Tag Archives: Party leaders of the United States Senate

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:

Leave a comment

Harry Reid Senate Dems and the Headlines : April 2013


senatedems

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 : December 2012


senatedems

Reid Statement On Hawaii Senate Seat

Reid Statement On Kerry Nomination

Reid Statement On The Status Of Budget Negotiations

Statement By Reid Spokesman

Reid Statement On The Passing Of Senator Daniel Inouye

Reid Floor Remarks On Shooting Tragedy In Newtown, Connecticut

Top Member Of Senate GOP Leadership: Tax Rates For Top Two Percent Will Rise

Committee Assignments For 113th Congress Approved By Democratic Steering Committee

Drip, Drip, Drip… Two New Republicans Agree To Rate Hikes On Top Two Percent

Reid Statement On Anti-Worker Legislation Before The Michigan Legislature

Reid Floor Remarks On Tax And Budget Negotiations

Game Changer On Taxes: Coburn Declares ‘I’d Rather See Rates Go Up’

Reid Floor Remarks On Failure Of The Disabilities Treaty And Ongoing Tax And Budget Negotiations

Reid Statement On Passage Of The National Defense Authorization Act

Reid Floor Remarks On Tax And Budget Negotiations

Reid Statement On Boehner Proposal

MORE – Reid Floor Remarks On Tax And Budget Negotiations

Reid Statement On Disabilities Treaty

CONGRESS: The Republican led House : the Senate, led by Dem


The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET November 27, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized. The first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • We hope to consider the Disabilities Treaty (Executive Calendar #6, Treaty Document 112-7) during tomorrow’s session.

2:35pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of the motion to proceed to Executive Session for the consideration of Treaty 112-7, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

Agreed to: 61-36

The Senate is in Executive Session considering Treaty 112-7, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with debate only until 6:30pm. The time until 5pm is equally divided and controlled between the proponents and opponents.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider Treaty Document #112-7, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Agreed to: 61-36

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.3642, the Theft of Trade Secrets Clarification Act of 2012.

Adopted S.Res.602, designating 2012-2013 as the “Year of the Korean War Veteran” and recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.3637, FDIC TAG Extension bill. (Reid)

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00p.mET on November 27, 2012.

2:00:07 P.M.   <ACTION_DESCRIPTION>The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:00:19 P.M.   <ACTION_DESCRIPTION>The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
2:00:42 P.M.   <TODAY’S class=hiddenGrammarError title=”Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives” href=”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaplain_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives&#8221; pre=”prayer ” target=”_blank” rel=”wikipedia” House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:02:22 P.M.   <The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:02:25 P.M.   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:54 P.M.   The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 6063.
2:03:27 P.M.   a communication from The Honorable Nydia M. Velazquez. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Velazquez notified the House that she had been served with a subpoena for documents issued by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Kings in connection with civil litigation currently pending before that court and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena is inconsistent with the privileges and precedents of the House.
2:03:44 P.M.   <ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:10:31 P.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 P.M. today.
4:34:56 P.M.   The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 27.
4:35:11 P.M.   will be postponed until a time to be announced.
4:35:18 P.M. H.R. 6025 <>Mrs. Miller (MI) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 6025 — “To provide for annual reports on the status of operational control of the international land and maritime borders of the United States and unlawful entries, and for other purposes.”
4:35:30 P.M. H.R. 6025 <Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:35:33 P.M. H.R. 6025 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6025.
4:42:19 P.M. H.R. 6025 motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:42:22 P.M. H.R. 6025 <>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:42:40 P.M. H.R. 5913 <MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” McCaul moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 5913 — “To create an independent advisory panel to comprehensively assess the management structure and capabilities related to the Department of Homeland Security and make recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of the Department.”
4:42:48 P.M. H.R. 5913 <Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:42:51 P.M. H.R. 5913 <>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5913.
4:53:46 P.M. H.R. 5913 <On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:53:49 P.M. H.R. 5913 >Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:54:18 P.M. H.R. 915 Mr. McCaul moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.
4:54:35 P.M. H.R. 915 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 915.
5:07:00 P.M. H.R. 915 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:07:31 P.M. H.R. 5997 <MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 5997 — “To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify authority under existing grant guidance authorizing use of Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities.”
5:07:42 P.M. H.R. 5997 <Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:07:43 P.M. H.R. 5997 <DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5997.
5:15:47 P.M. H.R. 5997 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:16:17 P.M. H.R. 6328 <MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6328 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to transfer unclaimed clothing recovered at airport security checkpoints to local veterans organizations and other local charitable organizations, and for other purposes.”
5:16:25 P.M. H.R. 6328 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:16:27 P.M. H.R. 6328 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6328.
5:22:59 P.M. H.R. 6328 <On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:23:02 P.M. H.R. 6328 <Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:23:30 P.M.   Mr. Bilirakis asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, it adjourn to meet at noon on Wednesday, November 28, 2012. Agreed to without objection.
5:25:37 P.M.   The House received a communication from Representative Jackson (IL) wherein he resigns as a member of the House of Representatives effective Wednesday, November 21, 2012.
5:26:46 P.M.   <ACTION_DESCRIPTION>ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Jackson, the whole number of the House is 433.
5:27:46 P.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:16 P.M.   The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 27.
6:31:24 P.M.   UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:31:58 P.M. H.R. 5997 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5997 — “To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify authority under existing grant guidance authorizing use of Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities.”
6:57:12 P.M. H.R. 5997 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 397 – 1 (Roll no. 609).
6:57:14 P.M. H.R. 5997 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:07:00 P.M. H.R. 915 <On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 397 – 4 (Roll no. 610).
7:07:01 P.M. H.R. 915 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:11:28 P.M.   The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
9:44:01 P.M.   <MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” Lungren, Daniel E. moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:44:14 P.M.   On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:44:15 P.M.   The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on November 28, 2012.

Harry Reid Senate Dems and the Headlines : November 2012


No Wonder Boehner Won’t Bring Up Senate Tax Cut Bill – It Would Pass

Reid: Reasonable Republicans Urge House Leadership To Stop Holding Middle Class Hostage

Reid: Republicans Must Turn “Happy Talk” On Revenues Into Action

Reid: Congress Could Avert The Fiscal Cliff For Middle Class Families

Early Contender for “Worst Week in Washington”: Grover Norquist

GOP Keeps Distance From McCain & Graham’s Over-The Top Grandstanding On Benghazi

Reid Statement On Republicans Blocking Cyber Security Legislation

Reid: Cooperation On Cyber Security Bill Could Set Positive, Bipartisan Tone Going Into Fiscal Cliff Talks

Reid: Challenges Facing Nation Too Great To Be Solved By Democrats Or Republicans Alone

Reid Statement On Veterans Day

Reid Statement On The Situation In Arizona

Reid Statement On The Fiscal Cliff

On Taxes, The Voters Have Spoken

Reid Statement On Senate Democrats Maintaining Their Majority

Reid Statement On Romney’s False Claims Of Bipartisanship

CONGRESS: the Republicans/House : the Democrats/Senate


the Senate Convenes: 9:00amET November 15, 2012

  • Following the prayer and the pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
  • The filing deadline for second degree amendments to S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 is 9:10am on Thursday.
  • At 9:15am, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.3525.

9:20am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.3525, Sportsmen’s Act of 2012;   Invoked: 84-12

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 15, 2012.

10:00:27 A.M.   The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:37 A.M.   <ACTION_DESCRIPTION>The Speaker designated the Honorable Blake Farenthold to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:50 A.M.   The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 6118 and H.R. 6131, without amendment.
10:01:10 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.
10:50:38 A.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:21 P.M.   The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 15.
12:00:25 P.M.   Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Alan Keiran, Office of the United States Senate.
12:01:38 P.M.   The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:44 P.M.   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Biggert to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
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.
12:24:30 P.M. H. Res. 808 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 808 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6156) to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to products of the Russian Federation and Moldova and to require reports on the compliance of the Russian Federation with its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization, and for other purposes.”
12:24:44 P.M. H. Res. 808 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 808.
1:25:26 P.M. H. Res. 808 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 808, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.
1:26:04 P.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

Harry Reid Senate Dems and Headlines : October 2012


Reid
Statement On The Passing Of Senator George McGovern

Reid
Statement On The Passing Of Senator Arlen Specter

Reid:
Senate Will Have One More Chance To Pass Cybersecurity Legislation

Reid
Statement On September Unemployment Report

Reid:
Now Romney Is Being Dishonest About Your Taxes

Reid
Statement On Romney’s Vow To End Relief For DREAMers If He Is Sworn In

Reid
Statement on Romney’s Use of Off Romney’s Use of Offshore Tax Havens

Harry Reid Senate Dems and the Newsroom : September 2012


Reid
Statement On Governor Romney’s Tax Returns

Republicans:
We’ll Be Open To Revenues After Election

Reid:
Republicans Have Repeatedly Blocked Bipartisan Bills, And Hurt The Middle Class
In The Process

House
GOP Heads For Exits, Leaving Farm Bill ‘To Die On Vine’

Reid:
Democrats Are Helping Hispanic Families Tackle The Challenges They Face Every
Day

How
it’s Playing: Republicans Block Veterans Jobs Bill

Republicans
Today Put Politics Above Our Veterans

Reid:
If Mitt Romney Won’t Stand Up For Every American As President, He Doesn’t
Deserve To Serve Any American As President

Across
Country, House GOP Feels Heat Over Stalled Farm Bill

Reid:
If Mitt Romney Won’t Stand Up For Every American As President, He Doesn’t
Deserve To Serve Any American As President

Schumer : Statement On Obama Administration Report On Sequestration

Reid:Blocking A Bill To Protect Those Who Have Protected Our Freedom A New Low For
Republicans

Reid : Remarks On The Death Of Four Americans, Including Ambassador Stevens During
Attacks On U.S. Consulate In Libya

House GOP Leaders Face Mutiny Over Stalled Farm Bill

Reid Statement On Labor Day

Reid Statement On August Jobs Report

Act Now to End the Federal Judicial Crisis


AAUW Action Network

With all of the attention on the presidential and congressional elections right now, it can be easy to forget that there’s a third branch of government. But the judicial branch is just as important – and it needs our help.

Our constitutional rights and individual liberties are protected by a strong and effective judiciary. But our courts are in crisis because of the “judicial emergency” created by vacancies in courtrooms nationwide. Why? Because an average of 1 out of every 10 judicial seats is vacant nationwide.

Ask your senators to help protect our freedoms by moving forward with judicial confirmations!

A strong judiciary is critical to American women. Not only can the federal courts be a shield for civil rights laws like Title IX and the Equal Pay Act, but they’re also often the last, best hope for women who have experienced discrimination in education, employment, health care, and in other aspects of their lives. Yet with the Senate dragging its heels, we’ve got 32 federal courts in a state of “judicial emergency,” which means there are far too few judges to keep up with all the cases. Half of these courts have pending nominees – but the Senate still hasn’t acted to fill those vacancies.

Furthermore, the slow confirmation process is also affecting the diversity of the courts. While President Obama has nominated an impressive number of women and people of color for the bench, that’s only half the battle. The only way to increase the diversity of the judiciary is for the Senate to confirm qualified nominees. Of the 32 nominees pending before the Senate, 19 of them are women or people of color. This is not acceptable.

To be sure, President Obama has not been nominating people to fill the vacancies as quickly as he could – and AAUW has told him that. But the fact remains that there are 32 nominees, 22 of whom have already been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, that the Senate could confirm when it returns from recess next month.

So that’s why we need you to send a message to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Ask your senators to urge Sens. Reid and McConnell to quickly call for confirmation of the federal judicial nominees from your state and move all consensus nominations to the Senate floor immediately for confirmation.

The vacancy crisis can have an easy solution, but we need your help. To send a letter to your senators, click the “Take Action” link or visit AAUW’s Two-Minute Activist.

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate considers S.3414,Cybersecurity bill & caucus day


the Senate Convenes: 10:00amET July 31, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
  • The Senate will resume consideration of S.3414, the Cybersecurity bill.  The Senate will be in a period of debate only until 2:15pm with the Majority Leader to be recognized at 2:15pm.
  • Additionally, the time until 12:30pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first hour and the Republicans controlling the second hour.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

By consent, the Senate has extended the period for debate only on the Cybersecurity bill (S.3414) until 5pm today in order to give the managers more time to work on a path forward on the bill.

September Vote on Six-Month CR Would Provide Stability for Fall Fiscal Negotiations

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced an agreement with House Speaker John Boehner and President Barack Obama on a six-month Continuing Resolution (CR) that will avoid a government shutdown while funding the government at $1.047 trillion.

“This agreement reached between the Senate, the House and the White House provides stability for the coming months, when we will have to resolve critical issues that directly affect middle class families. The funding levels in the six-month CR will correspond to the top-line funding level of $1.047 trillion. I hope that we can face the challenges ahead in the same spirit of compromise.”

Senator Reid offered Lieberman-Collins amendment # 2731 and Franken amendment #2732 to S.3414, Cybersecurity Act of 2012. He then filled the remaining amendments on the so called amendment tree. Finally, he filed cloture on the bill.

Senator Reid then moved to proceed to S.3429, Veterans Jobs Corps Act of 2012

As a result of cloture being filed, the filing deadline for first degree amendments to S.3414 is 1:00pm on Wednesday, August 1. If your senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve their ability 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 refile.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged Foreign Relations and adopted S.Res.525, a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Oswaldo Paya Sardinas with a Nelson FL amendment.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.3457, the Veterans Jobs Corps Act. (Nelson FL)

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.4078, the Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Job Creation Act. (Republican request)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

——————————————————————————————–

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

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on July 31, 2012.

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