Recapping yesterday's action:
The major business in the House yesterday was the passage of its horrible version of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization bill. It only took Republicans an hour to destroy the thing, so they moved on after that to general debate on the NDAA, the National Defense Authorization Act.
The Senate spent its day on six hours of debate for five supposedly non-debatable motions, each one a motion to proceed to a different fake, nonbinding, and as it turned out, unpopular "budget" for FY2013. Why fake? We went over it yesterday, if you want a refresher.
Suffice to say, none of the motions to proceed to any of the budgets succeeded. Some came closer than others, and some became laughingstocks. Republicans, of course, will point to what Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, III (R-AL) offered under the claim that it was President Obama's budget, and which netted zero votes. But remember, it's the position of Senate Democrats that there are already binding spending caps in place, under the Budget Control Act that embodied the August debt ceiling and budget deal. So they're not really interested in voting for anything different, and there's no point in going on record in support of any budget that isn't going to pass, even the President's.
But that didn't stop Republicans, who joyfully went on record for budgets of varying levels of destructiveness, the worst of the bunch (Rand Paul's, of course) getting just 16 votes.
Looking ahead to today:
The House returns to consideration of the last big substantive item on its agenda for this week, the NDAA. So they're just about done, right? Wrong. There are 142 amendments made in order under the rule. That'll keep 'em busy for a while. But not too long. The schedule calls for last votes no later than 3 p.m. on Friday, and the House is, of course (say it with me!), taking another recess next week!
The Senate moves on to its next motion to proceed, which means Republicans are once again refusing to allow easy movement of bills to the floor, and the latest victim is S. 3187, a bill revising Food & Drug Administration user fees. I don't think seeing Republicans make procedural trouble on that is really a surprise to anyone.
That motion will be interrupted for executive session, and the consideration of two nominations for members of the Federal Reserve board. It looks like there's some objection to these two nominees (as there would be to just about anything or anyone, at this point), because there's an agreement for a 60-vote requirement for their approval. Originally, cloture motions had been filed on these nominations, but they've been vitiated in favor of the 60-vote deal. That sets up the same barrier in terms of vote counts, but it's a lot faster to get through if the vote succeeds, since a successful vote on cloture means there can still be 30 additional hours of debate before a vote on the nomination itself. And with two nominations pending, that could mean up to 60 hours wasted. But it's Thursday, and Senators want to get out of town for the weekend. Hence the deal for the "painless filibuster."
Yes, they could have made a deal agreeing that if cloture was successfully invoked, post-cloture time would be yielded back and the nomination itself would be considered approved. But Republicans probably don't really want the number of cloture votes taken to be driven any higher than it has to be right now. Especially with the renewed interest in filibuster reform. So are there 60 votes? I don't know. We'll find out, and Senators will get to take the weekend off. Best of both worlds!
Today's floor and committee schedules appear below the fold.
In the House, courtesy of the Office of the Majority Leader:
THURSDAY, MAY 17TH
On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. First votes expected: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Last votes expected: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
One Minute Speeches (15 per side)
Continue Consideration of H.R. 4310 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Buck McKeon / Armed Services Committee)
The Rule provides for no further general debate, makes in order the following amendments, and allows for the Chairman to offer amendments en bloc:
A full list of the 142 amendments made in order can be found HERE
Democratic Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 4348 - Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, Part II (Offered by Rep. Nick Rahall)
Democratic Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 4348 - Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, Part II (Offered by Rep. John Barrow)
Postponed Votes on Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:
1) H.Res. 568 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of preventing the Government of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen / Foreign Affairs Committee)
2) H.R. 5740 - To extend the National Flood Insurance Program, and for other purposes (Sponsored by Rep. Judy Biggert / Financial Services Committee)
Special Order Speeches
In the Senate, courtesy of the
Office of the Majority Leader:
Senate Floor Schedule for Thursday, May 17, 2012
Convenes: 9:30am
Following the prayer and the pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
It is the Majority Leader’s intention to begin consideration of the motion to proceed Calendar #400, S.3187, the FDA user fees bill with the time until 10:30am equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
At 10:30am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following items:
- Executive Calendar #646, Jeremy C. Stein, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the unexpired term of fourteen years from February 1, 2004 and
- Executive Calendar #647, Jerome H. Powell, of Maryland, to be a Member of Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the unexpired term of fourteen years from February 1, 2000
with up to 90 minutes of debate on the nominations equally divided and controlled between Senators Johnson (SD) and Shelby or their designees.
Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12:00pm), the Senate will vote on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed above. Each nomination will require 60-votes in the affirmative.
5/16 wrap-up:
Senate Floor Wrap Up for Wednesday, May 16, 2012
ROLL CALL VOTES
1) Motion to proceed to Calendar #357, S.Con.Res.41, A concurrent resolution setting forth the President’s budget request for the United States Government for fiscal year 2013, and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2014 through 2022 (Sessions’s interpretation of the Obama budget); Not Agreed To: 0-99
2) Motion to proceed to Calendar #354, H.Con.Res.112, Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2013 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2014 through 2022 (Congressman Ryan); Not Agreed To: 41-58
3) Motion to proceed to Calendar #356, S.Con.Res.37, A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2013, and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2014 through 2022 (Senator Toomey); Not Agreed To: 42-57
4) Motion to proceed to Calendar #384, S.Con.Res.42, A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2013, revising the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2012, and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2013 through 2022 (Senator Paul); Not Agreed To: 16-83
5) Motion to proceed to Calendar #395, S.Con.Res.44, A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2013 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2014 through 2022 (Senators Lee, Paul, DeMint); Not Agreed To: 17-82
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Adopted S.Res.463, Designating May 19, 2012, as “National Kids to Parks Day”.
Adopted S.Res.464, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Adopted S.Res.465, recognizing that the Governor of the State of Colorado has proclaimed 2012 as the “Year of Water”.
Completed the Rule 14 process of S.3187, Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act. (Harkin & Enzi)
Discharged the Energy and Natural Resources Committee of H.R.2947, a bill to provide for the release of the reversionary interest held by the United States in certain land conveyed by the United States in 1950 for the establishment of an airport in Cook County, Minnesota and referred it to the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.
No EXECUTIVE ITEMS
Today's House committee schedule:
AGRICULTURE---------------------------------------------------10:00-Open
General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subc. On crop insurance and commodity programs in the 2012 Farm Bill. 1300 LHOB.
APPROPRIATIONS-----------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Full Committee. Markup of H.R. _ - Defense Appropriations Act for FY 2013, and H.R. _ - State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for FY 2013. 2359 RHOB.
ENERGY & COMMERCE-------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Full Committee. Markup of H.R. 4471 – Gasoline Regulations Act of 2012, and H.R. 4480 – Strategic Energy Production Act of 2012. 2123 RHOB.
FINANCIAL SERVICES-------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Full Committee. On examining the settlement practices of U.S. financial regulators. Dept. and public witnesses. 2128 RHOB.
FINANCIAL SERVICES---------------------------------------------2:00-Open
Insurance, Housing, and Community Opportunity Subc. On issues affecting the ability of U.S. insurance and reinsurance companies to compete internationally. Dept. and public witnesses. 2128 RHOB.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS-----------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Full Committee. On strategies, implementation, and enforcement of Iran sanctions. Dept. witnesses. 2172 RHOB.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS------------------------------------------------2:00-Open
Asia and the Pacific Subc. and Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subc. Joint hrng. on the Trans-Pacific partnership agreement. Public witnesses. 2360 RHOB.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS------------------------------------------------3:00-Open
Western Hemisphere Subc. On Cuba’s global network of terrorism. Public witnesses. 2172 RHOB.
HOMELAND SECURITY--------------------------------------------9:30-Open
Oversight, Investigations, and Management Subc. On an examination of the ethical standards of the Department of Homeland Security. Dept. witnesses. 311 CHOB.
JUDICIARY------------------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Subc. On H.R. 2168 – Geolocational Privacy and Surveillance Act. Public witnesses. 2141 RHOB.
JUDICIARY-------------------------------------------------------1:00-Open
Immigration Policy and Enforcement Subc. On H.R. 3039 – Welcoming Business Travelers and Tourists to America Act of 2011. 2141 RHOB.
JUDICIARY-------------------------------------------------------4:00-Open
Constitution Subc. On H.R. 3803 – District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. 2141 RHOB.
NATURAL RESOURCES--------------------------------------------2:00-Open
Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs Subc. On H.R. 3065 – Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, and H.R. 3706 – To create the Office of Chief Financial Officer of the Government of the Virgin Islands. Dept. and public witnesses. 1334 LHOB.
NATURAL RESOURCES--------------------------------------------2:00-Open
National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subc. On H.R. 1103 – American Memorial Park Tinian Annex Act, H.R. 3100 – San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Boundary Expansion Act, H.R. 4400 – To designate the Salt Pond Visitor Center at Cape Cod National Seashore as the “Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr. Salt Pond Visitor Center”, H.R. 3365 – Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Reauthorization of 2011, S. 270 – La Pine Land Conveyance Act. MC’s and public witnesses. 1324 LHOB.
SCIENCE, SPACE, & TECHNOLOGY--------------------------------10:00-Open
Technology and Innovation Subc. On examining the priorities of the United States Fire Administration. Dept. and public witnesses. 2318 RHOB.
SELECT INTELLIGENCE------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Full Committee. Markup of H.R. _ - Intelligence Authorization Act for FY 2013, and a committee report on the performance audit of defense intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance. HVC-304 Capitol.
WAYS & MEANS------------------------------------------------10:00-Open
Trade Subc. On efforts to enhance economic growth and job creation by facilitating legitimate trade, modernizing customs procedures, and enforcing U.S. Customs and trade laws. Dept. and public witnesses. 1100 LHOB.
WAYS & MEANS--------------------------------------------------2:00-Open
Human Resources Subc. On reviewing state spending requirements in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and their interaction with TANF work requirements. Dept. and public witnesses. 1100 LHOB.
Today's Senate committee schedule:
9:30 am
Energy and Natural Resources
Hearings to examine S.2146, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to create a market-oriented standard for clean electric energy generation.
SD-366
10:00 am
Finance
Hearings to examine the Social Security Administration, focusing on saving taxpayer dollars and serving the public.
SD-215
10:00 am
Judiciary
Business meeting to consider S.2554, to amend title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend the authorization of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program through fiscal year 2017, S.2276, to permit Federal officers to remove cases involving crimes of violence to Federal court, S.2076, to improve security at State and local courthouses, S.2370, to amend title 11, United States Code, to make bankruptcy organization more efficient for small business debtors, and the nominations of David Medine, of Maryland, to be Chairman, James Xavier Dempsey, of California, Elisebeth Collins Cook, of Illinois, Rachel L. Brand, of Iowa, and Patricia M. Wald, of the District of Columbia, all to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.
SD-226
10:30 am
Appropriations
Business meeting to markup proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2013 for Military Construction and Veteran Affairs, and Related Agencies and Department of Homeland Security.
SD-106
10:30 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
Hearings to examine the United States response to tsunami generated marine debris.
SR-253
2:00 pm
Appropriations: Subcommittee on Department of Defense
To receive a closed briefing on proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2013 for European Command and Special Operations Command Programs.
SVC-217
2:00 pm
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
To receive a briefing on Ukraine's upcoming elections, focusing on political parties, civil society and domestic observers ahead of the elections, the electoral framework, as well as the broader political context.
CHOB-210
2:15 pm
Indian Affairs
An oversight hearing to examine fulfilling the Federal trust responsibility, focusing on the foundation of the government-to-government relationship.
SD-628
2:30 pm
Foreign Relations
Hearings to examine the nominations of Edward M. Alford, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of The Gambia, Mark L. Asquino, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Douglas M. Griffiths, of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Mozambique, and David J. Lane, of Florida, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, all of the Department of State.
SD-419