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in Session: the Republican led House debates&votes -the Senate :amendments to small biz,Vets biz dev.,S.493.SBIR,STTR Reauthorization bill


The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET March 16, 2011

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 10:30am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.493, the SBIR and STTR Reauthorization bill and proceed to 2 roll call votes in relation to the following:

– Nelson (NE) amendment #182 (SoS reduce Senate budget by 5%)

– Snowe-Landrieu-Coburn amendment #193 (strikes Federal authorization of the National Veterans Business Development program)

Senators should expect 2 roll call votes at approximately 10:30am on Wednesday. Additional roll call votes in relation to amendments to the small business bill are expected during Wednesday’s session of the Senate.

The following amendments are pending to S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011:

– McConnell amendment #183 (Prohibits the EPA from regulating carbon pollution)

– Vitter amendment #178 (require Federal government to sell unused Federal real property).

– Johanns amendment #161 (1099 repeal)

– Casey #216 (subcontractor notification)

– Cornyn amendment #186 (to create the United States Authorization Sunset Commission Act of 2011)

– Paul amendment #199 (Cuts $200 billion in FY2011 Funding)

– Sanders amendment #207 (Social Security)

– Hutchison amendment #197 (delay implementation of health reform law until final resolution in pending lawsuits)

– Coburn amendment #184 (to provide a list of programs administered by every Federal department and agency)

– Pryor amendment #229 (Patriot Express Loan Program)

The Senate has reached an agreement that there be 2 minutes for debate prior to a vote in relation to the Casey amendment #216 (subcontractor notification). No amendments are in order to the amendment prior to a vote.

There will be no further roll call votes today.

The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

The Senate has reached the following agreement to consider the 3-week continuing resolution. At 12:00 noon tomorrow, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.J.Res. 48 (3-week CR). There will be up to 3 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 vote on passage of the joint resolution. Senators should expect this vote to begin at approximately 3pm tomorrow.

Upon disposition of H.J.Res. 48 (CR) tomorrow, the Senate will proceed to Executive session to consider calendar #11, the nomination of Amy Berman, of the district of Columbia, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia. There will be 2 minutes for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

Votes:

38: Nelson (NE) amendment #182 (SoS reduce Senate budget by 5%); Agreed to: 98-1

39: Snowe-Landrieu-Coburn amendment #193: (strikes Federal authorization of the National Veterans Business Development program); Agreed to: 99-0

40: Casey amendment #216: (subcontractor notification)

Agreed To: 99-0

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted H.Con.Res.27, a concurent resolution providing for the acceptance of a statue of Gerald R. Ford from the people of Michigan for placement in the United States Capitol.

Adopted S.Res.94, a resolution to express the sense of the Senate in support of reducing its budget by at least five percent.

Adopted S.Res.103, a resolution providing for members on the part of the Senate of the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library.

The Senate confirmed the following nominations by UC:

ARMY

#50 Lt. Gen. Purl K. Keen – Lieutenant General

#51 Gen. Martin E. Dempsey – General

#52 Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Votel – Lieutenant General

#53 Brig. Gen. Donald L. Rutherford – Major General

#54 Maj. Gen. Donald M. Campbell, Jr. – Lieutenant General

#55 Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Conant – Lieutenant General

#56 Lt. Gen. John F. Kelly – Lieutenant General

#57 Rear Adm. James P. Wisecup – Vice Admiral

#58 Vice Adm. Joseph D. Kernan – Vice Admiral

All nominations placed on the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy.

 ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

 The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 16, 2011.

 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 16, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:54 P.M. –

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

6:45 P.M. –

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

6:44 P.M. –

Mr. Dreier filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 174.

H.R. 861:

to rescind the third round of funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program and to terminate the program

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 242 – 182 (Roll no. 188).

6:38 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 153 – 272 (Roll no. 187).

6:22 P.M. –

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

6:11 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Braley (IA) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the bill back to the House with an amendment to require that states give priority emphasis and consideration to rural areas when distributing Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds that were allocated by HUD and appropriated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, pending reservation of a point of order. Subsequently, the reservation was removed.

Mr. Braley (IA) moved to recommit with instructions to Financial Services.

6:09 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. 861.

6:08 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Maloney amendment Failed by recorded vote: 179 – 246 (Roll no. 186).

6:02 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Waters amendment Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 249 (Roll no. 185).

5:56 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Waters amendment Failed by recorded vote: 174 – 248 (Roll no. 184).

5:48 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Ellison amendment Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 244 (Roll no. 183).

5:23 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.

On agreeing to the Castor (FL) amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

5:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Comittee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Castor amendments en bloc.

Amendments en bloc offered by Ms. Castor (FL).

Amendments en bloc consisting of amendments 9 and 10 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34.

5:11 P.M. –

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

5:01 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Maloney amendment number 8.

Amendment offered by Mrs. Maloney.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to list the number of homes in each state that have been vacant for 90 days or more and which would be eligible for rehabilitation under the program. Would also state that by voting to terminate this program, these units may not be able to be rehabilitated using NSP funds.

4:59 P.M. –

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

4:52 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waters amendment number 7.

Amendment offered by Ms. Waters.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to require the Secretary of HUD to study the number of homes that will not be mitigated in each Congressional district as a result of the funding rescission, and report findings to Congress.

4:51 P.M. –

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

4:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waters amendment number 6.

Amendment offered by Ms. Waters.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to require the Secretary of HUD to send a notice to NSP grantees that would have received funding under NSP that the program has been terminated.

4:41 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Richardson amendment Failed by voice vote.

4:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Richardson amendment number 5.

Amendment offered by Ms. Richardson.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to amend the effective date of H.R. 861 to the sooner of: (1) 5 years from the date of enactment; or (2) the date when the national average of underwater mortgages on 1- to 4-family residential properties is 10 percent or less and the percentage of underwater mortgages relating to such properties in the state with the highest percentage of underwater residential properties is 15 percent or less.

4:30 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Sanchez, Loretta amendment Failed by voice vote.

4:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Loretta Sanchez amendment number 4.

Amendment offered by Ms. Sanchez, Loretta.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to add a new section with Congressional findings that if the rescinded and canceled amounts were instead made available for NSP, the Congress could have rebuilt U.S. neighborhoods.

4:20 P.M. –

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

4:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ellison amendment number 3.

Amendment offered by Mr. Ellison.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to provide findings for the need for and efficacy of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

4:10 P.M. –

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

VACATED PROCEEDINGS – Mr. Ellison asked unanimous consent to vacate the proceedings by which his amendment numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34, was postponed, to the end that the Chair put the question on the amendment de novo. Agreed to without objection.

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

4:00 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hurt amendment number 2.

Amendment offered by Mr. Hurt.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in part B of House Report 112-34 to ensure that all unobligated balances rescinded by the bill should be retained in the Treasury’s General Fund for the purpose of deficit reduction.

3:59 P.M. –

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

3:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ellison amendment number 1.

3:48 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Ellison.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to list state-by-state funding allocations of Neighborhood Stabilization Programs Round Three potentially at risk.

On motion to rise and recommend that the enacting clause be stricken Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 240 (Roll no. 182).

3:20 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ellison motion to rise and recommend that the enacting clause be stricken to H.R. 861.

Mr. Ellison moved to rise and recommend that the enacting clause be stricken.

2:03 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 861.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Charles F. Bass 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. 170 and Rule XVIII.

2:02 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 839 and H.R. 861 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measures will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. With respect to each measure, the resolution provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 170.

2:01 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Margaret Stephenson, Former Constituent Services Representative, Office of U.S. Represenative John P. Sarbanes. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Stephenson notified the House that she had been served with a subpoena, issued by the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County, to appear as a witness in the criminal trial of a third party who contacted Congressman John P. Sarbanes’ District Office and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.

2:00 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on March 16, 2011 at 11:08 a.m. stating that the Senate agreed to S.J.Res. 7, S.J.Res 8, and S.J.Res. 9.

1:59 P.M. –

Mr. Walden asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Wednesday, March 16, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 170:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 839) to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to terminate the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to provide new assistance under the Home Affordable Modification Program, while preserving assistance to homeowners who were already extended an offer to participate in the Program, either on a trial or permanent basis; and providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 861) to rescind the third round of funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program and to terminate the program

1:58 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: 241 – 180 (Roll no. 181).

1:36 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:32 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 170.

12:26 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:25 P.M. –

ORDER OF BUSINESS – Mr. Sessions asked unanimous consent that it be in order at any time to consider H.Con.Res. 28 in the House, if called up by the chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs or a designee; that the concurrent resolution be considered as read; that the previous question be considered as ordered on the concurrent resolution to final adoption without intervening motion except (1) one hour of debate controlled by Representative Kucinich of Ohio or his designee; and (2) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs; and that section 7 of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1546) not apply to the concurrent resolution. Agreed to without objection.

12:03 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

12:02 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Pitts 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 the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 16.

10:36 A.M. –

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

10:01 A.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:00 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Renee L. Ellmers to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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It’s simply not right … a message from Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand


Last year I helped lead the effort to overturn “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” and I’m thrilled that very soon, LGBT Americans will be able to serve openly in our armed forces. This is a big victory for equality, but there’s still so far we have yet to go.

I believe every American should be able to marry the person they love. Yet in 1996, the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (or DOMA) codified the discriminatory notion that marriage is only between a man and a woman.

DOMA denies same-sex couples the basic privileges enjoyed by straight couples, and prevents state-approved legal marriages from being recognized across the country.

This is wrong.

If we are to achieve full marriage equality for all, Congress must repeal DOMA now.

That’s why I’m proud to partner with Democracy for America to make sure the repeal of DOMA becomes a reality.

http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/561?akid=577.1480546.tmfy-d&t=1

Recently, President Obama ordered the Justice Department to stop defending DOMA in federal court. This is a huge first step, but the fact is that as long as DOMA remains on the books it will continue to be enforced until Congress repeals it legislatively.

Tomorrow, I will join Senator Feinstein as we introduce DOMA repeal legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Can I count on you to join us on the frontlines of this fight?

Please sign here to join the fight for marriage equality by urging Congress to repeal this discriminatory and unconstitutional law. >> http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/561?akid=577.1480546.tmfy-d&t=2

It’s simply not right that my husband and I should be able to enjoy rights and privileges that LGBT Americans are denied.

Thank you for everything you do to ensure marriage equality for all Americans,

– Kirsten

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

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what is going on in Congress: debates/votes -the Republican led House & -the Senate …small biz jobs bill


The Senate Convenes at  10:00amET March 15, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 11:00am, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization.

The following amendments are pending to S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011:

– Nelson (NE) #182 (Sense of the Senate regarding a 5% cut in Senate budget)

– McConnell amendment #183 (Prohibits the EPA from regulating carbon pollution)

– Vitter amendment #178 (require Federal government to sell unused Federal real property).

– Johanns amendment #161 (1099 repeal)

– Snowe amendment #193 (strikes Federal authorization of the National Veterans Business Development program)

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

At 2:15pm, Senator Coats will be recognized to speak for up to 30 minutes to deliver his maiden speech. Following his statement, Senator Portman will be recognized to speak for up to 15 minutes to deliver his maiden speech.

There will be no roll call votes this evening.

The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.96, congratulating the Army Dental Corps on its 100th Anniversary.

Passed S.J.Res.7, reappointment of Shirley Ann Jackson as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

Passed S.J.Res.8, appointment of Stephen M. Chase as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

Passed S.J.Res.9, reappointment of Robert P. Kogod as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 15, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:03 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 16, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Sessions moved that the House do now adjourn.

6:01 P.M. –

Mr. Sessions filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 170.

3:54 P.M. –

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

3:49 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House continued with one minute speeches.

H. Res. 168:

electing certain Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

3:48 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

3:45 P.M. –

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

3:44 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable Mr. Marchant . Mr. Marchant submitted his resignation from the Committee on Financial Services. The resignation was accepted without objection.

H. Con. Res. 30:

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

3:41 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: 232 – 197 (Roll no. 180).

3:33 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

3:32 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of H. Con. Res. 30 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.J. Res. 48:

making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

3:31 P.M. –

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 271 – 158 (Roll no. 179).

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

3:22 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 190 – 239 (Roll no. 178).

3:00 P.M. –

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

2:51 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Critz motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to prohibit use of funds in the joint resolution to develop or implement a system that cuts Social Security benefits, or that privatizes Social Security, or to develop or implement a system that cuts Medicare benefits, eliminates guaranteed health coverage for seniors, or establishes a Medicare voucher plan that limits payments to beneficiaries in order to purchase health care in the private sector.

2:50 P.M. –

Mr. Critz moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.

2:49 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 48.

1:28 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 48 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. All points of order against consideration of the joint resolution are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 167.

1:25 P.M. –

AGREEING TO SPEAKER’S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and after putting the question to a voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed and the Journal stood approved.

H. Res. 167:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 48) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 241 – 181 (Roll no. 177).

1:02 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

1:01 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 15.

12:58 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. today.

H. Con. Res. 30:

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

12:56 P.M. –

POSPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Con.Res. 30, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes ha d prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until later in the legislative day.

12:54 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 167:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 48) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 167, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until later in the legislative day.

12:53 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:18 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 167.

12:17 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:03 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. Baca to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:02 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. 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.

12:00 P.M. –

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

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 15.

10:46 A.M. –

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

10:01 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 R. Turner to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day

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The latest on the budget fight & a link -find out what reckless Republican cuts will do to your state!


The stand-off on the budget continues.

While it looks like the deadline could be extended, the President has said from the beginning that we simply can’t do business a few weeks at a time.

At OFA, we’ve been working hard at the local level. I can tell you the Republican plan isn’t getting any prettier. It costs nearly a million American jobs — including 15,100 in Washington — and it makes drastic, politically motivated cuts to education and innovation. Click here to learn more about how the Republican plan hurts people you know.

http://my.barackobama.com/State-Consequences2?state=WA

Let’s be real — this plan is not how we’re going to win the future. President Obama has offered a budget that would reduce the deficit by more than $1 trillion, but he’s said he’s not willing to go along with any plan that would hurt our economic recovery.

So, we’re keeping the pressure on Republicans to come to the table to pass a responsible budget.

You’ve already taken the first step by adding your name to the President’s call for a commonsense budget — but here’s what you can do now before we deliver each and every name to Congress: Spread the word to friends and family in Washington about exactly what the Republican plan would do.

Please pass along the email below, and ask folks to join you in making their voices heard.

Mitch and I will keep you posted as we learn more.

Thanks,

Yohannes

Yohannes Abraham

Political Director

Organizing for America

————–

Subject: Stand up for 15,100 Washington jobs

Dear friends,

I’m writing because 15,100 Washington jobs are at risk — along with key investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure.

The President is committed to finding common ground on a budget that reduces the deficit and cuts wasteful spending, but he’s made it clear that he can’t go along with any plan that could derail our economic growth.

The current spending plan proposed by Republicans would be devastating — and you can see exactly what the Republican budget would mean for Washington: eliminating 8,000 community health center jobs, cutting Washington homeland security investments for local law enforcement by $2.2 million, and dropping 2,989 Washington children from Head Start.

Even with a deadline extension in the works, if Republicans refuse to come to the table to find a long-term solution, the government will be forced to shut down.

Check out all the consequences of the Republican plan for people in Washington — and join me in standing with President Obama for a commonsense approach to the budget:

http://my.barackobama.com/State-Consequences2?state=WA

Thanks

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Accountabi​lity in Wisc. a national priority


Friday, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed into law a bill that strips public workers of their rights to collectively bargain after the Republican-controlled legislature rushed through the legislation. The bill also authorizes state officials to fire any state employee who joins a strike, walk-out, sit-in or coordinated effort to call in sick. While Walker maintains that the bill is necessary to solve the budget crisis, this move was purely a power grab by the GOP and its pro-corporate allies.

Two weeks ago, a blogger posing as oil billionaire and Tea Party/Republican mega-donor David Koch recorded a phone conversation with Gov. Walker. Throughout the course of the call Walker talked about various dirty tricks he and his allies had considered, from luring the Democratic Senators back to Madison with false promises of negotiation to infiltrating the mass protests with troublemakers. The Governor even seemed to indulge fantasies about busting public employee unions following President Reagan‘s example of firing more than 11,000 air traffic controllers in 1981.

The Wisconsin GOP’s attempt to pay for massive corporate giveaways that expanded the deficit on the backs of hard working people is not unique to that state. We see it in several other states and, perhaps most visibly, in the current federal budget battle going on in Congress.

We must do everything we can to defend the American Dream, to defend the middle class and to defend fundamental rights all across the United States … that struggle is embodied as clearly as it can be in the current events transpiring in Wisconsin. And that’s why Wisconsin is a battle we as Americans cannot afford to lose. That means unseating by recall election the GOP state senators who are eligible for it now and working to repeal the union-bashing law and hold Gov. Walker accountable going forward.

The response from PFAW members and activists across the country has been truly tremendous. THANK YOU to all of you who have taken action and donated. We need your help to keep the great momentum going, so please continue to spread the word and contribute what you can.

We have our work cut out for us, but with your continued support, together we will help vote out the eight Republican Wisconsin state senators eligible for recall. We’ll help reshape the state government so that this heinous attack on fundamental rights and the American Way can be overturned … and we’ll send a message to right-wing, anti-worker elected officials everywhere, as well as their corporate cronies, that Americans’ basic rights are not on the table and that there are consequences for these attacks.

Thank you for all your support at this historic moment in our nation’s story.

Sincerely,

Ben Betz, Online Strategy Manager

P.S. Republican State Senate Leader Scott Fitzgerald told Fox News that the bill was passed in order to dramatically weaken the clout of unions who could support President Obama’s reelection campaign in the swing state: “If we win this battle, and the money is not there under the auspices of the unions, certainly what you’re going to find is President Obama is going to have a much more difficult time getting elected and winning the state of Wisconsin.”

Randy Hopper, a Republican State Senator who could be recalled by voters this year, also said in an interview with Fox News, “I think there’s absolutely no question that this is an issue for 2012.”

As Republicans admit that the union-busting bill is all about punishing progressive groups and rewarding corporate backers, it is clear that the GOP’s rhetoric on “fiscal conservatism” should not be taken seriously.

P.P.S. Today, the 14 Democratic Wisconsin Senators, who showed America such a great example of progressive strength and unity, are returning to Madison in a “homecoming march” on the capitol. The move is meant to demonstrate that their return to the state is not an acknowledgement of defeat. These Senators continue to have our deepest gratitude and support.