Recapping yesterday's action:
The House passed H.R. 822, the Upside-Down Federalism for Guns 'N Stuff Act, making its way through nine amendments, a motion to recommit and final passage all in the space of about four hours. In addition, they approved H.R. 674,the repeal of the never-implemented 3% withholding measure for federal contractors, and the VOW to Hire Heroes provisions added to it by the Senate.
The only actual output from the Senate today was a series of non-controversial measures passed by unanimous consent. Debate on the second "minibus" appropriations bill did indeed fall by the wayside in anticipation of an upcoming continuing approps bill. The minibus, then, will remain in limbo until the more pressing business is dispensed with.
Looking ahead to today:
The House today takes up that most woeful pageant in Republican fantasy, the "Balanced Budget Amendment," though—or perhaps because—passage of such an amendment at this stage could cost millions of jobs and plunge the country into economic crisis beyond repair. Holding the vote, though, is necessitated by a provision of the Budget Control Act, the deal struck to end the debt ceiling hostage situation at the beginning of August, and which created the trainwreck that became the Stupor Committee. It's failing right before our eyes, as practically everyone with two brain cells to rub together knew would be the case, and yet here we are, honoring the other idiotic obligations created by that act.
Sigh.
Following that piece of kabuki theater, it's on to what's become the continuing appropriations bill, H.R. 2112, which we last saw passing the Senate after having been converted into the first "minibus" bill. It's since been the subject of a House-Senate conference, and I'm taking the fact that it actually made it through a negotiating process and then emerged as a government-wide continuing approps bill as a sign that there won't be any serious hostage taking this time around.
The Senate remains in a holding pattern, awaiting the delivery of the continuing appropriations bill from the House, but dropping the second minibus for the time being, in favor of S.1867, the Defense authorization bill instead.
Today's floor and committee schedules appear below the fold.
In the House, courtesy of the Office of the Democratic Whip:
THE NIGHTLY WHIP: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011
TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK
On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.
First votes are expected between: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Last votes are expected between: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
*Members are advised that the last vote series may go beyond 7:00 p.m.*
“One Minutes” (15 per side)
Begin Consideration of H.J.Res. 2 - Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States (Rep. Goodlatte -Judiciary)
The Rule provides for five hours of debate, under suspension of the Rules.
Conference Report on H.R. 2112 - the Consolidated and Further Continuing
Appropriations Act, 2012 (Rep. Rogers -Appropriations) (Subject to a Rule)
Roll Call Votes
- H.R. 822. On agreeing to the Woodall amendment, to protect the rights of states that already have reciprocal agreements in place for the concealed carry of firearms to continue enforcing those preexisting agreements. Failed by recorded vote: 140 - 283 (Roll no. 843).
- H.R. 822. On agreeing to the McCarthy (NY) amendment, to specify that the legislation can only go into effect in states that have passed legislation enacting the bill. Failed by recorded vote: 147 - 274 (Roll no. 844).
- H.R. 822. On agreeing to the Hastings (FL) amendment, to exempt states from issuing a carry permit on the basis of state reciprocity which do not require individuals to apply for and complete a carry permit application at their local law enforcement station. Failed by recorded vote: 148 - 277 (Roll no. 845).
- H.R. 822. On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment, to require a state to create a comprehensive database that would contain all permits and licenses issued by the State for carrying a concealed weapon and would make this comprehensive database available to law enforcement officers from all states 24 hours a day. Failed by recorded vote: 139 - 284 (Roll no. 846).
- H.R. 822. On agreeing to the Johnson (GA) amendment, to require the possession or carrying of a concealed handgun in a state to be subject to that state's law regarding concealed carry in regards to firearm safety training that includes live-fire exercise. Failed by recorded vote: 144 - 281 (Roll no. 847).
- H.R. 822. On agreeing to the Cohen amendment, to exempt from the bill any State law requiring a person to be at least 21 years of age to possess or carry a concealed handgun. Failed by recorded vote: 150 - 276 (Roll no. 848).
- H.R. 822. On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment, to require a person provide at least 24 hours notice to a law enforcement officer of the State of the intention to possess or carry a concealed handgun in the State. Failed by recorded vote: 123 - 299 (Roll no. 849).
- H.R. 822. On agreeing to the Cicilline amendment, o limit the bill from taking effect in a state until the State Attorney General, head of the State police, and the Secretary of State have jointly certified that the other state's carry laws are substantially similar to its own licensing or permitting requirements. Failed by recorded vote: 146 - 277 (Roll no. 850).
- H.R. 822. On 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 limit state reciprocity for carrying a gun for child sex offenders, domestic violence offenders and known or suspected terrorists. Failed by recorded vote: 161 - 263 (Roll no. 851).
- H.R. 822. On passage Passed by recorded vote: 272 - 154 (Roll no. 852).
- H.R. 674. On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 422 - 0 (Roll no. 853).
In the Senate, courtesy of the
Office of the Majority Leader:
Senate Floor Schedule for Thursday, November 17, 2011
Convenes: 10:00am
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will begin consideration of S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act.
We expect to receive the conference report to accompany H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation Appropriations bill, which contains the continuing resolution during Thursday’s session. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.
Other Business
Senate Floor Wrap Up for Wednesday, November 16, 2011
No ROLL CALL VOTES
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Discharged the HELP committee and adopted S.Res.302, a resolution expressing support for the goals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, and encouraging the people of the United States to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children.
Discharged the Armed Services committee and adopted S.Res.303, a resolution honoring the life, service, and sacrifice of Captain Colin P. Kelly, Jr., United States Army with a Nelson FL amendment to the preamble
Discharged the Environment and Public Works Committee and adopted S.Res.251, expressing support for improvement in the collection, processing, and consumption of recycled materials throughout the United States.
Adopted S.Res.324, a resolution commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the United States-Australia alliance.
Adopted S.Res.296, a resolution commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Combined Federal Campaign.
Adopted S.Res.326, A resolution designating Thursday, November 17, 2011, as “Feed America Day”.
Adopted S.Res.327, supporting the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month.
Adopted S.Res.328, designating the week of November 14 through 20, 2011, as “Global Entrepreneurship Week/USA”.
Adopted S.Res.329, recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States.
Adopted S.Res.330, Designating January 27, 2012, as a national day of remembrance for Americans who, during the Cold War, worked and lived downwind from nuclear testing sites and were adversely affected by the radiation exposure generated by the above ground nuclear weapons testing.
No EXECUTIVE ITEMS