Recapping yesterday's action:
The House bookended hosting a joint session addressed by the President of South Korea with the passage of the "Protect Life by Letting Women Die Act" and the "EPA Regulatory Whiner's Relief Act." That's... uh... that's it. That's unbelievable in light of what's really happening in this country, but that's actually what they did, regardless. And as the Huffington Post points out, it also means the House followed up its "Protect Life Act" with a bill the EPA says may kill 20,000 people. And if that's not enough, well, there's the matter of today's post's headline.
The Senate had considerably less to do yesterday, but at least some people got jobs as a result. Three judicial nominees were confirmed, as well as a new ambassador to South Korea. What timing, eh?
Looking ahead to today:
The House has a typically short Friday schedule (insofar as a Friday schedule is typical at all), and looks to make a quick exit after considering the "Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act." I think we can all make a good guess at what that's about. And while we're guessing, let's note that there are six amendments pending—one "manager's amendment" offered by the Republicans, and five Democratic amendments. Who would like to offer a prediction on the number that'll actually pass? I'm thinking one.
Today's floor and committee schedules appear below the fold.
In the House, courtesy of the Office of the Democratic Whip:
THE NIGHTLY WHIP: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011
TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK
On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.
First votes are expected between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.
Last votes are expected between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
“One Minutes” (5 per side)
H.R. 2273 - Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act (Rep. McKinley - Energy and Commerce) (Subject to a Rule)
The Rule provides for one hour of general debate and makes in order the following amendments:
Rep. Shimkus Manager’s Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Waxman Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Carney Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Markey Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Rush Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Jackson-Lee Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
HOUSE FLOOR WRAP-UP FOR OCTOBER 13, 2011
Considered and Passed:
H.R. 358 - Protect Life Act (Rep. Pitts - Energy and Commerce/Ways and Means) (251 - 172)
- Motion to Recommit Amendment – Not Adopted:
· Offered by Rep. Capps (173 - 249)
H.R. 2250 - EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 (Rep. Griffith - Energy and Commerce) (275 - 142)
- Amendment – Not Adopted (1):
· Cohen (TN) Amendment
- Motion to Recommit Amendment – Not Adopted:
· Offered by Rep. Castor (170 - 246)
The Senate is not in session tomorrow. The next meeting will be Monday, November 17th.
10/13 wrap-up:
ROLL CALL VOTES
1) Confirmation of Calendar #251, Alison J. Nathan, of NY, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York; Confirmed: 48-44
2) Confirmation of Calendar #252, Susan Owens Hickey, of AR, to be US District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas; Confirmed: 83-8
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Adopted S.Con.Res.31, Directing the Secretary of the Senate to make a correction in the enrollment of S.1280.
Adopted S.Res.293, celebrating the 10-year commemoration of the Underground Railroad Memorial, comprised of the Gateway to Freedom Monument in Detroit, Michigan and the Tower of Freedom Monument in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
EXECUTIVE ITEMS
Confirmed Calendar #253, Katherine B. Forrest, of NY, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York by voice vote
Confirmed #287 Sung Y. Kim – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Korea
Senate Floor Wrap Up for Thursday, October 13, 2011