Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate continues to consider S.1813,the Surface Transportation bill


 the Senate Convened at 10:00amET March 7, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill. We continue to work on a path forward to complete action on the Surface Transportation bill.
  • The Senate will recess from 5pm to 6pm to accommodate a Senators-only briefing.

There will be no roll call votes on Monday, March 12, 2012.

There will be no roll call votes on Monday, March 19. 2012

State Work Period April 2-13, 2012

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 7, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.6:41:55 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.6:38:35 P.M. -Mr. Hensarling asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2012. Agreed to without objection.6:37:51 P.M. -H.R. 3606Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 3606 as unfinished business.6:37:49 P.M. -H.R. 3606On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.6:37:44 P.M. -H.R. 3606Mr. Hensarling moved that the Committee rise.6:36:38 P.M. -H.R. 3606On agreeing to the Connolly (VA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 185 – 236 (Roll no. 106).6:32:30 P.M. -H.R. 3606On agreeing to the Waters amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 161 – 259 (Roll no. 105).6:24:48 P.M. -H.R. 3606On agreeing to the Ellison amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 169 – 244 (Roll no. 104).6:20:54 P.M. -H.R. 3606On agreeing to the Himes amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 245 (Roll no. 103).5:55:51 P.M. -H.R. 3606UNFINISHED 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.5:55:05 P.M. -H.R. 3606On agreeing to the McCarthy (CA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.5:49:07 P.M. -H.R. 3606DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 572, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McCarthy (CA) amendment No. 10.5:49:05 P.M. -H.R. 3606An amendment, offered by Mr. McCarthy (CA), numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-409 to clarify that general advertising under this provision should only apply to Regulation D rule 506 offerings, allow for general solicitation in the secondary sale of these securities so long as only qualified institutional buyers purchase the securities, and provide consistency in interpretation that general advertising should not cause these offerings to be considered public offerings.5:48:20 P.M. -H.R. 3606POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Connolly (VA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.5:38:14 P.M. -H.R. 3606DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 572, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment No. 9.5:38:11 P.M. -H.R. 3606An amendment, offered by Mr. Connolly (VA), numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-409 to require the Securities and Exchange Commission to perform a study, in consultation with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, of the effects on emerging growth companies of financial speculation on domestic oil and gasoline prices and to forward the results of that study to Congress.5:36:55 P.M. -H.R. 3606By unanimous consent, the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment was withdrawn.5:36:12 P.M. -H.R. 3606DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 572, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 8.5:36:09 P.M. -H.R. 3606An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX), numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-409 to establish new filing fee for Reg S-K Forms to discourage frivolous filings.5:35:47 P.M. -H.R. 3606On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment; Failed by voice vote.5:26:04 P.M. -H.R. 3606DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 572, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 7.5:26:00 P.M. -H.R. 3606An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX), numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-409 to strike language that allows an emerging growth company or its underwriter to communicate with “institutions that are accredited investors.”5:25:58 P.M. -H.R. 3606POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Waters amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Waters demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.5:13:17 P.M. -H.R. 3606DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 572, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waters amendment No. 6.5:13:15 P.M. -H.R. 3606An amendment, offered by Ms. Waters, numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-409 to provide that if a broker or dealer is underwriting an initial public offering (IPO) for an emerging growth company (EGC) and providing research to the public about such IPO, those research reports need to be filed with the SEC, and the broker or dealer shall be held to stricter liability for their comments. Would also provide that if EGCs are communicating, either orally or in writing, with potential investors before or following an offering, they need to file those communications with the SEC.5:12:59 P.M. -H.R. 3606POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ellison amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Ellison demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.5:00:32 P.M. -H.R. 3606DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 572, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ellison amendment No. 5.5:00:27 P.M. -H.R. 3606An amendment, offered by Mr. Ellison, numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-409 to require Emerging Growth Companies to fully comply with say-on-pay and golden parachute shareholder votes.5:00:07 P.M. -H.R. 3606On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.4:52:56 P.M. -H.R. 3606DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 572, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 4.4:52:43 P.M. -H.R. 3606An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX), numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-409 to add a requirement that a company not be considered an “emerging growth company” if it has issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt over the prior three years.4:52:35 P.M. -H.R. 3606POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Himes amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Himes demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:40:56 P.M. -H.R. 3606DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 572, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Himes amendment No. 3.4:40:53 P.M. -H.R. 3606An amendment, offered by Mr. Himes, numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-409 to lower the gross annual revenue cap from $1,000,000,000 to $750,000,000 for emerging growth companies to remain eligible for the regulatory on-ramp and to strike the public float requirement for the on-ramp.4:40:27 P.M. -H.R. 3606On agreeing to the McIntyre amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.4:36:16 P.M. -H.R. 3606DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 572, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McIntyre amendment No. 2.4:36:12 P.M. -H.R. 3606An amendment, offered by Mr. McIntyre, numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-409 to adjust the Emerging Growth Company definition for inflation, resulting in providing more flexibility for businesses.4:35:58 P.M. -H.R. 3606On agreeing to the Fincher amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.4:33:03 P.M. -H.R. 3606DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 572, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Fincher amendment No. 1.4:32:41 P.M. -H.R. 3606An amendment, offered by Mr. Fincher, numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-409 to make technical changes to the underlying bill.3:55:57 P.M. -H.R. 3606GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole resumed general debate on H.R. 3606.3:55:45 P.M. -H.R. 3606The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.3:55:25 P.M. -H.R. 3606Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3606 — “To increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies.”3:53:47 P.M. -H.R. 3606RULING OF THE CHAIR – After review, the Chair ruled that the remarks constituted a personality directed towards an indentifiable Member and announced that, without objection, said remarks would be stricken from the record. Subsequently, the Chair announced that the Committee of the Whole would resume its sitting.3:53:46 P.M. -H.R. 3606Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 3606 as unfinished business.3:35:32 P.M. -H.R. 3606WORDS TAKEN DOWN – During the course of debate, exception was taken to certain words used and a demand was made to have words taken down. Subsequently, the words were reported to the Committee of the Whole and the Chair announced that the Committee would rise.3:00:43 P.M. -H.R. 3606GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3606.3:00:29 P.M. -H.R. 3606The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert J. Dold to act as Chairman of the Committee.3:00:29 P.M. -H.R. 3606House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 572 and Rule XVIII.3:00:13 P.M. -H.R. 3606Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3606 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. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of text of Rules Committee Print 112-17 shall be considered as adopted. The resolution waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report.3:00:08 P.M. -H.R. 3606Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 572. H.R. 3606 — “To increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies.”2:59:48 P.M. -H. Res. 572Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:59:47 P.M. -H. Res. 572On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 252 – 166 (Roll no. 102).2:48:58 P.M. -H. Res. 572On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 244 – 177 (Roll no. 101).2:42:20 P.M. -H. Res. 572Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 572 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3606) to increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies.”2:42:00 P.M. -H.R. 2842Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:41:59 P.M. -H.R. 2842On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 265 – 154 (Roll no. 100).2:33:26 P.M. -H.R. 2842On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 237 (Roll no. 99).2:16:49 P.M. -H.R. 2842The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.2:06:51 P.M. -H.R. 2842DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Garamendi 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 to require that all materials used to install conduit hydropower generation under this Act to be manufactured in the United States.2:06:31 P.M. -H.R. 2842Mr. Garamendi moved to recommit with instructions to Natural Resources.2:05:09 P.M. -H.R. 2842The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.2:04:31 P.M. -H.R. 2842The 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.2:04:19 P.M. -H.R. 2842The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2842.2:03:50 P.M. -H.R. 2842On agreeing to the Napolitano amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 168 – 253 (Roll no. 98).1:38:37 P.M. -H.R. 2842UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of an amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.1:38:21 P.M. -H.R. 2842The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.1:38:08 P.M. -H.R. 2842Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2842 — “To authorize all Bureau of Reclamation conduit facilities for hydropower development under Federal Reclamation law, and for other purposes.”1:37:32 P.M. -H. Res. 572POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 572, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.12:46:04 P.M. -H. Res. 572DEBATE – The House resumed debate on H. Res. 572.12:45:53 P.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 4105 without amendment.12:31:00 P.M. -H. Res. 572DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 572.12:30:31 P.M. -H. Res. 572Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 572 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3606) to increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies.”12:02:36 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.12:02:01 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Thompson of PA to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:01:57 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:00:33 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:17 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 7.11:09:40 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:10:00 A.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House continued with further Morning-Hour debate.10:09:47 A.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 1886.10:01:01 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.10:00:29 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:17 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

White House videos – President and … Netanyahu, Business Roundtable, News Conference


click on the link for the video … thank you

President Obama speaks to the Business Roundtable before a meeting to discuss job creation, the economy, and their new report “Taking Action for America.” March 6, 2012.More
 
President Obama Holds a News Conference

President Obama discusses new steps to support homeowners and their families as well as the situation in Iran. March 6, 2012.More
 
 
President Obama’s Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel

President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel speak to the press before a meeting in the Oval Office. March 5, 2012.More
 

The President delivers remarks at the 2012 AIPAC Policy Conference at the Washington Convention Center. March 4, 2012.More
 
 

Effective conservation is about more than protecting the environment, it’s about strengthening the economy. March 2, 2012.More

CBO’s – How Much Does the Federal Government Support the Developmen​t & Production of Fuels and Energy Technologi​es?


How Much Does the Federal Government Support the Development and Production of Fuels and Energy Technologies?

The federal government has used both tax preferences and spending programs to provide financial support for the development and production of fuels and energy technologies in recent decades. At the request of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, CBO released a brief addressing the following questions:

read more

Save Colorado prairie dogs from unjust slaughter! »


care2 petitionsite actionAlert

People should have the right to enjoy the presence of natural wildlife on their land. So why is a town in Colorado literally forcing homeowners to massacre prairie dogs on their own property?Save Colorado prairie dogs from unjust slaughter! »

Starting on Monday, Frederick, Colorado officials began to enforce an ordinance requiring private landowners to remove prairie dogs from their property. Failure to eliminate the animals will result in fines up to $1,000. 

Fearful of short deadlines and steep fines, some property owners will resort to dangerous, cruel methods to kill prairie dogs residing on their private land. Toxic chemicals used to eradicate the creatures will threaten environmental and human health in the area. 

Prairie dogs have the right to reside in the wild, and property owners have the right to let them live in peace.Stand up for prairie dogs in Colorado! »

Thanks for taking action!Kathleen
ThePetitionSite
Don’t Force Landowners to Slaughter Prairie Dogs!
Take action now.
 
 

the Progress Report


By ThinkProgress War Room on Mar 6, 2012 at 5:32 pm

Undeterred by Fleeing Advertisers, Limbaugh Continues Sexist Attacks Today

As we wrapped yesterday’s Progress Report, the number of advertisers bailing on Rush Limbaugh’s show in the wake of the growing furor around his vitriolic, sexist attacks on Sandra Fluke totaled 12.  As of right now, nearly triple that number of advertisers have announced plans to drop advertising on the show.

Those leaving today range from majors brands like Capital One and J.C. Penney to a local energy company in Maine, Downeast Energy. Another major brand, Netflix, also dropped its advertising today after receiving more than 160,000 petitions gathered by UltraViolet.

The current number of advertisers telling Rush Limbaugh enough is enough stands at 34.

Check out our Pinterest board for a look at those who have stood up to Limbaugh’s outrageous views on women.

Limbaugh Bemoans Uppity Overeducated White Women

On today’s show, Limbaugh did not back off his sexist attacks.  As noted by ThinkProgress’ Alex Seitz-Wald, during a lengthy screed against a new book on the American food system by author Tracie McMillan, Limbaugh asked, “What is it with all of these young, single, white women, overeducated — doesn’t mean intelligent.”

SIGN HERE: Stand With Sandra Fluke

If you haven’t yet taken the opportunity to do so, please sign our petition to send the message that enough is enough and that you stand with Sandra Fluke.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You May Have Missed

Extreme poverty in the U.S. has doubled in the last 15 years

Santorum: single moms are “breeding more criminals.”

President mocks Fox News reporter’s question about gas prices.

TED Talk: Just what kind of environmental devastation could mining the Alberta Tar Sands lead to?

Minnesota’s bullying-riddled Anoka-Hennepin School District has settled its lawsuits with students after a Department of Justice investigation found it was failing to protect LGBT students from harassment.

Minority students face more disciplinary actions in public schools.

At least one Washington DC lawyer thinks that embattled Georgetown Law student Sandra Fluke has a solid legal case against Rush Limbaugh.

And you thought the 1 percent was bad: visualizing what the top 1 percent of the 1 percent spends on political contributions compared to the bottom 99 percent.

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) wants her “Yea” vote back on the Blunt Amendment after admitting that she had never had a vote where she ” felt that [she] let down more people that believed in [her].”

 

Other recent Progress Reports

Mar 5, 2012: As Advertisers Flee, Rush Continues Attacks on Sandra Fluke

TWELVE Advertisers Rush for the Exits from Limbaugh’s Show In the midst of the growing backlash over Rush Limbaugh’s ongoing, virulent, and misogynistic attacks on Sandra Fluke, 12 advertisers have now suspended or permanently canceled their advertising on Limbaugh’s show, including three just in the time it took to write today’s Progress Report: Sleep Number [...]

Mar 2, 2012: The Purity Party

No Room for Moderation When it comes to the issue of partisanship — and the gridlock it creates — and who is to blame for it, the media generally presents a narrative of false balance in which both sides are equally to blame.  But this narrative is easy to prove wrong.  In fact, it takes [...]

Mar 1, 2012: GOP Votes To Put Your Boss In Your Bedroom

Did Your Senator Vote to Put Your Boss in Your Bedroom? Republicans sure chose an auspicious way to ring in Women’s History Month.  This morning, the Senate voted on the extreme bill to put your boss in your bedroom — and in between you and your doctor.  And every single Republican who voted but one [...]

Feb 29, 2012: Refilling The Swamp? 10 GOP Reps. Caught Up In Ethics Scandals

Zero Tolerance? Not So Much. After a well-publicized series of ethics scandals helped lead to Republicans losing the House of Representatives in 2006, newly-minted Speaker Nancy Pelosi famously promised to “drain the swamp” and then Democrats instituted a series of ethics reforms to clean up Congress. When Republicans regained control of the House in the [...]

Rush Limbaugh said what? concerned only about two words?


Uploaded by on Mar 2, 2012

The social issues debate re-ignited on Capitol Hill today when senators killed a proposal to throw out President Obama’s contraception mandate. Conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh was thrust into the center of the debate after he called the woman who was denied the right to speak on the controversial all-male conception panel at a hearing last month a “slut” on his show Wednesday. The issue heated up more today when Limbaugh took his comments even further. For more on this story, click here: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/03/rush-limbaugh-sandra-fluke-a-slu…