Tag Archives: United States Senate

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Yesterday, Republicans voted for the Ryan budget plan


Wanted to make sure you saw that the big vote just happened. Republicans in the Senate just voted to END Medicare. They might as well have grabbed the social contract we’ve promised seniors and ripped it right down the middle. But fortunately Democrats had the votes to stop them (not to mention the half million activists backing them up).

We plan to make this a huge issue in the election. Every single Republican who voted to end Medicare should be out of a job. Period. And we plan to do our best to make that happen. But going after them is expensive. You’ve signed the petition, which helps, but can you help us make sure every voter in America knows whose side the GOP is on?

We have to raise $119,000 by 5/31 to meet next month’s budget, so we can stick it to them for this vote. Can you kick in $5?

www.dscc.org

Thanks again for your help. They’re not going to get out of this vote unscathed.

Jason Rosenbaum

DSCC Director of Online Communications

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Don’t Discount Women -Demand Fair Change, Not Spare Change


Demand Fair Change, Not Spare Change

Take Action: Tell your Senator TODAY to say NO to budgets that cut supports for women and families to give tax breaks to millionaires.

www.nwlc.org/fairbudget

This week, the Senate is expected to vote on two budget proposals that would devastate women and their families while putting trillions of dollars in the pockets of corporations and the wealthy. Both the proposals — one passed by the House Republican majority (introduced by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)) and one introduced in the Senate by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) — would hurt women and families at every stage of their lives.

We need your help to keep these damaging proposals at bay. Ask your Senator to vote NO on these types of harmful budget proposals!

www.nwlc.org/fairbudget

Both the House Republican budget and the Toomey budget:

•Cut, then cap, Medicaid. Seniors would lose long-term care services, women with disabilities would lose crucial services, and millions of vulnerable women would lose their health coverage.

•Cut, then cap, other core safety net programs, such as SNAP (formerly Food Stamps), which are especially important to women and children.

•Slash funding for other critical programs like child care, Head Start, education, Pell grants, women’s preventive health care, domestic violence prevention and much, much more.

•Give trillions of dollars in new tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations by cutting tax rates for millionaires and corporations on top of permanently extending Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthiest.

In addition, the House Republican budget would end Medicare as we know it, forcing seniors in the future to pay substantially more for less coverage. Sen. Toomey did not include this proposal in his budget, because it focuses on just the next 10 years — but the Toomey budget makes even deeper cuts to Medicaid and non-defense programs over the next 10 years than the House-passed budget.

Sincerely

Joan Entmacher

Vice President, Family Economic Security

National Women’s Law Center

Judy Waxman

Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights

National Women’s Law Center

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Congress: What are they doing to us in -the Republican led House – the Senate is working on S.493- a JOBs bill!


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET May 4, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business for debate only 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 Majority controlling the first 30 minutes each and the Republicans controlling the next 30 minutes.

The filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to S.493, the Small Business Jobs bill is at 11am on Wednesday.

There will be up to 2 roll call votes at 12:15pm. The first roll call vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on S.493, the small business jobs bill. If cloture is not invoked on the bill, the Senate will immediately proceed to a second roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of John McConnell to be US District Judge for the District of Rhode Island.

The Senate is now debating the nomination of John McConnell to be US District Judge for the District of Rhode Island, post-cloture. If all time is used, the 30 hours of post-cloture debate time will expire at approximately 7:10pm, Thursday, May 5th. However, there is a possibility some debate time will be yielded back and a vote on confirmation of the nomination could occur this afternoon or evening. Senators will be notified when the vote is scheduled.

We expect to lock in an agreement to yield back time and vote on confirmation of the nomination of John McConnell to be a US District Judge for the District of Rhode Island at approximately 5:30pm.

Votes:

64: Motion to invoke cloture on S.493, the Small Business Jobs bill; Not Invoked: 52-44

65: Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of John McConnell to be US District Judge for the District of Rhode Island; Invoked: 63-33-1(present)

66: Now voting on confirmation of the nomination of John McConnell to be US District Judge for the District of Rhode Island

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 4, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

5:29 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

5:20 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

5:19 P.M. – Mr. Westmoreland asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 3: to prohibit taxpayer funded abortions and to provide for conscience protections, and for other purposes

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 251 – 175 (Roll no. 292).

5:12 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 192 – 235 (Roll no. 291).

4:52 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

4:43 P.M. – Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Speier motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment adding a new section providing that nothing in the bill would permit the Federal Government to gain access to the private medical records of the victims of rape and incest.

4:42 P.M. – Ms. Speier moved to recommit with instructions to Judiciary.

4:41 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

CONTINUATION OF PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced that proceedings would now resume on H.R. 3 which had been considered earlier in the day.

H.R. 1214: to repeal mandatory funding for school-based health center construction

4:40 P.M. – On passage Passed by recorded vote: 235 – 191 (Roll no. 290).

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

4:33 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 180 – 230 (Roll no. 289).

4:16 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

4:05 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the McCarthy (NY) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment adding a new paragraph directing the Secretary to publish, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the names and locations of each school based health center or sponsoring facility that will not receive a grant.

4:04 P.M. – Mrs. McCarthy (NY) moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.

4:03 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

4:02 P.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1214.

On agreeing to the Pallone amendment Failed by recorded vote: 205 – 210 (Roll no. 288).

3:53 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 207 – 218 (Roll no. 287).

3:26 P.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.

3:25 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 3: to prohibit taxpayer funded abortions and to provide for conscience protections, and for other purposes

3:24 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further proceedings on H.R. 3 would be postponed until a time to be announced.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:59 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the report of the Committee on Rules 112-71 shall be considered as adopted. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 237.

H. Res. 237: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 3) to prohibit taxpayer funded abortions and to provide for conscience protections, and for other purposes

1:55 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 – 177 (Roll no. 286).

1:32 P.M. – The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:27 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 237.

Considered as privileged matter.

12:02 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.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Johnson of OH 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.

12:01 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Kurt Gerhard, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Washington DC.

12:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 4.

10:41 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:00 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.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael G. Fitzpatrick to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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what’s happening on the floor of Congress: -the Republican led House -the Senate


the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET May 3, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 5:00 pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the Majority will control the next 30 minutes.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15 pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.493, the Small Business Jobs bill is at 2:30pm today. If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to 2:30pm today. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

At 2:15pm, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.Res.159, a resolution honoring the members of the military and intelligence community who carried out the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, and for other purposes, with up to 90 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. The final 10 minutes of debate will be reserved for the two Leaders, with the Republican Leader controlling five minutes and the Majority Leader controlling the final five minutes.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 3:45pm), the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on adoption of the resolution. Senator Reid encourages Senators to vote from their desks.

The Senate is currently in a period of morning business until 5:00pm for debate only with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be no further roll call votes today.

Votes:

63: Adoption of S.Res.159, honoring the members of the military and intelligence community who carried out the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, and for other purposes; Adopted: 97-0

Unanimous Consent:

S.Res.160, designating May 6, 2011, as “Military Spouse Appreciation Day”.

S.Res.161, designating May 2011 as “National Inventors Month”.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 3, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:45 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:44 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H.R. 1214: to repeal mandatory funding for school-based health center construction

6:43 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1214 as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Burgess moved that the Committee rise.

6:42 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pallone amendment No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

6:39 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Pallone amendment numbered 2 under the five-minute rule.

6:38 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Pallone. An amendment numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to require a GAO study to determine school districts most in need of constructing or renovating school-based health centers.

6:37 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

6:28 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No.1 under the five-minute rule.

6:27 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX). An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to insert a new paragraph requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to post a notice of recission of unobligated funds made available by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act not later than 10 days after the date of enactment of this Act on the Department’s public website.

6:26 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

6:25 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1213: to repeal mandatory funding provided to States in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish American Health Benefit Exchanges

6:21 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 238 – 183 (Roll no. 285).

6:14 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 190 – 233 (Roll no. 284).

5:48 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment inserting a provision that would require health insurance issuers to disclose the extent to which coverage has been denied or premiums have been increased for an individual. A point of order was reserved, but was subsequently withdrawn.

5:47 P.M. – Mr. Boswell moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce. Mr. Boswell moves to recommit the bill H.R. 1213 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce with instructions to report the same to the House forthwith with the following amendment: � In section 1, add at the end the following: � (c) CANCER OR OTHER PREEXISTING CONDITION NON-DISCRIMINATION DISCLOSURE CONDITION. — ***

5:46 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1213.

5:45 P.M. – On agreeing to the Ellison amendment Failed by recorded vote: 180 – 242 (Roll no. 283).

5:37 P.M. – On agreeing to the Waters amendment Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 242 (Roll no. 282).

5:30 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 177 – 239 (Roll no. 281).

5:07 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1214: to repeal mandatory funding for school-based health center construction

5:06 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1214 as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

5:05 P.M. – Mr. Burgess moved that the Committee rise.

3:55 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1214.

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

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 236 and Rule XVIII.

3:54 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1213 and H.R. 1214 with 1 hour of general debate for each bill. In both cases, the previous question shall be considered as ordered except motion to recommit with or without instructions. The measures will be considered read. In the case of H.R. 1213, specified amendments are in order. In the case of H.R. 1214, the resolution makes in order only those amendments that are received for printing in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII in a daily issue dated May 2, 2011, and pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 236.

H.R. 1213: to repeal mandatory funding provided to States in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish American Health Benefit Exchanges

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1213 as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Burgess moved that the Committee now rise.

3:53 P.M. – On agreeing to the Welch amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:43 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Welch (VT) substitute amendment No. 5.

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

A substitute amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-70 to preserve funding for establishment of Health Benefit Exchanges for states that apply for early innovator grants before 2012. The funds used shall be subject to availability of appropriations up to $1.9 billion.

On agreeing to the Pallone amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:31 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pallone amendment No. 4.

Amendment offered by Mr. Pallone.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-70 to require GAO to report on benefits of funding in setting up state run exchanges that reflect that state’s marketplace, as opposed to state exchanges established and operated by the federal government.

3:30 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ellison amendment no. 3, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Ellison demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ellison amendment No. 3.

Amendment offered by Mr. Ellison.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-70 to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to Congress a report on the impact of H.R. 1213 on the possible delays and potential enrollment reductions to Health Benefit Exchanges.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Waters amendment no. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Waters demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:12 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waters amendment No. 2.

Amendment offered by Ms. Waters.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-70 to require, within 6 months after enactment, the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to Congress a report on the extent to which states are expected to have difficulties establishing Health Benefit Exchanges without the federal assistance repealed and rescinded under this bill.

3:11 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment no. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Jackson Lee (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:00 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX). An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-70 to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to post notice of rescission of funds and the amount rescinded on the public website of the Department of Health and Human Services.

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 1.

1:49 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1213.

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

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 236 and Rule XVIII.

1:48 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1213 and H.R. 1214 with 1 hour of general debate for each bill. In both cases, the previous question shall be considered as ordered except motion to recommit with or without instructions. The measures will be considered read. In the case of H.R. 1213, specified amendments are in order. In the case of H.R. 1214, the resolution makes in order only those amendments that are received for printing in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII in a daily issue dated May 2, 2011, and pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 236.

H.R. 1425: to reauthorize and improve the SBIR and STTR programs, and for other purposes

1:46 P.M. – RE-REFERRAL OF H.R. 1425 – Mr. Hall(TX) asked unanimous consent the H.R. 1425 be re-referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition, to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology and Armed Services. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 236: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1213) to repeal mandatory funding provided to States in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish American Health Benefit Exchanges, and providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1214) to repeal mandatory funding for school-based health center construction

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 237 – 185 (Roll no. 280).

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

1:39 P.M. – On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 234 – 185 (Roll no. 279).

12:16 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 236.

12:13 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

12:02 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.

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

12:01 P.M. – The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Alan Kieran, Office of the U.S. Senate Chaplain, Washington DC.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 3.

10:43 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:02 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.

10:01 A.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Tom McClintock to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. – The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Congress: the Republican led House & -the Senate will both be back on 5/2


The Senate will convene at 2:00 p.mET May 2, 2011. 

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business for debate only until 4:30 p.m.

Following morning business, the Senate will consider the nominations of Roy Bale Dalton, of Florida, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida; and Kevin Hunter Sharp, of Tennessee, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee.

There will be one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Dalton nomination will be confirmed by unanimous consent and the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the Sharp nomination.

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on April 15, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 15, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

3:26 P.M. –

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

The House adjourned pursuant to H. Con. Res. 43. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on May 2, 2011.

Mr. Runyan moved that the House do now adjourn.

3:25 P.M. –

COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS – Pursuant to section 2 of the Civel Rights Commission Amendments Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 1975 Note), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, and upon the recommendation of the Minority Leader, the Chair announced the Speaker’s reappointment of the following member on the part of the House to the Commission on Civil Rights for a term expiring December 15, 2016: Mr. Michael Yaki, San Francisoc, CA. The Chair announced that the term of appointment of Mr. Todd Gaziano to the Commission on Civil Rights expires on December 15, 2013.

2:33 P.M. –

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

2:28 P.M. –

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

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ACADEMY – Pursuant to 14 U.S.C. 194, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Coble of North Carolina and Mr. Courtney of Connecticut to the United States Coast Guard Academy .

CANADA-UNITED STATES INTERPARLIAMENTARY GROUP – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 276(d), Clause 10 of Rule 1, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Manzullo of Illinois, Chairman, to the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group .

2:27 P.M. –

UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY – Pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 51312(b), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. King of New York and Mrs. McCarthy of New York to the United States Merchant Marine Academy .

MEXICO-UNITED STATES INTERPARLIAMENTARY GROUP – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 276(h), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Dreier of California, Chairman, and Mr. McCaul of Texas to the Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group .

2:26 P.M. –

MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION COMMISSION – Pursuant to section 2 of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 715a) and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Wittman of Virgina and Mr. Dingell of Michigan to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission .

COMMISSION ON CONGRESSIONAL MAILING STANDARDS – Pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 501(b), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Schock of Illinois, Chairman, Mr. Price of Georgia, Mr. Latta of Ohio, Mrs. Davis of California, Mr. Sherman of California, and Mr. Richmond of Louisiana to the Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards .

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MEMORIAL COMMISSION – Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 431 Note, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Thornberry of Texas, Mr. Simpson of Idaho, and Mr. Boswell of Iowa to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission .

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL COUNCIL – Pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 2302, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Grimm of New York, Ms. Hayworth of New York, Mr. Meehan of Pennsylvania, Mr. Waxman of California, and Ms. Giffords of Arizona to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council .

2:25 P.M. –

BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION – Pursuant to sections 5580 and 5581 of the revised statutes (20 U.S.C. 42-43), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Becerra of California to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution .

2:24 P.M. –

Mr. Upton asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Commerce be permitted to file reports until April 27, 2011, on H.R. 1213, H.R. 1214, H.R. 1215, and H.R. 1216. Agreed to without objection.

2:23 P.M. –

On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.

2:22 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.

H. Con. Res. 34:

establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2012 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2013 through 2021

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 235 – 193 (Roll no. 277).

2:02 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

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.

2:01 P.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H. Con. Res. 34.

1:12 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – Pursuant to H. Res. 223, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of general debate on H. Con. Res. 34.

1:11 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Van Hollen amendment Failed by recorded vote: 166 – 259 (Roll no. 276).

12:03 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 223, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on the Van Hollen substitute amendment no. 5.

12:02 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Van Hollen.

A substitute amendment numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 112-62 to reduce deficits gradually to avoid disrupting the recovery and reaches primary balance by 2018 while protecting guarantees to seniors and investments that are essential for the well-being of our citizens. Would also make strategic investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure, while restraining the growth in overall discretionary spending. Would extend middle-income tax relief and streamlines the tax code to remove special interest tax breaks that distort economic activity.

11:58 A.M. –

On agreeing to the Garrett amendment Failed by recorded vote: 119 – 136, 172 Present (Roll no. 275).

11:35 A.M. –

On agreeing to the Grijalva amendment Failed by recorded vote: 77 – 347 (Roll no. 274).

11:11 A.M. –

UNFINISHED 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.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Garrett substitute amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Garrett demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until in the legislative day.

10:31 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 223, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on the Garrett(NJ) substitute amendment no. 4.

10:30 A.M. –

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

An substitute amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112=62 to establish a Fiscal Year 2012 budget and set the appropriate budgetary levels for Fiscal Year 2011 through 2021.

10:29 A.M. –

Subsequently, the Committee resumed it’s sitting.

10:28 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 216, and H.R. 1308. Senate agreed to H.Con. Res. 33 and H. Con. Res. 43.

H. Con. Res. 34:

establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2012 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2013 through 2021

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

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Grijalva substitute amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Grijalva demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until in the legislative day.

10:04 A.M. –

WORDS TAKEN DOWN – During the course of debate, exception was taken to certain words used and a demand was made to have words taken down. Mr. Brooks asked unanimous consent to withdraw the words. Without objection the words were withdrawn. The Committee of the Whole resumed with debate on the Grijalva substitute amendment.

9:45 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 223, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on the Grijalva substitute amendment no. 3.

9:44 A.M. –

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

An substitute amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-62 to eliminate the deficit by 2021, while putting America back to work, restoring America’s economic competitiveness, implementing a fair tax system, keeping Americans healthy and bringing our troops back home.

9:41 A.M. –

Subsequently, the Committee resumed its sitting.

9:40 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the Cleaver substitute amendment Failed by recorded vote: 103 – 303 (Roll no. 273).

9:16 A.M. –

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

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 5 per side of the aisle.

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

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – 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 the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.

9:00 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Jack Kingston to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.