Tag Archives: United States Senate

Congress: the Senate in pro forma and the Republican led House …a political party in conflict


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The Senate will convene for pro forma sessions only, with no business conducted on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 11:00am

Friday, December 23, 2011 at 9:30am

Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 12:00pm

Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11:00am

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 12:00pm, during which the 2nd Session of the 112th Congress will convene

Friday, January 6, 2012 at 11:00am

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 11:00am

Friday, January 13, 2012 at 12:00pm

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 10:15am

Friday, January 20, 2012 at 2:00pm

When the Senate adjourns on Friday, January 20th, it will adjourn until Monday, January 23rd at 2:00pm. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #438, John M. Gerrard, of Nebraska, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nebraska with up to 90 minutes of debate, 60 minutes equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley, or their designees and 30 minutes under the control of Senator Sessions or his designee.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Gerrard nomination.

As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the Reid motion to proceed to Calendar #70, S.968, a bill to prevent online threats to economic creativity and theft of intellectual property and for other purposes on Saturday, December 17th. By unanimous consent, this roll call vote will be at 2:15pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 21, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION 

 -The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to section 3(b)of H. Res. 493. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 23, 2011.10:02:49 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Van Hollen to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.10:02:43 A.M. -JOURNAL APPROVED – The Chair announced that pursuant to section 3(a) of H. Res. 493, the Journal of the last days’s proceedings was approved.10:01:28 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Rev. Michael Wilker, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, Washington, DC.10:01:00 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael G. Fitzpatrick to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:46 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

temper tantrum on Capitol Hill … AFL – CIO


I just got a message from our Government Affairs director, Bill Samuel, telling me about a temper tantrumon Capitol Hill.It’s flat-out heartless for lawmakers to go home and enjoy the holidays, while their political posturing causes millions of families across America to suffer anxiety and heartbreak. But House Speaker John Boehner is threatening to do just that.

He says he’ll block unemployment aid and raise taxes on working families—even though 89 senators from both sides of the aisle already voted to extend the aid and keep the tax cut in place.

Failing to extend emergency unemployment aid and middle-class tax cuts is cruel and wrong. Cruel because it takes away a lifeline for families that need it. Wrong because it delivers two massive blows to our fragile economy.

I need you to stop what you’re doing, pick up the phone and dial 1-888-245-3381. Tell the person who answers the phone: “Please pass the Senate’s bill to extend unemployment aid and middle-class tax cuts immediately.”

You can also call House Speaker John Boehner at 202-225-0600. Tell him, “ You and your Tea Party supporters can’t keep hurting the American people just so you can get what you want. Stop this temper tantrum and pass the Senate’s bipartisan bill to extend unemployment aid and middle-class tax cuts now.”

If you want to learn more about the deal, keep reading. I’m forwarding a message from Bill. But the most important thing is for you to pick up the phone, right now.
—–Original Message—–

From: Bill Samuel
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 10:40 AM
To: Richard L. Trumka
Subject: Temper Tantrum on Capitol Hill

Rich,

As I mentioned this weekend, the Senate passed a bipartisan deal with 89 votes to keep emergency unemployment benefits going for two months and extend middle-class tax cuts.

This was not just a bipartisan deal–it passed with an overwhelming super-majority.

This two-month extension seemed like a done deal. But this morning, we got word that John Boehner and his Tea Party friends are threatening to blow up the whole thing. The Senate has already left town. This is really bad.

The only thing that might be able to save emergency unemployment and middle-class tax cuts is a flood of phone calls from outraged constituents. Can you ask our activists to make emergency phone calls today?

The toll-free number we need people to call today is 1-888-245-3381. People should demand their representative pass the Senate’s bipartisan bill to extend unemployment aid and tax cuts for working families.

They can also call House Speaker John Boehner and tell him the same thing. His number is 202-225-0600.

A House vote is expected as early as 6:30 p.m. eastern time tonight, but people should keep calling in and spreading the word to friends and family in case the vote gets delayed.

I wish I had better news–but with activists’ help we might be able to make this come out OK.

— Bill

Congress –


The Senate will convene for pro forma sessions only, with no business conducted on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 11:00am

Friday, December 23, 2011 at 9:30am

Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 12:00pm

Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11:00am

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 12:00pm, during which the 2nd Session of the 112th Congress will convene

Friday, January 6, 2012 at 11:00am

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 11:00am

Friday, January 13, 2012 at 12:00pm

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 10:15am

Friday, January 20, 2012 at 2:00pm

When the Senate adjourns on Friday, January 20th, it will adjourn until Monday, January 23rd at 2:00pm.  Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #438, John M. Gerrard, of Nebraska, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nebraska with up to 90 minutes of debate, 60 minutes equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley, or their designees and 30 minutes under the control of Senator Sessions or his designee.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Gerrard nomination.

As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the Reid motion to proceed to Calendar #70, S.968, a bill to prevent online threats to economic creativity and theft of intellectual property and for other purposes on Saturday, December 17th.  By unanimous consent, this roll call vote will be at 2:15pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012.

——————————————————————

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 21, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

. -The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 23, 2011.10:02:49 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Van Hollen to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.10:02:43 A.M. -JOURNAL APPROVED – The Chair announced that pursuant to section 3(a) of H. Res. 493, the Journal of the last days’s proceedings was approved.10:01:28 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Rev. Michael Wilker, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, Washington DC10:01:00 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael G. Fitzpatrick to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:46 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress: the Republican led House – ——- the Senate : in pro forma session


The Senate will convene for pro forma sessions only, with no business conducted on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 11:00am

Friday, December 23, 2011 at 9:30am

Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 12:00pm

Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11:00am

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 12:00pm, during which the 2nd Session of the 112th Congress will convene

Friday, January 6, 2012 at 11:00am

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 11:00am

Friday, January 13, 2012 at 12:00pm

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 10:15am

Friday, January 20, 2012 at 2:00pm

When the Senate adjourns on Friday, January 20th, it will adjourn until Monday, January 23rd at 2:00pm.  Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #438, John M. Gerrard, of Nebraska, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nebraska with up to 90 minutes of debate, 60 minutes equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley, or their designees and 30 minutes under the control of Senator Sessions or his designee.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Gerrard nomination.

As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the Reid motion to proceed to Calendar #70, S.968, a bill to prevent online threats to economic creativity and theft of intellectual property and for other purposes on Saturday, December 17th.  By unanimous consent, this roll call vote will be at 2:15pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012.

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 20, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.4:54:30 P.M. -The House received a communication from Michael Nielsen, Casework Supervisor/Office Manager for the Honorable Xavier Becerra. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Nielsen notified the House that he was served with a subpoena issued by the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles for witness testimony. Mr. Nielsen informed the house that prior to his required appearance, the defendant in the case pled no contest to a lesser charge, thereby alleviating any need for his testimony and that after consultation with the office of General Counsel and as a result of developments in the case, no determination regarding compliance with the subpoena is required.4:18:29 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.4:18:16 P.M. -H.R. 515Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:18:15 P.M. -H.R. 515On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.4:17:46 P.M. -H.R. 1059Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:17:45 P.M. -H.R. 1059On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.4:17:26 P.M. -H.R. 1801Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:17:25 P.M. -H.R. 1801On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.4:17:03 P.M. -H.R. 2056Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:17:02 P.M. -H.R. 2056On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.4:15:30 P.M. -On motion of Mr. Roskam, by voice vote, Ordered, that when the House adjourns on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2011.4:15:09 P.M. -H.R. 3630The Speaker appointed conferees: Camp, Upton, Brady (TX), Walden, Price (GA), Reed, Ellmers, and Hayworth.4:14:46 P.M. -H. Res. 501Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:14:44 P.M. -H. Res. 501On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 226 – 185 (Roll no. 949).4:08:26 P.M. -H. Res. 501Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 501 — “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding any final measure to extend the payroll tax holiday, extend Federally funded unemployment insurance benefits, or prevent decreases in reimbursement for physicians who provide care to Medicare beneficiaries.”4:08:08 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on adoption of H. Res. 501 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.3:58:00 P.M. -COLLOQUY ON HOUSE SCHEDULE – The Chair recognized Mr. Hoyer for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Mr. Cantor on the expectations regarding the legislative schedule for the House during the upcoming week.3:57:44 P.M. -H.R. 3630Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.3:57:43 P.M. -H.R. 3630On motion that the House instruct conferees Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 183 – 238 (Roll no. 948).3:51:14 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 3630 which was debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.3:51:13 P.M. -H. Res. 504On motion to table the measure Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 231 – 188 (Roll no. 947).3:30:07 P.M. -H. Res. 504Mr. Price (GA) moved to table the measure.3:29:31 P.M. -H. Res. 504Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 504 — “Raising a question of the privileges of the House.”3:25:00 P.M. -A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE – Ms. Edwards rose to a question of the privileges of the House and submitted a privileged resolution. Upon examination of the resolution, the Chair determined that the resolution qualified.3:24:33 P.M. -H. Res. 501POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 501, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution and by voice vote determined that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Clyburn demanded the yeas and nays and further proceedings were postponed.3:24:26 P.M. -H. Res. 501The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.2:12:41 P.M. -H. Res. 501DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 501.2:12:33 P.M. -H. Res. 501Resolution provides for the consideration of the Senate amendments to H.R. 3630 and for the consideration of H. Res. 501.2:12:28 P.M. -H. Res. 501Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 502. H. Res. 501 — “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding any final measure to extend the payroll tax holiday, extend Federally funded unemployment insurance benefits, or prevent decreases in reimbursement for physicians who provide care to Medicare beneficiaries.”2:08:22 P.M. -NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER RESOLUTION – Ms. Edwards notified the House of her intent to rise to a question of the privileges of the House and to offer a resolution. Ms. Edwards was recognized to notice the form of her proposed resolution. The Chair subsequently announced that under rule IX, a resolution offered from the floor by a Member other than the majority leader or the minority leader as a question of the privileges of the House has immediate precedence only at a time designated by the Chair within 2 legislative days after the resolution is properly noticed. The Chair further announced that it would not, at that point, make the determination required by the rule.2:06:48 P.M. -H.R. 3630POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 3630, the Chair put the question on adoption of the motion to instruct conferees and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Crowley demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question on adoption of the motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 3630 until a time to be announced.2:06:24 P.M. -H.R. 3630The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.12:58:55 P.M. -H.R. 3630DEBATE – Pursuant to H. Res. 502, the House proceeded with 1 hour of debate on the Hoyer motion to instruct conferees. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the managers on the part of the House to recede from disagreement to the Senate amendments.12:58:00 P.M. -H.R. 3630Mr. Hoyer moved that the House instruct conferees.12:54:49 P.M. -H.R. 3630On motion that the House disagree to the Senate amendments, and request a conference Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 229 – 193 (Roll no. 946).12:32:40 P.M. -H.R. 3630The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.11:13:27 A.M. -H.R. 3630DEBATE – Pursuant to H. Res. 502, the House proceeded with 1 hour of debate on the motion offered by Mr. Camp to disagree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 3630 and request a conference.11:12:24 A.M. -H.R. 3630Mr. Camp moved that the House disagree to the Senate amendments, and request a conference.11:09:24 A.M. -H. Res. 502Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.11:09:23 A.M. -H. Res. 502On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 231 – 187, 1 Present (Roll no. 945).11:02:09 A.M. -H. Res. 502On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 233 – 187, 1 Present (Roll no. 944).9:18:00 A.M. -H. Res. 502DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 502.9:17:40 A.M. -H. Res. 502Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 502 — “Providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 3630) to provide incentives for the creation of jobs, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 501) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding any final measure to extend the payroll tax holiday, extend Federally funded unemployment insurance benefits, or prevent decreases in reimbursement for physicians who provide care to Medicare beneficiaries; and for other purposes.”9:02:43 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.9:02:30 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Carter to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.9:02:27 A.M. -JOURNAL APPROVED – The Chair announced that pursuant to section 3(a) of H. Res. 493, the Journal of the last days’s proceedings was approved.9:01:01 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.9:00:50 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.9:00:31 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress: the Republican led House – pro forma sessions -the Senate


The Senate will convene for pro forma sessions only, with no business conducted on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 11:00am

Friday, December 23, 2011 at 9:30am

Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 12:00pm

Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11:00am

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 12:00pm, during which the 2nd Session of the 112th Congress will convene

Friday, January 6, 2012 at 11:00am

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 11:00am

Friday, January 13, 2012 at 12:00pm

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 10:15am

Friday, January 20, 2012 at 2:00pm

When the Senate adjourns on Friday, January 20th, it will adjourn until Monday, January 23rd at 2:00pm.  Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #438, John M. Gerrard, of Nebraska, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nebraska with up to 90 minutes of debate, 60 minutes equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley, or their designees and 30 minutes under the control of Senator Sessions or his designee.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Gerrard nomination.

As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the Reid motion to proceed to Calendar #70, S.968, a bill to prevent online threats to economic creativity and theft of intellectual property and for other purposes on Saturday, December 17th.  By unanimous consent, this roll call vote will be at 2:15pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2012.

————————

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 19, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.5:31:45 P.M. -H. Res. 497Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:31:15 P.M. -H. Res. 497On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.5:07:24 P.M. -H. Res. 497DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 497.5:07:22 P.M. -H. Res. 497Considered under suspension of the rules.5:07:09 P.M. -H. Res. 497Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Res. 497 — “To provide for the placement of a statue or bust of Sir Winston Churchill in the United States Capitol.”5:05:47 P.M. -H.R. 515At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Ros-Lehtinen objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.4:48:20 P.M. -H.R. 515DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 515.4:47:45 P.M. -H.R. 515Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.4:47:19 P.M. -H.R. 1059At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Smith (TX) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.4:39:42 P.M. -H.R. 1059DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1059.4:39:16 P.M. -H.R. 1059Mr. Smith (TX) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.4:38:40 P.M. -H.R. 1801At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cravaack objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.4:27:01 P.M. -H.R. 1801DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1801.4:26:39 P.M. -H.R. 1801Mr. Cravaack moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.4:25:53 P.M. -H.R. 2056At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Westmoreland objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.4:12:31 P.M. -H.R. 2056DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 2056.4:12:07 P.M. -H.R. 2056Mr. Westmoreland moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.4:11:31 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.4:00:39 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.4:00:09 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 19.10:05:36 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.10:05:01 A.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 17, 2011, at 2:37 p.m., stating that that body had passed H.J. Res. 95.10:04:44 A.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 17, 2011, at 12:56 p.m., stating that that body had passed H.R. 3672.10:04:22 A.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 17, 2011, at 11:23 a.m., stating that that body had agreed to the conference report accompanying H.R. 2055 and had passed H.R. 3630 with amendments. The message also stated that H. Con. Res. 94 failed of passage in the Senate.10:03:59 A.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 17, 2011 at 4:19 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 789, H.R. 1264, H.R. 2422, S. 1874, S. 1710, and S. 1959. The message also stated that the Senate had concurred in the House amendment to S. 278.10:03:54 A.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 16, 2011 at 8:28 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.J. Res. 94.10:02:33 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.10:02:27 A.M. -JOURNAL APPROVED – The Chair announced that pursuant to section 3(a) of H. Res. 493, the Journal of the last days’s proceedings was approved.10:00:48 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.10:00:35 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.