Tag Archives: Thursday

Black History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

CONGRESS ~~~


US Capitol
US Capitol (Photo credit: DC Public Library Commons)
  • The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Thursday, April 25, 2013.
  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 10:30am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
  • At 10:30am, the Senate will recess for one hour to allow for a Senators-only briefing.
  • When the Senate reconvenes, the Senate will resume consideration of S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act.
  • During Wednesday’s session, cloture was filed on S.743.
  •   As a result, the filing deadline for all first degree amendments to the bill is 1:00pm on Thursday.  Unless an agreement is reached, Senators should expect the cloture vote on Friday morning.

 

The Senate has resumed consideration of S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act.

 

Senator Collins asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment in order to call up Collins amendment #744, to provide a limitation on when States may first exercise the authority under this Act.

 

Senator Wyden reserved his right to object and then Senator Baucus objected to the request.

 

The managers of the bill will continue to work on an agreement to consider amendments to the bill. However, if no agreement can be reached we would proceed to the cloture vote 1 hour after the Senate convenes tomorrow.

Senator Coburn asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendments in order to call up the following amendments:

 

–       Coburn #753 (delinquent tax debts and Federal employment)

–       Coburn #751 (charitable organizations)

–       Coburn #767 (duplicative and overlapping programs)

–       Coburn #766 (prohibit presidential election campaign funds for part conventions)

Senator Durbin objected to setting aside the pending amendment and said that he would take a look at the amendments to see if we can come up with an agreement to consider them. Some of the amendments would create a blue slip issue in the House, a situation he would like to avoid.

  Senator Coburn also expressed his intent to call up an amendment regarding the tax exempt status of sport organizations.

Hatch asked unanimous consent that the following amendments be in order to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act:

 

  • Collins 744 or Collins 771
  • Ayotte 759, as amended
  • Coats 765
  • Thune 764 with GAO study/Thune 778 without GAO study
  • Coburn 753
  • Coburn 767
  • Thune 743
  • Lee 768
  • Ayotte 763
  • Hatch 754
  • Portman 772
  • Cruz 794
  • Coats 797
  • Portman 792
  • Paul 755
  • Cruz 799
  • Ayotte 776

 That there be up to 1 hour for debate equally divided on each amendment prior to a vote in relation to the amendment.

 Senator Durbin objected.

 The managers of the bill continue to work on an agreement to consider amendments in an effort to complete action on the bill.

Senator Durbin asked unanimous consent the pending Enzi amendment be set aside and it be in order for the following amendments to be called up:

 

–       Collins-King #771 (provides a limitation on when States may first exercise the authority under this Act)

–       Pryor-Blunt #740 (extends for 10 years the moratorium on taxes on internet access and multiple and discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce imposed by the Internet Freedom Act)

–       Hatch #754 (strikes the preemption provision, to sunset the authority under the Act, to require a 3-year statute of limitations)

 

That no second degree amendments be in order to any of these amendments prior to a vote in relation to the amendments. That there be 20 minutes for debate equally divided.

 

Senator Wyden objected.

5:36pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013

Invoked: 63-30.

 

During Thursday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to Calendar #44, S.601, the Water Resources Development Act of 2013.  The cloture vote will be on Monday, May 6th following disposition of S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act (the 3rd roll call vote in a series beginning at 5:30pm).

The Senate has reached an agreement to vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #42 David Medine- to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 29, 2018 at a time to be determined. The details of the agreement are below.

 

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 Executive Calendar #42 David Medine- to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 29, 2018.  There will be one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.  Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Motion to invoke cloture on S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013; Invoked: 63-30

 

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.853, a bill to prevent continued flight delays related to furloughs of essential employees of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and for other purposes. *If the Senate receives a bill from the House that is identical to S.853, that bill will be considered read three times and passed.

 

Adopted S.Res.115, a resolution commending the heroism, courage, and sacrifice of Sean Collier, an officer in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Police Department, Martin Richard, an 8-year-old resident of Dorchester, Massachusetts, Krystle Campbell, a native of Medford Massachusetts, Lu Lingzi, a student at Boston University, and all the victims who are recovering from injuries caused by the attacks in Boston, Massachusetts, including Richard Donohue, Jr., an officer in the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Police Department.

 

Adopted S.Res.116, designating September 26, 2013 as “National Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day”.

 

Adopted S.Res.118, Supporting the designation of April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

 

Adopted S.Res.119, Supporting the goals and ideals of World Malaria Day.

 

Adopted S.Res.120, Supporting the mission and goals of 2013 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

 

Adopted S.Res.121, expressing support for the designation of May 1, 2013, as “Silver Star Service Banner Day”.

 

Adopted S.Res.122, recognizing the historic significance of the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo.

 

Adopted S.Res.123, Congratulating the University of Minnesota women’s ice hockey team on winning its second straight National Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Ice Hockey Championship.

 

Adopted S.Res.124, Legal Counsel resolution regarding Whitnum v. Town of Greenwich memo.

 

Adopted S.Res.125, designating April 30, 2013, as “Dia de los Ninos: Celebrating Young Americans”.

 

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.788, to suspend FY2013 sequestration. (Reid)

 

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following items:

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Executive Calendar #24 Christopher J. Meade, to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Executive Calendar #25 William B. Schultz, to be General Counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services

 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

Executive Calendar #61 Jenny R. Yang, to be a Member of the Equal Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2017

 

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Executive Calendar #89 Karol Virginia Mason – to be an Assistant Attorney General

 

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Last Floor Action: 4/24/13
12:46:50 P.M. -H. Res. 178
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 178.

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

 

5:47:44 P.M.   Mr. Franks (AZ) moved that the House do now adjourn.
5:47:51 P.M.   On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
5:47:55 P.M.   The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 26, 2013.

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I Am Worker Justice Prayer Circle, Rally & March ~April 4 5:30pmET


tbi_header-1.jpeg

Please join The Black Institute in honoring the 45th anniversary of Dr. King‘s death by joining clergy, fast food workers and elected officials at the “I AM Workers Justice” prayer circle, rally and march, held at Marcus Garvey Park (E. 124th St. and Madison Ave.) on April 4, 5:30pm.

The night before Dr. King’s assassination on April 4, 1968, he told a group of striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee: “We’ve got to give ourselves to this struggle until the end… We’ve got to see it through.” King traveled to Memphis that month in support of striking Memphis sanitation workers, who had staged a walkout to protest unequal wages and working conditions.

04_04_13_faith_rally_(2).jpgThis Thursday, we honor Dr. King’s legacy and give ourselves to the struggle he died for as we stand along with our local faith leaders to support over 200 fast food workers across the city in their struggle for better pay, better working conditions and respect. Here, we will continue Dr. King’s struggle for workers justice through prayer, worker testimonials and direct action.

Please help support our Workers Justice Work. The gift that you give today will help our small but effective staff work to shed light on the issues that plague Black communities; empowering our men, women and children to speak out against injustice, maltreatment, ineffective government, poor public policy, inadequate and inefficient social service programs, and poor working conditions. Any amount you can give will help further our mission.

Please make a tax deductible donation or become a monthly Sustainer TODAY.
https://theblackinstitute.nationbuilder.com/make_a_donation

Bertha Lewis
President & Founder
The Black Institute
http://www.theblackinstitute.org/

Black History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

the House: H.Con25 Vote:227-207 /HR933 Vote:318-109 ::::::: CONGRESS :::::: the Senate: S.Con.Res.8


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3/20/13  —  H.R.933, the Department of Defense, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, as amended; Passed: 73-26

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:00am on Thursday, March 21, 2013.

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of S.Con.Res.8, a concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2014, revising the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2013, and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2015 through 2023.
  • When the Senate convenes on Thursday, there will be 34 hours remaining for debate on the budget resolution, equally divided and controlled between the Chair and Ranking Member of the Budget Committee.

The Senate has resumed consideration of S.Con.Res.8, the Budget resolution. Senator Reid reiterated his intention that the Senate will be in session until we complete the Budget resolution and that could mean being in session all night Friday night or whatever it takes. Senators should plan accordingly.

Senator Sessions made a motion to recommit S.Con.Res.8 back to the Committee on the Budget with instructions to report back no later than March 22, 2013 with such changes as may be necessary to achieve unified budget balance by Fiscal Year 2023.

Motions to recommit are debatable for up to 1 hour, equally divided, and are amendable in two degrees. Each amendment to a motion is debatable for 1 hour each and equally divided. It would take consent to return to the resolution side of the amendment tree to offer amendments to the resolution.

When a vote time is set, another message will be sent.

At 3:45pm today, there will be up to 60 minutes of debate equally divided between Senators Klobuchar and Coats, or their designees, for a report on the economic goals and policy under section 305(b) of the Congressional Budget Act.

We believe to be close to locking in an agreement that would result in a series of up to 5 roll call votes in the 8pm range tonight. When an agreement is reached and vote time is set, I will send another message.

Up to 5 votes around 8pm tonight:

 

–          Sessions motion to recommit (budget balance by 2023)

–          Murray #433 (Paul Ryan Budget)

–          Hatch #297 (medical device repeal)

–          Stabenow #432 (vouchers)

–          Grassley #156 (reserve fund-tax reform)

The Senate has reached an agreement that results in a series of 5 votes at 8:10pm tonight, 6 votes at 11am tomorrow, and provides for the commencement of the so-called vote-a-rama around 3pm tomorrow. All votes after the first vote tonight will be 10 minutes in duration with 2 minutes for debate equally divided between each vote. No amendments are in order to the amendments or motion in this agreement prior to the votes in relation to the amendment. Following the votes tonight, the remainder of tonight’s session will be for debate only on the Budget resolution.

Up to 5 votes at 8:10pm tonight:

–          Sessions motion to recommit (budget balance by 2023)

–          Murray #433 (Paul Ryan Budget)

–          Hatch #297 (medical device repeal)

–          Stabenow #432 (vouchers)

–          Grassley #156 (reserve fund-tax reform)

Up to 6 votes at 11am tomorrow:

–          Mikulski #431 (equal pay)

–          Ayotte #158 (prohibits budget with revenue increase while unemployment is above 5.5%)

–          Cruz #202 (reserve fund to repeal PPACA and Education reconciliation)

–          Murray #439 (side by side to Crapo PPACA)

–          Crapo #222 (reserve fund re: repeal tax increase under PPACA for low and middle income Americans)

–          Shaheen #438 (women’s health)

2 hours for debate

Vote-a-rama!

–          Democratic amendment

–          Republican alternative to Shaheen (women’s health)

 

Text of the agreement is as follows:

Leader:            I ask unanimous consent that the pending motion be set aside and the following amendments to S.Con.Res.8 be called up:

–          Murray #433;

–          Hatch #297;

–          Stabenow #432;

–          Grassley #156;

–          Mikulski #431;

–          Ayotte #158;

–          Cruz #202;

–          Murray #439;

–          Crapo #222; and

–          Shaheen #438.

That the time until 8:10pm be equally divided between the two managers, or their designees, prior to votes in relation to the Sessions motion and the first four amendments listed; that all after the first vote this evening be 10 minute votes; that there be two minutes equally divided in the usual form prior to each vote; that no amendments be in order to the motion or any of the amendments prior to the votes in relation to these items; that following the votes this evening, the remainder of today’s session be for debate only on the concurrent resolution; further, that when the Senate convenes at 9am on Friday, March 22nd, the Senate resume consideration of S.Con.Res.8 with the time until 11am equally divided between the two managers, or their designees; that at 11am, the Senate proceed to votes in relation to the remaining amendments listed above; that there be two minutes equally divided prior to each vote and all after the first vote in this sequence be ten minute votes; that upon disposition of the last amendment listed, there be two hours equally divided between the two managers, or their designees, remaining on the concurrent resolution; finally, the next amendment in order be an amendment from the Majority side to be followed by a Republican alternative to Shaheen #438.

8:10pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Sessions motion to recommit (budget balance by 2023)

Not Agreed to: 46-53

8:52pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Hatch amendment #297 (medical device repeal)

Agreed to: 79-20

9:10pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Stabenow amendment #432 (Medicare vouchers);

Agreed To: 96-3

9:28pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Grassley amendment #156 (reserve fund-tax reform).

Not Agreed To: 45-54

This will be the last vote of the night. The next votes will occur at 11am tomorrow.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

–          Sessions motion to recommit (budget balance by 2023); Not Agreed To: 46-53

–          Murray #433 (Paul Ryan Budget); Not Agreed To: 40-59

–          Hatch #297 (medical device repeal); Agreed To: 79-20

–          Stabenow #432 (vouchers); Agreed To: 96-3

–          Grassley #156 (strikes tax reconciliation/establishes reserve fund-tax reform); Not Agreed To: 45-54

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

 

Adopted S.Res.88, a resolution providing for Members on the part of the Senate of the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library.

Adopted S.Res.89, Designating March 25, 2013, as “National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day”

Adopted H.Con.Res.18, authorizing the use of the Capital Grounds for the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service-May 15, 2013.

Adopted H.Con.Res.19, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby-June 15, 2013.

Passed S.540, to designate the air route control center located in Nashua, New Hampshire, as the “Patricia Clark Boston Air Route Traffic Control Center”.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013. (Reid)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on March 21, 2013.

Black History

:::::: CONGRESS ::::::


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The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Thursday, March 14, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill.

  • There will be up to one hour of debate equally divided between Senators Mikulski and Shelby or their designees for debate on the Harkin amendment #53 (Labor-HHS).
  • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 11:15am), there will be a roll call vote in relation to the Harkin amendment #53 (Labor-HHS)(60 affirmative-vote threshold).
  • We will continue to work through amendments to the bill during Thursday’s session. During Wednesday’s session, cloture was filed on the Mikulski-Shelby substitute amendment #26 and on H.R.933. Under the rule, the first cloture vote would be on Friday. We hope to reach an agreement to complete action on the bill on Thursday.
  • The Senate has resumed consideration of H.R.933, the Continuing Resolution. There will be 1 hour to debate concurrently the Harkin amendment #53 (Labor-HHS) and Coburn amendment #66 (temporary hiring freeze on Non Essential Federal Employees), prior to votes in relation to the amendments.
  • The debate time will be equally divided in the usual form.
  • Each amendment will be subject to 60-affirmative vote thresholds.
  • No amendments to the amendments are in order prior to the votes.
  • The following amendments are pending to H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill:

    The following amendments have been considered to H.R.933:

    • Cruz amendment #30 (defund Obamacare) Not Agreed to: 45-52
    • McCain amendment #33 (Guam) Not Tabled: 48-50; agreed to by voice vote
    • Harkin amendment #53 (Labor HHS flexibility)(60 affirmative-vote threshold) Not Agreed to: 54-45
    • Coburn amendment #66 (temporary freeze on non-essential federal employees) (60 affirmative-vote threshold) Not Agreed to: 45-54
    • Inhofe amendment #29, as modified (Farms-EPA oil spill and prevention rule) Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
  • There is a good chance that we vote tonight (sooner rather than later) in
    relation to the Coburn amendment #65, as modified (political
    science funding at NSF). Another message will be sent once an agreement is
    reached.

    • WRAP UP
    • ROLL CALL VOTES1) Harkin amendment #53 (Labor-HHS) to H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill; Not Agreed to: 54-45 (60 affirmative-vote threshold)2)      Coburn amendment #66 (hiring freeze for federal employees) to H.R.933; Not Agreed to: 45-54 (60 affirmative-vote threshold)

      LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

      Began the Rule 14 process of S.582, the Keystone Pipeline Act. (Hoeven)

      Began the Rule 14 process of S.583, the Life at Conception Act. (Paul)

      Completed the Rule 14 process of S.558, To prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from awarding any grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or other financial assistance under section 103 of the Clean Air Act for any program, project, or activity outside the United States. (Paul)

      No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

    • Well, folks, we were unable to reach an agreement to vote in relation to the Coburn or Toomey amendments tonight. Senator Coburn wouldn’t agree to vote in relation to his amendment, as modified.Senator Reid has asked the managers of the bill to work over the weekend on a small, finite list of amendments and we could complete action of the bill on Monday. If they are unable to come to an agreement, there would be a cloture vote at approximately 5:30pm on Monday. Next week the Senate will consider the Budget resolution.The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no further roll call votes this week.

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

Last Floor Action: 3/14
7:24:35 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 14, 2013.

Black History

CONGRESS: the Republicans/House : the Democrats/Senate


the Senate Convenes: 9:00amET November 15, 2012

  • Following the prayer and the pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
  • The filing deadline for second degree amendments to S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 is 9:10am on Thursday.
  • At 9:15am, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.3525.

9:20am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.3525, Sportsmen’s Act of 2012;   Invoked: 84-12

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 15, 2012.

10:00:27 A.M.   The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:37 A.M.   <ACTION_DESCRIPTION>The Speaker designated the Honorable Blake Farenthold to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:50 A.M.   The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 6118 and H.R. 6131, without amendment.
10:01:10 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.
10:50:38 A.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:21 P.M.   The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 15.
12:00:25 P.M.   Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Alan Keiran, Office of the United States Senate.
12:01:38 P.M.   The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:44 P.M.   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Biggert to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:36 P.M.   ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:24:30 P.M. H. Res. 808 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 808 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6156) to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to products of the Russian Federation and Moldova and to require reports on the compliance of the Russian Federation with its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization, and for other purposes.”
12:24:44 P.M. H. Res. 808 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 808.
1:25:26 P.M. H. Res. 808 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 808, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.
1:26:04 P.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.