• Calendar #357, S.Con.Res.41 (Senator Sessions-his interpretation of the Obama budget);
• Calendar #354, H.Con.Res.112 (Congressman Ryan);
• Calendar #356, S.Con.Res.37 (Senator Toomey);
• Calendar #384, S.Con.Res.42 (Senator Paul); and
• Calendar #395, S.Con.Res.44 (Senators Lee, Paul, DeMint).

1)      Lee amendment #2100 (terminate Ex-Im Bank) to H.R.2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act; Not Agreed To: 12-87

2)      Paul amendment #2101 (debt instruments); Not Agreed To: 9-89

3)      Corker amendment #2102 (private sector financing); Not Agreed To: 36-62

4)      Vitter amendment #2103 (energy products); Not Agreed To: 37-61

5)      Toomey amendment #2104 (lending authority); Not Agreed To: 35-63

6)      Passage of H.R.2072, Export-Import Bank Reauthorization; Passed: 78-20

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.460, designating the week of May 20 through May 26, 2012, as “National Public Works Week”.

Adopted S.Res.461, recognizing the teachers of the United States for their contributions to the development and progress of our Nation.

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.5652,  Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012. (Republican request)

Began the Rule 14 process of S.3187, Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act. (Harkin & Enzi)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

-       Executive Calendar #646, Jeremy C. Stein, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; and

-       Executive Calendar #647, Jerome H. Powell, of Maryland, to be a Member of Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

- Lee #2100 (terminate Ex-Im Bank);

- Paul #2101 (debt instruments)

- Corker #2102 (private sector financing);

- Vitter #2103 Energy products);

- Toomey #2104 (lending authority); and

- Passage of H.R. 2072, Export-Import Bank Reauthorization, as amended, if amended.

- Calendar #357, S.Con.Res.41 (Sessions-his interpretation of the Obama budget);

- Calendar #354, H.Con.Res.112 (Ryan);

- Calendar #356, S.Con.Res.37 (Toomey);

- Calendar #384, S.Con.Res.42 (Paul); and

- Calendar #395, S.Con.Res.44 (Lee, Paul, DeMint).

If all time is used, senators should expect a series of up to 5 roll call votes to begin around 4pm tomorrow. There will be 2 minutes for debate equally divided between the votes. All after the first vote will be ten minute votes.

Notwithstanding the adoption of any motion to proceed, the Senate would proceed to the remaining votes on motions to proceed. At the conclusion of these votes, the Senate would resume consideration of the budget resolution if a motion to proceed is adopted. If no motion to proceed has been adopted, the Majority Leader will be recognized.

Prior to agreeing to the consent, Senator Heller asked consent to vote on S.1981 (No Budget, No Pay Act). Senator Conrad declined to modify his request.

• Lee amendment #2100 (phase-out); Not Agreed to: 12-87
• Paul amendment #2101 (debt instruments); Not Agreed to: 9-89
• Corker amendment #2102 (export credit agencies); Not Agreed to: 36-62
• Vitter amendment #2103 (energy development); Not Agreed to: 37-61
• Toomey amendment #2104 ($40B increase contingency); Not Agreed to:

• Lee amendment #2100 (phase-out);
• Paul amendment #2101 (limitation on Ex-Im support);
• Corker amendment #2102 (export credit agencies);
• Vitter amendment #2103 (energy development); and
• Toomey amendment #2104 ($40 billion increase contingency).

1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #571, the nomination of John J. Tharp, of IL, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District; Confirmed: 86-1

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.5652,  Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012. (Republican request)

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #570, the nomination of George Levi Russell III, of MD, to be United States District Judge for the District of Maryland by voice vote

The agreement on Ex-Im is as follows:

At 11:15am, Tuesday, May 15^th, the Senate will adopt the motion to proceed to Calendar #396, H.R.2072, an Act to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The only first degree amendments in order to the bill are the following:

- Lee #2100;

- Paul #2101;

- Corker #2102;

- Vitter #2103; and

- Toomey #2104.

No amendments are in order to any of the amendments prior to the votes. No motions or points of order are in order other than budget points of order and the applicable motions to waive. There will be up to two hours of debate to run concurrently on the amendments and the bill, equally divided, between the two Leaders, or their designees, prior to votes in relation to the amendments in the order listed. Upon disposition of the amendments, the Senate will proceed to vote on passage of the bill, as amended, if amended. There will be two minutes equally divided prior to each vote; and all after the first vote be ten minute votes. The amendments and passage of the bill are subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.

There was a time when legislation that would reduce the deficit and support hundreds of thousands of jobs would fly through the Senate with bipartisan support.

Not so today.

Instead a worthy measure that would support almost 300,000 American jobs – the Export-Import Bank – may stall in the Senate this evening.

The holdup: more Republican obstruction.

Tonight the Senate will vote on whether to end a filibuster of reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank.

The Bank helps American companies grow and sell their products overseas.

Last year, Export-Import Bank financing helped 3,600 private companies add almost 300,000 jobs in more than 2,000 American communities.

The last time the Senate considered Export-Import Bank legislation, it was offered by a Republican Senator and passed by unanimous consent.

So it’s unfortunate that I had to file cloture on this bill.

We shouldn’t have to argue over bipartisan proposals like this one. And I remain hopeful we can still find a way to work together on it.

The Export-Import Bank has the support of two groups that rarely see eye to eye – labor unions and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The National Association of Manufacturers, the largest manufacturing association in the United States representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states, has urged the Senate to pass it.

It has Republican co-sponsors.

And it passed the House – without amendment – on a 330-93 vote last week.

This is exactly the kind of smart investment Congress must make to keep the economy on the road to recovery.

And it’s the kind of consensus proposal that shouldn’t require Democrats to break a filibuster.

When Senate Democrats brought reauthorization of the Bank to the floor in March, we assumed it would pass on a strong, bipartisan vote.

Yet Senate Republicans voted nearly unanimously against it in March – despite their public confessions of support for it. And they are threatening to do the same today.

They are once again forcing us to run out the clock on this measure, which expires at the end of the month.

Frankly, the behavior of my Republican colleagues over the last week has been baffling.

They say they support Democratic efforts to keep interest rates on federal loans from doubling for 7 million college students.

And then they vote down the proposal.

They say they support the Export-Import Bank.

But they’ve voted the measure down once, and they’re threatening to do it again.

With Republicans willing to use every obstructionist tactic in the book, even on bills they support, it’s a wonder the Senate gets anything done at all.

Further delay could allow the Bank’s lending authority to lapse, putting jobs at risk.

But there is still time for my colleagues on the other side to reverse course. There is still time to work together to pass this measure.

I understand my Republican colleagues want to offer amendments to this bill – including several that would gut the Export-Import Bank, or eliminate it altogether.

Even if those amendments weren’t egregious, changing this legislation now will only waste more time.

The process of reauthorizing the Export-Import bank has taken months already. There is no reason to waste a moment more.

American exporters are counting on us to get something done this week.

So I hope my Republican colleagues will consider the consequences of another filibuster, and join Democrats to reauthorize the Export-Import bank without delay.

-          Confirmation of Executive Calendar # 570 George Levi Russell, III, of Maryland, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Maryland;

-          Confirmation of Executive Calendar #571 John Tharp, Jr., of Illinois, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois; and

-          Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act.

• Executive Calendar # 570 George Levi Russell, III, of Maryland, to be US District Judge for the District of Maryland and
• Executive Calendar #571 John Tharp, Jr., of Illinois, to be US District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois

• Confirmation of the Russell nomination
• Confirmation of the Tharp nomination and
• Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act.

“I wish families in Nevada and across the country a happy Mother’s Day, and I thank moms everywhere for the hard work they do every day.

“Like so many mothers, mine taught me that I could handle anything the world could throw at me, even if the odds were stacked against me. My mother’s words have guided me through my life and through my years in public service. Washing clothes for others and running our household, my mother worked tirelessly to give me and my brothers everything that was within her reach. Her memory is a driving force behind the I work I do in the Senate to support families in Nevada and across the country. We in the Senate must continue to be advocates for mothers today, so they can encourage their children to dream and give them the tools to turn those aspirations into reality.

“This day is an important reminder why Congress should do everything possible to assure and expand mothers’ access to healthcare and right the inequities that still affect them in the workplace. I fought to pass The Affordable Care Act, which significantly improves critical health services for women, and ends discriminatory practices against women by insurance companies. Since its passage, 45 million American women have gained access to free preventative health care, including maternity coverage and other services for young mothers. In April, the Senate reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, which makes legal assistance available to victims of violence, and protects children affected by domestic violence. Through VAWA we reaffirmed our national commitment to protect mothers and all American women against abuse.

“Laws like the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which we passed in 2009, ensure that women have the tools to fight for just pay. But much lies ahead of us. It is unconscionable that women still make 77 cents for every dollar a man makes doing similar work. Because of this, the Senate will move in the coming weeks to approve legislation that will help narrow this gap. As our economy continues to mend, this this is the least we can do for the sake of America’s mothers and their families.”

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.4967, the Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act of 2012.

Discharged the Banking Committee and passed S.418, Congressional Gold Medal to Civil Air Patrol.

Adopted S.Res.456, commemorating and acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice made by the Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.

Adopted S.Res.458, Commemorating May 15, 2012, as the sesquicentennial of the founding of the Department of Agriculture.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Senator Kyl asked the Leader to modify his request to allow the following 5 Republican amendments:

-          Corker #2102 (export credit agencies)

-          Vitter #2103 (energy development)

-          Toomey #2104 ($40 billion increase contingency)

-          Lee #2100 (phase-out)

-          Paul #2101 (limitation on Ex-Im support)

Senator Reid declined to modify his request and Senator Kyl objected to the Leader’s request.

“I commend the Obama Administration and Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez for their decision to file a lawsuit against Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio. For many years, Sheriff Arpaio has been operating outside of our nation’s laws. The police are supposed to protect and serve our communities, not divide them or judge them based on their appearance or how they sound.

“No one should face discrimination based on the color of their skin, their accent or any other similar characteristics. The Administration is working hard to stop the scapegoating of immigrant and Latino communities by officials like Sheriff Arpaio, but the definitive way to end this is for Congress to fix our nation’s broken immigration system. I renew my call to my Republican colleagues to join us and enact comprehensive immigration reform.”

On a strong, bipartisan vote yesterday, the House passed a piece of common-sense, job-creation legislation – the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank.

For years the Export-Import Bank has helped American companies grow and sell their products overseas.

And for years, the Bank has enjoyed broad, bipartisan support – often passing unanimously or by voice vote.

This is a perfect example of the kind of smart investments Congress should be making to spur job growth.

I hope the Senate will be able to quickly approve the House-passed measure today by unanimous consent.

I am optimistic the 330 to 93 vote in the House yesterday will be enough to convince Senate Republicans they shouldn’t hold up this legislation any longer.

The process of reauthorizing the Export-Import bank has already taken too long. I hope I don’t have to file cloture on this matter, but I will if I must.

Let me remind you, the Senate considered reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank in March – nearly two months ago.

Senate Republicans had an opportunity to support this measure then. Instead, all but three Republicans opposed it, and the measure failed.
American exporters have already waited in limbo for two months to see whether Republicans would come around to backing this business-friendly, job-creating policy.

Businesses shouldn’t have to wait any longer.

We can’t afford more of the partisan obstruction we saw in March.

To get to the President’s desk this Congress, every piece of legislation needs Democratic and Republican votes.

That’s just reality. And it means we absolutely must work together if we want to get anything done.

One man who has always been willing to extend a hand to colleagues across the aisle is the Senior Senator from Indiana, Senator Richard Lugar.

His first priority has always been getting things done for the American people – whether that means keeping the world safe from nuclear war or looking out for Hoosiers back home.

Senator Lugar has been a great advocate for the people of Indiana as well as a dedicated student of international affairs.

He’s never missed a meeting with a foreign head of state as long as I have served with him in the Senate.

Senator Lugar has always put the American people first and political party second.

I was elected to the Senate to serve each and every Nevadan – not only the Democrats, although I am proud to be one.

Senator Lugar was elected to serve every Hoosier – regardless of political affiliation – and he has done so well and wisely in the Senate for more than three decades.

Throughout the history of this country – even in the most trying of times, times of great social and political unrest – our elected representatives have worked together despite their differences to do what is right for all Americans.

So I worry when I see dedicated patriots like Senator Lugar drummed out by Tea Party zealots for being too willing to cooperate.

I worry when I hear a candidate for U.S. Senate campaigning against bipartisanship and compromise between our two parties.

And I worry when a candidate for U.S. Senate says so clear that he will put political party and partisanship before country and compromise.

That’s nothing to be proud of. That kind of attitude is why long-time political observers Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein described today’s GOP as “ideologically extreme” and “scornful of compromise.”

And it’s why my friend, Senator Lugar, said this in his concession speech last night:

“Bipartisanship is not the opposite of principle. One can be very conservative or very liberal and still have a bipartisan mindset. Such a mindset acknowledges that the other party is also patriotic and may have some good ideas.”

We should all remember – regardless of our party – that compromise has been the hallmark of this country for more than 200 years.

MR. REID: MR. PRESIDENT WE’RE NOW ON THE MOTION TO PROCEED TO

THE EX-IM BILL. I HOPE WE CAN PASS THE BILL TODAY. I HAVEN’T

HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TODAY TO SPEAK TO THE REPUBLICAN LEADER, BUT

I’LL DO THAT SHORTLY AND WILL DECIDE IF THERE’S A WAY FORWARD

ON THAT. SO I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT THE NEXT HOUR BE

DIVIDED AND CONTROLLED BETWEEN THE TWO LEADERS OR THEIR

DESIGNEES WITH THE MAJORITY CONTROLLING THE FIRST HALF AND THE

REPUBLICANS CONTROLLING THE SECOND HALF.

MR. REID: MR. PRESIDENT, ON A STRONG BIPARTISAN VOTE YESTERDAY,

THE HOUSE PASSED A PIECE OF COMMONSENSE JOB-CREATING

LEGISLATION, THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE 130ER9 — OF THE

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK. FOR MANY, MANY YEARS, THIS LEGISLATION HAS

HELPED AMERICAN COMPANIES GROW AND SELL THEIR PRODUCTS

OVERSEAS, CREATING TENS OF THOUSANDS OF JOBS, AND FOR YEARS THE

BANK HAS ENJOYED BROAD BIPARTISAN SUPPORT. IT PASSED BY

UNANIMOUS CONSENT ON ONE OCCASION AND BY VOICE VOTE ON ANOTHER

OCCASION. IT IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THE KIND OF SMART

INVESTMENTS CONGRESS SHOULD BE MAKING TO SPUR JOB GROWTH. SO I

HOPE THE SENATE WILL BE ABLE TO QUICKLY APPROVE THE

HOUSE-PASSED MEASURE TODAY AND DO IT BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT. I’M

OPTIMISTIC THAT THE 330-93 VOTE IN THE HOUSE YESTERDAY WILL BE

ENOUGH TO CONVINCE SENATE REPUBLICANS THEY SHOULDN’T HOLD UP

THIS LEGISLATION ANY LONGER. 330-93. THE PROCESS OF

REAUTHORIZING THE EXPORT-IMPORT BANK HAS TAKEN TOO LONG. I HOPE

WE DON’T HAVE TO FILE CLOTURE ON THIS MATTER, BUT I WILL, IF WE

MUST. LET ME REMIND YOU, MR. PRESIDENT … THE SENATE

CONSIDERED REAUTHORIZING THIS IMPORTANT LEGISLATION IN MARCH,

TWO MONTHS AGO. SENATE REPUBLICANS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO

SUPPORT THE MEASURE THEN. INSTEAD, ALL BUT THREE OPPOSED IT,

AND THE MEASURE FAILED. THE AMERICAN EXPORTERS HAVE ALREADY

WAITED IN LIMBO FOR TWO MONTHS TO SEE WHETHER REPUBLICANS WOULD

COME AROUND TO BACKING THIS BUSINESS FRIENDLY, JOB-CREATING

ISSUES. BUSINESSES SHOULDN’T HAVE TO WAIT LONGER. WE CAN’T

AFFORD MORE OF THE PARTISAN OBSTRUCTION WE SAW ON THIS

COMMONSENSE LEGISLATION LAST MARCH. TO GET TO THE PRESIDENT’S

DESK, THIS CONGRESS AND EVERY PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT WE PASS

MUST GET TO HIS DESK OR IT DOESN’T BECOME LAW. SO TO DO THAT,

WE NEED DEMOCRATIC VOTES AND REPUBLICAN VOTES. THAT’S JUST A

REALITY. AND IT MEANS WE ABSOLUTELY MUST WORK TOGETHER IF WE

WANT TO GET ANYTHING DONE.

During Thursday’s session, it is possible the Senate will consider S.2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act as well as H.R.2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act.

 LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.2224, To require the President to report to Congress on issues related to Syria with Corker-Webb substitute amendment.

Adopted H.Con.Res.105, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha.

Adopted H.Con.Res.106: a concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

Adopted H.Con.Res.117, a concurrent resolution authoring the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service.

Adopted H.Con.Res.118, a concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Adopted S.Res.450, designating May 15, 2012, as “National MPS Awareness Day”.

Adopted S.Res.451, recognizing the goals of National Travel and Tourism Week and honoring the valuable contributions of travel and tourism to the United States of America.

Adopted S.Res.452, designating July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day” and recognizing that the collection and restoration and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

“My personal belief is that marriage is between a man and a woman. But in a civil society, I believe that people should be able to marry whomever they want, and it’s no business of mine if two men or two women want to get married. The idea that allowing two loving, committed people to marry would have any impact on my life, or on my family’s life, always struck me as absurd.

“In talking with my children and grandchildren, it has become clear to me they take marriage equality as a given. I have no doubt that their view will carry the future.

“I handled a fair amount of domestic relations work when I was a practicing lawyer, and it was all governed by state law. I believe that is the proper place for this issue to be decided as well.”

Fundamentally Skewed Priorities in Republican Budget Would Hand More Tax Breaks to Wealthy at Expense of Middle-Class Families

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding Republican attempts to go back on an August budget agreement in order to protect multi-millionaires and corporate defense contractors at the expense of ordinary Americans. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Yesterday Republicans continued to filibuster Democrats’ plan to protect 7 million students from skyrocketing interest rates on federal student loans.

What’s worse, they seem proud of it. Not a single Republican voted to allow the debate on this bill to go forward.

But this fight is not over. Democrats have not given up efforts to keep college affordable for almost 30,000 Nevadans and more than 7 million students nationwide.

I hope Republicans will come to their senses, and work with us toward a compromise.

As Democrats work to create jobs and make college affordable, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle are operating under a different set of priorities.

In the House, Republican efforts are underway to undo a hard-fought August agreement to cut more than 2 trillion from the deficit over the next decade.

But the Republican budget and their so-called reconciliation bill don’t just renege on that bipartisan, bicameral agreement to reduce spending.

They reflect fundamentally skewed priorities. They hand out even more tax breaks to multi-millionaires and shield corporate defense contractors, all at the expense of hard-working, middle-class families, the elderly and those in greatest need.

They would slash investments that strengthen our economy and shred the social safety net.

President Dwight Eisenhower once said: “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.”

In a balanced world – one where a strong national defense and a strong social safety net are both valuable pillars of a successful society – that need not necessarily be true.

But the Republican plan would enshrine into law a set of truly unbalanced priorities – and ensure the kind of terrible math Eisenhower envisioned.

Unlike defense contractors and billionaires, ordinary Americans don’t have high-priced lobbyists to protect them. That’s our job.

But Republicans are going after those who can’t fight back – hard-working Americans and struggling families.

Let’s review a bit of history. The sequester isn’t the first bipartisan agreement to reduce the deficit.

Over the years there have been many efforts to reach comprehensive, bipartisan solutions to our deficit.

There was the Fiscal Commission, Bowles-Simpson, the Gang of Six and the Supercommittee. They all failed.

Although President Obama was willing to make difficult concessions to achieve meaningful deficit reduction, Republicans and Speaker Boehner could never go against Grover Norquist.

This is a Grover Norquist Congress.

So we’re left with the threat of almost $500 billion in cuts to domestic programs and almost $500 billion in cuts to defense programs.

Democrats agree the sequester – which includes across the board cuts both to domestic spending and the defense budget – is far from the ideal way to solve our nation’s fiscal problems.

It’s a tough pill to swallow. But that was the point.

Those cuts were designed to be tough enough to force lawmakers to compromise.  They were designed to be tough enough to force the two sides to reach to a balanced deal.

But Republicans refused to be reasonable. They refused to raise even a penny of new revenue, or ask millionaires to contribute their fair share to help reduce our deficit and our debt.

I’d like to read a short excerpt from a piece by Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein from the Washington Post.

They eloquently describe the GOP’s unwillingness to compromise here:

“We have been studying Washington politics and Congress for more than 40 years, and never have we seen them this dysfunctional. In our past writings, we have criticized both parties when we believed it was warranted. Today, however, we have no choice but to acknowledge that the core of the problem lies with the Republican Party.”

They went on to say:

“The GOP has become an insurgent outlier in American politics. It is ideologically extreme; scornful of compromise; unmoved by conventional understanding of facts, evidence and science; and dismissive of the legitimacy of its political opposition.”

Republicans insisted on balancing the budget on the backs of the middle class, seniors, students, single mothers and so many others who could least afford it.

And it is their intransigence – their refusal to compromise – that leaves us facing the threat of the sequester, and its difficult but balanced cuts.

Going back on the August budget agreement now in order to protect wealthy special interests is no solution.

Neither is refighting the battles of last year.

Democrats agree we must reduce our deficit and make hard choices.

But we believe in a balanced approach that shares the pain as well as the responsibility.

Is the sequester the best way to achieve that balance? Absolutely not.

But Republicans refuse to consider a more reasonable approach – one that asks every American to pay his fair share while making difficult choices to reduce spending.

And Democrats won’t agree to a one-sided solution that lets the super-wealthy off the hook while forcing the middle class, and those in greatest need, to bear all the hardship.

Democrats believe we can protect Americans’ access to health care, create jobs while investing in the future and protect the poor and elderly.

And we can do all that while reducing the deficit in a responsible, even-handed way.

But we can’t do it alone. It will take hard work and compromise.

And so far Republicans have been unwilling to make a serious effort to achieve that compromise.

Republicans have rejected our balanced approach. Their one-sided solution to across-the-board cuts would take from the many to give to the few.

So, here’s what their plan would do:

• Cut Medicaid benefits, increasing the number of uninsured children, parents, seniors and people with disabilities by 300,000. It would also put seniors in nursing homes at risk.
• Punish Americans who receive tax credits to purchase health insurance when their financial circumstances change – causing 350,000 Americans to forgo coverage.
• Weaken Wall Street reforms, protecting big banks at the expense of consumers.
• Once again target middle-class workers, including food inspectors, air traffic controllers and border patrol, drug enforcement and FBI agents.
• Cut funding for preventive health care programs that fight chronic illnesses – such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes – that cause 70 percent of deaths in America.
• Slash Block Grant funding that allows states to help 23 million children, seniors and disabled Americans live independently and out of poverty.

No segment of the population is immune from the pain of this Republican plan – except maybe millionaires, billionaires and wealthy corporations.

The Republican proposal cuts Meals on Wheels for seniors.

It reduces food assistance for 1.8 million needy people.

And it cuts off 280,000 kids from free school lunches at a time when one in five children lives in poverty.

That’s why the U.S. Conference of Catholic of Bishops said the Republican plan fails a “basic moral test.”

This budget sets very clear priorities. The problem is, they’re the wrong priorities.

President Franklin Roosevelt once said, “Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.”

Republicans would do well to remember our nation is judged not only by the strength of its military, but also by the strength of its values.

“Sequestration is a tough pill to swallow. But that was the point. Those cuts were designed to be tough enough to force lawmakers to compromise. They were designed to be tough enough to force the two sides to reach a balanced deal.

“But Republicans refused to be reasonable. They refused to raise even a penny of new revenue, or ask millionaires to contribute their fair share to help reduce our deficit and our debt. Republicans insisted on balancing the budget on the backs of the middle class, seniors, students, single mothers and so many others who could least afford it. And it is their intransigence – their refusal to compromise – that leaves us facing the threat of the sequester, and its difficult but balanced cuts.

“Democrats agree we must reduce our deficit and make hard choices. But we believe in a balanced approach that shares the pain as well as the responsibility.”

1)      Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act; Not Invoked: 52-45-1 (present)

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.2668, the Brian A. Terry Memorial Act.

Passed S.743, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 with committee-reported amendments.

Adopted S.Res.447, congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and administrators of charter schools across the United States for ongoing contributions to education, and supporting the ideals and goals of the 13^th annual National Charter Schools Week, to be held May 6 through May 12, 2012.

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.2050, Idaho Wilderness Water Resources Protection Act. (Republican request)

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.2240, Lowell National Historical Park Land Exchange Act. (Republican request)

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.4849, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Backcountry Access Act. (Republican request)

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.4628, the Interest Rate Reduction Act. (Republican request)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Democratic Senators Jack Reed, Tom Harkin and Sherrod Brown urge Republicans to join Democrats in supporting a bill to prevent student loan interest rates from doubling.

“The priorities President Obama outlined today would strengthen our economic recovery and create jobs. Senate Democrats will act on these common-sense, job-creating proposals, and I hope Republicans will join us instead of continuing to obstruct every solution proposed by the President.

“One of the items the President advanced is a tax cut to spur small business hiring that I introduced with Senators Casey, Landrieu and others. I will move to consider this proposal in the coming days. The legislation provides tax credits to small businesses that increase their payrolls and faster write-offs for those that invest in new equipment. It is difficult to see why anyone who wants to see job creation accelerate would oppose this proposal.

“Since President Obama was sworn in, Republicans have done nothing but block our economic recovery, protect wealthy, special interests and make life harder for the middle class. The proposals President Obama outlined today provide Republicans with an opportunity to change course, and put our economy ahead of partisan politics.”

“Today, Republicans voted to hit students with an additional $1,000 in debt in order to protect wealthy tax dodgers. Republicans have paid lip service to the need to protect our students from this crushing debt burden, but their obstruction speaks louder than their words.

“We have different approaches on how to pay for this bill, but Democrats’ main goal is to move this bill forward. If Republicans want to have a vote on an amendment with their alternative way to pay for the proposal, they are more than welcome to have that vote if doing so would move this bill closer to the President’s desk.

“Unfortunately, it appears that Republicans appear more interested in obstruction than progress. For the sake of the seven million students who are at risk of seeing their payments skyrocket, I hope Republicans’ actions will start to align more closely with their words.”

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding a Republican filibuster of legislation to keep student loan interest rates low, and on the Republican proposal to cut preventive health care. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Over the last two weeks, Senate Republicans have repeatedly claimed they support efforts to keep interest rates low for federal student loans.

There is only one way to prove it: end the needless filibuster of Democrats’ plan to stop rates from doubling this summer.

Democrats have proposed legislation to freeze student loan interest rates at current levels for a year without adding a penny to the deficit.

Our plan creates no new taxes. It would simply stop wealthy Americans from avoiding the taxes they already owe.

And our legislation would prevent 7 million students from paying $1,000 more over the life of each loan.

Yet Republicans appear poised to filibuster this worthy measure.

They’re sending a clear message they would rather protect wealthy tax dodgers than help promising students achieve their dreams of higher education.

Republicans will try to explain away their “no” votes by claiming they oppose the way the legislation is paid for.

They propose radical cuts to a preventive health care fund instead – a proposal they know Democrats oppose.

The prevention fund is already helping states fight chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.

Chronic diseases like these are responsible for 7 out of 10 deaths in American.

And they make up three-quarters of the nation’s health care spending.

For example, treating 26 million Americans with diabetes – including a rapidly growing number of children – costs hundreds of billions of dollars every year.

And diabetes increases the risk of developing other costly, life-threatening chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.

The prevention fund also pays for successful tobacco cessation programs that avert billions in healthcare costs to treat emphysema, heart disease and cancer.

And it finances immunizations for preventable, childhood illnesses such as measles and whooping cough.

Last year, measles cases reached a 15-year high.

After being nearly wiped out in the 1950’s, whooping cough has also resurged.

During a recent outbreak of whooping cough in California, the disease reached its highest rates in more than half a century.

These diseases are completely preventable with the kind of proper immunizations the prevention fund supports.

Yet Republicans want to ax investments in preventive care that save the country money and save lives.

We have already made cuts – difficult cuts – to this program. We cannot afford to make more drastic cuts, which would put Americans’ health at risk.

But while we do not support Republicans’ plan to cut programs that combat diabetes, heart disease and cancer, we are happy to give them a vote on their alternative pay-for.

If Republicans stop filibustering our legislation, which would keep student loan interest rates low, we will vote on their proposal to pay for it.

The stakes of this debate are too high to let partisanship get in the way.

The average student graduates with $25,000 in debt.

Too many young people are putting off buying a house, starting a family or opening a business because they are saddled with crushing student loan debt.

Democrats are determined to protect millions of students from increasing interest rates.

If Republicans truly share our goal, they will vote to advance this legislation today.

1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #508, Jacqueline H. Nguyen, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit; Confirmed: 91-3

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.2050, Idaho Wilderness Water Resources Protection Act (Republican request)

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.2240, Lowell National Historical Park Land Exchange Act (Republican request)

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.4849, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Backcountry Access Act (Republican request)

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.4628, the Interest Rate Reduction Act (Republican request)

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

-          Executive Calendar #512, Ajit Varadaraj Pai, of Kansas, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission for a term of 5 years from July 1, 2011

-          Executive Calendar #513, Jessica Rosenworcel, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the  Federal Communications Commission for a term of 5 years from July 1, 2010

-          Executive Calendar #568, Kristine Gerhard Baker, of AR, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas by voice vote

-          Executive Calendar #569, John Z. Lee, of IL, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois by voice vote

-          Executive Calendar #512, Ajit Varadaraj Pai, of Kansas, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission for a term of 5 years from July 1, 2011 and

-          Executive Calendar #513, Jessica Rosenworcel, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the  Federal Communications Commission for a term of 5 years from July 1, 2010.

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, May 7, 2012.  Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act.

At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following items:

-          Executive Calendar #508 Jacqueline H. Nguyen, of CA, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit

-          Executive Calendar #568 Kristine Gerhard Baker, of AR, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas

-          Executive Calendar #569 John Z. Lee, IL, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois

with 60 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 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct up to 3 roll call votes on the Nguyen, Baker and Lee nominations.  It is possible the Baker and Lee nominations will be confirmed by voice vote.

As a reminder to all Senators, on Thursday, April 26^th, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act.  By consent, the roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2343 will be at 12:00pm on Tuesday, May 8^th.

If the Senate does not receive a message from the House that it has adopted S.Con.Res.43, the Senate will convene on the following dates at the following times for pro forma sessions only, with no business conducted:

-          Monday, April 30, at 10:30am

-          Thursday, May 3, at 8:30am

“Today’s figures show that while the unemployment rate continues to fall, too many Americans in Nevada and throughout our nation are still struggling to find work. Creating jobs must remain Congress’ top priority.

“Unfortunately, Republicans are currently obstructing a number of common-sense, bipartisan policies that would create and protect millions of American jobs. The House is sitting on bipartisan bills to save three million transportation jobs, and modernize the postal industry. There is no reason why we should not pass these common-sense jobs bills without delay – no reason except for Republican obstruction.”

“One year ago, President Obama gave the order that brought Osama bin Laden to justice. That day, terrorist organizations that threaten our country received an unmistakable message: the United States will act against those that wish to harm us and attack our way of life.

“The brave military and intelligence professionals who carried out this operation achieved the most significant victory to date in our nation’s fight against al-Qaeda and terrorism. Their courage and their commitment to justice helped bring solace to our nation after a painful chapter in our history.

“Each day Americans deal with sadness and torment inflicted by terrorism, and today we remember loved ones and friends who tragically lost their lives to acts of terror directed by Osama bin Laden. We will always remember the courageous Americans who gave their lives to defend our country from his peril.

“While al-Qaeda’s leader is gone, the organization remains a threat and is motivated to bring harm to our nation, and we will never hesitate to use the full extent of our power to stop the threat of terrorism.”

1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #509, Gregg Jeffrey Costa, of TX, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas; Confirmed: 97-2

2)      Klobuchar amendment #2094 (side by side to Cornyn amendment) to the Leahy substitute amendment #2093 to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act; Not Agreed To: 57-41

3)      Cornyn amendment #2086 (sexual assault forensic evidence registry); Not Agreed To: 50-48

4)      Hutchison-Grassley amendment #2095 (substitute); Not Agreed To: 37-62

5)      Passage of S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012, as amended; Passed: 68-31

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

-Passed H.R.298, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 500 East Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park, Texas, as the “Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morri

Post Office Building”.

-Passed H.R.1423, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 115 4th Avenue Southwest in Ardmore, Oklahoma, as the “Specialist Micheal E. Phillips Post Office”.

-Passed H.R.2079, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10 Main Street in East Rockaway, New York, as the “John J. Cook Post Office”.

-Passed H.R.2213, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 801 West Eastport Street in Iuka, Mississippi, as the “Sergeant Jason W. Vaughn Post Office”.

-Passed H.R.2244, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 67 Castle Street in Geneva, New York, as the “Corporal Steven Blaine Riccione Post Office”.

-Passed H.R.2660, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 122 North Holderrieth Boulevard in Tomball, Texas, as the “Tomball Veterans Post Office”.

-Passed H.R.2767, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8 West Silver Street in Westfield, Massachusetts, as the “William T. Trant Post Office Building”.

-Passed H.R.3004, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 260 California Drive in Yountville, California, as the “Private First Class Alejandro R. Ruiz Post Office Building”.

-Passed H.R.3246, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 15455 Manchester Road in Ballwin, Missouri, as the “Specialist Peter J. Navarro Post Office Building”.

-Passed H.R.3247, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1100 Town and Country Commons in Chesterfield, Missouri, as the “Lance Corporal Matthew P. Pathenos Post Office Building”.

-Passed H.R.3248, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 112 South 5th Street in Saint Charles, Missouri, as the “Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver Post Office Building”.

-Adopted S.Res.419, A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the United States during Public Service Recognition week.

- Adopted S.Res.441, expressing support for the designation of May 2012 as National Youth Traffic Safety Month.

-Adopted S.Res.442, Celebrating the 140^th anniversary of Arbor Day.

-Adopted S.Res.443, Honoring the life and legacy of Auxiliary Bishop Agustín Román.

-Adopted S.Res.444, designating the week of May 1 through May 7, 2012, as “National Physical Education and Sport Week”.

-Adopted S.Res.445, expressing support for the designation of May 1, 2012, as “Silver Star Service Banner Day”.

-Adopted S.Con.Res.43, to provide for the conditional adjournment of the Senate and House of Representatives over until May 7, 2012.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #510, David Campos Guaderrama, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, by voice vote.

Confirmed the following items by unanimous consent:

CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Executive Calendar #263 Jane D. Hartley – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Executive Calendar #502 Adam E. Namm – to be Ambassador of the US of America to the Republic of Ecuador.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Executive Calendar #566 Michael T. Scuse – to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services

Executive Calendar #567 Michael T. Scuse – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Commodity Credit Corporation

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Executive Calendar #572 Mark William Lippert – to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Wallace C. Gregson, resigned.

ARMY

Executive Calendar #624 to be Lieutenant General — Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BUILDING SCIENCES

Executive Calendar #653 James T. Ryan – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences for a term expiring September 7, 2013

Executive Calendar #654 James Timberlake – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences for a term expiring September 7, 2014

Executive Calendar #656 Mary B. Verner – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences for a term expiring September 7, 2012

Executive Calendar #657 Mary B. Verner – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences for a term expiring September 7, 2015

Executive Calendar #658 Susan A. Maxman – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences for a term expiring September 7, 2012

Executive Calendar #659 Susan A. Maxman – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences for a term expiring September 7, 2015

POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

Executive Calendar #666 Tony Hammond—to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the term expiring October 14, 2012

MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD

Executive Calendar #667 Mark A. Robbins—to be a Member of the Merit Systems Protection Board for the term of seven years expiring March 1, 2018

NATIONAL BOARD FOR EDUCATION SCIENCES

Executive Calendar #668 Adam Gamoran—to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2015. (Reappointment)

Executive Calendar #669 Judith D. Singer—to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2014

Executive Calendar #670 Hirokazu Yoshikaw—to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2015

Executive Calendar #671 David James Chard—to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2015

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Executive Calendar #672 Bonnie L. Bassler—to be a Member of the National Science Board, National Science Foundation for a term expiring May 10, 2016

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Executive Calendar #673 Deborah S. Delisle—to be Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Education

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #683 to be Brigadier General—Col. Donald S. Wenke

Executive Calendar #684 to be Lieutenant General—Lt. Gen. Burton M. Field

Executive Calendar #685 to be Lieutenant General—Maj. Gen. Bruce A. Litchfield

Executive Calendar #686 to be Lieutenant General—Lt. Gen. Charles R. Davis

Executive Calendar #687 to be Lieutenant General—Maj. Gen. Salvatore A. Angelella

Executive Calendar #688 to be Lieutenant General—Maj. Gen. James F. Jackson

Executive Calendar #689 to be Lieutenant General—Maj. Gen. Andrew E. Busch

ARMY

Executive Calendar #690 to be Brigadier General—Colonel Robert P. White

Executive Calendar #691 to be Brigadier General—Col. Steven Ferrari

Executive Calendar #692 to be Brigadier General—

Col. Kristin K. French; and

Col. Walter E. Piatt

Executive Calendar #693 to be General—Lt. Gen. Dennis L. Via

Executive Calendar #694 to be Brigadier General—Col. Todd A. Plimpton

Executive Calendar #695 to be Lieutenant General—Maj. Gen. Patricia E. McQuistion

Executive Calendar #696 to be Lieutenant General—Maj. Gen. Raymond P. Palumbo

Executive Calendar #697 to be Lieutenant General—Lt. Gen. Robert P. Lennox

Executive Calendar #698 to be Lieutenant General—Maj. Gen. Robert B. Brown

Executive Calendar #699 to be Lieutenant General—Maj. Gen. Jeffrey W. Talley

NAVY

Executive Calendar #700 to be Rear Admiral (lower half)—Capt. Eric C. Young

Executive Calendar #701 to be Rear Admiral—Rear Adm. (lh) Terry B. Kraft

Executive Calendar #702 to be Rear Admiral—Rear Adm. (lh) Bryan P. Cutchen

Executive Calendar #703 to be Rear Admiral—Rear Adm. (lh) Jonathan W. White

Executive Calendar #704 to be Rear Admiral—

Rear Adm. (lh) Richard P. Breckenridge;

Rear Adm. (lh) Walter E. Carter, Jr.;

Rear Adm. (lh) Craig S. Faller;

Rear Adm. (lh) James G. Foggo, III;

Rear Adm. (lh) Peter A. Gumataotao;

Rear Adm. (lh) John R. Haley;

Rear Adm. (lh) Patrick J. Lorge;

Rear Adm. (lh) Michael C. Manazir;

Rear Adm. (lh) Samuel Perez, Jr.;

Rear Adm. (lh) Joseph W. Rixey;

Rear Adm. (lh) Kevin D. Scott;

Rear Adm. (lh) James J. Shannon;

Rear Adm. (lh) Thomas K. Shannon; and

Rear Adm. (lh) Herman A. Shelanski

Executive Calendar #705 to be Vice Admiral—Vice Adm. Mark I. Fox

-          Executive Calendar #508 Jacqueline H. Nguyen, of CA, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit

-          Executive Calendar #568 Kristine Gerhard Baker, of AR, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas

-          Executive Calendar #569 John Z. Lee, IL, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois

with 60 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 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct up to 3 roll call votes on the Nguyen, Baker and Lee nominations.  It is possible the Baker and Lee nominations will be confirmed by voice vote.

“More than a third of women in this country have been victims of violence, sexual assault or stalking by a partner. Today’s strong bipartisan vote will give law enforcement agencies the tools they need to prosecute and convict the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, and will help victims get the protection and support they need.

“I urge my colleagues in the House to quickly approve the Senate’s bipartisan bill. Since Congress approved the Violence Against Women Act for the first time in 1994, domestic violence incidents have fallen by fifty-three percent. One case of abuse is one too many, and every day that law enforcement agencies lack all of the tools they need to combat domestic abuse is one day too many.”

“Los comentarios del Presidente de la Cámara de Representantes Boehner demuestran que al Sen. Rubio todavía le queda por delante un largo camino para conseguir apoyo republicano para cualquier propuesta que ayude a los jóvenes inmigrantes. Hay que felicitar al Sen. Rubio por tratar de desempantanar la discusión, pero es probable que encuentre difícil conseguir que su partido modere su extrema posición anti-inmigrante.”

-          Klobuchar amendment #2094  (side by side to Cornyn amendment);

-          Cornyn amendment #2086 (Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Registry.

-          Hutchison-Grassley amendment #2095 (substitute); and

-          Passage of S.1925, as amended, Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012.