Border Overkill

By  ThinkProgress War Room

The Border is Already Secure

Republican senators like Chuck Grassley (IA) and John Cornyn (TX) have been offering various amendments to the immigration bill they claim are necessary to secure the border, but their real purpose is try and kill the bill by placing impossible roadblocks on the pathway to earned citizenship.

The truth is that the border is already as secure as it’s ever been and the immigration bill is already slated to invest billions more to make additional improvements. In fact, the border has already met the border security targets included in the failed 2007 immigration reform bill.

Check out this infographic to see why the border is already secure and we don’t need any poison pill amendments from Republicans to make sure it stays that way.

1.4 Million Americans : Want #GunViolence to STOP

Last Thursday in Washington, D.C., I joined 30 OFA volunteers and three
gun violence survivors as they delivered our petition to Congress with
more than 1.4 million signatures — including yours. It was an amazing
day, and a reminder that we’re nowhere near done with this fight.

What impressed me most on Thursday was getting a chance to talk with survivors like Pam Simon, Sami Rahamim, and Lori Haas.

You’ll see in the video that these folks have turned their personal pain
into action, and a force for good. It’s enough to change hearts and
minds.

OFA volunteers got a chance to meet with a few leaders in Congress, like
Rep. Mike Thompson, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, and House
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who asked all of us to keep fighting –
and even gave folks a few tips on how to keep the pressure on their
fellow lawmakers.

Senator Reid even tweeted: “Today, we received a petition from over 1.4
million Americans who demand action on background checks. This fight is
not over.”

I am more confident than ever that, if we keep working and making our
voices heard, we can and will win this. The petition delivery was a big
moment — but it’s not the end of this fight.

Watch the video and please, pass it along to anyone else who should see it and ask them to say they’re in, too:

CONGRESS

The Senate stands in adjournment until 2:00pm on Monday, May 13, 2013.

• Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
• During Thursday’s session, cloture was filed on S.601, the Water Resources Development Act.  As a result, the filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.601 is 4:00pm Monday.
• As previously announced, there will be no roll call votes on Monday.  The next roll call vote will be at approximately 12:00pm on the motion to invoke cloture on S.601, the Water Resources Development Act.
• As a reminder, there is a 4pm filing deadline for first degree amendments to S.601, Water Resources Development Act. If your senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to protect the right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may file it at the desk for you. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.Senator Reid said on the floor this afternoon that the managers are close to reaching an agreement to complete action of the WRDA bill. If an agreement can be reached, we could be in a position to vote in relation to amendments and passage of the bill Tuesday and/or Wednesday.
• However, if an agreement cannot be reached, the cloture vote on the bill would occur at approximately 12:00 noon tomorrow, Tuesday, May 14.
• This afternoon Senator Reid asked unanimous consent to go to conference on the
  concurrent resolution on the Budget.
• Senator Cruz was unavailable to be on the
  floor at this time to object.
• Out of respect for the long tradition of comity in
  the Senate, Senator Reid withdrew his request.

• WRAP UP
• No ROLL CALL VOTESNo LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

   

  No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

• *****************************************************************

• May 2013

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• ***********************************
• Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity
• Last Floor Action:5/9
  1:32:26 P.M. – The House adjourned
  pursuant to a previous special order.
• The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00
  p.m. on May 13, 2013.

• 2:00:20 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
  2:00:34 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Frank R. Wolf to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
  2:00:56 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
  2:02:09 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
  2:02:13 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
  2:02:42 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on May 13, 2013 at 10:34 a.m., stating that that body had passed H.R. 360 without amendment.
  2:03:49 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn.The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on May 14, 2013.

Harry Reid Senate Dems and the Headlines : May 2013

Republicans Were For Passing A Budget Before They Were Against It

Reid
Statement On April Employment Report

Demand Acton ~ End Gun Violence

Today, a majority of US Senators (55) voted for common sense gun reform — but they fell short of the 60 votes we needed to close fatal gaps in our background check system. That means 45 senators — representing less than 40 percent of the country — ignored the American public and read the talking points the gun lobby handed them. Find out how your senators voted and watch this short video I just recorded about the fight ahead. Some senators deserve real credit for their leadership today. They include Senators Manchin and Toomey, Majority Leader Reid and Senators Schumer, Kirk, Collins, and McCain. And President Obama and Vice President Biden showed the kind of bold leadership we can be proud of tonight. But there are those who should be ashamed for the way they voted — and how they lied to hide their motives. We never thought this fight would be easy or fast. This was round one. Round two begins tomorrow — in the Senate, in the House, and in state houses across the country. You’ve already changed the conversation in Washington. Today marks the biggest majority in the Senate voting for major gun reform in 17 years — and there’s no turning back. Please watch this short video and seize this moment by telling your senators what you think of their vote: http://DemandAction.org/WhatsNext Thanks for being such an important part of the first major round of this fight.  I look forward to working with you in round two. Thanks, Mark Glaze Mayors Against Illegal Guns

::::::: CONGRESS :::::::

April 2013

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The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

• Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Legislative Calendar #32, S.649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013.
• The first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees 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.
• During Tuesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013. Senators should expect that vote on Thursday morning.

On April 9, 2013 – Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to the consideration of S.649, Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of
2013. The cloture vote on the motion to proceed will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday, April 11.

The Senate has reached an agreement to consider Executive Calendar #59, the nomination of Sarah “Sally”
Jewell, of Washington, to be Secretary of the Interior. At 4pm today there will
be up to 2 hours for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.
If all time is used, the vote would occur at approximately 6:00pm today.

5:00pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #59, the nomination of Sarah “Sally” Jewell, of Washington, to be Secretary of the Interior

Confirmed: 87-11

The Senate then resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to S.649, Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013.

There will be no further roll call votes during today’s session of the Senate.

The cloture vote on the motion to proceed will occur around 11:00am tomorrow, Thursday, April 11. If cloture is invoked, there would be up to 30 hours for debate on the motion to proceed. Once we are on the bill, the first amendment that will be considered to the gun safety bill will be a Manchin-Toomey amendment on background checks. If we don’t get cloture, we will have votes on capacity clips, assault weapons, background checks and some mental health items or item.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #59, Sarah “Sally” Jewell, of WA, to be Secretary of the Interior; Confirmed: 87-11

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.95, designating April 18, 2013, as National Lineman Appreciation Day.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.691, a bill to regulate large capacity ammunition feeding devices.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.680, a bill to rescind the amounts appropriated for FY2013 for the Department of Defense MEADS and for other purposes.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

—————————————————————————————-

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

 The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 10, 2013.

10:00:08 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:01:19 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Reid J. Ribble to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:51 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.
10:56:19 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 10.
12:01:16 P.M.		Today‘s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:02:33 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:37 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Gabbard to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:03:14 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.
12:42:22 P.M.	H. Res. 140	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 140 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 678) to authorize all Bureau of Reclamation conduit facilities for hydropower development under Federal Reclamation law, and for other purposes.”
12:44:30 P.M.	H. Res. 140	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 140.
1:07:22 P.M.	H. Res. 140	On ordering the previous question Roll Call 93 – Yea and Nay vote pending.

1:34:44 P.M.	H. Res. 140	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 236 – 190 (Roll no. 93).
1:34:45 P.M.	H. Res. 140	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
1:34:55 P.M.	H. Res. 140	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:35:26 P.M.	H. Res. 142	Mrs. Miller (MI) asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
1:36:31 P.M.	H. Res. 142	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Res. 142 — “Electing Members to the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library and the Joint Committee on Printing.”
1:36:35 P.M.	H. Res. 142	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
1:36:42 P.M.	H. Res. 142	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:37:38 P.M.	H.R. 678	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 140. H.R. 678 — “To authorize all Bureau of Reclamation conduit facilities for hydropower development under Federal Reclamation law, and for other purposes.”
1:37:43 P.M.	H.R. 678	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 678 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is open to amendments.
1:38:09 P.M.	H.R. 678	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 140 and Rule XVIII.
1:38:10 P.M.	H.R. 678	The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Chairman of the Committee.
1:39:00 P.M.	H.R. 678	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 678.
2:27:46 P.M.	H.R. 678	An amendment, offered by Mr. Tipton, numbered 3 printed in the Congressional Record to require the Bureau of Reclamation to apply its categorical exclusion process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to small conduit hydropower development, excluding siting of associated transmission facilities on Federal land.
2:28:04 P.M.	H.R. 678	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 140, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tipton No. 3 amendment under the five-minute rule.
2:31:13 P.M.	H.R. 678	On agreeing to the Tipton amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
2:32:37 P.M.	H.R. 678	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Napolitano, numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to strike the paragraph in the bill containing requirements regarding the application of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to small conduit hydropower development and changing the definition of small conduit hydropower to mean a facility capable of producing 15 megawatts or less of electric capacity
2:32:54 P.M.	H.R. 678	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 140, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Napolitano No. 1 amendment under the five-minute rule.
2:42:41 P.M.	H.R. 678	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Napolitano No. 1 amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Napolitano demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
2:43:02 P.M.	H.R. 678	An amendment, offered by Mr. Tipton, numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to make technical changes relating to policy and procedure-setting with respect to irrigation districts or water users associations
2:43:27 P.M.	H.R. 678	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 140, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tipton No. 2 amendment under the five-minute rule.
2:44:48 P.M.	H.R. 678	<action_description>On agreeing to the Tipton amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
2:45:49 P.M.	H.R. 678	<action_description>The Chair announced that proceedings would now resume on amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
3:14:21 P.M.	H.R. 678	<action_description>On agreeing to the Napolitano amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 189 – 232 (Roll no. 94).
3:14:27 P.M.	H.R. 678	<action_description>The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 678.
3:15:49 P.M.	H.R. 678	<action_description>The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
3:16:07 P.M.	H.R. 678	<action_description>The House adopted the amendment as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
3:16:23 P.M.	H.R. 678	<action_description>Mr. Garamendi moved to recommit with instructions to Natural Resources.
3:17:31 P.M.	H.R. 678	<action_description>DEBATE – 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 add a section to the bill relating to Buy America provisions. The new section would require that, when practicable, all materials used for conduit hydropower generation be manufactured in the United States.
3:27:03 P.M.	H.R. 678	<action_description>The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
3:36:54 P.M.	H.R. 678	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 194 – 226 (Roll no. 95).
3:46:51 P.M.	H.R. 678	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 416 – 7 (Roll no. 96).
3:46:52 P.M.	H.R. 678	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:47:42 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the proposed Congressional Budget for the United States Government for FY 2014 – referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 113-3).
4:07:42 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
4:10:49 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
5:21:46 P.M.		Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 146.
5:22:45 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.

6:42:18 P.M.		Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.
6:42:25 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
6:42:26 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 11, 2013.

« Previous Day

—————————————————————————————————————–

Harry Reid Senate Dems and the Headlines : April 2013

Reid Remarks In Support Of Assault Weapons Ban, Limits On High-Capacity Magazines

Bipartisan
Legislation Would Strengthen Background Checks

Reid Statement on March Employment Report

Reid
Remarks on Anti-Violence Legislation

Harry Reid Senate Dems and the Headlines : March 2013

Reid
Statement on Senator Tim Johnson’s Decision not to Seek Re-election

Reid Statement On Gun Violence Bill

Reid Remarks On The Anniversary Of The Affordable Care Act

Reid Remarks: Republicans Blocking Budget Debate

Reid Floor Remarks on the Senate Democratic Budget Resolution

Reid Floor Remarks On The Status Of The Continuing Resolution

Reid Statement on Nomination of Thomas Perez to Head Labor Department

DPCC
Releases National And State-By-State Data Detailing The Gop Budget’s Disastrous
Impact On Seniors – Millions Would Pay More For Rx Drugs, Preventive Care

Reid Floor Remarks On The Ryan Republican Budget Proposal

DPCC Releases National And State-By-State Data Detailing The Gop Budget’s Disastrous Impact On Seniors – Millions Would Pay More For Rx Drugs, Preventive Care

Reid
Remarks To Convene The Senate

Reid
Statement On February Employment Report

Reid
Statement On Senator Carl Levin’s Decision Not To Seek Reelection In 2014

Reid
Floor Remarks On The Talking Filibuster

Reid
Floor Remarks On Violence In Syria, Republican Obstruction Of Brennan
Nomination

Reid Floor Remarks On Republican Obstruction Of Qualified Judicial Nominee Caitlin Halligan

Reid, Mccain, Cowan And King Introduce Legislation To Pardon Boxing Legend Jack Johnson

Reid Files Amicus Brief With Supreme Court To End Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples

Reid Statement On Nomination Of Sylvia Mathews Burwell To Lead OMB

Reid Floor Remarks On Republican Obstruction Of Qualified Nominees

Reid Statement On Nominations To Lead The Department Of Energy And Environmental Protection Agency

CONGRESS: the Republican led House :::::: Do the People’s Business :::::: the Senate led by Democrats

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, February 26, 2013.

• Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #10, the nomination of Charles Timothy Hagel with the time until 12:00pm equally divided and controlled.
• At 12:00pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Hagel nomination, upon reconsideration.  (Cloture was not invoked on February 14, 2013 and Senator Reid entered a motion to reconsider.)
• Following the vote, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
• If cloture is invoked on the Hagel nomination, all time during recess, morning business and adjournment will count post-cloture on the Hagel nomination.
• 12:00 noon The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on
  Executive Calendar #10, the nomination of Charles Timothy
  Hagel, of Nebraska, to be Secretary of Defense;
• Upon reconsideration, cloture on the Hagel nomination was invoked by a vote of 71-27.The Senate then reached an agreement to yield back remaining post-cloture debate time and at 4:30pm today vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #10, the nomination of Charles Timothy Hagel, of Nebraska, to be Secretary of Defense.
• 4:31pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #10, the nomination of Charles Timothy Hagel, of Nebraska, to be Secretary of Defense;
• Hagel confirmed 58 – 41

• The Senate is now in a period of morning business with senators permitted to
  speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no further roll call
  votes during today’s session of the Senate.
• WRAP UP
• ROLL CALL VOTES1)      Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #10, the nomination of Charles Timothy Hagel, of Nebraska, to be Secretary of Defense, upon reconsideration; Invoked: 71-272)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #10, the nomination of Charles Timothy Hagel, of Nebraska, to be Secretary of Defense; Confirmed: 58-41

  LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

  Adopted S.Res.56, recognizing the significance of the 100^th anniversary of the death of Harriet Ross Tubman.

  Adopted S.Res.57, designating February 28, 2013, as “Rare Disease Day”.

  No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

• This evening Senator Reid moved to proceed to Calendar #18, S.388, American Family Economic Protection Act of 2013 and filed cloture on the motion. Senators should expect the cloture vote to occur on Thursday.The Senate also reached an agreement that the order with respect to the sequester legislation be modified to permit the Republican Leader to introduce a bill on Wednesday, February 27^th, consistent with the language that is at the desk and that all other provisions of the previous order remain in effect

**************************************************************

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

Last Floor Action: 2/25
9:18:53 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 26, 2013.

10:00:00 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:01:38 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Kevin Yoder to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:02:04 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 298.
10:02:10 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.
11:09:52 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
11:59:59 A.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 26.
12:00:32 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:14 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. Rogers (AL) 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. Rogers (AL) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.
12:01:54 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Higgins to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:15 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.
12:29:47 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
12:29:58 P.M.	H. Res. 77	Mrs. Miller (MI) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Res. 77 — “Establishing an academic competition in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among students in Congressional districts.”
12:30:17 P.M.	H. Res. 77	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:30:19 P.M.	H. Res. 77	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 77.

12:56:31 P.M.	H. Res. 77	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.
12:56:50 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

3:00:50 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 26.
3:00:56 P.M.		Mr. Massie moved that the House do now adjourn.
3:27:50 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 1 – 415 (Roll no. 48).
3:28:15 P.M.		HOUSE DECORUM – The Speaker assumed the Chair and addressed the Members on matters of decorum in the House. At the conclusion of his remarks, the Speaker announced that five-minute voting would resume without objection.
3:32:35 P.M.	H. Res. 77	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 77 — “Establishing an academic competition in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among students in Congressional districts.”
3:42:08 P.M.	H. Res. 77	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 – 3 (Roll no. 49).
3:42:09 P.M.	H. Res. 77	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:49:22 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 290 – 118, 1 Present (Roll no. 50).
3:50:05 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable James B. Renacci. Mr. Renacci submitted his resignation from the Committees on the Budget and Financial Services. The resignation was accepted without objection.
3:50:05 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Andy Harris. Mr. Harris submitted his resignation from the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Science, Space and Technology.  The resignation was accepted without objection.
3:50:05 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Steve Southerland II. Mr. Southerland submitted his resignation from the Committee on Agriculture. The resignation was accepted without objection.
3:52:24 P.M.		UNANIMOUS CONSENT – Mr. Jeff Miller (FL) asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.J. Res. 19, a measure originally introduced by Representative Emerson of Missouri, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of Rule 12.
3:52:56 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
4:08:58 P.M.	H. Res. 82	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 82 — “Electing certain Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.”
4:09:11 P.M.	H. Res. 82	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
4:09:16 P.M.	H. Res. 82	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:09:47 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
4:47:58 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair. 7:13:00 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 26. 7:13:10 P.M. Mr. Nugent filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 83. 7:14:00 P.M. Mr. Nugent moved that the House do now adjourn. 7:14:03 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote. 7:14:10 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 27, 2013.

CONGRESS:

the Senate Convenes: 1:00pmET December 21,2012

• Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will begin consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the National Defense Authorization Act with up to one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
• The filing deadline for all 2^nd degree amendments to the substitute amendment and to H.R.1, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill is 1:30pm.
• At approximately 2:00pm, there will be at least one roll call vote on adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, NDAA.
• We are working on an agreement on the Supplemental Appropriations bill.  If no agreement is reached prior to 2pm, following disposition of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the Senate will then conduct up to 2 roll call votes: the first vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reid substitute amendment #3395 and if cloture is not invoked, there will be a 2^nd cloture vote on H.R.1.
• Additional votes are expected Friday.  We hope to reach an agreement on the Supplemental and FISA tomorrow

At approximately 2:20pm today the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to adopt the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the National Defense Authorization Act.

Following the vote, the Senate will resume consideration of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill. We are working on an agreement to consider amendments to Supplemental. Senators should expect a cloture vote on the Reid substitute amendment #3395 this afternoon, as well as additional roll call votes.

We are also working on an agreement to consider the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) extension.

Another message will be sent when any agreement is reached or additional votes are scheduled.

2:06pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the National Defense Authorization Act;

Adopted: 81-14

3:34pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reid substitute amendment #3395 (Supplemental) to H.R.1;

Invoked: 91-1

The Senate has reached an agreement on amendments to the Supplemental Appropriations that results in up to 2 roll call votes now. The first vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on Reid substitute amendment #3395 (Supplemental Appropriations). If cloture is invoked and Senator Toomey raises a point of order, the next vote would be on a motion to waive the budget point of order with respect to Reid substitute amendment #3395 (Supplemental).The first vote is a 10 minute roll call vote.

The agreement is as follows:

H.R.1, Supplemental for Sandy

Leader:            I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate proceed to the cloture vote with respect to the substitute amendment to H.R.1; that if cloture is not invoked, the Majority Leader be recognized; that if cloture is invoked, Senator Toomey, or designee, be recognized for the purpose of raising a budget point of order against the pending substitute amendment; that if the point of order is raised, Senator Leahy, or designee, be recognized to move to waive the budget point of order; that there be up to ten minutes of debate prior to a vote in relation to the motion to waive;  that no other budget points of order be in order to the substitute or the underlying bill; further, that notwithstanding rule 22, the following amendments be in order:

- Cardin #3393 (surety bonds);

- Grassley #3348 (DOJ – vehicles);

- Feinstein #3421 (Army Corps projects), as modified with changes at the desk;

- Harkin #3426 (technical – grants);

- Landrieu #3415 (emergency reimbursement);

- Leahy #3403 (U.S. embassy security);

- McCain #3384 (Amtrak), as modified with changes at the desk;

- Bingaman #3344 (Palau);

- Coburn #3368 (cost sharing – Army Corps);

- Coburn #3369 (notification triggers);

- Coburn #3370, as modified and with two divisions – delinquent tax debts and fisheries);

- Coburn #3371 (severe disasters);

- Coburn #3382 (Merit based recovery contracts);

- Coburn #3383 (strike certain studies – Army Corps);

- Tester #3350 (Fire management);

- Paul #3376 (Non-application of Davis-Bacon);

- Paul #3410 (Offset)

- McCain #3355 (strike emergency forest restoration);

- Merkley #3367 (extend Agriculture disaster assistance programs), as modified;

- Lee #3373, as modified (special rules – retirement funds); and

- Coats #3391 (Republican alternative).

That no amendments be in order to any of these amendments prior to votes in relation to the amendments; that the amendments be subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold; that there will be 30 minutes of debate equally divided in the usual form on each amendment with the exception of the following:

- 20 minutes equally divided on each of the Coburn amendments or divisions and the Lee amendment;

- 40 minutes equally divided on each of the Paul amendments; and

- one hour equally divided on the Coats amendment.

That upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to votes in relation to the amendments in the order listed; that there be two minutes of debate, equally divided, between the votes; that all after the first vote, be ten minute votes; further, that upon disposition of the pending amendments listed, the Senate proceed to vote in relation to the pending substitute amendment, as amended, if amended; that upon disposition of the substitute, the cloture motion on the underlying bill be withdrawn, the bill be read a third time and the Senate proceed to vote on passage of H.R.1, as amended, if amended.

4:03pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Mikulski motion to waive the Toomey point of order.

Not Waived: 57-34

This will be the last vote of the week. Senator should expect the next roll call vote to occur as early as noon on Thursday, December 27.

The Senate has reached an agreement that notwithstanding cloture having been invoked and at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republicans Leader, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of Calendar #510, J.R.5949. The only first degree amendments in order to the bill are the following:

-          Leahy (Judiciary committee reported substitute);

-          Merkley (declassificiation of FISA court opinions);

-          Paul (4^th Amendment-searches/seizures); and

-          Wyden (public reporting)

There will be 30 minutes for debate equally divided between the proponents and opponents on each amendment and 5 hours of debate equally divided on the bill. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to votes in relation to the amendments in the order listed. No second degree amendments are in order prior to the votes. Upon disposition of the amendments, the bill will be read a third time and the Senate proceed to vote on passage of the bill, as amended, if amended.

Prior to consenting to the agreement listed above, Senator McConnell objected to Senator Reid’s request and asked that the amendments and passage of the bill be subject to 60 affirmative vote thresholds. Senator Reid agreed to McConnell’s request for 60 vote thresholds.

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the National Defense Authorization Act; adopted: 81-14

2)      Motion to invoke cloture on the Reid amendment #3395 (substitute) to H.R.1, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill; invoked: 91-1

3)      Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Reid substitute amendment #3395; not waived: 57-34

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.1339, To designate the City of Salem, Massachusetts, as the Birthplace of the National Guard of the United States.

Passed H.R.4212, the Drywall Safety Act of 2012 with a Vitter substitute amendment.

Passed H.R.5859, to repeal an obsolete provision in title 49, United States Code, requiring motor vehicle insurance cost reporting.

Passed H.R.6364, the World War I Centennial Commission Act with a McCaskill-Blunt amendment.

Passed S.3709, to require a Government Accountability Office examination of transactions between large financial institutions and the  Federal Government, and for other purposes, with the Vitter/Brown (OH) substitute amendment.

Discharged the Foreign Relations committee and adopted S.Res.613, urging the governments of Europe and the European Union to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization and impose sanctions, and urging the President to provide information about Hizballah to the European allies of the United States and to support the Government of Bulgaria in investigating the July 18,2012, terrorist attack in Burgas.

Passed H.R.1845, the Medicare IVIG Access Act.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

Executive Calendar #834 Matthew W. Brann, of PA, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Executive Calendar #835 Malachy Edward Mannion, of PA, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Executive Calendar #877 Jon S. Tigar, of CA, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California

Discharged the Veterans’ Affairs committee and confirmed PN2024, William S. Greenberg, of New Jersey, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims for the term of fifteen years.

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on December 21, 2012.

2:00:02 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:00:42 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:00 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:02:08 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:03:29 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 146	Considered as privileged matter. H. Con. Res. 146 — “Providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate.”
2:03:45 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 146	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
2:03:54 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 146	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:04:55 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 21, 2012 at 1:37 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 443 with an amendment, H.R. 4053, H.R. 6671, and S. 2388.
2:05:27 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on December 24, 2012 unless the House sooner receives a message from the Senate transmitting its concurrence in H. Con. Res. 146, in which case the House shall stand adjourned pursuant to that concurrent resolution.