Recapping yesterday's action:
The House passed its two new suspension bills for the day, the first (the DATA Act) by voice vote, and the second (the Small Business Credit Availability Act) in a roll call vote. They also knocked off one of the three suspension votes previously postponed, carrying two over for another day.
They also adopted the motion to go to conference on the transportation bill, clearing the way for negotiations with the Senate in an attempt to find a passable version of a full reauthorization like the Senate has put forth. Interesting bit of procedure involved here: House Dems basically wanted to agree to the Senate bill, but after so much Republican intransigence, it was a victory just to get them to agree to a conference. But in order to go to conference, the House has to declare itself finally in disagreement with the Senate. So how do House Dems help move the bill into conference while also letting everyone know that they're really not in disagreement with the Senate? Well, you decline to object to a unanimous consent request that the House disagree and request a conference, and then offer a motion to instruct the conferees to recede from disagreement with the Senate, that's how.
They lost, of course. But now they've done their bit to move the bill forward (they couldn't very well vote against the motion to go to conference, really) and at the same time put themselves on the record as agreeing with the Senate position. It doesn't do much by itself, really, since motions to instruct are not binding, anyway. But it's clever enough in terms of getting a clear voting position on the record when procedure would otherwise muddle things up.
The Senate completed work on and passed its postal reform bill, clearing the "painless filibuster" threshold with 62 votes.
Looking ahead to today:
The House has a full day ahead, beginning the slog through the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA) and 16 pending amendments. And as we've learned, any time the Congress (and in particular, this Republican House) sticks its nose in "cyber" anything, there's likely a disaster in the offing. On that score, CISPA does not disappoint. The White House has issued a veto threat, but that's probably like catnip to House Republicans.
The Senate starts the day with a resumption of the debate of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. Yes, we're on to debate of the actual bill now, thanks to a prior unanimous consent agreement to adopt the motion to proceed upon disposition of the postal reform bill. Just until 11:30, though, after which it's on to two more judicial nominations. That only takes them through noon, though, with the votes to follow. What comes after that? Don't know! But we do know the Majority Leader will be recognized at that point. We'll still have the VAWA renewal to work on, of course. And there's some sort of Republican alternative version hanging out there somewhere. Maybe there's a deal on votes to be worked out. Once again, we'll have to wait and see.
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, APRIL 25, 2012
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 expected: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Last votes expected: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
“One Minutes” (15 per side)
Begin Consideration of H.R. 3523 - Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (Rep. Rogers (MI) – Intelligence) (Subject to a Rule)
The Rule provides for one hour of general debate and makes in order the following amendments:
Reps. Langevin/Lungren Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Conyers Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Pompeo Amendment #36 (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Rogers (MI)/Ruppersberger/Issa/Langevin Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Jackson-Lee Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Quayle/Eshoo/Thompson (CA) Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Amash/Labrador/Paul/Nadler/Polis Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Mulvaney/Dicks Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Flake Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Richardson Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Pompeo Amendment #37 (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Woodall Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Goodlatte Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Turner Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Mulvaney Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Paulsen Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Suspension (1 Bill)
- H.R. 4257 - Federal Information Security Amendments Act of 2012 (Rep. Issa – Oversight and Government Reform)
Postponed Suspensions (2 Bills)
- H.R. 2050 - Idaho Wilderness Water Resources Protection Act (Rep. Simpson – Natural Resources)
- H.R. 2240 - Lowell National Historical Park Land Exchange Act of 2011 (Rep. Tsongas – Natural Resources)
In the Senate, courtesy of the
Office of the Majority Leader:
Senate Floor Schedule for Thursday, April 26, 2012
Convenes: 9:30am
Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act with the time until 11:30am for debate only and the time until 11:30am equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first 45 minutes and the Majority controlling the second 45 minutes.
At 11:30am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following items:
- Executive Calendar #509, Gregg Jeffrey Costa, of TX, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas and
- Executive Calendar #510, David Campos Guaderrama, of TX, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas
with 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12:00pm), there will be 2 roll call votes confirmation of the Costa and Guaderrama nominations.
When the Senate resumes Legislative Session following the votes, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
4/25 wrap-up:
Senate Floor Wrap Up for Wednesday, April 25, 2012
ROLL CALL VOTES
1) Manchin amendment #2079 (extend moratorium on closings) to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill; Not Agreed To: 43-53
2) Paul amendment #2028 (alternative methods pilot program); Not Agreed To: 35-64
3) Paul amendment #2039 (prohibit collective bargaining); Not Agreed To: 23-76
4) Casey amendment #2042 (delivery time); Not Agreed To: 44-54
5) DeMint amendment #2046 (unions); Not Agreed To: 46-53
6) Passage of S.1789, the Postal Reform bill, as amended; Passed: 62-37
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Adopted S.Res.437, congratulating the Boston College men’s ice hockey team on winning its fifth National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Hockey Championship.
Adopted S.Res.438, to support the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month.
By unanimous consent, read S.2366, a bill to extend student federal loan interest rates for undergraduate Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Alexander, McConnell, Enzi and others) twice and placed it on the calendar.
No EXECUTIVE ITEMS
Today's House committee schedule:
AGRICULTURE----------------------------------------------------9:30-Open
Conservation, Energy, and Forestry Subc. On conservation programs in the 2012 Farm Bill. 1300 LHOB.
AGRICULTURE----------------------------------------------------2:00-Open
Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subc. On dairy programs in the 2012 Farm Bill. 1300 LHOB.
APPROPRIATIONS-----------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Full Committee. Markup of H.R. _ - Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act for FY 2013. 2359 RHOB.
ARMED SERVICES-----------------------------------------------10:30-Open
Military Personnel Subc. Markup of H.R. 4310 – To authorize appropriations for FY 2013 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for FY 2013, and for other purposes. 2212 RHOB.
ARMED SERVICES-----------------------------------------------12:00-Open
Seapower and Projection Forces Subc. Markup of H.R. 4310 – To authorize appropriations for FY 2013 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for FY 2013, and for other purposes. 2118 RHOB.
ARMED SERVICES------------------------------------------------1:30-Open
Strategic Forces Subc. Markup of H.R. 4310 – To authorize appropriations for FY 2013 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for FY 2013, and for other purposes. 2212 RHOB.
ARMED SERVICES------------------------------------------------3:30-Open
Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subc. Markup of H.R. 4310 – To authorize appropriations for FY 2013 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for FY 2013, and for other purposes. 2118 RHOB.
EDUCATION & THE WORKFORCE----------------------------------10:00-Open
Full Committee. On reviewing the FY 2013 budget request for the Department of Health and Human Services. Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services. 2175 RHOB.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS------------------------------------------------2:00-Open
Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights Subc. On examining the conflict of the North-South Sudan. Dept. witnesses. 2200 RHOB.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS------------------------------------------------2:30-Open
Europe and Eurasia Subc. On reviewing U.S. policy and the NATO Chicago Summit. Dept. and public witnesses. 2172 RHOB.
HOMELAND SECURITY-------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies Subc. and Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subc. Joint hrng. on examining Iran’s intent and capability to conduct a cyber attack against the U.S. homeland. Public witnesses. 311 CHOB.
HOMELAND SECURITY--------------------------------------------2:00-Open
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications Subc. On reviewing homeland security grant programs administered by FEMA and input from stakeholders who receive this funding to enhance their security operations. Public witnesses. 311 CHOB.
JUDICIARY------------------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet Subc. On international patent issues. Public witnesses. 2141 RHOB.
JUDICIARY-------------------------------------------------------2:00-Open
Constitution Subc. On an amendment for victims’ rights. Public witnesses. 2141 RHOB.
NATURAL RESOURCES-------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Full Committee. On increased electricity costs for American families and small businesses. Steven Chu, Secretary, Department of Energy. 1324 LHOB.
NATURAL RESOURCES--------------------------------------------3:00-Open
Energy and Mineral Resources Subc. On H.R. 4381 – Planning for American Energy Act, H.R. 4382 – Providing Leasing Certainty for American Energy Act, H.R. 4383 – Streamlining Permitting of American Energy Act, H.R. 4402 – National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2012, H.R. 1192 – Soda Ash Royalty Extension, Job Creation, and Export Enhancement Act of 2011, and H.R. 2176 – Clean Energy Promotion Act. 1324 LHOB.
OVERSIGHT & GOVERNMENT REFORM------------------------------9:00-Open
Full Committee. Markup of H.Con.Res. 112 – To amend Title 5, U.S. Code, to comply with the reconciliation directive included in section 201 of the budget for FY 2013, H.R. 2008 – Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011, H.R. 3609 – Taxpayers Right to Know Act, H.R. 4078 – Regulatory Freeze for Jobs Act of 2012, and H.R. _ - Midnight Rule Relief Act of 2012. 2154 RHOB.
SCIENCE, SPACE & TECHNOLOGY--------------------------------10:00-Open
Space and Aeronautics Subc. On an overview of the NASA aeronautics research mission directorate budget for FY 2013. Dept. and public witnesses. 2318 RHOB.
SMALL BUSINESS-----------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Agriculture, Energy, and Trade Subc. On reviewing energy innovation by small businesses. Public witnesses. 2360 RHOB.
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE----------------------------9:00-Open
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subc. On reviewing regulation of the maritime industry with a focus on ensuring job growth while improving environmental and worker safety. Dept. and public witnesses. 2167 RHOB.
WAYS & MEANS------------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Select Revenue Measures Subc. On proposals related to certain tax provisions that either expired in 2011 or will expire in 2012. 1100 LHOB.
Today's Senate committee schedule:
9:30 am
Armed Services
Hearings to examine the nominations of Kathleen H. Hicks, of Virginia, to be Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Policy, and Derek H. Chollet, of Nebraska, to be Assistant Secretary for International Security Affairs, both of the Department of Defense.
SD-G50
9:30 am
Energy and Natural Resources
Business meeting to consider Adam E. Sieminski, of Pennsylvania, to be Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy, Marcilynn A. Burke, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior, and Anthony T. Clark, of North Dakota, and John Robert Norris, of Iowa, both to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; to be immediately followed by a hearing to examine weather related electrical outages.
SD-366
9:30 am
Foreign Relations
Business meeting to consider S.2224, to require the President to report to Congress on issues related to Syria, H.R.1016, to measure the progress of relief, recovery, reconstruction, and development efforts in Haiti following the earthquake of January 12, 2010, S.Res.401, expressing appreciation for Foreign Service and Civil Service professionals who represent the United States around the globe, an original resolution calling for democratic change in Syria, 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, and lists in the Foreign Service.
S-116
10:00 am
Armed Services: Subcommittee on SeaPower
Hearings to examine Marine Corps acquisition programs in review of the Defense Authorization request for fiscal year 2013 and the Future Years Defense Program.
SR-222
10:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Hearings to examine legislative proposals in the Department of Housing and Urban Development's fiscal year 2013 budget.
SD-538
10:00 am
Finance
Hearings to examine tax filing season, focusing on improving the taxpayer experience.
SD-215
10:00 am
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Hearings to examine biological security, focusing on the risk of dual-use research.
SD-342
10:00 am
Judiciary
Business meeting to consider the nominations of Michael P. Shea, to be United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut, Gonzalo P. Curiel, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of California, and Robert J. Shelby, to be United States District Judge for the District of Utah, vice Tena Campbell.
SD-226
10:30 am
Appropriations
Business meeting to markup proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2013 for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and related agencies and Energy and Water Development.
SD-106
2:15 pm
Joint Economic Committee
Hearings to examine gas prices in the Northeast, focusing on the potential impact on the American consumer due to loss of refining capacity.
SD-G50
2:30 pm
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia
Hearings to examine financial literacy, focusing on empowering Americans to prevent the next financial crisis.
SD-342
3:00 pm
Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Hearings to examine United States policy on Burma.
SD-419
4:00 pm
Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Service and General Government
Hearings to examine expanding broadband access, promoting innovation, and protecting consumers in a communications revolution, focusing on fiscal year 2013 resource needs for the Federal Communications Commission.
SD-192