

 

5:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 6.Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-172 to restore time limits in which the Financial Stability Oversight Council must review and make a determination on regulations issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

 

5:18 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Miller (NC) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Miller (NC) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

5:10 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Miller (NC) amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Miller (NC).

 

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-172 to require specific disclosure of information related to filing agency petitions to the Financial Stability Oversight Council to overturn Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rulemaking.

On agreeing to the Paulsen amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

5:05 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Paulsen amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Paulsen.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-172 to clarify that the nonvoting members of the council are allowed to petition against any rule made by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), even if they represent an industry the CFPB is not permitted to regulate.

 

5:02 P.M. – 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 ayes had prevailed. Mr. DeFazio demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

4:54 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeFazio amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. DeFazio.

 

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-172 to eliminate potential conflicts of interest by providing that no Member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council may participate in a vote to issue a stay of, or set aside, a regulation issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection if said regulation would affect an institution for which that individual was employed in the preceding 2 years.

 

4:53 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

4:46 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment.

 

4:45 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-172 to restore a 2/3 majority vote in order for the Financial Stability Oversight Council to overrule Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulation.

On agreeing to the Maloney amendment Failed by voice vote.

 

 

4:36 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Maloney amendment.Amendment offered by Mrs. Maloney.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-172 to strike Section 1023 of the Dodd-Frank Act giving the Financial Stability Oversight Council the ability to override Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rules.

 

3:21 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1315.The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe 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. 358and Rule XVIII.

 

3:20 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1315with 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. In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of the Rules Committee Print dated July 14, 2011.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 358.

H. Res. 358:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1315) to amend the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to strengthen the review authority of the Financial Stability Oversight Council of regulations issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, and for other purposes 

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 238 – 177 (Roll no. 614).

 

3:12 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H. Res. 358, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 359:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2551) making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 172 (Roll no. 613).

 

2:47 P.M. – The previous question was ordered without objection.

 

2:11 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 359.Considered as privileged matter.

 

H. Res. 358:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1315) to amend the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to strengthen the review authority of the Financial Stability Oversight Council of regulations issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, and for other purposes 

2:10 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 358, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Slaughter demanded the yeas and nay, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the resolution until later in the legislative day.

 

1:07 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 358.

 

1:06 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.On question of consideration of the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 227 – 173 (Roll no. 612).

 

 

12:42 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate on the Fudge point of order, the Chair put the question on consideraton of the resolution.

 

12:24 P.M. – POINT OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION – Ms. Fudge stated that the provisions of H.Res. 358 violate section 426(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 by imposing an unfunded mandate and made a point of order against the consideration of the resolution. Subsequently, the Chair noted that the required threshold of identifying the specific language in question had been met, and the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the question of consideration. At the conclusion of debate on the question of consideration, the Chair will put the question to wit: Will the House now consider the resolution?

 

12:23 P.M. – By direction of the Committee on Rules, Mr. Sessions called up the resolution, H.Res. 358, and asked for its immediate consideration.

 

12:03 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.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Walz of MN to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

 

12:01 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

 

12:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 21.

 

11:40 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

 

11:23 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House resumed with Morning-Hour Debate.

 

11:22 A.M. – The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 2055amended. The Senate insisted on its amendment, requested a conference with the House, and appointed conferees.

 

10:01 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.The Speaker designated the Honorable Eric A. “Rick” Crawford to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

 

 

10:00 A.M. – The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

 

 

 

 

 


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Congress: the Republican led House -the Senate considers HR2055


The Senate Convened at  9:30amET July 20, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour 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, with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill.
  • At noon, Senator Johnson (SD) will be recognized to make a motion to table the Vitter amendment #586 (no funds expended at a higher rate than the budget resolution for 2012). Therefore, Senators should expect a roll call vote in relation to the Vitter amendment around noon on Wednesday.
  • The Senate hopes to complete action on the Military Construction Appropriations bill.

The following amendments are pending to H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill:

  • McCain amendment #553 (eliminates $10M for the Energy Conservation Investment Program)
  • Johnson-Kirk amendment #556 (Arlington Cemetery report), as modified
  • Vitter amendment #568 (no funds expended at a higher rate than the budget resolution for 2012)
  • Wyden amendment #570 (closure of Umatilla Army Chemical Depot in OR)
  • Coburn amendment #564 (Agent Orange)

Addtional Amendments

The Ayotte amendment #575 (next-generation technologies),

 the Boxer amendment #577 (funding for DoDEA school),

 Hutchison amendment #562 (US Africa Command headquarters) and Hutchison amendment #563 (milcon project in Germany) are pending to H.R.2055, the Military Construction Appropriations bill.

VOTES

5:23pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of H.R.2055, the Military Construction Appropriations bill, as amended; Passed: 97-2

4:52pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to table the Coburn amendment #564 (Agent Orange); tabled: 69-30

12:03 pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to table the Vitter amendment #586 (no funds expended at a higher rate than the budget resolution for 2012). Tabled: 69-30.

The Senate has entered into a unanimous consent agreement with respect to H.R.2055, the Military Construction Appropriations bill. As a result of this agreement, there will be up to 4 roll call votes at approximately 4:45pm in relation to the following:

– Ayotte amendment #575 (next-generation prosthetics) (possible voice vote)

– Boxer amendment #577 (DoDEA school funding)

– Coburn amendment #564 (Agent Orange)

– Passage of H.R.2055, as amended

There will be 2 minutes of debate prior to each vote.

The details of the consent agreement are below.

By unanimous consent, the Johnson-Kirk amendment #556, will be modified further with the changes that are at the desk; Senator Warner will be added as a cosponsor to the Johnson-Kirk amendment; the pending amendments will be set aside and two amendments from Senator Hutchison be called up — #562 and #563, en bloc, and following the reporting of the Hutchison amendments, the following pending amendments will be agreed to:

– Johnson-Kirk #556, as further modified;

– Wyden #570;

– Hutchison #562; and

– Hutchison #563.

Further, the pending McCain amendment #553 will be withdrawn; that no other amendments, motions or points of order will be in order other than motions to table or budget points of order and the applicable motions to waive; at 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a vote in relation to the following amendments in the order listed below:

– Ayotte #575;

– Boxer #577; and

– Coburn amendment #564.

There will be up to two minutes of debate equally divided between the votes; upon disposition of the Coburn amendment, the substitute amendment, as amended, will be agreed to; the bill will be read a third time and the Senate will proceed to a vote on passage of the bill, as amended; and the motions to reconsider will be considered made and laid upon the table.

Finally, that upon passage, the Senate will insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair will be authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate with a ratio of 9 to 8.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 20, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

3:49 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

3:47 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

H.J. Res. 66:
approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

3:24 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 66.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Boustany moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution, as amended.

3:23 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

3:22 P.M. – Mr. Wolf filed a report from the Committee on Appropriations on H.R. 2596.

H.R. 2553:
to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes 

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 243 – 177 (Roll no. 611).

3:12 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 187 – 233 (Roll no. 610).

2:41 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rahall motion to recommit with instructions, pending reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to prohibit air carriers from charging a fee for four or fewer items of baggage checked by a member of the Armed Forces who is traveling in scheduled air transportation on official military duty. Subsequently, the point of order was withdrawn.

2:40 P.M. – Mr. Rahall moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.

Mr. Rahall of West Virginia moved to recommit the bill, H.R. 2553, to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with the following amendment: � At the end of the bill, add the following: � SEC. 7. BAGGAGE FEES FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. ***

2:39 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:39 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2553.

1:38 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2553with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 357.

H. Res. 357:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2553) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes 

1:36 P.M. – On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 242 – 178 (Roll no. 609).Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

1:29 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H.Res. 357 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 357:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2553) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes 

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 183 (Roll no. 608).

12:26 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 357.

12:25 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

12:02 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.

12:01 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Bucshon to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 20.

11:07 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:00 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Congress: the Republican led House votes against the People-HR2560/House Dems focus on Voter Suppression-#FairShare -the Senate deals with HR2055


The Senate Convened at 10:00amET July 19, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for two hours 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, with the Majority and the Republicans controlling alternating 30-minute blocks of time, with the Republicans controlling the first block.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • The Senate continues to work on amendments to the Military Construction Appropriations bill. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.

The following amendments are pending to H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill:

http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/07/19/coburn-amendment-pending/  Coburn Amendement

http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/07/19/wyden-amendment-pending/    Wyden Amendment

http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/07/19/vitter-amendment-pending/       Vitter Amendment

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

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 19, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

10:00 P.M. – The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 20, 2011.On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Griffin (AR) moved that the House do now adjourn.

8:39 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

8:32 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

8:29 P.M. – Mr. Webster filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 357.

8:28 P.M. – On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 304 – 112, 1 Present (Roll no. 607).

8:23 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.

H.R. 2560:
to cut, cap, and balance the Federal budget 

8:22 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On passage Passed by recorded vote: 234 – 190 (Roll no. 606).

8:16 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 188 – 236 (Roll no. 605).

7:54 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

7:47 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bishop (NY) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment that states it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any balanced budget amendment to the Constitution that could result in a reduction in veterans benefits.Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to recommit with instructions to Rules.

7:46 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

2:41 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with four hours of debate on H.R. 2560.Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2560with 4 hours of general debate. Motion to recommit allowed. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 355.

2:39 P.M. – Mr. Simpson filed a report from the Committee on Appropriations on H.R. 2584.

H. Res. 355:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2560) to cut, cap, and balance the Federal budget 

2:38 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 236 – 177 (Roll no. 604).

2:29 P.M. – ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced that, in light of the administration of the Oath of Office to the Gentlewoman from California, the whole number of the House is 433.

2:21 P.M. – The Dean of the California delegation, Representative Pete Stark, addressed the House and introduced Representative Janice Hahn, Thirty-Six District, California.

2:20 P.M. – ADMINISTERING OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Janice Hahn, Thirty-Sixth District, California, presented herself in the well of the House and the Speaker proceeded to administer the Oath of Office.

2:19 P.M. – The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk notified the House that she had received a letter from Mr. Jacob Corbin, Elections division, California Secretary of State’s office, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held July 12, 2011, the Honorable Janice Hahn was elected Representative to Congress for the Thirty-Sixth Congressional District, State of California.

H. Res. 355:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2560) to cut, cap, and balance the Federal budget 

2:18 P.M. – On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 235 – 175 (Roll no. 603).

12:43 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 355.

12:42 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

12:38 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed with one minute speeches.

12:37 P.M. – The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 25.

12:04 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.

12:03 P.M. – The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk notified the House that she received a correspondence regarding the election of Janice Hahn to fill the vacancy of the 36th congressional district for the state of California. The correspondent was not a candidate for office and affirms that he is not eligible to contest the election under the law. As such, the Clerk forwarded the correspondence to the House for its disposal. The communication and accompanying document were referred to the Committee on House Administration and ordered printed (House Doc. 112-44).

12:02 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Cleaver to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Poe 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. Poe demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair announced that further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal would be postponed until later in the legislative day.

12:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 19.

11:45 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:00 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

what is Congress doing for or against Americans today –


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 23, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:49 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:43 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H.R. 2219:
making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

6:41 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2219as unfinished business.On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Young (FL) moved to rise.

5:52 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2219.

5:51 P.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Lynn A. Westmoreland 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. 320and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2219with 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 read by paragraph. Bill is open to amendments. Points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 320.

5:50 P.M. – Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 328.

5:49 P.M. – The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.

H.R. 1249:
to amend title 35, United States Code, to provide for patent reform 

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 1249.

5:48 P.M. – On passage Passed by recorded vote: 304 – 117 (Roll no. 491).Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

5:42 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 172 – 251 (Roll no. 490).

5:24 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

5:19 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 report the same to the House with an amendment to require the U.S. Patent Office to prioritize patent applications filed by entities that pledge to develop or manufacture their products, processes, and technologies in the U.S., including, specifically, those filed by small businesses and individuals.

5:17 P.M. – Mr. Miller (NC) moved to recommit with instructions to Judiciary.

Mr. Miller (NC) moved to recommit the bill H.R. 1249 to the Committee on the Judiciary with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with the following amendment: � Add at the end of the bill the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): � SEC. 34. PRIORITY IN PROCESSING PATENT APPLICATIONS. ***

5:16 P.M. – 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.

5:15 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

5:14 P.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1249.On agreeing to the Schock amendment Failed by recorded vote: 158 – 262, 1 Present (Roll no. 489).

5:11 P.M. – On agreeing to the Rohrabacher amendment Failed by recorded vote: 81 – 342 (Roll no. 488).

5:07 P.M. – On agreeing to the Manzullo amendment Failed by recorded vote: 92 – 329 (Roll no. 487).

5:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the Sensenbrenner amendment Failed by recorded vote: 129 – 295 (Roll no. 486).

4:58 P.M. – On agreeing to the Conyers amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 223 – 198 (Roll no. 485).

4:55 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Conyers.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to restore language for calculation of 60-day period for application of patent term extension that the managers amendment strikes.

4:54 P.M. – PROCEEDINGS VACATED – By unanimous consent, the disposition proceedings for the Conyers amendment No. 9 were vacated and the Committee of the Whole proceeded to re-vote the Conyers amendment.

4:47 P.M. – On agreeing to the Baldwin amendment Failed by recorded vote: 81 – 342 (Roll no. 483).

4:40 P.M. – On agreeing to the Conyers amendment Failed by recorded vote: 105 – 316 (Roll no. 482).

4:14 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

4:13 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Schock amendment, the Chair put t he question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:59 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schock amendment no. 15.Amendment offered by Mr. Schock.

An amendment numbered 15 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to strike section 18 of H.R. 1249, the Transitional program for covered business method patents.

3:58 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rohrabacher amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rohrabacher demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:48 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rohrabacher amendment no. 14.Amendment offered by Mr. Rohrabacher.

An amendment numbered 12 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to eliminate the burden of post-grant reviews and reexaminations on individual inventors and small businesses with 100 or fewer employees.

3:47 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Manzullo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Manzullo demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:38 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Manzullo amendment no. 13.Amendment offered by Mr. Manzullo.

An amendment numbered 13 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to eliminate the ability of the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to set fees, retaining that authority for Congress.

3:37 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sensenbrenner amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Sensenbrenner demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:26 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sensenbrenner amendment no. 12.Amendment offered by Mr. Sensenbrenner.

An amendment numbered 12 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to strike Section 3 of the legislation, which would convert the U.S. patent system from `first-to-invent’ to `first-to-file.’

3:25 P.M. – By unanimous consent, the Watt amendment was withdrawn.

3:24 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Watt amendment no. 11.

3:23 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Watt.

An amendment numbered 11 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to add a severability clause protecting the remainder of the bill if the Supreme Court determines that certain sections or provisions are unconstitutional.

3:22 P.M. – On agreeing to the Speier amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:17 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Speier amendment no. 10.Amendment offered by Ms. Speier.

An amendment numbered 10 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to direct the PTO to prescribe a requirement that parties provide sufficient evidence to prove and rebut a claim of derivation.

3:16 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Conyers amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Conyers demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:07 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Conyers amendment no. 9.Amendment offered by Mr. Conyers.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to restore language for calculation of 60-day period for application of patent term extension that the managers amendment strikes.

On agreeing to the Polis amendment Failed by voice vote.

2:58 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis (CO) amendment no. 8.Amendment offered by Mr. Polis.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to clarify that the new legislation would apply only to new tax planning patents, not already filed patents which would disclose patent information leaving the applicants vulnerable.

2:57 P.M. – On agreeing to the Peters amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:49 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Peters amendment no. 7.Amendment offered by Mr. Peters.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to mandate a USPTO-led study on what USPTO, SBA, and other agencies can do to help small businesses obtain, maintain, and enforce foreign patents. This study is to be conducted using existing resources.

2:48 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lujan amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:45 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lujan amendment no. 6.Amendment offered by Mr. Lujan.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to add requirements to the satellite office location selection process to ensure that (1) the purposes, as described in the bill, of establishing satellite offices are achieved, (2) recruitment costs are minimized by considering the availability of knowledgeable personnel in the region, and (3) the economic impact to the region is considered. It would also require that the Director in the required report to Congress on the rationale in selecting the location of any satellite office include an explanation of how the selected location will achieve the purposes of satellite offices and how the required considerations were met.

On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:39 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment no. 5.Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to add a sense of Congress that it is important to protect the rights of small businesses and inventors from predatory behavior that could result in cutting off innovation and may provide an undue advantage to large financial institutions and high-tech firms.

2:38 P.M. – On agreeing to the Moore amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:34 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moore amendment no. 4.Amendment offered by Ms. Moore.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to direct the USPTO to develop methods for studying the diversity of patent applicants, including those applicants who are minorities, women, or veterans. Any results of the study shall not be used for preferential treatment in the patent process.

2:33 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Baldwin amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Baldwin demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:23 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Baldwin amendment no. 3.Amendment offered by Ms. Baldwin.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to strike Section 5, the `prior user rights’ language, and conform H.R. 1249 to H.R. 1908, as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on September 7, 2007, and S. 23, as passed by the U.S. Senate on March 8, 2011.

2:22 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Conyers amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Conyers demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:11 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Conyers amendment no. 2.Amendment offered by Mr. Conyers.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to insert language to move the United States to a first to file system only upon a Presidential finding that other major patent authorities have adopted a similar one-year grace period.

2:09 P.M. – On agreeing to the Smith (TX) amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 283 – 140 (Roll no. 481).

1:51 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of an amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 320:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2219) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

1:50 P.M. – On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 251 – 173 (Roll no. 480).Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

1:33 P.M. – On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 247 – 168 (Roll no. 479).

12:31 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 320.

12:30 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

12:28 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed one minute speeches.

12:26 P.M. – The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to the Western Balkans -referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-41).

12:24 P.M. – The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to the proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula and the actions and policies of the Government of North Korea that destabilize the Korean Peninsula – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-40).

12:04 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.

12:03 P.M. – ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE NUMBER OF HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the Gentleman from New York, the whole number of the House is 432.

12:02 P.M. – The House received a communication from Cesar A. Perales, Secretary of State, State of New York. Mr. Perales informed the House he had received the resignation of Anthony D. Weiner as New York’s 9th Congressional District Representative in the United States House of Representatives. The New York State Department of State filed the letter on June 20, 2011. A copy of Mr. Weiner’s letter of resignation was attached.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Altmire to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:01 P.M. – SPEAKERS APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Hultgren 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. Hultgren 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 Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

12:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 23.

11:12 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:01 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:00 A.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael G. Fitzpatrick to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  • The Senate Convenes: 10am June 23, 2011
    • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 11:30am 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, with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
    • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act with the Vitter amendment #499 regarding czars and the DeMint amendment #510 regarding Bureau of Justice Statistics debated concurrently with up to 30 minutes of debate, with Senators Vitter, DeMint, Reid, and McConnell, or their designees, each controlling 7 ½ minutes.
    • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12pm), the Senate will conduct 2 roll call votes in relation to the following:
      • Vitter amendment #499 regarding czars (60-vote threshold)
      • DeMint amendment #510 regarding Bureau of Justice Statistics (majority-vote threshold)
    • The following amendments are pending to S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act:
      • DeMint amendment #501 (IMF bailouts)
      • DeMint amendment #511 (legislative & public affairs)
      • Portman amendment #509 (Comptrollers of Navy, Army, Air Force; Controller of OMB and department CFOs)
      • Cornyn amendment #504 (strike provisions re: Comptroller of the Army, Navy and Air Force)
      • Toomey amendment #514 (strikes the provision relating to the Governors and alternate governors of the IMF and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development)
      • Carper amendment #517 (GAO report)
      • McCain amendment #493 (Navajo and Hopi Relocation Office)
      • Akaka amendment #512 (Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans)
      • Paul amendment #502 (Treasurer of the United States)
      • Paul amendment #503 (Director of the Mint)
      • VOTES
    • The Senate began a roll call vote on the Vitter amendment #499 (czars) to S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act (60-vote threshold); Not agreed to: 47-51.
    • The Senate began a roll call vote on the DeMint amendment #510 (Bureau of Justice Statistics) to S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act; Not Agreed to: 41-57

Adopted S.Res.215, designating the month of June 2011 as “National Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month.”