Tag Archives: United States Senate

When you give now, every $ will be matched by Democratic Senators


Republicans steamrolled into the House with empty promises of economic renewal. But instead they’ve chosen Big Oil over Medicare, health care companies over women’s rights, the rich over the middle class.
                                
                                We’ve been able to stop them with our Democratic majority in the Senate. But if they capture just four of the 23 Democratic seats up for grabs in 2012, anything they dream up will sail through Congress while no progressive ideas survive.
                                
                                Two years ago, we averted that nightmare scenario. We can do it again now, but only if Democrats pull together and rise up to make a difference. Please give whatever you can to the DSCC today and help them raise $683,000 by their crucial June 30 end-of-quarter deadline. Democratic senators will match every dollar you give, because falling short of this goal could mean the Senate slips from our grasp.
 

 
The GOP is playing politics with serious issues. One day they’re threatening to shut down the government, putting people out of work and delaying benefits seniors and veterans depend upon. The next, they’re willing to let the economy go into default while spending billions of tax dollars on Big Oil subsidies.
                                
                                As they perform these political stunts, Republicans seem to have no problem turning a blind eye to the struggles of hardworking Americans, pressing forward with a reckless budget that so clearly hurts working families who struggle to survive from paycheck to paycheck.
                                
                                So how can they possibly win? The GOP is a master of the old bait and switch. They did it in 2010, and they’ll surely try it in 2012. So it’s up to us to make sure they don’t get away with it.
                                
Give now to the DSCC so we can fight for our Democratic majority in the Senate. Republicans will have 23 opportunities to take away four of our seats next year, so we’ve got to start working now to protect our senators who are up for re-election and support our great Democratic challengers.
                                 

                                 
                                There’s no question about it—the math is daunting. We’ve got 23 seats up for grabs; they’ve got only 10. All they need to do is grab four to win the Senate. But if we do everything we can right now, I know we can win.
                                
                                Sincerely,
                                
                                Kirsten Gillibrand

Congress: the Republican led House back on 6/20 -the Senate 6/21


THURSDAY WRAP-UP in the Senate

During Thursday’s session of the Senate, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #75, S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011. The Senate then entered into the following unanimous consent agreement.

  • At 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #34, the nomination of Michael H. Simon, of Oregon, to be US District Judge for the District of Oregon with one hour for debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Simon nomination.
  • Following this vote, the Senate will recess until 2:15 p.m. for the weekly party conferences.
  • At 2:15 p.m., the Senate will consider Executive Calendar #183, Leon E. Panetta to be Secretary of Defense with 2 hours for debate equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 4:15pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Panetta nomination.
  • Following this vote, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 782, the EDA bill and conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the bill.
  • If cloture is not invoked, the Senate will immediately conduct an additional roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011.
  • Therefore, Senators should expect up to 4 roll call votes on Tuesday, June 21st:
    • at approximately 12pm
      • Confirmation of the Simon nomination
    • at approximately 4:15pm
      • Confirmation of the Panetta nomination
      • Motion to invoke cloture on S.782, the Economic Development Act
      • Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act

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The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 20, 2011.

Congress- the Republican led House defunds – the Senate


the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET June 16, 2011

      • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.782, the Economic Development Act. The Feinstein amendment #476 and McCain amendment #411 will be debated concurrently with up to 4 hours of debate with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
      • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 2pm if all time is used), the Senate will proceed to 2 roll call votes in relation to the amendments in the following order:
          • Feinstein #476, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit)
          • McCain #411 (prohibit Federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps/storage facilities)
        • Each amendment will require 60 votes in the affirmative. Upon disposition of the McCain amendment, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
      • There will be no further roll call votes this week.
      • During Thursday’s session of the Senate, Senator Reid filed cloture on S.782, the Economic Development Act.
      • Senator Reid then made a motion to proceed to Calendar #75, S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act.
      • The Senate is now in morning business with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.
      • Today’s roll call votes:
        • Feinstein amendment #476, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit); Agreed to: 73-27
        • McCain amendment #411 (prohibits Federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps/storage facilities); Not Agreed to: 41-59
      • The following amendments are pending to S.782, the Economic Development Act:
        • DeMint amendment #394 (to repeal Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act)
        • Paul amendment #414 (to increase debt limit by $2.406 trillion)
        • Cardin amendment #407 (prohibition on interest charges for on-time principal payments)
        • Merkley amendment #428 (mortgage servicing)
        • Kohl amendment #389 (NOPEC)
        • Hutchison amendment #423 (delay implementation of health care reform until pending lawsuits are resolved)
        • Portman amendment ##417 (inclusion of application to independent regulatory agencies)
        • Portman amendment #418 (Unfunded Mandates Reform Act)
        • McCain amendment #412(repeal of Davis-Bacon wage requirements)
        • Merkley amendment #440 (Energy Efficient Loan Program)
        • Brown (MA) amendment #405 (repeal imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities)
        • Inhofe amendment #430 (reduce the amounts appropriated for EDA)
        • Inhofe amendment #438 (regulatory assessment)
        • Merkley amendment #427 (technical correction to the HUBZone designation process)
        • McCain 2nd degree amendment #441 (to prohibit federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps or ethanol storage facilities) to Coburn amendment #436, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit)
    • Unanimous Consent
    • Adopted S.Res.209, Congratulating the Dallas Mavericks on winning the 2011 National Basketball Association Championship.Adopted S.Res.210, congratulating the Boston Bruins for winning the 2011 Stanley Cup Championship.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 16, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

 

3:37 P.M. – On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 20, 2011.

Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.

2:31 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

2:26 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:06 P.M. – Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on Thursday, June 16, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 20, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 1934:
to improve certain administrative operations of the Library of Congress, and for other purposes 

2:05 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On passage Passed without objection.

H. Res. 299:
permitting official photographs of the House of Representatives to be taken while the House is in actual session on a date designated by the Speaker 

2:04 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 1934:
to improve certain administrative operations of the Library of Congress, and for other purposes 

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.

Considered by unanimous consent.

H. Res. 299:
permitting official photographs of the House of Representatives to be taken while the House is in actual session on a date designated by the Speaker 

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered by unanimous consent.

S.J. Res. 9:
providing for the reappointment of Robert P. Kogod as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 

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

On passage Passed without objection.

H. Res. 299:
permitting official photographs of the House of Representatives to be taken while the House is in actual session on a date designated by the Speaker 

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

S.J. Res. 9:
providing for the reappointment of Robert P. Kogod as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 

2:03 P.M. – Considered by unanimous consent.Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

S.J. Res. 7:
providing for the reappointment of Shirley Ann Jacksonas a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 

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

On passage Passed without objection.

2:02 P.M. – Considered by unanimous consent.Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

2:00 P.M. – On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.

H.R. 2112:
making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

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

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 – 203 (Roll no. 459).

1:51 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 185 – 233 (Roll no. 458).

1:33 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

1:24 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House with an amendment to increase funds in CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) by $11.8 million for enforcement against oil and gas speculators, including establishing limits to diminish, eliminate, or prevent excessive speculation that unnecessarily drives up gas prices, and offsets it with a $4 million reduction in departmental administration, and a 7.8 million reduction in salaries and expenses.

1:23 P.M. – Ms. Hochul moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.

Ms. Hocul moves to recommit the bill H.R. 2112 to the Committee on Appropriations with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with the following amendment: � Page 55, after line 23, insert the following: � In addition, for carrying out section 4a of the Commodity Exchange Act ***

1:22 P.M. – The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:21 P.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2112.On motion to rise and report Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Kingston moved for the Committee of the Whole to rise and report.

1:20 P.M. – On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 101 – 314 (Roll no. 457).

1:17 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lipinski amendment Failed by recorded vote: 162 – 254 (Roll no. 456).

1:14 P.M. – On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 228 (Roll no. 455).

1:11 P.M. – On agreeing to the Flake amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 283 – 128 (Roll no. 454).

1:08 P.M. – On agreeing to the Blackburn amendment Failed by recorded vote: 109 – 310 (Roll no. 453).

1:05 P.M. – On agreeing to the Campbell amendment Failed by recorded vote: 132 – 287 (Roll no. 452).

12:59 P.M. – On agreeing to the Holden amendment Failed by recorded vote: 84 – 335 (Roll no. 451).

12:55 P.M. – On agreeing to the Hirono amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 288 – 132 (Roll no. 450).

12:51 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 235 (Roll no. 449).

12:47 P.M. – On agreeing to the Scalise amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 238 – 179 (Roll no. 448).

12:44 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 237 (Roll no. 447).

12:41 P.M. – On agreeing to the Garrett amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 231 – 189 (Roll no. 446).

12:37 P.M. – On agreeing to the King (IA) amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 240 – 176 (Roll no. 445).

12:34 P.M. – On agreeing to the King (IA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 155 – 262 (Roll no. 444).

12:29 P.M. – On agreeing to the Blumenauer amendment Failed by recorded vote: 154 – 262 (Roll no. 443).

12:26 P.M. – On agreeing to the Gibson amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 221 – 198 (Roll no. 442).

12:21 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 167 – 252 (Roll no. 441).

12:17 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dingell amendment Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 241 (Roll no. 440).

12:13 P.M. – On agreeing to the Kind amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 223 – 197 (Roll no. 439).

12:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the Foxx amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 212 – 201 (Roll no. 438).

11:57 A.M. – On agreeing to the Pingree (ME) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 170 – 238 (Roll no. 437).

11:32 A.M. – UNFINISHED 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.

11:24 A.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

11:15 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used to pay the salaries and expenses of personnel to carry out a market access program.

11:14 A.M. – POSPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lipinski amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Lipinski demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

11:07 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lipinski amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order. Subsequently, the reservation was removed.Amendment offered by Mr. Lipinski.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used to alter contract no. GS-35F-4076D with respect to the location of data storage.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:49 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to provide any benefit described in section 1001D(b)(1)(C) of the Food Security Act of 1985 to a person or legal entity if the average adjusted gross income of the person or legal entity exceeds $250,000.

On agreeing to the Flores amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:43 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flores amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Flores.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to enforce section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

10:42 A.M. – On agreeing to the Gardner amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:40 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gardner amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Gardner.

An amendment to increase funds for “Integrated Activities” and to reduce funds for “National Institute of Food and Agriculture-research and education activities” by $4,400,000, respectively.

10:39 A.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:24 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used for the construction of an ethanol blender pump or an ethanol storage facility.

10:23 A.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blackburn amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Blackburn demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:14 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Blackburn amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mrs. Blackburn.

An amendment to reduce each amount made available by this bill by 5 percent.

10:13 A.M. – Mrs. Lummis raised a point of order against the Lujan amendment The amendment violates Clause 2 of rule XXI and imposes new duties on the Secretary of Agriculture. The Chair sustained the point of order.

10:09 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lujan amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Lujan.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to provide any marketing funds to any entity that advertises, describes, labels, or offers for sale chile peppers as New Mexico chile unless such chile peppers were grown in New Mexico.

10:08 A.M. – On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by voice vote.

9:42 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to provide to upland cotton producers counter-cyclical payments for upland cotton, repayment rates for marketing assistance loans at the prevailing world market price for upland cotton, or loan deficiency payments for upland cotton.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Campbell (CA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Campbell (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.

9:27 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Campbell (CA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Campbell.

An amendment to reduce the amount of funds provided by this bill for “Agricultural Programs, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Salaries and Expenses” by $11,000,000.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holden amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Holden demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:18 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Holden amendment no. 38 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Holden.

An amendment numbered 38 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce each amount made available by the bill by 5.88% and the amounts may not be used to carry out the limitations contained in paragraphs (1) through (8) of section 728.

9:17 A.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

9:16 A.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

9:02 A.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to five per side of the aisle.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Walz of MN to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Poe (TX) 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. Poe (TX) 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 Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.

9:01 A.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

9:00 A.M. – The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress will be back on 6/13 @2pmET


The Senate Convenes at 2pmET June 13, 2011
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 6pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.Morning business has been extended until 7pm.
 

Votes:
There will be no roll call votes on June 13.
Unanimous Consent:
S.Res.207, supporting National Men’s Health Week

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on June 13, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 13, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 13, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION
 7:30 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches. 

7:27 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches. 

7:26 P.M. – Mr. Sessions filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 300.

H.R. 2055:
making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

7:25 P.M. – On retaining Title II (Department of Veterans Affairs) Agreed to by recorded vote: 409 – 1 (Roll no. 416)

7:09 P.M. – Pursuant to section 2(a) of House Resolution 288, the Chair put the question on retaining Title II (relating to Veterans’ Affairs) of the bill and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Foxx demanded a recorded vote to decide the question. 

7:08 P.M. – The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.The previous question was ordered without objection.

7:07 P.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2055

7:06 P.M. – On agreeing to the Sherman amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 248 – 163 (Roll no. 415)

6:58 P.M. – On agreeing to the Amash amendment Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 232 (Roll no. 414)

6:53 P.M. – On agreeing to the LaTourette amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 204 – 203 (Roll no. 413)

6:30 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration. 

6:29 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 13.

4:13 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

H.R. 2055:
making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

4:12 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2055as unfinished business.On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Culberson moved that the Committee now rise.

4:08 P.M. – On agreeing to the Fitzpatrick amendment Agreed to by voice vote. 

3:59 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Fitzpatrick amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Fitzpatrick.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used for using procedures that do not give small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans any preference to obtaining the contracts under the Small Business Act.

By unanimous consent, the Coffman (CO) amendment was withdrawn.

3:53 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Coffman (CO) amendment under the five-minute rule, pending the reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Coffman (CO).

An amendment printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to provide disability compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, to any veteran for post-traumatic stress disorder if the required in-service stressor claimed by the veteran is related to the veteran’s fear of hostile military or terrorist activity and the places, types and circumstances of the veteran’s service did not include a combat zone.

On agreeing to the Flores amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:40 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flores amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Flores.

An amendment printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to enforce section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act.

3:39 P.M. – Mr. Culberson raised a point of order against the Amash amendment Mr. Culberson stated that the amendment seeks to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriationbill. The Chair sustained the point of order. 

3:37 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Amash amendment number 5 under the five-minute rule, pending the reservation of a point of order. 

3:36 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Amash.

An amendment nubered 5 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds for projects or programs named for an individual serving as a Senator in the United States Senate or as the President of the United States.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sherman amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Dicks demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:26 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Sherman amendment number 2 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Sherman.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds in contravention of the War Powers Resolution.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Amash amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Culberson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:07 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Amash amendment number 4 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Amash.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to enforce the Davis-Bacon Act.

3:06 P.M. – On agreeing to the Meeks amendment Agreed to by voice vote. 

2:56 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Meeks amendment number 1 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Meeks.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to declare as excess to the needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs of otherwise take any action to exchange, trade, auction, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, or reduce the acerage of, Federal land and improvements at the St. Albans campus.

2:55 P.M. – POSPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the LaTourette amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Culberson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced. 

2:23 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the LaTourette amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. LaTourette.

An amendment printed in the Congressional Record to strike section 415 of the bill.

2:22 P.M. – On agreeing to the Mica amendment Agreed to by voice vote. 

2:14 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Mica amendment under the five-minute rule. 

2:13 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Mica.

An amendment printed in the Congressional Record to increase the funding for Military Construction Authorization by $25 million through transfer.

2:12 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration. 

2:11 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business. 

2:02 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Rigell to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

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

2:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.The Speaker designated the Honorable Tom McClintock to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

 

what is Congress doing: the Republican led House – the Senate


The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET June 9, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each with the time 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.Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.782, the Economic Development Act.There are several amendments pending to S.782. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.

The time until 2:15pm today will be equally divided and controlled between Senators Boxer and Snowe, or their designees, for debate on the Snowe amendment #390 (regulatory reform).

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 2:15pm today), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote in relation to the Snowe amendment #390. The vote will be subject to a 60-vote threshold. No amendments, points of order, or motions are in order to the Snowe amendment prior to the vote, other than budget points of order and the applicable motions to waive and the amendment will not be divisible.

There will be no further roll call votes today.

Senator Coburn filed cloture on amendment #436 (436, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit).

The following amendments are currently pending to S.782, the Economic Development Act:
-DeMint amendment #394 (to repeal Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act)
-Paul amendment #414 (to increase debt limit by $2.406 trillion)
-Cardin amendment #407 (prohibition on interest charges for on-time principal payments)
-Merkley amendment #428 (mortgage servicing)
-Kohl amendment #389 (NOPEC)
-Hutchison amendment #423 (delay implementation of health care reform until pending lawsuits are resolved)
-Portman amendment ##417 (inclusion of application to independent regulatory agencies)
-Portman amendment #418 (Unfunded Mandates Reform Act)
-McCain amendment #411 (prohibit Federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps/storage facilities)
-McCain amendment #412(repeal of Davis-Bacon wage requirements)
-Merkley amendment #440 (Energy Efficient Loan Program)
-Coburn amendment #436, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit) *cloture filed on this amendment
-Brown (MA) amendment #405 (repeal imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities)
-Inhofe amendment #430 (reduce the amounts appropriated for EDA)
-Inhofe amendment #438 (regulatory assessment)
-Merkley amendment #427 (technical correction to the HUBZone designation process)
-McCain 2nd degree amendment #441 (to prohibit federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps or ethanol storage facilities) to Coburn amendment #436, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit).

The Senate is now in a period of morning business.

Votes:
87: Snowe amendment #390: (regulatory reform)(60-vote threshold);
Not Agreed To: 53-46

 

 

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on June 9, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 9, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

10:32 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on June 13, 2011.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

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

10:30 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Doctor Alan Kieran.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas J. Rooney to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.