Tag Archives: United States House Committee on Ways and Means

Cost Estimates for the 112th Congress

09/21/2011 Nativegrl77

H.R. 2883, Child and Family
Services Improvement and Innovation Act
September 19,
2011 pdf
Cost estimate for the bill as
ordered reported by the House Committee on Ways and Means on September 14,
2011

H.R. 2005, Combating Autism
Reauthorization Act of 2011
September 19, 2011
pdf
Cost
estimate for the bill as introduced in the House of Representatives on May 26,
2011

H.R. 2433, Veterans Opportunity
to Work Act of 2011
September 19, 2011 pdf
Cost estimate
for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on
September 8, 2011

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Budget: The Perilous Politics Of Ending Medicare

05/09/2011 Nativegrl77

On Wednesday, the Washington Post suggested that, despite voting to overwhelmingly approve Rep. Paul Ryan‘s (R-WI) budget just last month, Republicans may have seen the political writing on the wall and are now slowly backing away from one of the plan’s most unpopular provisions: transforming Medicare from a guaranteed benefit into a “premium support” voucher for future retirees. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) still promised that Republicans would “press for all the provisions in the Ryan proposal” in their negotiations with Democrats and insisted that “the starting point is the Ryan budget.” But he also hinted that the party could be open to taking the Medicare changes off the table. “Cantor said negotiators could avoid the ‘big three,'” which Democrats have vowed to defend, by focusing on changes in other areas. “If we can come to some agreement [and] act to effect those savings now, this year, it will yield a lot of savings in subsequent years,” he said. As one GOP strategist put it to the Los Angeles Times, “Why keep pushing something if it’s political kryptonite and it’s not going anywhere anyway?” The GOP has attempted to paper over these disagreements, releasing multiple statements reaffirming their commitment to the GOP budget, but the discomfort among its ranks and the public continues to grow.

NO HEARINGS: On Thursday, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI) told reporters that he was not planning on holding any hearings about Ryan’s proposal. “I’m not really interested in just laying down more markers,” said Camp, acknowledging that Ryan’s plan to give “premium support” vouchers to future Medicare retirees was a non-starter. “I’d rather have the committee working with the Senate and the president, focusing on savings and reforms that can be signed into law.” “I don’t think we can afford to wait,” he added, “I think we needed to make progress now.” In the Senate, Susan Collins (R-ME) is the only Republican senator to openly oppose Ryan’s plan, but a growing number of Republicans are also expressing doubts about the program. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) told Talking Points Memo that while he would vote for Ryan’s proposal, “there are other proposals that deserve serious consideration and I’m waiting to see what those are and I might vote for those as well,” he said. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) agreed, saying, “There is a discussion of two or three different alternatives being offered…some will be different on Medicare, others will have balance sooner.”

RAUCOUS TOWN HALLS: In the past two weeks, as congressmen went back to hold town halls in their districts, a major constituent backlash ensued against the Medicare plan and other aspects of the GOP budget. Constituents booed Ryan for arguing that the tax breaks for the richest Americans should expire. Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL) faced a barrage of questions from outraged constituents about the GOP plan to privatize Medicare, and Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY) confronted the ire of constituents who were upset about tax dodging by some of the nation’s largest corporations. Given this backlash, it’s understandable why House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) has repeatedly said that he is not wedded to Ryan’s plan and prospective GOP presidential candidates are remaining weary. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich has said he would back a slightly more moderate version of Ryan’s Medicare proposal, and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) is refusing to explicitly endorse the Medicare plan. In fact, the GOP budget may even be putting former “Craigslist Congressman” Christopher Lee’s (R-NY) seat in play. GOP candidate Jane Corwin has vigorously defended the Ryan proposal, only to see herself lose ground to Democratic challenger Kathy Hoschul — a critic of the plan. “Ms. Hochul’s message seems to strike a chord in the district, where the race has become much closer than experts in either party had expected,” the New York Times reported. “A recent Siena College poll of likely voters, for example, indicated that Ms. Corwin and Ms. Hochul are in a tight race. Ms. Corwin leads by only five points, within the poll’s margin of error.” New polling has found the race has tightened further.

PUBLIC OPPOSITION GROWS: The GOP’s effort to present itself as eager to compromise with Democrats represents a change in tone and a departure from how Ryan himself has characterized the budget in town halls across Wisconsin and to national audiences. Speaking to ABC’s Christiane Amanpour last week, Ryan said that if Republicans don’t push boldly forward with his proposal, they deserve to be voted out of office. “Look, literally, Christiane, if all we fear about is our political careers, then we have no business having these jobs. If you want to be good at these jobs, you’ve got to be willing to lose the job.” And while Ryan did find a good deal of support at many of his town hall meetings, the Congressman was also routinely challenged by his constituents on his plan to lower tax cuts for the rich and transform Medicare into a “premium support” system in which seniors received a pre-determined sum of dollars to purchase health coverage from private insurers. Wisconsinites pressed Ryan on why the money used to extend the Bush tax cuts wasn’t being applied to the deficit, why their children would not receive the same guaranteed Medicare benefits they’ve enjoyed, and why the government’s “premium support” did not keep up with medical inflation. A recent Quinnipiac University poll found that this attitude is reflective of the national mood. “More than twice as many voters oppose efforts to change Medicare than those who favor limiting benefits,” the poll found. Even after being told that told that “Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid and defense comprise 60 percent of the federal budget,” 70 percent of voters said they were against reducing benefits while just 27 percent supported it.

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

01/26/2011 Nativegrl77

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

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

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

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

Votes:

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

Agreed to: 97-0

Unanimous Consent:

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

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

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 26, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 26, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:56 P.M. –

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

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Ms. Chu moved that the House do now adjourn.

2:25 P.M. –

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

2:24 P.M. –

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

2:23 P.M. –

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

2:17 P.M. –

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

2:16 P.M. –

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

2:15 P.M. –

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

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

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

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

2:14 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 62:

electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 359:

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

2:13 P.M. –

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

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

2:05 P.M. –

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

1:49 P.M. –

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

1:40 P.M. –

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

1:36 P.M. –

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

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

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

1:35 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

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

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

1:11 P.M. –

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

1:08 P.M. –

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

1:01 P.M. –

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

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

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

1:00 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the Moore amendment was withdrawn.

12:58 P.M. –

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

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

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

12:57 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the Tsongas amendment was withdrawn.

12:54 P.M. –

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

Amendment offered by Ms. Tsongas.

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

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

12:48 P.M. –

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

Amendment offered by Ms. Castor (FL).

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

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

12:44 P.M. –

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

Amendment offered by Mr. Peters.

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

11:44 A.M. –

The Committee of the Whole resumed its sitting.

11:43 A.M. –

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

H.R. 359:

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

11:42 A.M. –

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

11:35 A.M. –

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

11:34 A.M. –

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

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

11:33 A.M. –

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

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

H. Res. 54:

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

11:31 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

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

10:15 A.M. –

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

Considered as privileged matter.

10:02 A.M. –

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

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

10:01 A.M. –

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