Recapping yesterday's action:
An otherwise quiet and unremarkable day in the House turned into something of a show yesterday, when Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA-04) turned it loose on Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX-05). During the debate on the opportunistically-renamed "Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act," Frank told a story of what was, ultimately, a rather routine sort of Capitol Hill intrigue, but did it with enough personal invective to get his words "taken down."
What happened? Well, it seems one of the components of what's now known as the "JOBS Act" is pretty much identical to a bill passed in an almost unanimous vote by the House last November. Only when it was passed the first time, it was introduced by Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ-05), and backed, according to the Politico article linked above, by Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT-04). Only this second time around, the provision was ostensibly authored by Rep. Ben Quayle (R-AZ-03), with whom Schweikert is currently engaged in a redistricted primary fight. Although both this measure and the larger bill are both expected to have bipartisan support this time around, Frank took umbrage at the move to give credit for the work already done by Schweikert and Himes to Quayle, and in the process insulted Hensarling, who in turn had Frank's words taken down. Yeehaw!
Despite the disruption, the House managed to get through 10 of the 17 amendments made in order under the rule, holding roll call votes on (and defeating) just four of them.
The Senate, still stuck on the transportation bill that was ironically going nowhere, held no roll call votes, and managed only to take care of a few housekeeping items under unanimous consent, including a tribute to the life of the late Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ-10). Worthy of some note: Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) initiated the Rule XIV process for his "National Right to Work Act." That by itself doesn't mean it's going anywhere, but it's worth watching. Remember, Republicans are for leaving these sorts of policies to the states, unless they don't feel like it anymore, in which case it's totally awesome to federalize everything, in that small-government way.
Looking ahead to today:
Today, the House looks to wrap up consideration of the last seven amendments to the JOBS-as-an-afterthought bill and be done by 1pm, before heading out of town for yet another week-long recess. Whew!
The Senate, it seems, has at last found a path out of the transportation filibuster, and the leadership says they have an agreement to hold a series of votes on amendments today. Whether they'll complete consideration and get to a vote on passage today, or stretch it out into Friday remains to be seen. The Senate has no plans to break along with the House, however, so even if work on the transportation bill drags out a bit longer than expected, the light at the end of the tunnel is at least visible. That's a little transportation joke there for you. Hiyo!
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, MARCH 7, 2012
TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK
On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.
First votes are expected between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Last votes are expected between 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
“One Minutes” (5 per side)
Complete Consideration of H.R. 3606 - Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (Rep. Fincher - Financial Services)
The Rule provides for no further general debate and makes in order the remaining amendments:
Rep. McHenry Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Miller (NC)/Rep. Schweikert Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Schweikert Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Capuano Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Peters Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Capps Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Loebsack Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
In the Senate, courtesy of the
Office of the Majority Leader:
Senate Floor Schedule for Thursday, March 8, 2012
Convenes: 9:30am
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1813, the Surface Transportation Act. We have reached an agreement to complete action on the Surface Transportation bill. Senators should expect a series of several votes during Thursday’s session at a time to be determined.
3/7 wrap-up:
Senate Floor Wrap Up for Wednesday, March 7, 2012
No ROLL CALL VOTES
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Passed H.R.4105, To apply the countervailing duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 to nonmarket economy countries, and for other purposes.
Passed S.1855, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act Reauthorization of 2011.
Adopted S.Res.390, honoring the life and legacy of the Honorable Donald M. Payne.
Discharged the Finance Committee of S.2152, the Syria Democracy Transition Act of 2012 and referred it to the Foreign Relations Committee.
Began the Rule 14 process of S.2173, National Right-to-Work Act. (DeMint)
No EXECUTIVE ITEMS
Today's House committee schedule:
APPROPRIATIONS------------------------------------------------------9:30-Open
Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subc. On the FY 2013 budget request for the Department of Transportation. Ray LaHood, Secretary, Department of Transportation. 2358-A RHOB.
APPROPRIATIONS----------------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Defense Subc. On the FY 2013 budget request for the Department of Defense health programs. Dept. witnesses. 2359 RHOB.
APPROPRIATIONS----------------------------------------------------10:30-Open
Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA Subc. On the FY 2013 budget request for the Department of Agriculture food safety programs. Dept. witnesses. 2362-A RHOB.
APPROPRIATIONS------------------------------------------------------1:00-Open
Homeland Security Subc. On the FY 2013 budget request for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Dept. witnesses. 2359 RHOB.
ARMED SERVICES----------------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Tactical Air and Land Forces Subc. On Army and Marine Corps ground system modernization programs. Dept. witnesses. 2212 RHOB.
ARMED SERVICES----------------------------------------------------11:30-Open
Readiness Subc. On the request for authorization of another base realignment and closure round and additional reductions in overseas bases. Dept. witnesses. 2118 RHOB.
ARMED SERVICES------------------------------------------------------1:00-Open
Strategic Forces Subc. On the FY 2013 budget request for national security space activities. Dept. witnesses. 2212 RHOB.
BUDGET-------------------------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Full Committee. On requests from Member of Congress on the FY 2013 budget. 210 CHOB.
ENERGY & COMMERCE------------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Energy and Power Subc. On the FY 2013 budget request for the Department of Energy. Steven Chu, Secretary, Department of Energy. 2123 RHOB.
ENERGY & COMMERCE------------------------------------------------10:15-Open
Health Subc. On FDA user fees and issues related to accelerated approval, medical gas, antibiotic development, and downstream pharmaceutical supply chains. Dept. and public witnesses. 2322 RHOB.
HOMELAND SECURITY--------------------------------------------------9:00-Open
Oversight, Investigations, and Management Subc. On eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and duplication at the Department of Homeland Security. Public witnesses. 311 CHOB.
JUDICIARY------------------------------------------------------------9:30-Open
Constitution Subc. On H.R. 2299 – Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, which would prohibit taking minors across state lines to circumvent parental notification laws for abortion decisions. Public witnesses. 2141 RHOB.
NATURAL RESOURCES--------------------------------------------------9:30-Open
Energy and Mineral Resources Subc. On the FY 2013 budget requests for activities and operations of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. Dept. witnesses. 1334 LHOB.
NATURAL RESOURCES------------------------------------------------10:00-Open
National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subc. On H.R. 752 - Molalla River Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, H.R. 1415 - Chetco River Protection Act of 2011, H.R. 3377 - Pine Forest Range Recreation Enhancement Act of 2011, and H.R. 3436 - To expand the Wild Rogue Wilderness Area in the State of Oregon, to make additional wild and scenic river designations in the Rogue River area, and to provide additional protections for Rogue River tributaries, and for other purposes. MC’s and dept. witnesses. 1324 LHOB.
OVERSIGHT & GOVERNMENT REFORM-----------------------------------9:30-Open
Full Committee. On examining store food stamp frauds and the Department of Agriculture’s enforcement. Dept. and public witnesses. 2154 RHOB.
SCIENCE, SPACE, & TECHNOLOGY-------------------------------------10:00-Open
Research and Science Education Subc. On discussing the National Science Foundation’s research equipment and facilities management. Public witnesses. 2318 RHOB.
SELECT INTELLIGENCE-------------------------------------------------9:00-Open
Full Committee. Markup of the budget views and estimates letter for FY 2013. HVC-304 Capitol.
SELECT INTELLIGENCE---------------------------------------------------9:15-Ex.
Full Committee. On ongoing intelligence activities. HVC-304 Capitol.
SMALL BUSINESS-----------------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations Subc. On the regulatory impact on small energy producers. Public witnesses. 2360 RHOB.
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE--------------------------------10:00-Open
Full Committee. Markup of the budget views and estimates letter for FY 2103, H.R. 2903 – FEMA Reauthorization Act of 2011, H.R. 4097 – John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act, and H.R. 3556 - To designate the courthouse in Buffalo as the “Robert H. Jackson United States Courthouse”. 2167 RHOB.
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS--------------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Economic Opportunity Subc. On pending legislation. 334 CHOB.
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS---------------------------------------------------1:30-Open
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subc. On an update on the national cemeteries. 340 CHOB.
WAYS & MEANS-------------------------------------------------------9:00-Open
Full Committee. Markup of H.R. 452 – Medicare Decisions Accountability Act of 2011. 1100 LHOB.
Today's Senate committee schedule:
9:30 am
Armed Services
Hearings to examine the Department of the Army in review of the Defense Authorization request for fiscal year 2013 and the Future Years Defense Program.
SD-106
10:00 am
Appropriations: Subcommittee on Department of Homeland Security
Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2013 for the Department of Homeland Security.
SD-192
10:00 am
Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2013 for the Department of Justice.
SD-124
10:00 am
Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Hearings to examine an overview of the Federal Housing Administration.
SD-138
10:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Hearings to examine addressing the housing crisis in Indian country, focusing on leveraging resources and coordinating efforts.
SD-538
10:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Hearings to examine the key to America's global competitiveness, focusing on a quality education.
SD-430
10:00 am
Judiciary
Business meeting to consider S.1002, to prohibit theft of medical products, and the nominations of Patty Shwartz, of New Jersey, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit, Jeffrey J. Helmick, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio, Mary Geiger Lewis, to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina, Timothy S. Hillman, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts, and Thomas M. Harrigan, of New York, to be Deputy Administrator of Drug Enforcement, Department of Justice.
SD-226
2:15 pm
Indian Affairs
Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2013 for Native Programs.
SD-628
2:30 pm
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2013 for the Department of Homeland Security.
SD-342
2:30 pm
Intelligence
Closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters.
SH-219