Updates when needed

The Senate Convenes: 12:15pm Resume consideration of S.3217, Wall Street Reform.

The following amendments are pending to S.3217:
Reid for Dodd-Lincoln amendment #3739 (Substitute)
Reid for Boxer #3737 (No Taxpayer Bailout)

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

Unanimous Consent:
Passed HR3714, Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act.

Adopted H.Con.Res.264, a concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the Capitol grounds for the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service (the event will be held on May 15, 2010).

Adopted S.Con.Res.61, a concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that general aviation pilots and industry should be recognized for the contributions made in response to Haiti earth quake relief efforts.

Adopted S.Con.Res.62, a concurrent resolution congratulating the outstanding professional public servants, both past and present, of the Natural Resources Conservation Service on the occasion of its 75th anniversary.

Adopted S.Res.481, a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 3 through 9, 2010.

Adopted S.Res.507, a resolution designating April 30, 2010, as “Dia de los Ninos: Celebrating Young Americans.”

Confirmed the following nominations:
-David Hale to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky;
– Kerry Harvery to be United States Attorney for th eEaster District of Kentucky;
– Alicia Anne Garrido Limtiaco to be United States Attorney for the district of Guam and concurerntly United States Attorney for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands;
-Kenneth Gonzales to be United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 29, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

9:16 P.M. –

The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 3, 2010. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.

7:05 P.M. –

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

7:03 P.M. –

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 6: himself for 5 min, and Mr. Jones for 5 min. Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Calvert be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 5.

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Calvert be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 4.

7:02 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable James L. Oberstar. Mr. Oberstar notified the House that today, on April 29, 2010, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met in open session to consider four resolutions for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in accordance with 33 U.S.C. sec. 542. The resolutions authorize Corps surveys (or studies) of water resources needs and possible solutions. The Committee adopted the resolutions by voice vote with a quorum present.

7:01 P.M. –

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

7:00 P.M. –

Mr. Hoyer asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Thursday, April 29, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 3, 2010. Agreed to without objection. Mr. Hoyer asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Monday, May 3, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 375:

supporting the goals and ideals of Workers’ Memorial Day in order to honor and remember the workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

6:57 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:56 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Hoyer asked unanimous consent to vacate the proceedings by which the yeas and nays were ordered on the question of the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.Res. 375, as amended, to the end that the resolution be considered as adopted in the form considered by the House on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 2499:

to provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 223 – 169, 1 Present (Roll no. 242).

6:39 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 194 – 198 (Roll no. 241).

6:22 P.M. –

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

6:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (WA) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House with an amendment to allow Puerto Rico to be admitted as a State of the Union and ensure that english shall be the official language of the State; and to allow the residents of Puerto Rico to have the right to own, possess, carry, or use firearms for lawful defense.

Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to recommit with instructions to Natural Resources.

6:12 P.M. –

The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

6:11 P.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2499. On agreeing to the Velazquez amendment Failed by recorded vote: 171 – 223 (Roll no. 240).

6:05 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Velazquez amendment Failed by recorded vote: 112 – 285 (Roll no. 239).

5:58 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Velazquez amendment Failed by recorded vote: 11 – 387 (Roll no. 238).

5:51 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Burton (IN) amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 301 – 100 (Roll no. 237).

5:44 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Gutierrez amendment Failed by recorded vote: 13 – 386 (Roll no. 236).

5:36 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Gutierrez amendment Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 236 (Roll no. 235).

5:29 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Foxx amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 223 – 179 (Roll no. 234).

4:56 P.M. –

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

4:55 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the Hastings (WA) amendment was withdrawn.

4:50 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (WA) amendment in the nature of a substitute.

4:49 P.M. –

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Hastings (WA).

An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 111-468 to state that Puerto Rico has, and has had, the authority to conduct plebiscites.

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

4:38 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Velazquez amendment in the nature of a substitute number 7.

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

An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 111-468 to express that it is the Sense of Congress that a proposal for a change of status must come first from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico before Congress decides to consider the issue, therefore respecting their right of self-determination.

DEBATE – At the conclusion of debate on the Velazquez amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Rahall demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Velazquez amendment number 6. Amendment offered by Ms. Velazquez.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 111-468 to eliminate the first round of voting in Section 2 of the bill and insert an option for Commonwealth as a fourth option to the ballot. It also provides for a runoff process if no option receives more than 50 percent of the vote that would be between the two options that received the most votes.

4:25 P.M. –

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

4:15 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Velazquez amendment number 5. Amendment offered by Ms. Velazquez.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 111-468 to expand eligibility to vote in the any plebiscites authorized by this bill to U.S. citizens of Puerto Rican descent residing in any of the 50 States.

4:14 P.M. –

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

4:02 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Burton (IN) amendment. Amendment offered by Mr. Burton (IN).

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 111-468 to retain the requirement that all ballots used for authorized plebiscites include the full content of the ballot printed in English. It would also require the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission to inform voters in all authorized plebiscites that if Puerto Rico retains its current status or is admitted as a State: (1) any official language requirements of the Federal Government shall apply to Puerto Rico to the same extent as throughout the United States; and (2) it is the Sense of Congress that the teaching of English be promoted in Puerto Rico in order for English-language proficiency to be achieved.

4:01 P.M. –

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

3:51 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gutierrez amendment number 3. Amendment offered by Mr. Gutierrez.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 111-468 to provide that the ballots in the plebiscite to be conducted under H.R. 2499 are printed in Spanish.

3:50 P.M. –

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

3:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gutierrez amendment number 2.

Amendment offered by Mr. Gutierrez.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 111-468 to provide the Puerto Rican people have the option to choose “none of the above” with regard to the status of Puerto Rico.

3:38 P.M. –

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

3:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1305, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Foxx amendment. Amendment offered by Ms. Foxx.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 111-468 to allow supporters of the commonwealth status quo the option of voting their preference during the second stage of the plebiscite.

1:34 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour and thirty minutes of

general debate on H.R. 2499.

1:33 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Adam B. Schiff 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. 1305 and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2499 with 1 hour and 30 minutes 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. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1305.

H. Res. 1305:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2499) to provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico

1:03 P.M. –

On motion to table the motion to reconsider the vote Agreed to by recorded vote: 199 – 186 (Roll no. 233).

1:04 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider the vote tabled.

1:02 P.M. –

Ms. Slaughter moved to table the motion to reconsider the vote

1:01 P.M. –

Mr. Gutierrez moved to reconsider the vote. On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 222 – 190 (Roll no. 232).

12:47 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 218 – 188 (Roll no. 231).

12:16 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

12:15 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 29.

11:23 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H. Res. 1305:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2499) to provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1305, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question, and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

10:35 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House resumed debate on H. Res. 1305.

10:34 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 5146 and H.R. 5147, without amendment.

H. Res. 1305:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2499) to provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico

10:17 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1305 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.