Recapping yesterday's action:
The House spent the bulk of its day on the general debate portion of consideration of H.R. 5, the so-called (and poorly acronymed) "HEALTH" bill that's actually the old "tort reform" bill, with a little bit of ACA repeal thrown in for good measure. The Democratic Whip's schedule has been wryly identifying the bill by its original name, and somewhat less ridiculous acronym, calling it the "Protecting Access to Healthcare (PATH) Act." The rule governing debate had set aside six hours for this task, so that ate up the better part of the day. No votes were held on any of the pending amendments. The only other business for the day was the quick passage of two non-controversial measures (authorizing the use of the Capitol Rotunda for a Holocaust remembrance event, and a United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act).
The Senate successfully invoked cloture on the IPO bill, by a vote of 76-22. That was it as far as roll call voting goes.
Looking ahead to today:
The House returns to work on the tort reform bill, looking to wrap up consideration of six pending amendments quickly enough to be able to start heading home for the weekend by mid-afternoon.
It's always amazing to note how the entire Capitol and all of Washington could be abuzz about developments in the upcoming budget fight, but you can never tell from the floor schedules that any such thing is happening. It's perfectly understandable, of course. The budget's just not on the floor, and we concentrate on daily floor activity in Today in Congress. And of course, you can tell when budget season begins by watching the committee schedules (the sudden explosion in Appropriations committee activity is the giveaway). But it's such a strange disconnect that I felt like I had to make some mention of it.
The Senate likewise turns back to the IPO bill for two more amendments, but actually has more work planned after that! They'll be voting on yet another cloture motion, this time to close out debate on a motion to concur in the House amendment to the STOCK Act, the anti-insider trading bill that passed some weeks ago. As was the case with the IPO bill, Senators had some tweaks they wanted to make (most notably the reinsertion of disclosure requirements for "political intelligence" firms), but Republican filibuster threats have instead put the Senate over a barrel, and they're forced to accept the House position instead. Again, it's remarkable to note that not that long ago, the filibuster rules were to blame for the Senate consistently running roughshod over the House.
To get an idea of how things are going on the filibuster and "gentlemen's agreement" front, read this distillation of yesterday's floor exchanges:
Senator Durbin asked unanimous consent to pass Executive Calendar #319, S.1945, to permit the televising of Supreme Court proceedings. Senator Sessions then objected to the request.
Senator Sessions then asked unanimous consent to pass Executive Calendar #247, S.671, Finding Fugitive Sex Offenders Act, with a committee-reported amendment.
Senator Durbin then asked Senator Sessions to modify his request to pass S.671 and to include the following bills:
- Executive Calendar #246, S.1792, the Strengthening Investigations of Sex Offenders and Missing Children Act
- Executive Calendar #233, S.1793, the Investigative Assistant for Violent Crimes Act and
- Discharge Judiciary and Pass S.1669, the Dale Long Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvements Act, with a substitute amendment
Senator Sessions objected to Senator Durbin’s modification; subsequently Senator Durbin objected to Senator Sessions’ original request.
Lastly, the Senate will also consider two more judicial nominations, under the terms of the agreement of last week to get a slate of 14 (out of an original 17) nominations through by mid-May.
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 21, 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. and 12:30 p.m.
Last votes are expected between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.
“One Minutes” (5 per side)
Complete Consideration of H.R. 5 - Protecting Access to Healthcare (PATH) Act (Rep. Gingrey - Energy and Commerce/Judiciary/Ways and Means/Rules)
The Rule provides for no further general debate and makes in order the following amendments:
Rep. Woodall Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Bonamici Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Alcee Hastings Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Dent/Sessions Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Gosar Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Stearns/Matheson Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
In the Senate, courtesy of the
Office of the Majority Leader:
Senate Floor Schedule for Thursday, March 22, 2012
Convenes: 9:30am
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill.
The filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to the Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to S.2038, the STOCK Act is 10:30am Thursday.
At approximately 12:30pm, there will be a series of up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the following:
- Reed amendment #1931 (regarding the definition of “held of record”) to the Merkley amendment #1884 to H.R.3606
- Merkley amendment #1884 (CROWDFUND Act), as amended, if amended
- Passage of H.R.3606, as amended, if amended
- Motion to invoke cloture on the Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to S.2038, the STOCK Act (if cloture is invoked, the motion to concur will be agreed to by unanimous consent)
- Confirmation of Executive Calendar #441, the nomination of David Nuffer, of UT, to be US District Judge for the District of Utah
- Confirmation of Executive Calendar #462, the nomination of Ronnie Abrams, of NY, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York
- Confirmation of Executive Calendar #463, the nomination of Rudolph Contreras, of VA, to be US District Judge for the District of Columbia.
There will be 2 minutes of debate prior to the votes on the Reed amendment, the Merkley amendment, passage of H.R.3606 and confirmation of the Nuffer nomination; there will be 4 minutes of debate prior to the cloture vote on the motion to concur with respect to the STOCK Act.
3/21 wrap-up:
Senate Floor Wrap Up for Wednesday, March 21, 2012
ROLL CALL VOTES
1) Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill; Invoked: 75-22
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Adopted S.Res.403, to authorize testimony, document production, and legal representation in United States v. Richard F. “Dickie” Scruggs.
Discharged the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources from further consideration of H.R.306, Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act, and referred it to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
No EXECUTIVE ITEMS
Today's House committee schedule:
APPROPRIATIONS------------------------------------------------9:00-Open
Commerce, Justice, and Science Subc. On testimony from Members of Congress and outside witnesses. H-309 Capitol.
APPROPRIATIONS------------------------------------------------9:30-Open
Interior and Environment Subc. On testimony from public witnesses. B-308 RHOB.
APPROPRIATIONS-----------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subc. On the FY 2013 budget request for the Department of Education. Arne Duncan, Secretary, Department of Education. 2358-C RHOB.
APPROPRIATIONS-----------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subc. On the FY 2013 budget requests for the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and Federal Transit Administration. Dept. witnesses. 2358-A RHOB.
APPROPRIATIONS-----------------------------------------------10:30-Open
Agriculture, Rural Development and FDA Subc. On the FY 2013 budget request for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Gary Gensler, Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission. 2362-A RHOB.
ARMED SERVICES-----------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Readiness Subc. On Navy readiness posture. Dept. witnesses. 2212 RHOB.
ARMED SERVICES------------------------------------------------1:00-Open
Military Personnel Subc. On hazing in the military. Dept. witnesses. 2212 RHOB.
ENERGY & COMMERCE-------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subc. On reviewing motor vehicle safety provisions in the House and Senate highway bills. Dept. and public witnesses. 2123 RHOB.
FINANCIAL SERVICES-------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subc. On the impact of mobile payments on financial services. Public witnesses. 2128 RHOB.
HOMELAND SECURITY--------------------------------------------9:00-Open
Oversight, Investigations, and Management Subc. On discussing Department of Homeland Security employee morale issues. Dept. and public witnesses. 311 CHOB.
NATURAL RESOURCES--------------------------------------------9:30-Open
Energy and Mineral Resources Subc. On the FY 2013 budget request for the U.S. Geological Survey. Marcia McNutt, Director, U.S. Geological Survey. 1334 LHOB.
NATURAL RESOURCES--------------------------------------------9:30-Open
Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs Subc. On examining the effect of the National Ocean Policy on recreational and commercial fishermen. Public witnesses. 1324 LHOB.
OVERSIGHT & GOVERNMENT REFORM-----------------------------10:00-Open
Government Organization, Efficiency, and Financial Management Subc. and Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security Subc. of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Joint hrng. on examining an audit that found problems with U.S. Army pay. Dept. witnesses. 2154 RHOB.
SELECT INTELLIGENCE---------------------------------------------9:00-Ex.
Full Committee. On ongoing intelligence activities. HVC-304 Capitol.
SMALL BUSINESS-----------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Full Committee. Markup of H.R. 3985 – Building Better Business Partnerships Act, H.R. 3987 – Small Business Protection Act, H.R. 4081 – Contractor Opportunity Protection Act, H.R. 4203 – Women’s Procurement Program Improvement Act, and H.R. 4206 – Contracting Oversight for Small Business Jobs Act. 2360 RHOB.
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS--------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Full Committee and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Joint hrng. on receiving legislative presentations of veterans’ service organizations. Public witnesses. 345 CHOB.
WAYS & MEANS--------------------------------------------------9:30-Open
Oversight Subc. On the Internal Revenue Service and the 2012 tax return filing season. Douglas Shulman, Commissioner, IRS. 1100 LHOB.
Today's Senate committee schedule:
9:30 am
Armed Services
Hearings to examine the situation in Afghanistan; with the possibility of a closed session in SVC-217 following the open session.
SD-G50
10:00 am
Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2013 for the Department of Commerce.
SD-192
10:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Hearings to examine international harmonization of Wall Street reform, focusing on orderly liquidation, derivatives, and the Volcker Rule.
SD-538
10:00 am
Environment and Public Works
Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2013 for the Environmental Protection Agency.
SD-406
10:00 am
Finance: Subcommittee on Health Care
Hearings to examine prescription drug abuse, focusing on how Medicare and Medicaid are adapting to the challenge.
SD-215
10:00 am
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security
A joint hearing with the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency, and Financial Management to examine problems in Army military pay.
RHOB-2154
10:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Hearings to examine stay-at-work and back-to-work strategies, focusing on lessons from the private sector.
SD-430
10:00 am
Judiciary
Business meeting to consider S.2159, to extend the authorization of the Drug-Free Communities Support Program through fiscal year 2017, and the nominations of Richard Gary Taranto, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit, Robin S. Rosenbaum, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, Gershwin A. Drain, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, and Gregory K. Davis, to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Department of Justice.
SD-226
10:00 am
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Hearings to examine small business investment companies and their role in the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
SR-428A
10:00 am
Veterans' Affairs
Joint hearings to examine the legislative presentations of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Air Force Sergeants Association, Blinded Veterans Association, American Veterans (AMVETS), Gold Star Wives, Fleet Reserve Association, Military Officers Association of America, and the Jewish War Veterans.
CHOB-345
2:15 pm
Indian Affairs
Hearings to examine S.1898, to provide for the conveyance of certain property from the United States to the Maniilaq Association located in Kotzebue, Alaska, and H.R.1560, to amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribe to determine blood quantum requirement for membership in that tribe.
SD-628
2:15 pm
Foreign Relations
Hearings to examine the nominations of Scott H. DeLisi, of Minnesota, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Uganda, Michael A. Raynor, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, and Makila James, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Swaziland, all of the Department of State.
SD-419
2:30 pm
Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch
Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2013 for the Secretary of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms and the U.S. Capitol Police.
SD-124
2:30 pm
Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests
Hearings to examine S.303, to amend the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to require the Bureau of Land Management to provide a claimant of a small miner waiver from claim maintenance fees with a period of 60 days after written receipt of 1 or more defects is provided to the claimant by registered mail to cure the 1 or more defects or pay the claim maintenance fee, S.1129, to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to improve the management of grazing leases and permits, S.1473, to amend Public Law 99-548 to provide for the implementation of the multispecies habitat conservation plan for the Virgin River, Nevada, and to extend the authority to purchase certain parcels of public land, S.1492, to provide for the conveyance of certain Federal land in Clark County, Nevada, for the environmental remediation and reclamation of the Three Kids Mine Project Site, S.1559, to establish the San Juan Islands National Conservation Area in the San Juan Islands, Washington, S.1635, to designate certain lands in San Miguel, Ouray, and San Juan Counties, Colorado, as wilderness, S.1687, to adjust the boundary of Carson National Forest, New Mexico, S.1774, to establish the Rocky Mountain Front Conservation Management Area, to designate certain Federal land as wilderness, and to improve the management of noxious weeds in the Lewis and Clark National Forest, S.1788, to designate the Pine Forest Range Wilderness area in Humboldt County, Nevada, S.1906, to modify the Forest Service Recreation Residence Program as the program applies to units of the National Forest System derived from the public domain by implementing a simple, equitable, and predictable procedure for determining cabin user fees, S.2001, 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, to provide additional protections for Rogue River tributaries, S.2015, to require the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Federal land to the Powell Recreation District in the State of Wyoming, and S.2056, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain interests in Federal land acquired for the Scofield Project in Carbon County, Utah.
SD-366
2:30 pm
Intelligence
Closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters.
SH-219