Tag Archives: United States Senate

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: the House is on break until 2/8 – the Senate will be in Session on 1/27 –the snow is a problem


the Senate Convenes: 10:30amET January 27, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of several resolutions relating to changing the Senate rules, en bloc. There will be up to 8 hours for debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. If all time is used, at approximately 7:15pm there will be a series of up to 5 roll call votes in relation to the following resolutions:

-The Senate will recess from 1pm until 2:15pmET to allow for the Democratic caucus meeting.

Votes:

Series of up to 5 roll call votes expected to begin around 4:30pm:

2: S.Res.28 (Wyden), to establish as a standing order of the Senate that a Senator publicly disclose a notice of intent to objecting to any measure or matter (60-vote threshold); Adopted: 92-4

3: S.Res.29 (Udall (CO)), to permit the waiving of the reading of an amendment if the text and adequate notice are provided (60-vote threshold); Adopted: 81-15

4: S.Res.8 (Harkin), amending the Standing Rules of the Senate to provide for cloture to be invoked with less than a three-fifths majority after additional debate (67-vote threshold); Not Adopted: 12-82

5: Now voting on S.Res.10 (Udall (NM)), as amended by Udall (NM) amendment #1, to improve the debate and consideration of legislative matters and nominations in the Senate (67-vote threshold);Not Adopted 44-51 and

_

6: S.Res.21 (Merkley), as amended by Merkley amendment #2: (substitute) (67-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 46-49

 Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res31: a resolution commemorating the 110th anniversary of the United States Army Nurse Corps.

Adopted S.Res.32: a resolution designating the month of February 2011 as “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month”.

Adopted S.Res.33, a resolution recognizing the 150th anniversary of the admittance of the state of Kansas to the United States as the 34th state.

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for Febuary 8, 2011

 

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

what is going on in Congress … Republican led House … the Democratic led Senate -updates when needed


The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET January 26, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 10:30am with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. The Republicans will control the first half and the Majority will control the final half.

At 10:30am, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.Res.14, a resolution honoring the victims and heroes of the shooting on January 8, 2011 in Tucson Arizona. There will be up to 3 ½ hours for debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time the Senate will proceed to a vote on the adoption of the resolution, with no amendments or motions in order prior to the vote on adoption. If the resolution is adopted, by consent the preamble will be agreed to.

Upon disposition of the resolution, the Senate will resume morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Votes:

1: Adoption of S.Res.14, a resolution honoring the victims and heroes of the shooting on January 8, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona;

 Agreed to: 97-0

Unanimous Consent:

Passed H.R.366, a bill to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (through May 31, 2011).

Adopted S.Res.26, a resolution recognizing the anniversary of the tragic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, honoring those who lost their lives in that earthquake, and expressing continued solidarity with the Haitian people

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 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 26, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 26, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:56 P.M. –

The House adjourned pursuant to S. Con. Res. 1. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on February 8, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Ms. Chu moved that the House do now adjourn.

2:25 P.M. –

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

2:24 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Heath Shuler, Member of Congress. Mr. Shuler notified the House that he was taking a leave of absence from the Committee on Small Business until his tenure on the Committee on the Budget is completed. It was his understanding from Clause C of Rule 19 of the Democratice Caucus Rules that he would continue to accrue seniority during the leave of absence, at the same rate as if he had continued to serve on the Committee on Small Business. Accompanying this letter was a letter from the Democratic Leader verifying that his seniority on the Committee on Small Business will continue to accrue during his absence.

2:23 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable Ms. Lofgren, Zoe . Ms. Lofgren, Zoe submitted her resignation from the Committee on Ethics. The resignation was accepted without objection.

2:17 P.M. –

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

2:16 P.M. –

JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE – Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1024(a), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE: Mr. Brady of TX, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Camp, Mr. Duffy, Mr. Amash and Mr. Mulvaney.

2:15 P.M. –

Pursuant to section 201(a)(2) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment – Control Act of 1974 (2. U.S.C. 601), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker and President Pro Tempore of the Senate announced that they had jointly appointed Dr. Douglas W. Elmendorf as Director of the Congressional Budget Office for the term expiring January 3, 2015.

HOUSE DEMOCRACY PARTNERSHIP – Pursuant to section 4(a) of House Resolution 5, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the HOUSE DEMOCRACY PARTNERSHIP: Mr. Dreier, Mr. Fortenberry, Mrs. Biggert, Mr. Conaway, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Boustany, Mr. Wilson of SC, Mr. Roskam, Mr. Crenshaw and Mr. Diaz-Balart.

UNITED STATES GROUP OF THE NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 1928a, Clause 10 of rule 1, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the UNITED STATES GROUP OF THE NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY: Mr. Turner, Mr. Shimkus, Mr. Shuster, Mr. Miller of FL, Mrs. Emerson, Ms. Granger and Mr. Bilirakis.

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 the following members of the House to the BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION: Mr. Johnson Sam of TX and Mr. LaTourette.

2:14 P.M. –

PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELELLIGENCE – Pursuant to clause 11 of rule X, clause 11 of rule I, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELELLIGENCE: Mr. Ruppersberger, Mr. Thompson of CA, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Langevin, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Boren, Mr. Gutierrez and Mr. Chandler.

H. Res. 62:

electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 359:

to reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions

2:13 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 160 (Roll no. 25).

2:05 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 173 – 228 (Roll no. 24).

1:49 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

1:40 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 require the Committee on Ways and means to report the bill back to the House forthwith with an amendment which strikes all after the enacting clause and inserts in lieu thereof a complete new text.

1:36 P.M. –

Mr. Walz (MN) moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means.

Mr. Walz moves to recommit the bill H.R. 359 to the Committee on Ways and Means with instructions to report the same to the House forthwith with the following amendment: ¢

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.

1:35 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. 359.

On agreeing to the Peters amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 396 – 7 (Roll no. 23).

1:11 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of the Peters amendment which was debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

1:08 P.M. –

Mr. Roskam raised a point of order against the Polis amendment Mr. Roskam stated that the provisions of the amendment violated clause 10, of rule XXI. The Chair sustained the point of order.

1:01 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Polis amendment in the nature of a substitute under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

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

An amendment numbered 5 printed in the Congressional Record to insert an entirely new text.

1:00 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the Moore amendment was withdrawn.

12:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Moore amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Ms. Moore.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in the Congressional Record to insert an entirely new text.

12:57 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the Tsongas amendment was withdrawn.

12:54 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tsongas amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Ms. Tsongas.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to add a new section entitled Prohibition on the Use of Federal Funds for Presidential Campaign and Lobbying Activities.

By unanimous consent, the Castor (FL) amendment was withdrawn.

12:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Castor (FL) amendment number 2 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Ms. Castor (FL).

An amendment numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to transfer funds in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund to the Office of Justice programs to provide for local law enforcement costs of providing security at Presidential nominating conventions.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Peters amendment, the Chair put the question on the amendment and announced by voice vote the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Peters requested a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

12:44 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 54, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Peters amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Peters.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to add language to the bill stipulating that all amounts in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund after the date of the enactment of the legislation shall be transferred by the Secretary to the general fund of Treasury only if used to reduce the deficit.

11:44 A.M. –

The Committee of the Whole resumed its sitting.

11:43 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 3.

H.R. 359:

to reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions

11:42 A.M. –

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

11:35 A.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 359.

11:34 A.M. –

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. 54 and Rule XVIII.

11:33 A.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 359 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 open to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. All points of order against provisions of the bill are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 54.

H. Res. 54:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 359) to reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions

11:31 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 234 – 178 (Roll no. 22).

10:15 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 54.

Considered as privileged matter.

10:02 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 Ms. Slaughter to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:01 A.M. –

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

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

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ my 2cents ...

whacky Wednesday &some News …


President and Mrs. Obama are hosting the president from China in a State visit and a dinner scheduled for tonight though some are not happy but if we want to move forward this might be the way to do it and maybe use this as a template for dealing with Cuba.

Word of the day is all about the act of Observation …maybe for the next few weeks, months and years

In November I asked —at what point will the various cable, radio and main stream stations do the right thing and stick to the truth instead of skewing it to keep their ratings high, to tell me you did not agree that partisan behavior on what is supposed to be “the place to get real news” seems to be siding with the extreme right. It was definitely offensive on so many levels and hard not to be outraged by but now these same stations, well except the obvious ones seemed to have moved to the center on most News topics but not enough to sedate this viewer and voter. I gotta say the more recent News source: “Politico” has been a new right of center challenge to me as a reader and or tv viewer, though i am sure there are more moving to the right as the 2012 elections gain more interest.  The overt bad behavior by current and or new Republican members of Congress who are supposed to represent all of the people in their respective States has gotten even worse, have either acted or stated for all to hear and see that special interest groups can kiss their butts. The only solution that seems rational going forward is putting democrats back in power in 2012.

Observe …stop and think about all the things that the Obama admin as well as our Democratic led Congress managed to achieve despite the Republican Tea Party. Observe and analyze who what when and why things have not improved as some out there on the left want and then remind them that a President that goes too far left of center is not representing all Americans. The truth is …most people use to be moderate and expect the President to be not just moderate but bipartisan; people have got to realize he tried leaning left and while folks on the right said one thing and did another we all know this is going to be standard behavior no matter what but a President who leans too far left gets a shellacking…right. If you were watching it makes you wonder if taking a hard left is the only way to solve the gridlock. Then reality comes back and we have to remember the Democratic Party has a huge tent with various degrees of democratic ideology and while the Republican Tea Party is united no matter what their colleagues say or do Dems on the other hand fight each other to get legislation on the floor of the Senate debated let alone get a vote and move toward the 21st Century. We all know our ability to move forward is being held hostage by the Republican Tea Party until they ruin our barely recovering economy. I wonder what will happen if in fact we fall into a deep recession due to an insufficient amount of dollars and or voted down raising the debt ceiling. Just a reminder; Republicans are to blame for any lack of progress made thus far.

I have to say my Observation of “the Media” which seemingly is not just giving Republicans more airtime but is defending them in some cases and while it is obvious those folks know who is buttering their paychecks …the fair and balanced slogan when describing the news process has become a bad joke. I wonder many others have been watching and listening to political shows with well-educated people making comments about how much of a disaster the mid-term elections were for President Obama’s future. The fact is that Congress goes through change and this year is really no different than any other but the combination of the failure of the last guy, the deficit he left and finding out that Wall Street, Oil and the Banks as well as AIG made bets not only with the people’s money but against us as well – you would think some would understand that after years of corruption it might take a minute to make all the corrections given the fact that some of the parts needed to make the fix are not cooperating. I am no expert but people need to observe, compare and contrast their own lives to what happened and times that by a trillion and realize the correction will take a long time especially since folks on the right were able to downsize/block and or stall most of the financial fixes in the Senate for the last two years. The 60 vote rule and the filibuster definitely are not positive tools in the Senate thus the need to make sure our voices as Democratic voters are heard more often.

I do feel this is a pivotal moment and if we really want change folks we need to participate in the change when 53% voted for Senator Obama to be President Obama. We all need to understand why the process of change cannot only be done by the President; that Congress in both Chambers need to do the work of the People too and now after the midterms the House of Representatives is representing the Republican Tea Party, the Senate faces obstacles so, the only solution is getting truer Dems in both Chambers of Congress in 2012. I know that was such a simpleton statement right, had folks listened and voted left of center for the midterms elections- what if …sigh

President Obama is doing the best he can with what the last admin gave him and again it took a long time for all the dominos to fall and while there are those on the right who choose to provoke fear; lately that has turned into action by those feeling certain TV or radio personalities were giving them subliminal instructions to act against those who support the President or the Democratic Party.

It would be great if “the Media” would stop giving folks on the right passes when they make outrageous, racist, and often incendiary comments…we hear it from Fox News but now the new move from other cable stations taking a hard right has this viewer wondering where the money is coming from supporting the more extreme view on air. What we saw before and or during the midterm elections by so-called reporters or talking heads was the dance of News manipulation which is a sad representation of what real journalists, reporters and commentators use to be.

Other News …

**Congresswoman Giffords continues to improve

**say what you want about Gervais the Globe viewer numbers …17 million

 **President from China is here on a State visit and dinner with President and Mrs. Obama

**Baby doc Duvalier escorted from hotel – i would like all young Haitians to look his name up…and his families history

**Arab Leaders watch Tunisia

**129million have health conditions

**President Obama orders regulation review

 

 

CSPAN …

White House Briefing

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said President Obama will confront Chinese President Hu Jintao on issues such as human rights and currency values. At this daily briefing, reporters questioned the decision to hold a formal State Dinner for the Chinese leader. We also hear about a new executive order calling for a government-wide review of federal regulations. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/White-House-Briefing-with-Press-Secretary-Robert-Gibbs/10737418992/ 

Right of Center organization:  National Center for Policy Analysis

As the House prepares to consider a bill to make changes to the health care law known as the Affordable Care and Patients Protection Act, the National Center for Policy Analysis released its recommendations to Congress on 10 proposed changes to the law and discussed why it should be repealed. Speakers included health care analysts from the Heritage Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, Cato Institute, and the American Action Forum – all who support NCPA’s recommendations. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/Nat39l-Center-for-Policy-Analysis-Discussion-on-Changes-to-Health-Care-Law/10737419010/

 House Democrats hearing on GOP legislation Repealing Patient Rights

House Democrats assembled a panel of Americans opposed to repealing the 2010 health care law. They include the mother of two girls with leukemia, a former student receiving insurance through his parents’ plan, and the owner of a small pediatric practice. This event began shortly before House Republicans brought their repeal legislation to the floor. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/House-Democrats-Hearing-on-GOP-Legislation-Repealing-Patients39-Rights/10737419015/

State Department Press Briefing

Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Philip Crowley conducts a daily briefing at the State Department. Topics discussed include Chinese Pesident Hu Jintao’s arrival and scheduled private dinner with President Obama,Tunisia’s transitional government and the Sudan referendum. Mr. Crowley then responded to reporters’ questions. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/State-Department-Press-Briefing/10737418993/

R. Sargent Schriver 1915 – 2011

R. Sargent Shriver passed away at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland today. He was 95 years old.more >> http://c-span.com/Events/R-Sargent-Shriver-1915–2011/10737418971/  

U.S. Conference of Mayors 79th Annual Winter Meeting

More than 220 of the nation’s mayors, led by U.S. Conference of Mayors President Burnsville, MN Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, convene for the 79th Winter Meeting of The U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. >>   http://c-span.com/Events/US-Conference-of-Mayors-79th-Annual-Winter-Meeting/10737419027/

 

House Republicans Move to Cut Spending Levels

Updated 3 hr., 18 min. ago

U.S. House of Representatives (C-SPAN)The House Rules Committee will take up a resolution today aimed at reducing spending to 2008 levels for the remainder of fiscal 2011. The resolution directs House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) to cut around 20 percent of non-security, discretionary spending. The House may act on the resolution as soon as next week.

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives passed a Republican plan to cut Congress’ budget by 5 percent. The resolution, introduced by GOP Transition Team Chairman Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), will require House members to reduce their budget to 95 percent of their 2010 allowance. The plan also calls for greater transparency regarding bill creation and actions taken by House committees. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/House-Republicans-Move-to-Cut-Spending-Levels/10737418996/

 

Black History

CONGRESS: Permanent Vacancy


The U.S. Senate is broken, and its rampant dysfunction is slowly hollowing out the other two branches of government. Conservative senators have waged an unprecedented campaign of obstruction against President Obama’s judicial nominees, leaving nearly one in nine federal judgeships vacant . Senators routinely hold uncontroversial nominees hostage to extract petty concessions — Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) once placed a blanket hold on more than 70 White House nominees in order to extort tens of billions of dollars in pork for his home state. In perhaps the most absurd example of Senate obstructionism, Shelby also single-handedly blocked a nominee to the Federal Reserve Board whom he deemed too unqualified to set economic policy, only to have that nominee win the Nobel Prize in Economics a few months later. Because it is now so easy to stall a nominee, potentially keeping an entire federal agency leaderless for years, powerful industry groups have spawned an entire industry devoted to keeping the government from functioning — and no one has mastered this game better than the National Rifle Association.

ENSURING A PERMANENT VACANCY: In 2006, the NRA successfully lobbied Congress to require the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to be confirmed by the Senate. Since then, the ATF has never had a Senate-confirmed head. President Bush nominated U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan to head the ATF, but even a Republican president’s choice proved unacceptable to pro-gun lobbyists. The NRA accused Sullivan of “overly zealous enforcement activities” because, while Sullivan served as Acting Director of ATF, the agency revoked several gun dealers licenses to sell firearms. Sens. David Vitter (R-LA), Larry Craig (R-ID) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) soon took up the NRA’s cause, placing a hold on Sullivan’s nomination until he agreed to comply with the NRA’s demands. President Obama did not nominate an ATF Director until Nov. 2010, in no small part because the administration “had a tough time even finding a candidate interested in the ATF job because of likely gun-lobby resistance.” When Obama finally did nominate Andrew Traver, a 23-year veteran of the ATF and the head of its Chicago office, the NRA officially announced its opposition the very same day. Many of the NRA’s objections to Traver call into question whether anyone actually interested in enforcing the nation’s gun laws could breach the NRA’s wall of obstruction. The gun lobby complains that Traver once was interviewed in a local news segment about a 14 year-old girl who was killed by an AK-47, and it objects to Traver’s belief that civilians should not be able to purchase guns that fire 5 inch long .50 caliber rounds that are capable of punching a fist-sized hole in 2.5 inches of bulletproof glass.

THE PRICE OF OBSTRUCTION: When entire agencies sit without confirmed leadership for years at a time it has very severe consequences for the government’s ability to provide the most basic services. The gun lobby may object to the ATF’s decision to control the most dangerous weapons or require gun dealers to follow the law, but when the NRA gums up this agency’s leadership it also hurts its ability to keep guns out of the hands of Mexican drug cartels or prevent arson and bombings. Agencies without a confirmed head also lack clout within an administration and thus have less ability to assert their need for additional budget appropriations. Accordingly, difficult budgeting decisions wind up being decided based on which agencies’ leaders are able to wield their influence with the Office of Management and Budget rather than on the nation’s actual needs. And leaderless agencies are understandably reluctant to pursue new regulations or other long-term initiatives for fear that they will not be embraced if a permanent leader is ever confirmed. Nor are the costs of Senate obstruction limited to the federal agencies. Because of the Senate’s inability to confirm judicial nominations, a federal court in Illinois currently has only one active judge doing the job of four, and the average civil litigant nationwide must wait nearly two years for a jury trial. And if the Senate isn’t fixed, the judiciary will soon become completely incapable of functioning. Nearly half of the 876 federal judgeships will be vacant by the end of the decade if the current confirmation rate does not speed up, according to the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Policy.

HOLDS FOR SALE : The gun lobby may be the most effective special interest group at ensuring that the agency that oversees its members is completely unable to function, but it is far from alone in exploiting the broken Senate. Indeed, as ThinkProgress’ Lee Fang recently reported, corporate lobbyists have created an entire holds-for-sale industry which connects powerful interest groups with senators willing to place a hold on Senate business which could hurt the interest group’s bottom line. One lobbying firm, Endgame Strategies LLC, openly advertises to potential clients that it can help its clients find just the right “backbench Senate Republicans” to “exercise their prerogatives to delay or obstruct.” And this firm is hardly a lone wolf. The American League of Lobbyists recently pitched a seminar to DC lobbyists with a provocative question and answer: “Can you turn Congressional rules and procedures into a tactical advantage for achieving your policy goals? Absolutely!” In other words, while the United States slowly loses its ability to function due to its broken Senate, corporate lobbyists are wildly profiting off that very dysfunction.

Black History

the New 112th Congress goes to work …the House is in Session -the Senate is on break until Jan.25th -hmmm

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 6, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:47 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House continued with further Special Order speeches.

OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elects Pete Sessions, Thirty Second District, State of Texas and Mike Fitzpatrick, Eighth District, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, presented themselves in the well of the House for the purpose of taking the Oath of Office which was administered by the Speaker of the House.

1:51 P.M. –

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

1:50 P.M. –

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on January 12: Mr. Jones for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on January 11: Mr. Jones for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on January 7: himself for 5 min, Mr. McClintock for 5 min, Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, and Mr. Jones for 5 min.

1:44 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 22:

reducing the amount authorized for salaries and expenses of Member, committee, and leadership offices in 2011 and 2012

1:38 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 – 13 (Roll no. 8).

12:57 P.M. –

The House resumed debate on H.Res. 22.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 2.

H. Res. 22:

reducing the amount authorized for salaries and expenses of Member, committee, and leadership offices in 2011 and 2012

12:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with two hours of debate on H. Res. 22.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

12:30 P.M. –

PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE – Pursuant to clause 11 of rule X and clause 11 of rule I, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE: Mr. Rogers of MI.

10:57 A.M. –

READING OF THE CONSTITUTION – Pursuant to section 5(a) of H. Res. 5, the Chair recognized the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Goodlatte, for the reading of the Constitution.

10:54 A.M. –

Call of the House Quorum responded: 405 present (Roll no. 7).

10:49 A.M. –

ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE HOUSE – Under Clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the Oath of Office to the Gentleman from Oregon, the whole number of the House is 435.

10:48 A.M. –

OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Peter DeFazio, Fourth District, State of Oregon, presented himself in the well of the House for the purpose of taking the Oath of Office which was administered by the Speaker of the House.

10:03 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 10 per side of the aisle.

10:02 A.M. –

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

10:01 A.M. –

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

10:00 A.M. –

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

The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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The Senate Convenes: 12:00 noon January 5, 2011

Following the presentation of the certificates of election and the swearing in of elected members, there will be a required live quorum. All senators are asked to report to the floor at that time. The Senate will then be in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Unanimous Consent:
Adopted S.Res.1, a resolution notifying the President that a quorum of each House has assembled.

Adopted S.Res.2, a resolution notifying the House that a quorum of the Senate has assembled.

Adopted S.Res.3, a resolution fixing the daily meeting of the Senate.

Adopted S.Res.4, a resolution commemorating Senator Mikulski as the longest serving female senator.

Adopted S.Res.5, a resolution electing Gary B. Myrick as Secretary for the Majority.

Adopted S.Res.6, a resolution appointing Morgan J. Frankel as Senate Legal Cousel pursuant to Chair appointment.

Adopted S.Res.7, a resolution appointing Patricia Mack Bryan as Deputy Senate Legal Counsel pursuant to Chair appointment.

Adopted S.Con.Res.1, a resolution providing for the adjournment or recess of the House and Senate.

Adopted S.Con.Res.2, authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy.

The Senate Convenes: 10:00am January 25, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. Roll call votes are possible during Tuesday’s session. Senators will be notified when any votes scheduled.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 5, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

5:50 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on January 6, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Ms. Foxx moved that the House do now adjourn.

S. Con. Res. 1:

providing for a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives

5:49 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

5:47 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

5:46 P.M. –

That during the first session of the 112th Congress: (1) on legislative days of Monday or Tuesday when the House convenes pursuant to House Resolution 10, the House shall convene two hours earlier than the time otherwise established by the resolution for the purpose of conducting morning-hour debate; (2) on legislative days of Wednesday or Thursday beginning on February 1, 2011, when the House convenes pursuant to House Resolution 10, the House shall convene two hours earlier than the time otherwise established by the resolution for the purpose of conducting morning-hour debate; (3) when the House convenes pursuant to an order other than House Resolution 10, the House shall convene for the purpose of conducting morning-hour debate only as prescribed by such order; (4) the time for morning-hour debate shall be allocated equally between the parties and may not con tinue beyond 10 minutes before the hour appointed for the resumption of the session of the House; and (5) the form of proceeding for morning-hour debate shall be as follows: (a) the prayer by the Chaplain, the approval of the Journal and the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag shall be postponed until resumption of the session

5:45 P.M. –

The House received a communication from The Honorable John A. Boehner, Speaker. Pursuant to House Concurrent Resolution 1, and also for purposes of such concurrent resolutions of the current Congress as may contemplate my designation of Members to act in similar circumstances, the Speaker notified the Clerk of his designation of Representative Eric Cantor of Virginia to act jointly with the Majority Leader of the Senate or his designee, in the event of his death or inability, to notify the Members of the House and the Senate, respectively, or any reassembly under any such concurrent resolution. In the event of the death or inability of that designee, alternate Members of the House are listed in the letter bearing this date for the same purpo

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the statement showing the apportionment population for each State as of April 1, 2010, and the number or Representatives to which each State would be entitled – referred to the Committees on Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-5).

5:44 P.M. –

COMMITTEE TO REPORT – Mr. Cantor notified the House that the Committee appointed on the part of the House to join a like Committee on the part of the Senate to notify the President of the United States that a quorum of each House had been assembled and is ready to receive any communications.

Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent that during the One Hundred Twelfth Congress, all Members be permitted to extend their remarks and to include extraneous material within the permitted limit in that section of the record entitled “Extension of Remarks”. Agreed to without objection.

5:43 P.M. –

Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent that during the One Hundred Twelfth Congress, the Speaker, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader be authorized to accept resignations and to make appointments authorized by law or by the House. Agreed to without objection.

HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION – Pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 2001, and the order of the House of today, the Chair announced the Speaker’s appointment of the following members of the House to the House Office Building Commission: Mr. Cantor and Ms. Pelosi .

5:42 P.M. –

ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE NUMBER OF HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that the whole number of the House is 434.

H. Con. Res. 1:

regarding consent to assemble outside the seat of government

5:38 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Dreier asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.

Considered by unanimous consent.

5:37 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 1.

H. Res. 10:

fixing the daily hour of meeting of the First Session of the One Hundred Twelfth Congress

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

5:36 P.M. –

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 8:

providing for the designation of certain minority employees

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

5:35 P.M. –

Mr. Capuano asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.

Considered by unanimous consent.

H. Res. 7:

electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 6:

electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

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

5:34 P.M. –

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 5:

adopting rules for the One Hundred Twelfth Congress

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 240 – 191 (Roll no. 6).

5:17 P.M. –

On motion to commit the resolution to a select committee Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 191 – 240 (Roll no. 5).

5:01 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to commit the resolution to a select committee was ordered without objection.

4:59 P.M. –

Mr. Crowley moved to commit the resolution to a select committee.

4:57 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 238 – 188 (Roll no. 4).

3:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 5.

3:11 P.M. –

Motion to refer tabled.

On motion to table the motion to refer Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 225 – 188 (Roll no. 3).

2:37 P.M. –

Mr. Cantor moved to table the motion to refer

2:36 P.M. –

Ms. Norton moved to refer the resolution to a select committee of five members, to be appointed by the Speaker, not more than three of whom shall be from the same political party, with instructions to report back the same until it has conducted a full and complete study of, and made a determination on, the constitutionality of the provision that would be eliminated from the Rules that granted voting rights in the Committee of the Whole to the Delegates.

2:33 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 4:

authorizing the Clerk to inform the President of the election of the Speaker and the Clerk

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 3:

authorizing the Speaker to appoint a committee to notify the President of the assembly of the Congress

2:32 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

2:31 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 2:

to inform the Senate that a quorum of the House has assembled and of the election of the Speaker and the Clerk

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1:

electing officers of the House of Representatives

2:30 P.M. –

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

2:29 P.M. –

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

On agreeing to the remainder of the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

On agreeing to the Larson (CT) amendment Failed by voice vote.

Amendment offered by Mr. Larson (CT).

2:28 P.M. –

On agreeing to the first portion of the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as privileged matter.

2:27 P.M. –

ADMINISTERING OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect John Sullivan, First District, Oklahoma, presented himself in the well of the House and the Speaker proceeded to administer the Oath of Office.

2:22 P.M. –

ANNOUNCEMENT OF LEADERSHIP POSTS – Mr. Larson of Connecticut notified the House that, at the direction of the Democratic Caucus, Ms. Pelosi of California had been elected as Minority Leader, Mr. Hoyer of Maryland had been elected as Minority Whip, and Mr. Clyburn had been elected as Assistant Democratic Leader.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF LEADERSHIP POSTS – Mr. Hensarling notified the House that, at the direction of the Republican Conference, Mr. Cantor of Virginia had been elected as Majority Leader and Mr. McCarthy of California had been elected as Majority Whip.

2:16 P.M. –

ADMINISTRATION OF THE OATH OF OFFICE – The Speaker administered the Oath of Office to the Members-elect of the 112th Congress.

2:15 P.M. –

ADMINISTRATION OF THE OATH OF OFFICE – The Dean of the House administered the Oath of Office to the Speaker-elect.

2:00 P.M. –

ADDRESS BY THE SPEAKER-ELECT – The Speaker-elect addressed the House prior to taking the Oath of Office which will be administered by the Dean of the House, Representative-elect John Dingell of Michigan.

1:50 P.M. –

The Speaker-elect was escorted into the Chamber by the Escort Committee and introduced by Representative-elect Pelosi, Democratic Leader, before assuming the Chair.

1:39 P.M. –

COMMITTEE TO ESCORT THE SPEAKER-ELECT – The Clerk appointed a Committee of Members-elect to escort the Speaker-elect into the Chamber and to the Chair.

1:38 P.M. –

Roll call 2 – Election of the Speaker Boehner: 241 Pelosi: 173 Shuler: 11 Lewis (GA): 2 Costa: 1 Cardoza: 1 Cooper: 1 Kaptur: 1 Hoyer: 1 Present: 1 (Roll no. 2). Boehner elected Speaker.

12:40 P.M. –

APPOINTMENT OF TELLERS – The Clerk announced the appointment of the following Members-elect to act as Tellers during the Roll Call for Election of Speaker: Mr. Lungren; Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania; Ms. Kaptur; and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen.

12:39 P.M. –

NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE OF SPEAKER – Pursuant to law and precedent, the Clerk announced that the next order of business was the election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 112th Congress and that nominations would now be in order. Accordingly, the Honorable Jeb Hensarling of Texas placed the name of the Honorable John Boehner into nomination for the Office of Speaker and the Honorable John Larson of Connecticut placed the name of the Honorable Nancy Pelosi into nomination for the Office of Speaker. No other nominations were put forward.

12:35 P.M. –

ELECTION CREDENTIALS FOR DELEGATES – The Clerk notified the House that election credentials for all Delegates and Resident Commissioners had been received.

12:34 P.M. –

Call of the States Quorum responded: 434 present (Roll no. 1).

12:05 P.M. –

CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION – The Clerk announced that Certificates of Election covering 435 seats in the One Hundred Twelfth Congress had been received and the names of those persons whose credentials show that they were regularly elected as Representatives in accordance with the laws of their respective States of the United States would be called. Without objection, the Representatives-elect were directed to record their presence by electronic device in order to determine whether a quorum was present.

12:04 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Clerk led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:01 P.M. –

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

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day, pursuant to the 20th amendment to the Constitution and fixed by Public Law 111-289, for the meeting of the One Hundred Twelfth Congress of the United States.