Tag Archives: United States Senate

Congress: the Republican led House vote on Highway&Mass Transit bill attached XL pipeline – the Senate resumes S.1789 & S.1925


the Senate Convened at 9:30amET April 18, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act with the first hour 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.
  • As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified and on S.1789, the Postal Reform bill on Tuesday. If no agreement is reached, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur Thursday morning.
  • The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified and to S.1789 is 1:00pm on Wednesday.

At 2:15pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified.  If cloture is not invoked, there will be a 2nd roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1789, the Postal Reform bill.

We continue to work on an agreement regarding amendments to the Postal Reform bill and will notify Senators if such an agreement is reached.

The filing deadline for 2nd degree amendments to the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified and to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill is 11:00am on Thursday. If your Senator has a germane 2nd degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her ability to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline.  If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged Judiciary and adopted S.Res.406, a resolution commending the achievements and recognizing the importance of the Alliance to Save Energy on the 35th anniversary of the incorporation of the Alliance.

Adopted S.Res.425, designating April 23, 2012, as “National Adopt a Library Day”.

Adopted S.Res.426, congratulating the Lady Bears of Baylor University on winning the 2012 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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the Republican led House plans to cut Military Food Stamps from Budget

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 18, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.5:08:44 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.5:08:16 P.M. -The House received a communication from the Honorable James P. McGovern, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. McGovern notified the House that he had been served with a subponea for testimony issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Industrial Accidents and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that because the subpoena is not “material and relevant”, compliance with the subpoena is inconsistent with the privileges and precedents of the House.5:07:34 P.M. -Mr. Gibson asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on April 19. Agreed to without objection.5:07:07 P.M. -H.R. 2453Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:07:06 P.M. -H.R. 2453On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 408 – 4, 2 Present (Roll no. 171).4:59:41 P.M. -H.R. 2453Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2453 — “To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of Mark Twain.”4:59:37 P.M. -H.R. 4348Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:59:37 P.M. -H.R. 4348On passage Passed by recorded vote: 293 – 127 (Roll no. 170).4:49:23 P.M. -H.R. 4348On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 176 – 242 (Roll no. 169).4:32:11 P.M. -H.R. 4348The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.4:22:08 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis 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 prohibit the use of Highway Trust Fund revenues from being used for the construction of highways in foreign countries, and rescinds over $12 million in funds available for a road in Canada. It would also eliminate a $3.7 billion corridor earmark under the Appalachian Development Highway System program.4:21:47 P.M. -H.R. 4348Mr. Polis moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.4:20:59 P.M. -H.R. 4348The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.4:20:47 P.M. -H.R. 4348The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.4:20:04 P.M. -H.R. 4348The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 4348.4:19:58 P.M. -H.R. 4348On agreeing to the Ribble amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 255 – 165 (Roll no. 168).3:51:00 P.M. -H.R. 4348UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of the Ribble amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.3:50:43 P.M. -H.R. 4348On agreeing to the McKinley amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.3:37:50 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McKinley amendment.3:37:48 P.M. -H.R. 4348An amendment, offered by Mr. McKinley,  numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-446 to insert the text of H.R. 2273, Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act. Would leave regulation and enforcement of coal combustion residuals to the states, and utilize the existing framework and requirements of federal regulatory programs for those states to follow.3:37:03 P.M. -H.R. 4348POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ribble amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Rahall demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:25:06 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ribble amendment.3:25:04 P.M. -H.R. 4348An amendment, offered by Mr. Ribble,  numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-446 to add to the bill the environmental streamlining provisions from Title III of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (H.R. 7).3:24:37 P.M. -H.R. 4348On agreeing to the Boustany amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.3:07:58 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Boustany amendment.3:07:56 P.M. -H.R. 4348An amendment, offered by Mr. Boustany,  numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-446 to include a guarantee that requires that the total amount available for spending from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) each fiscal year be equal to the Trust Fund receipts as estimated by the President’s budget for that year.1:55:12 P.M. -H.R. 4348GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 4348.1:55:01 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker designated the Honorable Lynn A. Westmoreland to act as Chairman of the Committee.1:55:00 P.M. -H.R. 4348House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 619 and Rule XVIII.1:54:46 P.M. -H.R. 4348Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4348 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill, and provisions in the bill. The resolution waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report.1:54:41 P.M. -H.R. 4348Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 619. H.R. 4348 — “To provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment of a multiyear law reauthorizing such programs, and for other purposes.”1:54:26 P.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 295 – 118, 2 Present (Roll no. 167).1:48:00 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal on which the yeas and nays had been demanded and on which further proceedings had been postponed.1:47:44 P.M. -H. Res. 619Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:47:43 P.M. -H. Res. 619On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 246 – 177 (Roll no. 166).1:40:25 P.M. -H. Res. 619On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 – 180 (Roll no. 165).12:28:21 P.M. -H. Res. 619DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 619.12:26:21 P.M. -H. Res. 619Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 619 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4348) to provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment of a multiyear law reauthorizing such programs, and for other purposes.”12:04:18 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.12:04:10 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Lankford to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:03:07 P.M. -POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Wilson (SC) 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. Wilson (SC) demanded the yeas and nays 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.12:02:14 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:11 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 18.10:46:05 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:58 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.10:00:29 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:13 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress:the Republican led House – Tell members of Congress the Buffett/Reagan Rule is about Fair Share – the Senate


the Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET April 16, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.2230, the Paying a Fair Share Act.
  • As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.2230, the Paying a Fair Share Act on Thursday, March 29th.
  • At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #460, Stephanie Dawn Thacker, of WV, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit with up to 60 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
  • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Thacker nomination. There will then be a 2nd roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2230, the Paying a Fair Share Act.
  • If the House does not adopt S.Con.Res.38, the adjournment resolution, the Senate will also meet on the following dates at the following times in pro forma sessions only, with no business conducted

The Senate will recess from 3:30-4:30pm for a members only briefing on national security issues.

5:31pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Stephanie Dawn Thacker, of WV, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit; Confirmed: 91-3

6:06pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2230, the Paying a Fair Share Act

6:06pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2230, the Paying a Fair Share Act; Not Invoked: 51-45

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Confirmation of the nomination of Stephanie Dawn Thacker, of West Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit; Confirmed: 91-3

2) Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2230, the Paying a Fair Share Act; Not Invoked: 51-45

No LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

2012 Calendar – 112th Congress, Second Session

ConveneJanuary 23, 2012 (Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday January 16)

4 weeks

February 20 – 24 State Work Period (Presidents’ Day February 20)

5 weeks

March 5- NO VOTE (Monday)

March 12 – NO VOTE (Monday)

March 19 – NO VOTE (Monday)

April 2 – April 13 State Work Period (Passover April 6-7; Good Friday April 6; Easter April 8)

2 weeks

April 30 – May 4 State Work Period

3 weeks

May 28 – June 1 State Work Period (Memorial Day May 28)

4 weeks

July 2 – July 6 State Work Period (Independence Day July 4)

4 weeks

August 6 – September 7 State Work Period (Labor Day September 3)

Target adjournment – TBD

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 16, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.5:10:26 P.M. -H.R. 2453At 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.4:58:29 P.M. -H.R. 2453DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2453.4:58:27 P.M. -H.R. 2453Considered under suspension of the rules.4:58:18 P.M. -H.R. 2453Mr. Luetkemeyer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2453 — “To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of Mark Twain.”4:57:50 P.M. -H.R. 4040At 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.4:38:16 P.M. -H.R. 4040DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4040.4:38:14 P.M. -H.R. 4040Considered under suspension of the rules.4:38:03 P.M. -H.R. 4040Mr. Luetkemeyer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4040 — “To provide for the award of a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Jack Nicklaus in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship in golf.”4:37:37 P.M. -H.R. 1815At 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.4:19:46 P.M. -H.R. 1815DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1815.4:19:45 P.M. -H.R. 1815Considered under suspension of the rules.4:19:00 P.M. -H.R. 1815Mr. Luetkemeyer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1815 — “To posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Lena Horne in recognition of her achievements and contributions to American culture and the civil rights movement.”4:18:37 P.M. -H.R. 3001At 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.4:01:53 P.M. -H.R. 3001DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3001.4:01:51 P.M. -H.R. 3001Considered under suspension of the rules.4:01:20 P.M. -H.R. 3001Mr. Luetkemeyer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3001 — “To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Raoul Wallenberg, in recognition of his achievements and heroic actions during the Holocaust.”4:00:57 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:00:50 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 16.2:10:06 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. today.2:02:32 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:09 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Kinzinger of IL to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:02:05 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:00:39 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:29 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.2:00:16 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress: the Republican led House – continues the War on Women,Seniors,our College Students,Voter and Worker Rights – Both Chambers back on 4/16 – the Senate resumes S.2240 & S.2230


the Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET April 16, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.2240, the Paying a Fair Share Act.
  • As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.2230, the Paying a Fair Share Act on Thursday, March 29th.
  • At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #460, Stephanie Dawn Thacker, of WV, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit with up to 60 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
  • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Thacker nomination. There will then be a 2nd roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2230, the Paying a Fair Share Act.
  • If the House does not adopt S.Con.Res.38, the adjournment resolution, the Senate will also meet on the following dates at the following times in pro forma sessions only, with no business conducted:
  • Monday, April 2nd at 2:00pm
  • Thursday, April 5th at 11:00am
  • Monday, April 9th at 10:00am
  • Thursday, April 12th at 2:00pm

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The next meeting in the HOUSE is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on April 16, 2012.

Congress: the Republican led House continues to pass bills that will go no where,wasting taxpayer $$$ – Senate Convenes Monday,4/16/2012


the Senate Convenes: 2:00pm April 16, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.2240, the Paying a Fair Share Act.
  • As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.2230, the Paying a Fair Share Act on Thursday, March 29th.
  • At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #460, Stephanie Dawn Thacker, of WV, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit with up to 60 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
  • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Thacker nomination.  There will then be a 2nd roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2230, the Paying a Fair Share Act.
  • If the House does not adopt S.Con.Res.38, the adjournment resolution, the Senate will also meet on the following dates at the following times in pro forma sessions only, with no business conducted:
  • Monday, April 2nd at 2:00pm
  • Thursday, April 5th at 11:00am
  • Monday, April 9th at 10:00am
  • Thursday, April 12th at 2:00pm

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Tell Republicans Compromise is NOT a dirty word

 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGSLEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 30, 2012 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION en-usPursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.Fri, 30 Mar 2012 23:00:03 EDTYes11:08:36 A.M. -The House adjourned pursuant to S. Con. Res. 38. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on April 16, 2012.11:08:35 A.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.11:08:19 A.M. -Mr. Dreier moved that the House do now adjourn.11:07:01 A.M. -COMMITTEE FILING AUTHORITY – Mr. Dreier asked unanimous consent that all committees have until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2012, to file reports to accompany measures. Agreed to without objection.11:06:52 A.M. -S. Con. Res. 38Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.11:06:48 A.M. -S. Con. Res. 38On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.11:05:03 A.M. -S. Con. Res. 38Considered as privileged matter. S. Con. Res. 38 — “Providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives.”11:03:46 A.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 38 and passed H.R. 2297 with an amendment.11:03:10 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Dreier to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.11:03:04 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.11:01:09 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Barry Black, Chaplain, United States Senate, Washington DC.11:00:38 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Jeff Denham to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.11:00:25 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

a message from Senator Patty Murray


Click here to contribute.

 

You know what keeps me awake at night?

The GOP‘s war on women.

We’ve got so many things we need to focus on right now in the Senate — jobs, boosting the economy, and  rebuilding our nation’s roads and bridges.

But the Republicans don’t care about any of that. They’re focused solely on turning back the clock to the 1950s when it comes to women’s rights. And it needs to stop.

We’ve held the line for now — but there’s surely more to come. Please contribute $5 to help me fight even harder in the months to come.

Despite our successes stopping the Blunt amendment and a number of other harsh political attacks directed at women, we’re already looking at difficult fights ahead:

  • We need to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act
  • The House GOP’s budget includes radical changes to Medicare that will disproportionately harm women
  • The version of the draconian Blunt amendment in the House which has over 200 sponsors may return to the Senate
  • Every day we’re seeing more and more reprehensible attacks on women’s health in states across the country

We shouldn’t have to focus on these kinds of assaults on our basic rights — but they’re giving us no choice.

And, with your support, I’m going to keep fighting tooth-and-nail to stop them from gutting decades of progress on women’s health.

Please contribute $5 now to help me do just that.

I can’t wait until this is over and we can get back to creating jobs and boosting the economy — but I’m glad that you’re right there with me.

Thanks again,


Patty Murray
U.S. Senator