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As One Budget Battle Ends, Another Begins …from -Joan Entmacher and Judy Waxman, National Women’s Law Center


Thank you for all you have done to help protect women and their families. We are counting on you in the struggles to come to fight these efforts to destroy programs that millions of Americans need every day.

from …

Joan Entmacher

Vice President, Family Economic Security

National Women’s Law Center

Judy Waxman

Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights

National Women’s Law Center

As you’ve probably heard, Congress has approved and the President signed a spending bill for the remainder of the federal government’s current fiscal year. And thanks to your support, we were able to safeguard (and even increase) funding for some vital programs.

Under this plan, which funds programs through the end of September, the budget for Head Start will increase, allowing 60,000 low-income children to continue receiving a valuable jumpstart to their education. Plus, we put the brakes on the effort to take away funding for Planned Parenthood and other critical family planning services across the country. If anti-choice politicians had prevailed, many women would have had nowhere to turn for contraception and preventive health screenings.

Unfortunately, however, these actions came at a high price: the 2011 budget agreement forbids the District of Columbia from using its own local tax dollars to give low-income women access to abortion services they need, putting an already vulnerable population at increased risk. And the agreement includes cuts to health, education and human services programs that will be detrimental to women and their families.

But the fight we had over this year’s budget is dwarfed by what we’re facing farther down the road. The House Republican majority just voted today for a budget for 2012 and beyond that would give more tax breaks to millionaires and corporations while eviscerating Medicaid, Medicare and other programs vital to women.

In supporting Representative Paul Ryan’s budget proposal, the House voted to:Cut, then cap, Medicaid, which would cause millions of vulnerable women to lose their health coverage. End Medicare as we know it, replacing the current guaranteed insurance system with a voucher program that would stick seniors with higher health care costs.

Cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations, permanently extending the Bush-era tax cuts, capping the top personal income tax, extending the December 2010 reduction in the estate tax for multi-million dollar estates, and lowering corporations’ tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent.

Put Social Security cuts on a fast-track in Congress, placing millions of women and others who rely on Social Security benefits at risk.

Other provisions in the bill would slash funding for domestic programs such as child care, Head Start, K-12 education, Pell grants, family planning and other women’s health services, job training, housing and energy assistance, and services for the elderly.

The list goes on, but here’s the bottom line: this budget would unravel the fragile safety net for millions of Americans even as it puts TRILLIONS of dollars in the pockets of corporations and the wealthy. This isn’t a fiscal plan — it’s an attack on the very idea that our society should protect its most vulnerable members and on public structures that give ALL Americans a chance at a better life.

Thank you for all you have done to help protect women and their families. We are counting on you in the struggles to come to fight these efforts to destroy programs that millions of Americans need every day.

Sincerely,

Joan Entmacher

Vice President, Family Economic Security

National Women’s Law Center

Judy Waxman

Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights

National Women’s Law Center

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Budget: Shutdown Averted


Late Friday night, just minutes from an impending government shutdown, congressional negotiators and President Barack Obama reached a deal to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year, cutting $38.5 billion under current funding levels. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and other Republicans hailed the deal as an important step to reining in the deficit, while Obama lauded it as a bipartisan achievement, comparing it to the compromise he helped broker late last year on extending the Bush tax cuts for two years. “A few months ago, I was able to sign a tax cut for American families because both parties worked through their differences and found common ground,” he said in a statement. “Now the same cooperation will make possible the biggest annual spending cut in history, and it’s my sincere hope that we can continue to come together as we face the many difficult challenges that lie ahead, from creating jobs and growing our economy to educating our children and reducing our deficit.” To keep the government running, lawmakers passed a short-term spending measure and are preparing to vote on a final agreement later this week.

CUTS DWARFED BY BUSH TAX CUTS: While the details of the deal are still emerging — the agreement would cut $13 billion from programs at the Departments of Labor, Education and Health and Human Services, $1 billion more in an across-the-board cut from domestic agencies and $8 billion in cuts to the State Department and foreign aid — the New York Times reports that negotiations came down to the wire, as Republicans sought to move the goal posts on negotiation and press for greater cuts. On Thursday night, for instance, Obama believed that he “had made a breakthrough in the negotiations, when he told Mr. Boehner that he would sign on to spending cuts of roughly $38 billion — $5 billion more than he had offered two days earlier.” But the following morning, Boehner reneged, saying that he would demand “north of the amount we’d offered the night before.” The demand led to a heated exchange between Obama and Boehner in which the President said, “I’m the president of the United States, you’re the speaker of the House. We’re the two most responsible leaders right now. We had a conversation last night, and what I’m hearing now doesn’t reflect that.” The final agreement of $38.5 billion in spending cuts, however, ia still dwarfed by the lost revenue from extending the Bush tax cuts, which the Republicans loudly championed. That policy deprives the government of roughly $150 billion in revenue over a similar period of time. As Alex Seitz-Wald points out, “So while they very nearly shut down the government to extract painful spending cuts, Republicans had already wiped out those spending cuts many times over with the revenue lost from extending the Bush tax cuts.”

RIDERS REMAIN: Despite securing a significant concession on spending, House Republicans were forced to drop over 40 riders or policy demands — including Rep. Mike Pence’s (R-IN) amendment to defund Planned Parenthood and another provision that would have blocked standards to protect public health from carbon dioxide, mercury, and other toxic pollutants — from the short-term budget bill. Instead, they secured a guarantee that the issue would receive an up or down vote on the Senate floor and kept provision that would prohibit the District of Columbia from using its own funds to pay for abortion services. The rider would not save any additional federal dollars, however, since it only prohibits the District from spending its own locally-raised tax dollars on the procedure, reviving a 13-year ban President Obama overturned in 2009. Washington D.C.’s Congressional delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), condemned the provision and warned that Republicans may still advance an unresolved measure that would ban on the city from running needle exchange programs and would actually increase spending (a study from Yale University found that needle exchange can reduce government spending by millions of dollars by preventing disease transmission.) “The District is still on the auction block during the final negotiations over the budget bill because Republicans want a ban on the use of D.C. local funds for needle-exchange programs in the package, which would guarantee the spread of HIV/AIDS among our citizens,” Norton said. Another rider secured by Republicans would also reinstate a school voucher program in D.C. and make small changes in the Affordable Care Act.

THE NEXT FIGHT: Over the weekend, Republicans reiterated that the short-term funding negotiations were only a dress rehearsal for the looming fight over an increase in the debt ceiling. Boehner insisted on Saturday that there is “not a chance” Republicans will deliver a “clean bill” to raise the debt ceiling and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) predicted that “the White House and the president will actually capitulate” and agree to “spending caps, entitlement reforms, budget process reforms ” in the debt limit increase. It is widely understood, however, that failing to raise the debt ceiling on schedule could have immediate and dire consequences for government services and the global economy. As the Center for American Progress’ David Min has pointed out, it would force an immediate cut of approximately 40 percent to all activities of the federal government — a severe blow to our already struggling economy. It could also erode confidence in U.S. Treasury bonds, causing interest rates to spike and the possible destabilization of global financial markets. If investor confidence is eroded and Treasury rates go up, the higher costs of debt maintenance would counteract (and potentially could even be larger than) any spending cuts at issue. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has acknowledged as much, as has Boehner, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), and conservative columnist George Will . This has not prevented many GOP lawmakers from threatening to vote down an increase in the debt limit if their partisan demands are not met. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has said there can be no increase without entitlement cuts and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) demanded an implicit 44 percent cut in all government programs in exchange for an increase.

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Congress: In Session -the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET March 29, 2011

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business for one hour 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 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 Small Business Jobs bill.

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

Roll call votes in relation to amendments to the small business jobs bill are possible during Tuesday’s session. Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.

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)

– Cornyn amendment #186 (bipartisan committion)

– Paul amendment #199 (spending cuts)

– Sanders amendment #207 (Social Security)

– Hutchison amendment #197 (Delay health care reform)

– Coburn amendment #184 (GAO Study)

– Pryor amendment #229 (Patriot Express Loan program)

– landrieu amendment #244 to amendment #244 (effective date)

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.114, a resolution honoring Geraldine Ferraro, former United States Representative from New York, and extending the condolences of the Senate on her death.

Passed H.R.1079, the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011 (provides a short term extension through June 1, 2011).

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 29, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:56 P.M. –

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

7:47 P.M. –

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

H.R. 1148:

to prohibit commodities and securities trading based on nonpublic information relating to Congress, to require additional reporting by Members and employees of Congress of securities transactions, and for other purposes

7:46 P.M. –

RE-REFERRAL – Mr. Bachus asked unanimous consent that H.R. 1148 be re-referred primarily to the Committee on Financial Services and additionally to the Committees on Agriculture, House Administration, the Judiciary, Ethics and Rules. Agreed to without objection.

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

7:45 P.M. –

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 839 as may be necessary to reflect the actions of the House in amending the bill, to include striking “paragraph (1)” on page 5, line 16, and inserting in lieu thereof “subparagraph (A)”.

7:44 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 252 – 170, 1 Present (Roll no. 198).

7:37 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 185 – 238, 1 Present (Roll no. 197).

7:21 P.M. –

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

7:11 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Larsen (WA) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment which adds a new paragraph entitled “CONTINUATION OF PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND GOLD STAR RECIPIENTS”.

Mr. Larsen (WA) moved to recommit with instructions to Financial Services.

7:10 P.M. –

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

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

7:09 P.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 839.

7:08 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Maloney amendment Failed by recorded vote: 173 – 249 (Roll no. 196).

7:02 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 239 (Roll no. 195).

6:57 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Hanna amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 247 – 170 (Roll no. 194).

6:36 P.M. –

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

6:34 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe 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.

Considered as unfinished business.

6:33 P.M. –

Mr. Bishop (UT) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 186.

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

5:00 P.M. –

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

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

4:58 P.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 839 as unfinished business.

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

4:57 P.M. –

Mrs. Biggert moved that the committee rise.

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

4:51 P.M. –

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

Amendment offered by Ms. Sanchez, Loretta.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to add the Sense of Congress language to the end of the bill that banks are encouraged to work with homeowners to provide loan modifications for those qualifying and assist homeowners and prospective homeowners with foreclosure prevention programs and information on loan modifications

4:50 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. Mrs. Maloney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:39 P.M. –

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

Amendment offered by Mrs. Maloney.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to include a list of the number of trial and permanent modifications started under the HAMP program in each state as well as the number of seriously delinquent mortgages across the country that will not be able to be eligible for HAMP modifications because Congress is terminating the program.

4:38 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Matsui 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 ten minutes of debate on the Matsui amendment.

4:30 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Ms. Matsui.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to require mortgage lenders and services participating in the HAMP program to continue to publicly report basic loan modification information.

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

4:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment.

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to require a study and report submitted to Congress determining the successful aspects of HAMP, and legislative recommendations for a replacement loan modification program.

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

4:14 P.M. –

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

Amendment offered by Ms. Waters.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to require the Secretary of the Treasury to send a letter to HAMP applicants that they will not be considered for a modification due to termination of the program and that they can contact their Member of Congress for assistance in negotiating with or acquiring a loan modification from their servicer

4:13 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Miller (NC) amendment Failed by voice vote.

4:08 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Miller (NC) amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Miller (NC).

An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to direct the Secretary, upon termination of the Home Affordable Modification Program, to undertake a study of the use of the program by covered homeowners, and also of the effectiveness of the program in assisting these homeowners. Following completion of that study, the Secretary would be required to implement a new program to assist the same group of homeowners based on the study’s findings.

4:07 P.M. –

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

3:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Canseco amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Canseco.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to ensure that all taxpayer funds saved from elimination of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) are used to reduce the deficit.

3:55 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Ellison amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:43 P.M. –

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

Amendment offered by Mr. Ellison.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to include Congressional findings on various facts about the HAMP program, including cost and number of permanent modifications.

3:42 P.M. –

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

3:33 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Hanna amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Hanna.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to include findings detailing the Home Affordable Modification Program’s (HAMP’s) flaws and state that terminating HAMP would save taxpayers approximately $1.4 billion.

2:24 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 839.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe 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.

2:22 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.

H.R. 1079:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1079.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Petri moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

2:09 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

2:06 P.M. –

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

2:05 P.M. –

Committee on Ethics – Pursuant to clause 5(a)(4)(A) of Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader appointed the following Members to be available to serve on investigative subcommittees of the Committee on Ethics: Ms. Lofgren, Zoe of CA, Mr. Chandler, Mr. Sarbanes, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Lujan, Mr. Cicilline, Mr. Keating, Mr. Schiff, and Ms. CLarke of NY.

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 received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on March 17, 2011 at 6:52 p.m. stating that that body had agreed to H. Con. Res. 30.

2:03 P.M. –

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

2:02 P.M. –

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

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

2:01 P.M. –

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

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Congress:debates/votes -the Republican led House …will defund BigBird(H.R.1076) -NPR&PBS -the Senate considers…S.493SBIR,STTR,H.J.Res.48-3wkCR


The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET on March 17, 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 Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.

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

At 12:00pm, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.J.Res.48, the continuing resolution through April 8, 2011 with up to 3 hours of debate equally divided and controlled between the two leaders and their designees.

Senators should expect up to 2 roll call votes at approximately 2:45pm in relation to the following:

– Passage of H.J.Res.48, 3-week CR

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #11, Amy Jackson, of the District of Columbia, to be US District Judge for the District of Columbia.

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

Votes:

44: Passage of H.J.Res. 48, 3-week CR; Passed: 87-13

45: Confirmation of calendar #11, the nomination of Amy Berman, of the District of Columbia, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia

Confirmed: 97-0

Unanimous Consent:

Confirmed Executive calendar #48, Michael Vickers, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence.

Adopted S.Res.51, a resolution recognizing the 190th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy.

Adopted S.Res.105, a resolution to condemn the December 19, 2010 elections in Belarus, and to call for the immediate release of all political prisoners and for new elections that meet international standards.

Adopted S.Res.106, a resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in New York City on March 25, 1911 and designating the week of March 21, 2011 through March 25, 2011 as the “100th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Remembrance Week.”

Adopted S.Res.107, a resolution designating April 4, 2011 as National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Day.

Adopted H.Con.Res.30, Adjournment Resolution.

““““““““““““““

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 9:00amET on March 17, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 17, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

3:40 P.M. –

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

3:39 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 27 and passed H.J. Res. 48.

3:32 P.M. –

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

H. Con. Res. 28:

directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan

3:29 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 93 – 321, 1 Present (Roll no. 193).

3:23 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1076:

to prohibit Federal funding of National Public Radio and the use of Federal funds to acquire radio content

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 228 – 192, 1 Present (Roll no. 192).

3:15 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 184 – 235 (Roll no. 191).

2:51 P.M. –

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

2:44 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sutton motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the bill back to the House with an amendment to prohibit the underlying legislation from limiting the eligibility of non-commercial educational radio programs from receiving Federal funds to broadcast or disseminate alerts issued by the AMBER Alert communications network regarding abducted children.

2:43 P.M. –

Ms. Sutton moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.

2:42 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1076.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1076 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. Although the rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill, the Committee is not aware of any points of order. The waiver is prophylactic in nature. Although the rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, the Committee is not aware of any points of order against any of the provisions in the bill. The waiver of all points of order against provisions in the bill is prophylactic in nature.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 174.

H. Con. Res. 28:

directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan

1:25 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Con.Res. 28, the Chair put the question on adoption of the concurrent resolution and by voice vote announced the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Ros-Lehtinen demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the concurrent resolution until later in the legislative day.

1:24 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

10:58 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to a previous special order, the House proceeded with 2 hours of debate on H. Con. Res. 28.

Considered pursuant to a previous order.

H. Res. 174:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1076) to prohibit Federal funding of National Public Radio and the use of Federal funds to acquire radio content

10:57 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 236 – 181 (Roll no. 190).

10:47 A.M. –

Point of order raised by Mr. Weiner on the content of the measure. Mr. Weiner stated that the underlying bill made in order by H. Res. 174 had not been posted online for 72 hours, and as such, was in violation of the rules of the House. Point of order overruled by the Chair.

10:46 A.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 233 – 179 (Roll no. 189).

9:16 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 174.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 147:

providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Twelfth Congress

9:15 A.M. –

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.

9:03 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.

9:02 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Barrow 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.

9:01 A.M. –

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

9:00 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Congress: debates & votes Today … -the Republican led House -the Senate …SBIR and S.493 STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011


The Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET March 14, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 4:30pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive session to consider the nomination of calendar #10, the nomination of James Boasberg, of the District of Columbia, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia. There will be up to 1 hour for debate equally divided prior to a vote on the nomination.

Votes:

39: Confirmation of the nomination of James Boasberg, of the District of Columbia, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of ColumbiA;

Confirmed: 96-0

40: Cloture on the motion to proceed to S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011

Invoked: 84-12.

This is the last vote of the day.

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.100, Designating March 11, 2011, as “World Plumbing Day”.

Adopted S.Res.101, a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate relating to the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 14, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

8:58 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 15, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

8:57 P.M. –

Mrs. Christensen moved that the House do now adjourn.

7:04 P.M. –

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

7:03 P.M. –

On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.

7:02 P.M. –

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

H. Con. Res. 27:

providing for the acceptance of a statue of Gerald R. Ford from the people of Michigan for placement in the United States Capitol

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): 396 – 0 (Roll no. 176).

6:55 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:54 P.M. –

MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence for all those who have perished in the aftermath of the devastating Earthquake and Tsunami that hit the nation of Japan.

H.R. 793:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12781 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Inverness, California, as the “Specialist Jake Robert Velloza Post Office”

6:53 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 – 0, 1 Present (Roll no. 175).

6:52 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:31 P.M. –

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

Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 167.

6:30 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 14.

5:36 P.M. –

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

H. Con. Res. 27:

providing for the acceptance of a statue of Gerald R. Ford from the people of Michigan for placement in the United States Capitol

5:35 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

5:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 27.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 793:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12781 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Inverness, California, as the “Specialist Jake Robert Velloza Post Office”

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

5:03 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 793.

Mr. Ross (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:02 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 14.

2:05 P.M. –

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

2:02 P.M. –

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

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

2:01 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. Campbell 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. Campbell 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.

2:00 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 14.

12:07 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

12:00 P.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

The Speaker designated the Honorable John Campbell to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.