Tag Archives: United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

the Senate CONGRESS 12/4 the House

12/04/2013 Nativegrl77

What side of History will your member of CONGRESS be remembered for

Immigration,Climate Change, GunReform, SNAP, JOBsAct, VRA, Women, ACA

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, December 9, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1197, the National Defense Authorization to allow the Chairman and Ranking Member to provide a status update on the bill.

At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #327, the nomination of Patricia Ann Millett, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, post-cloture. There will be up to 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form. At 5:30pm, all post-cloture time will be expired and there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Millett nomination.

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Last Floor Action:
6:54:21 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The
next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 4, 2013.

10:00:00 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:08 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Paul Cook to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:03 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.

12:00:21 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 4.
12:00:24 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:16 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:19 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Jenkins to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:01:39 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.
12:37:07 P.M.	H. Res. 429	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 429 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3309) to amend title 35, United States Code, and the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act to make improvements and technical corrections, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1105) to amend the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to provide a registration exemption for private equity fund advisers, and for other purposes.”
12:41:23 P.M.	H. Res. 429	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 429.
1:31:53 P.M.	H. Res. 429	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 429, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 429 and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded the yeas and nays on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 429 and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a later in the legislative day.
1:32:30 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
2:02:29 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 4.
2:02:35 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 429 on which previous proceedings had been postponed.
2:02:48 P.M.	H. Res. 429	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 429 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3309) to amend title 35, United States Code, and the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act to make improvements and technical corrections, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1105) to amend the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to provide a registration exemption for private equity fund advisers, and for other purposes.”
2:29:47 P.M.	H. Res. 429	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 220 – 194 (Roll no. 618).
2:36:11 P.M.	H. Res. 429	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 229 – 185 (Roll no. 619).
2:36:12 P.M.	H. Res. 429	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:38:46 P.M.	H.R. 1105	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 429. H.R. 1105 — “To amend the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to provide a registration exemption for private equity fund advisers, and for other purposes.”
2:38:51 P.M.	H.R. 1105	For H.R. 3309, resolution provides one hour of general debate; bill is considered read; specified amendments are in order; and one motion to recommit, with or without instructions. For H.R. 1109, resolution provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee print 113-29 shall be considered as adopted; one hour of debate; makes in order an additional specified amendment; and one motion to recommit, with or without instructions.
2:40:19 P.M.	H.R. 1105	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1105

3:52:11 P.M.	H.R. 1105	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Maloney, Carolyn, numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 113-283 to require private equity fund advisers to register with the SEC, but direct the SEC to create a simplified registration and disclosure regime for small private equity fund advisers.
3:52:15 P.M.	H.R. 1105	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 429, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Carolyn Maloney amendment.

4:04:00 P.M.	H.R. 1105	The previous question was ordered on the amendment (A002) pursuant to the rule.
4:33:10 P.M.	H.R. 1105	On agreeing to the Maloney, Carolyn amendment; Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 186 – 225 (Roll no. 620).
4:34:02 P.M.	H.R. 1105	Mr. Horsford moved to recommit with instructions to Financial Services.
4:34:22 P.M.	H.R. 1105	Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Horsford motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment to require that in order for a firm to qualify for exemption from Dodd-Franks registration and reporting requirement, it must provide investment advice for funds that do not own controlling interests in a company that outsources American jobs and publicly report the number of jobs eliminated each quarter at each company owned and controlled by the funds.
4:45:57 P.M.	H.R. 1105	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
4:54:41 P.M.	H.R. 1105	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 185 – 227 (Roll no. 621).
5:02:17 P.M.	H.R. 1105	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 254 – 159 (Roll no. 622).
5:02:18 P.M.	H.R. 1105	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:02:58 P.M.		Mr. LaMalfa asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on December 5. Agreed to without objection.
5:03:59 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
5:18:30 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
7:25:05 P.M.		Ms. Kaptur moved that the House do now adjourn.
7:25:14 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
7:25:15 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on December 5, 2013.

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Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 12/3 the House considers clean water,fed land trust

12/03/2013 Nativegrl77

Family

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, December 9, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1197, the National Defense Authorization to allow the Chairman and Ranking Member to provide a status update on the bill.

===============================================================

Last Floor Action:12/3
6:54:21 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The
next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 4, 2013.

Last Floor Action:12/2
10:01:47 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The
next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 3, 2013.

10:00:00 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:17 A.M.		LaMalfa to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:37 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.
10:51:49 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:58 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 3.
12:01:05 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:02:31 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:32 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Hahn to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:56 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.
12:34:54 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
12:35:07 P.M.	H.R. 1095	Mr. McCaul moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1095 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to transfer unclaimed money recovered at airport security checkpoints to nonprofit organizations that provide places of rest and recuperation at airports for members of the Armed Forces and their families, and for other purposes.”
12:36:02 P.M.	H.R. 1095	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:36:04 P.M.	H.R. 1095	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1095.
12:46:49 P.M.	H.R. 1095	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
12:47:27 P.M.	H.R. 2719	Mr. McCaul moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2719 — “To require the Transportation Security Administration to implement best practices and improve transparency with regard to technology acquisition programs, and for other purposes.”
12:47:38 P.M.	H.R. 2719	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:47:39 P.M.	H.R. 2719	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2719.
12:58:09 P.M.	H.R. 2719	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
12:58:36 P.M.	H.R. 1204	Mr. McCaul moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1204 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee, and for other purposes.”
12:58:52 P.M.	H.R. 1204	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:58:56 P.M.	H.R. 1204	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1204.
1:11:11 P.M.	H.R. 1204	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
1:12:15 P.M.	H.R. 3626	Mr. Coble moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3626 — “To extend the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 for 10 years.”
1:12:25 P.M.	H.R. 3626	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:12:28 P.M.	H.R. 3626	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3626.
1:22:22 P.M.	H.R. 3626	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
1:23:02 P.M.	H.R. 255	Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 255 — “To amend certain definitions contained in the Provo River Project Transfer Act for purposes of clarifying certain property descriptions, and for other purposes.”
1:23:10 P.M.	H.R. 255	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:23:14 P.M.	H.R. 255	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 255.
1:27:45 P.M.	H.R. 255	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
1:27:47 P.M.	H.R. 2388	Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2388 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to take certain Federal lands located in El Dorado County, California, into trust for the benefit of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, and for other purposes.”
1:28:37 P.M.	H.R. 2388	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:28:40 P.M.	H.R. 2388	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2388.
1:36:34 P.M.	H.R. 2388	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
1:36:42 P.M.	H.R. 2388	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
1:36:44 P.M.	H.R. 1963	Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1963 — “To amend the Water Conservation and Utilization Act to authorize the development of non-Federal hydropower and issuance of leases of power privileges at projects constructed pursuant to the authority of the Water Conservation and Utilization Act, and for other purposes.”
1:37:23 P.M.	H.R. 1963	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:37:26 P.M.	H.R. 1963	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1963.
1:43:42 P.M.	H.R. 1963	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
1:44:02 P.M.	H.R. 1241	Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1241 — “To facilitate a land exchange involving certain National Forest System lands in the Inyo National Forest, and for other purposes.”
1:44:16 P.M.	H.R. 1241	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:44:21 P.M.	H.R. 1241	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1241.
1:48:54 P.M.	H.R. 1241	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
1:49:24 P.M.	H.R. 1846	Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1846 — “To amend the Act establishing the Lower East Side Tenement National Historic Site, and for other purposes.”
1:49:35 P.M.	H.R. 1846	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:49:36 P.M.	H.R. 1846	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1846.

2:00:23 P.M.	H.R. 1846	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
2:00:39 P.M.	H.R. 2650	Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2650 — “To allow the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in the State of Minnesota to lease or transfer certain land.”
2:00:59 P.M.	H.R. 2650	Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:01:01 P.M.	H.R. 2650	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2650.
2:09:10 P.M.	H.R. 2650	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
2:09:39 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
2:10:17 P.M.	H.R. 255	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 255 — “To amend certain definitions contained in the Provo River Project Transfer Act for purposes of clarifying certain property descriptions, and for other purposes.”
2:35:29 P.M.	H.R. 255	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 406 – 0 (Roll no. 615).
2:35:40 P.M.	H.R. 2719	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2719 — “To require the Transportation Security Administration to implement best practices and improve transparency with regard to technology acquisition programs, and for other purposes.”
2:44:00 P.M.	H.R. 2719	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416 – 0 (Roll no. 616).
2:44:23 P.M.	H.R. 1204	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1204 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee, and for other purposes.”
2:51:19 P.M.	H.R. 1204	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 – 3 (Roll no. 617).
2:55:12 P.M.		MOMENT OF SILENCE – The Chair led the House in observing a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of the train derailment in New York City on December 1, 2013.
3:01:10 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
3:06:23 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
5:47:53 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
6:53:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 3.
6:53:20 P.M.		Mr. Nugent filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 429.
6:54:00 P.M.		Mr. Nugent moved that the House do now adjourn.
6:54:18 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
6:54:21 P.M.		The House adjourned.The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 4, 2013.

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Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 12/2 the House

12/02/2013 Nativegrl77

The featured picture is PBO with his mom’s

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, December 9, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1197, the National Defense Authorization to allow the Chairman and Ranking Member to provide a status update on the bill.

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

Last Floor Action: 11/29
10:05:59 A.M. – The Speaker announced
that the House do now adjourn pursuant to S. Con. Res. 28.

The next meeting is
scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on December 2, 2013.

2:00:24 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:00:29 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
2:00:40 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:02:05 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Ms. Foxx demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Foxx objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Speaker postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.
2:02:29 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:43 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:12:18 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on November 22, 2013, at 10:52 a.m. transmitting the appointments of the United States Commission on Civil Rights.
2:12:44 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. today.
5:02:50 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 2.
5:02:57 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
5:03:14 P.M.	H.R. 3547	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3547 — “To extend the application of certain space launch liability provisions through 2014.”
5:03:30 P.M.	H.R. 3547	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:03:32 P.M.	H.R. 3547	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3547.
5:24:30 P.M.	H.R. 3547	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:25:05 P.M.	H.R. 3588	Mr. Johnson (OH) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3588 — “To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt fire hydrants from the prohibition on the use of lead pipes, fittings, fixtures, solder, and flux.”
5:25:15 P.M.	H.R. 3588	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:25:20 P.M.	H.R. 3588	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3588.
5:38:02 P.M.	H.R. 3588	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:38:32 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

6:30:05 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 2.
6:30:12 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:31:10 P.M.	H.R. 3547	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3547 — “To extend the application of certain space launch liability provisions through 2014.”
6:31:47 P.M.	H.R. 3547	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Roll Call 612 – 2/3 Yea and Nay vote pending.

7:04:08 P.M.	H.R. 3547	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 376 – 5 (Roll no. 612).
7:04:39 P.M.	H.R. 3588	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3588 — “To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt fire hydrants from the prohibition on the use of lead pipes, fittings, fixtures, solder, and flux.”
7:12:20 P.M.	H.R. 3588	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 384 – 0 (Roll no. 613).
7:20:58 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by recorded vote: 237 – 126, 1 Present (Roll no. 614).
7:21:43 P.M.		House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards – Pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 501(b) and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards: Mrs. Miller of MI, Chairman, Mr. Price of GA and Mr. Latta.
7:22:29 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:44:20 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

10:01:32 P.M.		Mr. Rohrabacher moved that the House do now adjourn.
10:01:46 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
10:01:47 P.M.		The House adjourned.The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 3, 2013.

=======================================================

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 11/22 the House

11/22/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, December 9, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1197, the National Defense Authorization to allow the Chairman and Ranking Member to provide a status update on the bill.

================================================

Last Floor Action:
10:05:59 A.M. – The Speaker announced
that the House do now adjourn pursuant to S. Con. Res. 28. The next meeting is
scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on December 2, 2013.

Last Floor Action:
2:43:30 P.M. – The House adjourned
pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00
a.m. on November 22, 2013.

10:00:24 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:34 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas E. Petri to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:54 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend John Robert Skeldon, Diocese of Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas.
10:02:29 A.M.		The Chair announced that pursuant to section 2(a) of H. Res. 420, the Journal of the last day’s proceedings was approved.
10:02:32 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
10:02:55 A.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on November 21, 2013 at 5:39 p.m. stating that that body had agreed to S. Con. Res. 28.
10:03:22 A.M.	S. Con. Res. 28	Considered as privileged matter. S. Con. Res. 28 — “Providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives.”
10:04:41 A.M.	S. Con. Res. 28	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
10:04:46 A.M.	S. Con. Res. 28	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
10:05:59 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to S. Con. Res. 28. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on December 2, 2013.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

blocked

11/21/2013 Nativegrl77

By CAP Action War Room

Going Nuclear on GOP Obstruction

On three recent occasions — January 2011, January 2013, and July 2013 — Senate Democrats threatened to make changes to the Senate filibuster rules in order to stop Republicans from obstructing even the most routine business of the Senate and slow-walking or simply blocking the president’s nominees. Each time, Democrats agreed to very modest changes to the rules or even simply a gentleman’s agreement with Republicans and each time Republicans broke their word and went back to their same old obstructionist ways.

In the past few weeks, things have gotten even worse than usual. Senate Republicans have embarked on an unprecedented campaign of obstruction:

Republicans blocked the nomination of Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC) to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the agency that oversees mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He is the first African-American nominated to head the agency and the first sitting Member of Congress denied confirmation since the Reconstruction Era.

Republicans blocked three highly-qualified nominees — two women and an African-American — to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, which is the second most powerful court in America and which is currently dominated by conservative, Republican-appointed judges. Aside from complaining that one nominee openly supports abortion rights some four decades after the Supreme Court affirmed that abortion is a constitutionally-protected medical procedure, Republicans offered basically no substantive opposition to the nominees. They simply indicated they will not allow President Obama to name anyone to fill the three vacant seats on the court, which even Chief Justice John Roberts agrees must be filled.

Leading Republicans have already announced their plans to block two more top Obama nominees: Janet Yellen to head the Federal Reserve (the first woman in the world ever selected to lead a central bank) and Jeh Johnson, the first African-American nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Republicans have reveled in this disturbing pattern of partisan obstruction, daring Democrats to change the Senate rules in order to eliminate the filibuster on nominations.

Well, it appears Republicans have made their bed and now they may have to lie in it.

A parade of Democrats, including some who have previously expressed strong opposition to the idea, have come forward in recent days to support changing the Senate rules:

Sen. Barbara Boxer ((D-CA): “I am very open to changing the rules for nominees. … I was not before, because I felt we could work with them. But it’s gotten to an extreme situation where really qualified people can’t get an up-or-down vote.”
Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA): “If ever there’s evidence for [a rules change], it is now.” Feinstein said she changed her position after a compromise deal reached last year to push through nominees did not stop obstruction from leaving crucial seats vacant. She told the Huffington Post it is “unconscionable” that Senate Republicans are now allowing a vote on Obama’s cabinet and judicial nominees.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA): “So far they have shut down the government, they have filibustered people [President Obama] has nominated to fill out his administration and they are now filibustering judges to block him from filling any of the vacancies with highly qualified people: We need to call out these filibusters for what they are: Naked attempts to nullify the results of the last election.” She added, “If Republicans continue to filibuster these highly qualified nominees for no reason other than to nullify the president’s constitutional authority, then senators not only have the right to change the filibuster, senators have a duty to change the filibuster rules. We cannot turn our backs on the Constitution. We cannot abdicate our oath of office.”
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), one of the original proponents of filibuster reform, said recently: “The Senate rules must change … This is a war on the other two branches of government and their ability to do the jobs the American people need them to do.”
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) is another longtime supporter of filibuster reform. He said last month: “We keep getting up to the edge of it, and then we make some, quote, gentleman’s agreement … and then you find out the gentleman’s agreement doesn’t hold. … I’ve been so frustrated by it.”
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV): The Senate majority leader holds the ultimate authority on whether Democrats invoke the nuclear option. He said Tuesday he is actively weighing a rules change, and won’t accept a deal to avert the nuclear option that includes anything less than confirmation of all three D.C. Circuit nominees stalled over the past few weeks. In July, Democrats scored a short-term victory with a deal to confirm seven executive branch nominees in exchange for dropping filibuster reform. But just a few months later, they ended up facing the same sort of Republican obstruction.

Sen. Reid reportedly may move to end the GOP’s partisan obstructionism as soon as this week. We’ll be sure and bring you the latest updates.

BOTTOM LINE: We simply cannot allow a minority in Congress to retroactively veto laws and the results of elections. This is unfair, makes a mockery of our constitutional system, and represents the worst kind of partisan gridlock that the American people are sick and tired of. It’s time for the GOP’s unprecedented campaign of obstruction to end.