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Congress …


The Senate Convened

Resumed consideration of HR4872, Health Care and Education Reconciliation.  Roll call votes in relation to amendments and motions will begin around 9:45am.

Votes:
87: Baucus motion to table Bunning amendment #3681: (opt out of Medicare);
Tabled: 61-36

88: Grassley motion to waive budget with respect to Grassley amendment #3699: (short term extension of certain tax provisions);
Not Waived: 40-56

89: Bennett (UT) motion to waive Budget with respect to Bennett (UT) #3568 (DC Gay Marriage)
Not Waived: 36-59

90: Baucus motion to table Risch #3645 (itemized medical expense deductions);
Tabled: 55-40

91: Hutchison motion to waive Hutchison amendment #3635: (marriage penalty);
Not Waived: 40-55

92: Baucus motion to table the Vitter amendment #3668: (mobile mammography)
Tabled: 56-39

93: Ensign motion to waive Budget with respect to Ensign amendment #3593: (medical liability protections)
Not Waived: 40-55

94: Coburn motion to waive Budget with respect to the Coburn amendment #3700: (Guns)
Not Waived:45-53

95: Durbin motion to table Sessions amendment #3701: (Immigration)
Tabled: 55-43

96: Baucus motion to table the Cornyn amendment #3698: ;
Tabled: 58-40

97: Baucus motion to table the Grassley amendment #3569: (frontier states)
Tabled: 53-45

98: Baucus motion to table the Brownback amendment #3697: ;
Tabled: 56-42

99: Now Voting on Vitter Motion to Waive Budget with respect to Vitter #3665 (to prevent the new government entitlement program from further increasing an unsustainable deficit)

100: Baucus motion to table DeMint Motion to Commit (Across State Lines);
Tabled: 56-43

101: Baucus motion to table Ensign amendment #3710: (individual mandates);
Tabled: 58-40

102: Now Voting on Motion to Waive Budget with respect to Murkowski amendment #3711: (Index Medicare Tax)

102: Motion to Waive Budget with respect to Murkowski amendment #3711: (PROVIDES a cost of living adjustment for taxable years after December 31, 2013 for the Medicare tax thresholds ($200,000 for individuals; $250,000 for families) established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the amendments made by this Act. RESCINDS $1.6 billion of unobligated amounts from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus bill));
Not Waived: 42-57

103: Hutchison amendment (small business)
Tabled: 55-43

104: Baucus motion to table Cornyn #3712
Tabled: 57-41

105: Passage of HR4872, Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, as amended by operation of section 313 (e) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974;
Passed: 56-43 sending it to the House for the final vote.

106: Reid motion to table the McConnell motion to proceed to S.3153, extension of UI, COBRA, physician payment, HER clarification, Frontier states/Medicare, 2009 poverty guidelines, floor insurance, satellite tv, highway extension, with an offset;
Tabled: 59-40

107: Motion to Instruct the SAA to request the presence of absent senators;
Agreed To: 58-35

108: H.Con.Res257, adjournment resolution;
Adopted: 49-39

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.3186, to reauthorize the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 through April 30, 2010.

Passed S.3187, Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 (30-day extension)

Passed HR4938, a bill to permit the use of previously appropriated funds to extend the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program for an additional 30 days (current extension expires on March 28, 2010).

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 25, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

11:21 P.M. –
On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote. The House adjourned pursuant to H. Con. Res. 257. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on April 13, 2010.

Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.

10:46 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with Special Order speeches.

H.R. 4957:

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 authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

10:45 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On passage Passed without objection.

Considered by unanimous consent.

Ms. Richardson asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

10:25 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with Special Order Speeches.

S. 3186:

to reauthorize the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 through April 30, 2010, and for other purposes

10:23 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

10:22 P.M. –
On passage Passed without objection. Considered by unanimous consent.

Mr. Maffei asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.

9:49 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with Special Order speeches.

9:48 P.M. –
The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 4938, S. 3186, and S. 3187.

9:28 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

9:15 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

9:12 P.M. –
The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 257.

H. Res. 1215:

expressing support for Bangladesh’s return to democracy

9:11 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 195).

9:03 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 4872:

to provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 202 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2010

9:02 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll No. 194).

8:42 P.M. –
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

8:24 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to H.Res. 1225, the House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 4872. Mr. Miller, George moved that the House agree to the Senate amendments.

H. Res. 1225:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill ( H.R. 4872) to provide for reconciliation pursuant to Title II of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2010 (S.Con.Res. 13)

8:23 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: 225 – 199 (Roll no. 193).

7:56 P.M. –
The previous question was ordered without objection.


H. Res. 1225:
providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill ( H.R. 4872) to provide for reconciliation pursuant to Title II of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2010 (S.Con.Res. 13)

6:38 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1225 Considered as privileged matter.

Ms. Slaughter filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1225.

6:37 P.M. –
The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 2
5:39 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H. Res. 1223:

The title of this measure is not available

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 4360:

to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs blind rehabilitation center in Long Beach, California, as the “Major Charles R. Soltes, Jr., O.D. Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center”

5:36 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): (Roll No. 192).

5:30 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1125:

supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 191).

5:21 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1586:

to impose an additional tax on bonuses received from certain TARP recipients

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll No. 190).

4:54 P.M. –
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

4:53 P.M. –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of agreeing to the Senate amendments with an amendment to H.R. 1586, and motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 4938:

to permit the use of previously appropriated funds to extend the Small Business Loan Guarantee 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.

4:43 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4938. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1215:

expressing support for Bangladesh’s return to democracy

4:42 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.

4:33 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1215. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Crowley moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

4:31 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until the conclusion of general debate on all suspensions.

H.R. 1586:

to impose an additional tax on bonuses received from certain TARP recipients

4:30 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, the Chair postponed further proceedings of the motion to agree to the Senate amendments with an amendment to H.R. 1586.

3:18 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on agreeing with an amendment to the Senate amendments to H.R. 1586.

3:17 P.M. –
Mr. Oberstar moved that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendments.

3:14 P.M. –
On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 241 – 178 (Roll no. 189).

H. Res. 1212:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill ( H.R. 1586) to impose an additional tax on bonuses received from certain TARP recipients, and for other purposes

3:08 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: 231 – 190 (Roll no. 188).

2:58 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business. The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 4872 amended.

H. Res. 1220:

raising a question of the privileges of the House

On motion to refer Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 406 – 1, 15 Present (Roll no. 187).

2:30 P.M. –
The previous question on the motion to refer was ordered without objection.

2:29 P.M. –
Mr. McGovern moved to refer to Standards of Official Conduct.

2:26 P.M. –
Considered as privileged matter. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 25.

11:19 A.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H. Res. 1212:
providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill ( H.R. 1586) to impose an additional tax on bonuses received from certain TARP recipients, and for other purposes

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1212, the Chair put the question on adoption of agreeing to the resolution and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Slaughter demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on agreeing to the resolution until later in the legislative day.The previous question was ordered without objection.

10:37 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1212Considered as privileged matter.

10:32 A.M. –
NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER RESOLUTION – Mr. Flake notified the House of his intent to rise to a question of the privileges of the House and to offer a resolution. Mr. Flake was recognized to notice the form of his proposed resolution. The Chair subsequently announced that under rule IX, a resolution offered from the floor by a Member other than the majority leader or the minority leader as a question of the privileges of the House has immediate precedence only at a time designated by the Chair within 2 legislative days after the resolution is properly noticed. The Chair further announced that it would not, at that point, make the determination required by the rule.

10:06 A.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 10 per side of the aisle.

10:05 A.M. –
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Fleming to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that she had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Jackson(IL) 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. Jackson(IL) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair announced that further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal would be postponed until later in the legislative day.

10:04 A.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Sharon Daugherty, Victory Christian Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

10:03 A.M. –
The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Thursday news …


Today, President Obama will be in Iowa to talk about Health care Reform and what it means to Americans.  This is a week that we can all be so proud of even if  Republicans have decided to not only act with malice but are adding to the drama of getting through the Peoples business. It’s obvious that after Senator McCain announced that Republicans would no longer work with Democrats… like a little kid;  they decided to invoke a little used rule that allows them to shut-down the Senate Chamber completely; which shuts down any and all business of the People. The Senate usually convenes at noon; this rule if not agreed to by unanimous consent stops all Senate business at 2pm.

Late into the evening, Republicans managed to find 2 minor language violations that would send the health bill back to the House.  In what can be considered a long day and night of deflecting attempts to kill the bill, language and provisions  regarding 16 lines about Pell Grants to low income students were deemed a glitch by Democrats. And while Democrats first thought they could just delete the measure; GOP found and were obviously looking for something to kill this bill, managed to find a couple of elements that violate the “Congress budget rules,”  The two provisions are expected to be formally removed from the bill on Thursday. Manley said “he expected the Senate to approve the measure without them and send it to the House. He said Senate leaders, after conversations with top House Democrats, expect the House to approve the revised measure.” After a long night of listening to one silly amendment after another and two minor issues; the Senate scheduled passage of the health bill for Thursday afternoon and they plan to finish this fix-it part before the Easter recess; they only need 215 to pass it this time; reports of a 2pmET Senate final vote and The US House will vote Thursday evening. stay tuned.


In other News …

The Senate will pass the measure around 6pmET; they need only 215 votes as a Republican has retired… updates will be coming if needed

Senator Rangel will be the last to speak at the final vote

DADT …huffington post reports The new guidelines, which go into effect immediately, are considered a stopgap measure until Congress decides whether to go along with President Barak Obama’s call for a repeal of the law.

Senator Wyden states that the HCR lawsuits on mandates are moot as the States can opt out

A 6.1 Earthquake rocked the Philipines/Capitol today no word on injuries yet

Officials have asked women to stop using baby slings at this time as there have been incidents

Toyota will face federal hearing and maybe a class action lawsuit

Obama seeks 2.8billion for Haiti

Senate Passes bill to send billions to local governments for local construction and infrastructure projects and welfare programs.

Senate passes bill to set nutritional standards for food in schools

reports that a lone Republican reached out to Dems regarding Bank Reform has been abandoned by R.Party leaders.

Russia and the US agree to began reducing the number of Nukes from 2200 to 1500, though 67votes are needed to pass this.

and what’s on CSPAN.or live-stream …

C-SPAN's Video Library

Health bill returns to House, GOP cite two minor provisions.  Last night, Senate Republicans found two minor provisions related to Pell grants that violate Senate procedure. The provisions must be removed from bill, and then returned to the House for passage. The Senate is expected to hold a final vote today on the bill.Senate Passes Reconciliation bill House to vote later.  The Senate has passed the Reconciliation bill by a vote of 56 to 43. The legislation now goes back to the House for a final vote because two provisions in the bill were taken out of the legislation by the Senate. The House is expected to vote on the bill this evening.

Committee grades Tarp’s mortgage modification program. TARP Inspector Gen. Neil Barofsky testified before a House Oversight & Govt. Reform Cmte. about his latest report on the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). The report audits the Treasury Department’s foreclosure prevention efforts and lawmakers are questioning the strength of the program.

Fed’s Emergency Programs Focus of HearingThe House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing titled “Unwinding Emergency Federal Reserve Liquidity Programs and Implications for Economic Recovery.” Fed. Chair Ben Bernanke will testify to the Committee on unwinding the Fed’s emergency programs. Testimony by economic academics and experts will follow the Chairman’s appearance.

watch Hearing on Fed Liquidity read REUTERS: Fed exit fraught with dangers read Hearing Witnesses List
read Chair. Bernanke’s Prepared Testimony

Senate Cmte. Examines Fiscal Year 2010 War SupplementalDoD Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified before the Senate Appropriations Cmte. on additional funds needed for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The war supplemental is an estimated $33 billion for fiscal year 2010 to support various missions, including the deployment of 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan last year.

The House and Senate in action …


The Senate will convene at 2:00pmET

and will proceed to a period of morning business until 3:00pm 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.

At 3:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of HR1586, FAA Reauthorization, with the time until 4:30pm for debate only and equally divided and controlled between Senators Rockefeller and Hutchison, or their designees.

At 4:30pm, the Ensign amendment #3476 (slot usage/perimeter) will be called up and modified with the changes at the desk. Debate between 4:30pm and 5:30pm will be equally divided and controlled between Senators Warner and Kyl or their designees.

At 5:30pm, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the Ensign amendment #3476. The amendment will be subject to a 60 vote threshold. Under a unanimous consent agreement it is in order for the amendment to be withdrawn prior to a vote.

Upon disposition of the Ensign amendment, the McCain amendment #3527 (Next Generation) will be withdrawn. If the McCain amendment #3528 (Grand Canyon) is not disposed of, the Senate would then proceed to vote in relation to the amendment.

At that point, a Managers’ amendment, cleared by the Leaders and Managers, would be in order and considered agreed to. The substitute amendment, as amended, would then be agreed to. The Senate will then proceed to vote on HR1586, as amended.

The 5:30pm votes would be in relation to the following items:

– Ensign amendment #3476 (slot usage/perimeter) (subject to a 60 vote threshold if it is not withdrawn);
– Passage of HR1586, as amended (FAA Reauthorization)

The title amendment will be agreed to upon passage of the bill.

the McCain amendment #3528 (Grand Canyon) was withdrawn.

Votes:
61: Passage of HR1586, FAA Reauthorization;
Passed: 93-0

Unanimous Consent:
Adopted S. Res.463,a resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Norwruz, expressing appreciation to Iranian-Americans for their contributions to society.

Adopted S.Res.464, a resolution recognizing the 189th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy.

Senator Harry Reid said, “I commend Speaker Pelosi and her team for leading passage of this common sense legislation that puts Americans back in control of their own health care, lowers skyrocketing costs, reduces the deficit, protects seniors and curbs insurance company abuses.  She and her colleagues in the House understand that this was never about politics; it has always been about people who are struggling every day to keep their families healthy without going broke.  This is about the scores of people we hear from every day who need greater security and stability in their health care.


The House will convene at 12:30pmET


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 22, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

7:24 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:23 P.M. –
Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. McCotter be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on March 24. Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. McCotter be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on March 23.

7:19 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H.R. 4667:

to increase, effective as of December 1, 2010, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans, and for other purposes

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 407 – 0 (Roll no. 171).

7:09 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 4810:

to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the services provided for homeless veterans under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs

7:04 P.M. –
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 413 – 0 (Roll no. 170).

6:35 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

6:34 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. Hastings (FL) filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 1204 and H. Res. 1205.

6:33 P.M. –
The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 22.

3:15 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

H.R. 4592:

to provide for the establishment of a pilot program to encourage the employment of veterans in energy-related positions

3:14 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Filner objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

3:04 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4592. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Filner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 4667:

to increase, effective as of December 1, 2010, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans, and for other purposes

3:03 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.

2:58 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4667. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 3976:

to extend certain expiring provisions providing enhanced protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosure

2:57 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Filner objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

2:52 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3976. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Filner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.J. Res. 80:
recognizing and honoring the Blinded Veterans Association on its 65th anniversary of representing blinded veterans and their families

2:42 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 80. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Filner moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.

H.R. 1879:

to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for employment and reemployment rights for certain individuals ordered to full-time National Guard duty

2:41 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Filner objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

2:34 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1879. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Filner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 4810:

to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the services provided for homeless veterans under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs

2:33 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.

2:15 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4810. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

2:14 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

2:02 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Halvorson 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, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 22.

12:41 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

12:31 P.M. –
MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. 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 Ann Kirkpatrick to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

12:30 P.M. –
The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Tuesday news today … CSPAN.org


The countdown to March Madness basketball championships continues and so do the battles on the Senate floor, as unemployment extensions, summer jobs for youth,  60 tax breaks, highway projects, the 21% Medicare payments are just some of the things they have not yet dealt with.  Though reports are that votes on these provisions will take place sometime this today has been moved to sometime this week, you have to wonder how interested is the Senate in getting the Peoples business done.

The President is getting the beat down by the Media; seems it’s an all out blitz that gets ever tiring as you hear the negative talking heads on each and every station; my suggestion would be … Don’t listen to it.

other News

Tuesday brings a lot of protesters out today, the tea party while Union leaders, organizers and activists will also be out to protest the affect  insurers have on our economy, the people, small business  and the rate increases.

A handful of Senators have joined the effort to Reform the Filibuster; last week Senator Bennett offered up  SR 440

Washington state legislation … have passed a bill to continue Death Benefits for  families of fallen Public Service folks such as the Police;  a provision was stripped out of the bill that would have continued to cover families though a living spouse re-married; a senator stated that it was tough but they had to consider the cost.

Reports state most African Americans will be out to vote for the Mid-term elections

Chevron to layoff at least 2000 workers

Greek independence day will be celebrated on the Hill and White House today

Chris Matthews interviews VP Biden in Israel today

Apparently even Democrats have problems; believe me the Massa story is not over yet, stay tuned;  Massa, Kucinich and Sestak blowing up at the President is an unwise choice because it probably will keep some of us from voting for these democrats in the future.   Does Stupak  want all this negative press and will his  future be impacted by folks who care about having a right to choose and support keeping the Hyde amendment the current law. Current

House &Senate votes,updates and  …

Amendments from Senator Murray to use 1.5bil  provide jobs to 500,000 youth during the summer to waive was defeated 55yeas and 45nays

The House is holding a  hearing on the impact of military deployment on children; the findings and what kinds of programs and support they need

The Senate vote to limit debates and amendments on extending tax breaks, unemployment benefits, federal programs and highways, vote of 66yeas and 34nays the motion was a agreed to and will move HR4213 forward to a final vote

In a vote of 100-0 the Senate agrees to  transparency regarding any  spending or tax cuts not paid for  in current budgets

The House will continue with 15bills&resolutions including one that prohibits Census look-a-like mailings, Aid to Haiti and Chile, Judicial Impeachment


what’s on CSPAN.org

White House  Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Press Secretary Robert Gibbs conducted a daily briefing at the White House. Topics included the latest timeline for passing health care legislation and financial troubles in Greece.watch White House Briefing

Senate Debates TAX Extender Bill

The first votes of the week are expected today on a long term tax extenders bill. Last week, the House passed a separate $15 billion jobs bill by a vote of 217-201. Because the bill was modified, the Senate needs to also vote on the legislation. The House added language forcing the bill’s costs to be fully offset, which will be a main point of debate in the Senate later.

watch Senate Floor: NOW on C-SPAN2
read Jobs Bill: House Vote Tally (3/4) read NY Times: House Adopts $15 Billion Plan

Food Safety Among FDA Initiatives for 2011

A Senate Appropriations Subcmte. is holding a hearing with Food and Drug Administration Cmsr. Margaret Hamburg on the agency’s proposed fiscal 2011 budget. Hamburg will discuss several FDA initiatives such as food safety, patient protection, disease treatment and tobacco program priorities.
speeches on jobs and the economy at business conference

The Nat’l Assoc. For Business Economics (NABE) began the second day of its annual economic policy conference with a speech by Christina Romer, chairwoman of Council of Economic Advisers. Later, Caterpillar Inc. Chairman Jim Owens shares his thoughts on jobs and the economy. Also speaking at the conf. is Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Pres. Charles Evans.

watch Christina Romer: From Earlier watch Jim Owens: c-span.org at 12:55pm ET    watch Charles Evans: video available later today

A Win- Win- Win- for Cash Strapped States


Tobacco Taxes: A Win-Win-Win for Cash-Strapped States

Report Released: February 10, 2010Click to Access Downloadable Report

Jump to download page Link to State Tax Report Press Release Jump to Poll Results Link to Executive Summary Link to Full Report on PDF Jump to download page Link to State Tax Report Press Release Jump to Appendices Jump to Poll Results Link to Executive Summary Link to Full Report on PDF

Tobacco taxes are a win-win-win for states facing budget shortfalls — a BUDGET WIN that will raise billions in revenue and help preserve essential services such as health care and education; a HEALTH WIN that will prevent kids from smoking and save lives; and a POLITICAL WIN that is popular with voters.

This report details the revenue and health benefits to each state of increasing its cigarette tax by $1 per pack, as well as the national benefits if every state took such action.