Tag Archives: United States Senate

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Congress: the House controlled by Republicans – the Senate considers S.2230.Fair Share Act,S.2204,Repeal Big Oil


the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET March 28, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.2230, the Paying A Fair Share Act with the first hour equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act during Tuesday’s session. The filing deadline for first degree amendments to S.2204 is 11:00am on Wednesday.
  • At 5:00pm, the Senate proceed to Executive Session to consider the following:

The two votes originally scheduled for 6pm will now occur at 5:30pm.

By consent at 4:30pm today, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session with 1 hour for debate prior to a series of 2 roll call votes. As a result, senators should expect 2 roll call votes to begin at 5:30pm on confirmation of the following nominations:

–Executive Calendar #464, Miranda Du, of NV, to be US District Judge for the District of Nevada; and

–Executive Calendar #497, Susie Morgan, of LA, to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana

5:33 pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #464, Miranda Du, of NV, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada; Confirmed: 59-39

5:58pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #487, Susie Morgan, of LA, to be United State District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana; Confirmed: 96-1

There will be no further roll call votes this evening.

The filing deadline for 2nd degree amendments to S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act is 10:30am on Thursday, March 29th. 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.

At approximately 11:30am on Thursday, March 29th, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act.

Wrap Up

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #464, Miranda Du, of NV, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada; Confirmed: 59-39

2)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #487, Susie Morgan, of LA, to be United State District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana; Confirmed: 96-1

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.408, supporting the goals and ideals of “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day”.

Adopted S.Res.409, designating April 2012 as “Financial Literacy Month”.

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.4014, a bill to amend the Federal Deposit Insurance Act with respect to information provided to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. (Republican request)

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.2779, a bill to exempt inter-affiliate swaps from certain regulatory requirements put in place by Dodd-Frank. (Republican request)

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.2682, a bill to provide end user exemptions from certain provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. (Republican request)

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 28, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on March 29, 2012.10:29:53 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.10:29:45 P.M. -Mr. Yoder moved that the House do now adjourn.10:28:23 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H. Con. Res. 112 as unfinished business.10:28:10 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.10:27:34 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112Mr. McClintock moved that the Committee rise.10:27:11 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Honda (CA) substitute amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Honda (CA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.9:49:16 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 597, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on the Honda amendment in the nature of a substitute.9:49:04 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Honda,   numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-423 consisting of the Congressional Progressive Caucus alternative to provide for deficit reduction and job creation that protects the social safety net.9:47:52 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.9:47:40 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112Considered as unfinished business. H. Con. Res. 112 — “Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2013 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2014 through 2022.”9:46:46 P.M. -Mr. Webster filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 600.9:46:10 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H. Con. Res. 112 as unfinished business.9:45:57 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.9:45:29 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112Mr. Ryan (WI) moved that the Committee rise.9:45:07 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112On agreeing to the Cooper amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 38 – 382, 2 Present (Roll no. 145).9:38:09 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112On agreeing to the Cleaver amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 107 – 314 (Roll no. 144).9:31:00 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112On agreeing to the Mulvaney amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 0 – 414 (Roll no. 143).9:07:11 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.9:06:53 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cooper (TN) substitute amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Cooper (TN) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.8:39:51 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 597, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Cooper (TN) amendment in the nature of a substitute.8:39:39 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Cooper,   numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-423 to utilize Simpson-Bowles recommendations for establishment of the budget for FY 2013 and to set forth the appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2014 through FY 2022.8:38:39 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cleaver (MO) substitute amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Cleaver (MO) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.8:05:09 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 597, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on the Cleaver (MO) amendment in the nature of a substitute.8:05:01 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Cleaver,   numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-423 to make investments in education, job training, transportation and infrastructure, that will accelerate the economic recovery and would protect the social safety net without cutting Social Security, Medicaid or Medicare and close certain corporate tax loopholes and preferences, saving trillions of dollars on the deficit over the next decade.8:04:45 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Mulvaney (SC) substitute amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Mulvaney (SC) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.7:42:17 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 597, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Mulvaney amendment in the nature of a substitute.7:42:07 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Mulvaney,   numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-423 to strike the text of the bill and insert President Obama’s budget proposal as scored by CBO.2:55:44 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with four hours of general debate on H. Con. Res. 112.2:55:31 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112The Speaker designated the Honorable John Kline to act as Chairman of the Committee.2:55:28 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 597 and Rule XVIII.2:55:14 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112Rule provides for consideration of H. Con. Res. 112 with 4 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The first reading of the concurrent resolution shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the concurrent resolution are waived. No amendment shall be in order except those printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. Each amendment may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, and shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. All points of order against such amendments are waived except that the adoption of an amendment in the nature of a substitute shall constitute the conclusion of consideration of the concurrent resolution for amendment. It shall be in order at any time on the   …2:55:09 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 112Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 597. H. Con. Res. 112 — “Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2013 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2014 through 2022.”2:54:34 P.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 300 – 111, 4 Present (Roll no. 142).2:47:37 P.M. -H.R. 1339The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.2:47:31 P.M. -H.R. 1339Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:47:30 P.M. -H.R. 1339On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 413 – 6, 4 Present (Roll no. 141).2:40:25 P.M. -H.R. 1339Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1339 — “To amend title 32, United States Code, the body of laws of the United States dealing with the National Guard, to recognize the City of Salem, Massachusetts, as the Birthplace of the National Guard of the United States.”2:40:08 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to suspend the rules, and on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal, both of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.2:39:57 P.M. -H. Res. 597Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:39:56 P.M. -H. Res. 597On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 241 – 184 (Roll no. 140).2:24:38 P.M. -H. Res. 597On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 235 – 183 (Roll no. 139).12:56:00 P.M. -H. Res. 597DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 597.12:52:54 P.M. -H. Res. 597Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 597 — “Providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 112) establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2013 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2014 through 2022, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.”12:52:16 P.M. -The House received a communication from Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Haas notified the House that she had been served with a subpoena for documents issued by the Superior Court for the State of California, North Valley District in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that because the subpoena was not “material and relevant”, compliance with the subpoena was inconsistent with the privileges and precedents of the House.12:51:42 P.M. -H.R. 1339At 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.12:42:16 P.M. -H.R. 1339DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1339.12:42:14 P.M. -H.R. 1339Considered under suspension of the rules.12:42:00 P.M. -H.R. 1339Mr. Platts moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1339 — “To amend title 32, United States Code, the body of laws of the United States dealing with the National Guard, to recognize the City of Salem, Massachusetts, as the Birthplace of the National Guard of the United States.”12:41:40 P.M. -Mr. Platts asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on March 29. Agreed to without objection.12:40:44 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until later in the legislative day.12:05:12 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.12:03:16 P.M. -The Chair recognized Mr. Aderholt for one minute for the purpose of introducing the guest Chaplain.12:03:04 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Reyes to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:02:49 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. Cohen 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. Cohen objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.12:00:43 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dennis Culbreth, First Baptist Church, Jasper, Alabama.12:00:34 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 28.10:41:25 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:21:24 A.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded resumed with Morning-Hour Debate.10:21:23 A.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to return the papers on H.R. 5.10:00:52 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 Gregg Harper to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:12 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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AFL – CIO: Workers in the construction and transportation sectors urgently need jobs


 

 

URGENT
If Speaker John Boehner and his obstructionist friends in the House of Representatives don’t pass the Senate’s bipartisan surface transportation bill by March 31, thousands of construction and transportation workers—who already have an unemployment rate of 17 percent—will be out of work.Demand a bipartisan surface transportation bill now!
   


It’s staggering. More than 17 percent of construction trades workers are looking for jobs. (And in some areas of the country, it’s 20 percent, 30 percent or more.)

Meanwhile, 68,842 American bridges are deficient. More than 282 million vehicles cross those bridges every day. And many public transit systems have serious problems and are in need of critical upgrades.

Workers in the construction and transportation sectors urgently need jobs. And there’s tons of work to be done to fix our crumbling infrastructure and ensure public safety. But obstructionists in the House of Representatives—led by House Speaker John Boehner—are refusing to pass the Senate’s bipartisan surface transportation bill.

Tell House Speaker John Boehner and GOP leadership: Pass the Senate’s bipartisan surface transportation bill now.

The Senate already has done its job. A supermajority—74 out of 100 senators—came together to pass a bipartisan surface transportation bill. This two-year, $109 billion funding bill will support millions of jobs and help build and maintain safe and strong highways, roads, bridges and transit systems.

But Speaker Boehner and other House GOP leaders are holding jobs and public safety hostage while they push an extreme, partisan agenda. Their proposed legislation guts transit funding, privatizes public-sector work to reward campaign donors, kills thousands of jobs and raids the pensions of federal workers.

Although the economy is slowly getting better, construction and transportation workers cannot afford to go without work while House Republican leaders engage in power grabs.

Tell Speaker Boehner and GOP obstructionists: Stop holding jobs and public safety hostage—pass the Senate’s bipartisan surface transportation bill immediately.

Thanks for all the work you do.

In Solidarity,

Manny Herrmann
Online Mobilization Coordinator, AFL-CIO
Black History

Congress: the House, led by Republicans – the Senate, Dems considers S.2204,Repeal Big Oil Tax


the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET March 27, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act, post-cloture.  By unanimous consent, all time during adjournment, recess and morning business will count post-cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2204.
  • At 12:30pm, the Senate will recess subject to the call of the Chair to accommodate the weekly caucus meetings and the official photograph of the 112th Congress.
  • We hope to begin consideration of S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act during Tuesday’s session.

The Senate has reached an agreement that results 1 roll call vote beginning at 3:30pm today. The agreement is as follows:

The time until 3:30pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. At 3:30pm, the Senate will adopt the motion to proceed to S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies bill. We will then proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill.

3:45pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill; Not Invoked: 51-46

Senator Reid changed his vote to no and entered a motion to reconsider the failed cloture vote.

 The Senate then resumed consideration of S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies bill. Senator Reid then filled the amendment tree and filed cloture on the bill. We expect the cloture vote on the bill to occur Thursday.

 Senator Reid then moved to proceed to Legislative Calendar #339, S.2230, the Paying a Fair Share Act (Buffet Rule).

This afternoon, Senator DeMint asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass Legislative Calendar #336, S.2191, a bill to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to prohibit the Attorney General from administering or enforcing certain accessibility regulations relating to pools at public accommodations or provided by public entities.

Senator Harkin objected to the request.

Senator Reid asked unanimous consent that the Foreign Relations Committee be discharged from further consideration of H.R.1905, the Iran Threat Reduction Act, and the Senate proceed to its consideration; that all after the enacting clause be stricken and a substitute amendment, which includes the text of Calendar #320, S.2101, the Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Human Rights Act, as reported by the Banking Committee, be inserted in lieu thereof; that the bill, as amended, be read a third time and passed; and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Senator Paul objected to the request.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 27, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

 . -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.6:38:34 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.6:36:10 P.M. -Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 597.6:35:54 P.M. -H.R. 3309Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:35:53 P.M. -H.R. 3309On passage Passed by recorded vote: 247 – 174 (Roll no. 138).6:29:56 P.M. -H.R. 3309On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 184 – 236 (Roll no. 137).6:12:59 P.M. -H.R. 3309The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.6:03:49 P.M. -H.R. 3309Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Perlmutter 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 prohibit the underlying bill from limiting the ability of the FCC to adopt a rule or amend an existing rule to protect online privacy including requirements that prohibit licensees or regulated entities from mandating that job applicants or employees disclose confidential passwords to social networking sites.6:03:25 P.M. -H.R. 3309Mr. Perlmutter moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.6:02:30 P.M. -H.R. 3309The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.6:02:10 P.M. -H.R. 3309The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.6:01:22 P.M. -H.R. 3309The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 3309.6:01:14 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Owens amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 194 – 222 (Roll no. 136).5:57:04 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Eshoo amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 179 – 238 (Roll no. 135).5:52:39 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Crowley amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 196 – 219 (Roll no. 134).5:24:24 P.M. -H.R. 3309UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.5:23:12 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Eshoo amendment; as modified Agreed to by voice vote.5:22:59 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Eshoo amendment No. 10, as modified.5:22:17 P.M. -H.R. 3309Eshoo amendment; modified by unanimous consent. Amendment inserts a new section regarding communications of first responders.5:21:45 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Ms. Eshoo, numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-422 to express that nothing in this Act shall impede the FCC from providing efficient and effective communication systems for state and local first responders.5:17:57 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Speier amendment; Failed by voice vote.5:10:56 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Speier amendment No. 9.5:10:52 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Ms. Speier, numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-422 to prevent this Act from taking effect until the FCC provides a report on the impact of the changes of this Act on the FCC’s mandate to promote competition and innovation.5:10:33 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Green, Al amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.5:09:37 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Green, Al (TX) amendment No. 8.5:09:34 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Mr. Green, Al, numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-422 to clarify that the Act would not impede the FCC’s ability to provide in times of an emergency, for effective and efficient communication systems to alert the public of dangerous weather conditions.5:08:27 P.M. -H.R. 3309POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Owens amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Owens demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.5:02:03 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Owens amendment No. 7.5:01:59 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Mr. Owens, numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-422 to express that nothing in this Act shall impede the FCC from implementing rules to ensure broadband access in rural areas.5:01:48 P.M. -H.R. 3309On agreeing to the Walden amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.4:58:26 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Walden amendment No. 6.4:58:23 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Mr. Walden, numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-422 to make the FCC’s handling of FOIA requests more open and transparent.4:57:32 P.M. -H.R. 3309POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Eshoo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Eshoo demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:47:43 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Eshoo amendment No. 5.4:47:19 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Ms. Eshoo, numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-422 to require entities sponsoring political programming to disclose the identity of any donor that has contributed $10,000 or more to such entity in an election reporting cycle.4:44:47 P.M. -H.R. 3309POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Crowley amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Crowley demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:39:33 P.M. -H.R. 3309DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 595, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Crowley amendment No. 1.4:39:30 P.M. -H.R. 3309An amendment, offered by Mr. Crowley, numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-422 to require, in the event that the FCC creates or amends a rule relating to baby monitors, the FCC to require the packaging of a new baby monitor to display a warning label so that families are informed that video and sounds captured by an analog baby monitor may be easily viewed or heard by potential intruders outside a consumer’s home.3:32:41 P.M. -H.R. 3309GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3309.3:32:12 P.M. -H.R. 3309The Speaker designated the Honorable Adam Kinzinger to act as Chairman of the Committee.3:32:09 P.M. -H.R. 3309House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 595 and Rule XVIII.3:29:50 P.M. -H.R. 3309Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3309 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 the bill. The resolution waives all points of order against amendment printed in the report.3:29:45 P.M. -H.R. 3309Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 595. H.R. 3309 — “To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for greater transparency and efficiency in the procedures followed by the Federal Communications Commission.”3:29:11 P.M. -H.R. 4239At 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.2:35:39 P.M. -H.R. 4239DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4239.2:35:37 P.M. -H.R. 4239Considered under suspension of the rules.2:35:24 P.M. -H.R. 4239Mr. Mica moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4239 — “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.”2:32:17 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.2:26:25 P.M. -POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE – Mrs. Maloney rose to a point of personal privilege. The Chair announced that it had been made aware of a basis for the point of personal privilege and recognized Mrs. Maloney to proceed for up to one hour on her point of personal privilege.2:24:44 P.M. -H.R. 3298Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:24:43 P.M. -H.R. 3298On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 414 – 5 (Roll no. 133).2:16:30 P.M. -H.R. 3298Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3298 — “To establish the position of Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and for other purposes.”2:16:06 P.M. -H.R. 3606Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:16:05 P.M. -H.R. 3606On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 380 – 41 (Roll no. 132).2:09:13 P.M. -H. Res. 595Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:09:10 P.M. -H. Res. 595On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 242 – 177 (Roll no. 131).2:01:14 P.M. -MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in remembrance of our brave men and women in uniform who have given their lives in the service of our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, and all who serve in our armed forces and their families.2:00:21 P.M. -H. Res. 595On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 236 – 182 (Roll no. 130).1:10:19 P.M. -H. Res. 595DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 595.1:07:37 P.M. -H. Res. 595Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 595 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3309) to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for greater transparency and efficiency in the procedures followed by the Federal Communications Commission.”1:07:05 P.M. -H. Res. 596Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:07:00 P.M. -H. Res. 596On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.1:06:33 P.M. -H. Res. 596Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 596 — “Requesting return of official papers on H.R. 5.”1:05:44 P.M. -H.R. 3606At 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.12:29:18 P.M. -H.R. 3606DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 3606.12:29:00 P.M. -H.R. 3606Mr. Bachus moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.12:28:27 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.12:27:37 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 March 27, 2012 at 9:15 a.m. stating that that body had agreed to H. Con. Res. 108 without amendment and had made appointments to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.12:02:28 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.12:02:04 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. McHenry to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:01:56 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:00:38 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:32 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 27.10:54:17 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:48:29 A.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House resumed with Morning-Hour Debate.10:47:33 A.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 3606 with an amendment. The Senate also agreed to the House amendment to S. 2038. The Senate made appointments to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.10:01:07 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.10:00:19 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Erik Paulsen to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:08 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress:the Republican led House continues their assault on Americans – the Senate resume consideration of H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill


featured photo by flossboss

the Senate Convened at 9:30amET March 21, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill.
  • The time from 2:30pm until 3:00pm will be as if in morning business to acknowledge the milestone reached by Senator Mikulski as the longest serving woman in Congress.

Following morning business (approx. 10:40am), the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3606, the IPO bill, and immediately proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the bill.

Under the previous order, if cloture is invoked time would run as if cloture were invoked at 12:00 noon yesterday.

10:44am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3606, the IPO bill; Invoked: 76-22

The following amendments are pending to H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill:

The following amendments have been considered to H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill:

The Reed (RI)-Landrieu-Levin amendment #1833 (substitute) and Cantwell amendment #1836 (Export Import Bank Reauthorization fell on a point of order that the amendments were not germane post-cloture.

Senator Reid then offered Merkley-Bennet et al amendment #1884 (crowdfunded securities) and Reed (RI) amendment #1931 (relating to the definition of the term “held of record”).

Under the previous order, the 30 hours of post-cloture debate time began counting as if cloture had been invoked at 12:00noon yesterday. If all time is used, cloture would expire at 6pm today, however, time may be yielded back and we could have 3 votes as early as 4pm.

Senator Durbin asked unanimous consent to pass Executive Calendar #319, S.1945, to permit the televising of Supreme Court proceedings. Senator Sessions then objected to the request.

Senator Sessions then asked unanimous consent to pass Executive Calendar #247, S.671, Finding Fugitive Sex Offenders Act, with a committee-reported amendment.

Senator Durbin then asked Senator Sessions to modify his request to pass S.671 and to include the following bills:

– Executive Calendar #246, S.1792, the Strengthening Investigations of Sex Offenders and Missing Children Act

– Executive Calendar #233, S.1793, the Investigative Assistant for Violent Crimes Act and

– Discharge Judiciary and Pass S.1669, the Dale Long Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvements Act, with a substitute amendment

Senator Sessions objected to Senator Durbin’s modification; subsequently Senator Durbin objected to Senator Sessions’ original request.

At approximately 12:30pm on Thursday, March 21st, there will be a series of up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the following:

  • Reed amendment #1931 (regarding the definition of “held of record” to the Merkley amendment #1884 to H.R.3606
  • Merkley amendment #1884, (CROWDFUND Act) as amended, if amended
  • Passage of H.R.3606, as amended, if amended
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to S.2038, the STOCK Act (if cloture is invoked, the motion to concur will be agreed to by unanimous consent)
  • Confirmation of Executive Calendar #441, the nomination of David Nuffer, of UT, to be US District Judge for the District of Utah
  • Confirmation of Executive Calendar #462, the nomination of Ronnie Abrams, of NY, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York
  • Confirmation of Executive Calendar #463, the nomination of Rudolph Contreras, of VA, to be US District Judge for the District of Columbia.

There will be 2 minutes of debate prior to the votes on the Reed amendment, the Merkley amendment, passage of H.R.3606 and confirmation of the Nuffer nomination; there will be 4 minutes of debate prior to the cloture vote on the motion to concur with respect to the STOCK Act. We expect to order all votes after the first vote be 10 minutes in duration on Thursday.

The filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to the Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to S.2038, the STOCK Act is 10:30am Thursday. If your Senator has a germane second 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.

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill; Invoked: 75-22

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.403, to authorize testimony, document production, and legal representation in United States v. Richard F. “Dickie” Scruggs.

Discharged the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources from further consideration of H.R.306, Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act, and referred it to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

WRAP UP

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF March 21, 2012

  112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION 

-The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 22, 2012.9:42:16 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.9:42:02 P.M. -Mr. Gingrey (GA) moved that the House do now adjourn.8:45:29 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.8:44:59 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.8:44:07 P.M. -H.R. 5Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5 as unfinished business.8:43:57 P.M. -H.R. 5On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.8:43:44 P.M. -H.R. 5Mr. Smith (TX) moved that the Committee rise.3:06:46 P.M. -H.R. 5GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with six hours of general debate on H.R. 5.3:06:20 P.M. -H.R. 5The Speaker designated the Honorable Lynn A. Westmoreland to act as Chairman of the Committee.3:06:20 P.M. -H.R. 5House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 591 and Rule XVIII.3:05:26 P.M. -H.R. 5Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5 with 6 hours 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 provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 112-18 shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as original text for the purpose of amendment. The resolution waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended.3:05:21 P.M. -H.R. 5Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 591. H.R. 5 — “To improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system.”3:03:50 P.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 308 – 101, 3 Present (Roll no. 121).2:57:22 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the vote on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal which had been postponed from earlier in the day.2:57:21 P.M. -H.R. 886Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:57:20 P.M. -H.R. 886On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 409 – 2, 2 Present (Roll no. 120).2:49:59 P.M. -H. Res. 591Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:49:58 P.M. -H. Res. 591On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 233 – 182, 1 Present (Roll no. 119).2:41:03 P.M. -H. Res. 591On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 231 – 179, 1 Present (Roll no. 118).2:16:33 P.M. -H. Res. 591Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 591 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5) to improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system.”2:16:20 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on ordering the previous question to H. Res. 591 and on a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.2:15:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 21.1:48:56 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.1:48:02 P.M. -H. Res. 591POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 591, the Chair put the question on ordering the previoius question and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hastings (FL) demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.12:49:06 P.M. -H. Res. 591DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 591.12:49:00 P.M. -H. Res. 591Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 591 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5) to improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system.”12:48:16 P.M. -H.R. 886At 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.12:41:35 P.M. -H.R. 886DEBATE – The House proceeded with 40 minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 886.12:41:00 P.M. -H.R. 886Mr. Stivers moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.12:40:00 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until later in the legislative day.12:39:52 P.M. -Mr. Nugent asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on March 22. Agreed to without objection.12:39:24 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 108Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.12:39:22 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 108On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.12:38:51 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 108Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 108 — “Permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.”12:38:41 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 108Mr. Nugent asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.12:02:44 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.12:02:32 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Slaughter to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:02:12 P.M. -POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that she had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Miller (NC) 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. Miller (NC) objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.12:00:16 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Carl Hickerson, Springfield Baptist Church, Washington, DC.12:00:09 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 21.11:21:54 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:43 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.10:00:14 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Renee L. Ellmers to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:03 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress:the Republican led House-Ryan budget plan revised? And a fake JobsAct! — the Senate considers HR3606,the Capital Formation/IPO bill


the Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET March 19, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill.
  • The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to the Reed-Landrieu-Levin-Brown (OH), et al, substitute amendment #1833 and H.R.3630 is 4:00pm on Monday.
  • As previously announced, there will be no roll call votes on Monday.  Senators should expect the next roll call vote on Tuesday, March 20th prior to the weekly caucus meetings.

As a reminder, the filing deadline for first degree amendments to the Reed-Landrieu-Levin-Brown (OH), et al, substitute amendment and #1833, the IPO bill, is at 4:00pm today. If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve her or his right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the Cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may filed it at the desk for you. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Notwithstanding the passage of S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill, the Senate agreed to the Boxer amendment #1903, which is a technical amendment, striking title V of division C with the heading entitled “Research and Innovative Technology Administration Reauthorization Act of 2012”, which was moved to division E.

Discharged the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs from further consideration of S.2076, a bill to improve security at State and local courthouses and referred it to the Judiciary committee.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act. (Menendez)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 19, 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.5:23:34 P.M. -H.R. 3992At 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.5:13:45 P.M. -H.R. 3992DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3992.5:13:41 P.M. -H.R. 3992Considered under suspension of the rules.5:13:26 P.M. -H.R. 3992Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3992 — “To allow otherwise eligible Israeli nationals to receive E-2 nonimmigrant visas if similarly situated United States nationals are eligible for similar nonimmigrant status in Israel.”5:13:12 P.M. -H.R. 4086Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:13:10 P.M. -H.R. 4086On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.5:04:35 P.M. -H.R. 4086DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4086.5:04:32 P.M. -H.R. 4086Considered under suspension of the rules.5:04:16 P.M. -H.R. 4086Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4086 — “To amend chapter 97 of title 28, United States Code, to clarify the exception to foreign sovereign immunity set forth in section 1605(a)(3) of such title.”5:04:04 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.5:03:54 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 19.4:11:33 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. today.4:04:14 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.4:03:51 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Faleomavaega to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.4:03:41 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.4:01:00 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.4:00:00 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.