Senate Democrats

Senate Floor Schedule for Monday, June 3, 2013

meredith — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:00:17 +0000

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, June 3, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.954, the Farm bill.
At 5:30pm, there will be up to 2 roll call votes in relation to the following:
- Moran amendment #987 (alfalfa) and
- Coons-Johanns #1079 (food aid) (possible voice vote).

Senate Floor Pro Forma Schedule

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:29:28 +0000

The Senate will meet on the following days at the following times for pro forma sessions only with no business conducted, unless the Senate receives a message that the House has adopted S.Con.Res.17, the adjournment resolution:

- Friday, May 24^th at 12:30pm

- Tuesday, May 28^th at 12:00pm and

- Friday, May 31^st at 12:00pm

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Thursday, May 23, 2013

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:27:32 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Sanders amendment #965 (GMO food labels) to S.954, the Farm bill; Not Agreed to: 27-71 (60 affirmative-vote threshold)

2) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit; Confirmed: 97-0

3) Feinstein amendment #923 (crop insurance – tobacco); Not Agreed to: 44-52 (60 affirmative-vote threshold)

4) Hagan amendment #1031 (crop insurance fraud); Agreed to: 94-0

5) Durbin amendment #953 (crop insurance premiums); Agreed to: 59-33

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.129, S.Res.129, a resolution recognizing the significance of May 2013 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States with a Hirono amendment to the preamble.

Adopted S.Res.158, to authorize the production of records by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs.

Adopted S.Con.Res.17, the adjournment resolution.

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.3, to approve the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Keystone XL pipeline, and for other purposes. (Republican request)

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.271, the Resolving Environmental and Grid Reliability Conflicts Act. (Republican resquest)

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following items by voice vote:

THE JUDICIARY

Executive Calendar #11 Mark A. Barnett- to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade

Executive Calendar #12 Claire R. Kelly- to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade

Confirmed the following items by unanimous consent:

All nominations on the Secretary’s desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Executive Calendar #93 Deborah Kay Jones – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Libya

Executive Calendar #94 James Knight – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Chad

THE JUDICIARY

Executive Calendar #105 Michael Kenny O’Keefe – to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years

Executive Calendar #106 Robert D. Okun – to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #107 Col. James E. McClain – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #108 Lt. Gen. David L. Goldfein – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #109 Col. Robert C. Bolton – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #110 Col. Andrew P. Armacost – to be Brigadier General

ARMY

Executive Calendar #111 Brig. Gen. John F. Wharton – to be Major General

Executive Calendar #112 Col. Gabriel Troiano – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #113 Col. Jeffrey B. Clark – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #114 Brig. Gen. James A. Adkins – to be Major General

Col. James D. Campbell – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #115 to be Brigadier General-

Colonel Wayne L. Black

Colonel Michael K. Hanifan

Colonel Daniel M. Krumrei

Colonel Robert E. Windham, Jr.

Executive Calendar #116 to be Major General-

Brigadier General Mark E. Anderson

Brigadier General Julie A. Bentz

Brigadier General Courtney P. Carr

Brigadier General Daniel R. Hokanson

Brigadier General Francis S. Laudano, III

Brigadier General Scott D. Legwold

Brigadier General Roger L. McClellan

Brigadier General Timothy M. McKeithen

Brigadier General Michael D. Navrkal

Brigadier General Bruce E. Oliveira

Brigadier General Charles E. Petrarca, Jr.

Brigadier General Kenneth C. Roberts

Brigadier General William F. Roy

Brigadier General William L. Smith

Executive Calendar #117 to be Brigadier General-

Colonel Steven R. Beach

Colonel Kenneth A. Beard

Colonel Fred C. Bolton

Colonel Michael J. Bouchard

Colonel Gregory S. Bowen

Colonel Mark D. Brackney

Colonel John E. Burk

Colonel Christopher M. Burns

Colonel Sean M. Casey

Colonel Russell A. Crane

Colonel Richard H. Dahlman

Colonel Marc Ferraro

Colonel Robert A. Fode

Colonel Christopher J. Fowler

Colonel Paul F. Griffin

Colonel Gerald E. Hadley

Colonel Patrick M. Hamilton

Colonel William M. Hart

Colonel Robert T. Herbert

Colonel Marvin T. Hunt

Colonel Charles T. Jones

Colonel Hunt W. Kerrigan

Colonel John F. King

Colonel Dirk R. Kloss

Colonel Jeffery P. Kramer

Colonel Gordon D. Kuntz

Colonel Masaki G. Kuwana, Jr.

Colonel Donald P. Laucirica

Colonel Mark S. Lovejoy

Colonel Mark A. Lumpkin

Colonel Robert K. Lytle

Colonel Tammy J. Maas

Colonel Francis B. Magurn, II

Colonel Mark G. Malanka

Colonel Thomas R. McCune

Colonel Francis M. McGinn

Colonel Michael D. Merritt

Colonel Richard J. Noriega

Colonel Robert D. Pasqualucci

Colonel Val L. Peterson

Colonel Christopher J. Petty

Colonel John M. Rhodes

Colonel Scott H. Schofield

Colonel Linda L. Singh

Colonel Danny K. Speigner

Colonel Bryan E. Suntheimer

Colonel Michael A. Sutton

Colonel Steven A. Tabor

Colonel Gregory A. Thingvold

Colonel Michael C. Thompson

Colonel Kirk E. Vanpelt

Colonel William A. Ward

Colonel Steven R. Watt

Colonel Ronald P. Welch

Colonel David B. Wiles

Colonel Giselle M. Wilz

Colonel James P. Wong

Colonel Jerry L. Wood

Colonel Gary S. Yaple

Executive Calendar #118 to be Major General-

Brigadier General Louis H. Guernsey, Jr.

Brigadier General Kenneth L. Reiner

to be Brigadier General-

Colonel Stephen G. Kent

Colonel Juan A. Rivera

Executive Calendar #119 Col. Richard J. Torres – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #120 Col. Michael Dillard – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #121 Col. Donald E. Jackson, Jr. – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #122 Lt. Gen. William T. Grisoli – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #123 Col. John M. Cho – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #124 Col. Brian E. Alvin – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #125 to be Major General-

Brigadier General William F. Duffy

Brigadier General Ronald E. Dziedzicki

Brigadier General Mark T. McQueen

Brigadier General Lucas N. Polakowski

Brigadier General Ricky L. Waddell

to be Brigadier General

Colonel Steven W. Ainsworth

Colonel Ronald A. Bassford

Colonel Jose R. Burgos

Colonel John E. Cardwell

Colonel Daniel J. Christian

Colonel John J. Elam

Colonel Bruce E. Hackett

With the exception of Colonel Joseph J. Heck

Colonel Thomas J. Kallman

Colonel William B. Mason

Colonel Kenneth H. Moore

Colonel Thomas T. Murray

Colonel Michael C. O’Guinn

Colonel Miyako N. Schanely

NAVY

Executive Calendar #126 Rear Adm. Terry J. Benedict – to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #127 Rear Adm. (lh) Joseph W. Rixey – to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #128 to be Rear Admiral (Lower Half)-

Captain John W. V. Ailes

Captain Babette Bolivar

Captain Daryl L. Caudle

Captain Kyle J. Cozad

Captain Randy B Crites

Captain Daniel H. Fillion

Captain Lisa M. Franchetti

Captain Marcus A. Hitchcock

Captain Thomas J. Kearney

Captain Roy J. Kelley

Captain James T. Loeblein

Captain Brian E. Luther

Captain William R. Merz

Captain Michael T. Moran

Captain Christopher J. Murray

Captain John B. Nowell, Jr.

Captain Timothy G. Szymanski

Captain Richard L. Williams, Jr.

Executive Calendar #129 Capt. Timothy J. White – to be Rear Admiral (lower half)

Executive Calendar #130 Capt. Nancy A. Norton – to be Rear Admiral (lower half)

Executive Calendar #131 Capt. Robert D. Sharp – to be Rear Admiral (lower half)

Executive Calendar #132 Capt. Louis V. Cariello – to be Rear Admiral (lower half)

Executive Calendar #133 Mark I. Fox – to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #134 Vice Adm. Michelle J. Howard – to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #135 Rear Adm. Ted N. Branch – to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #136 Rear Adm. Sean A. Pybus – to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #137 Rear Adm. Paul A. Grosklags – to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #138 Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift – to be Vice Admiral

MARINE CORPS

Executive Calendar #139 Maj. Gen. Robert R. Ruark – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #140 Maj. Gen. Glenn M. Walters – to be Lieutenant General

AGreement to vote re: MOran #987 and Coons-Johanns #1079 @ 5:30pm on Monday, June 3

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:18:26 +0000

At 5:30pm on Monday, June 3, the Senate will proceed to a series of 2 roll call votes in relation to the following amendments to S.954, the Farm bill:

- Moran #987 (alfalfa); and

- Coons-Johanns #1079 (food aid).

No amendments to either amendment are in order prior to the votes. There will be 2 minutes for debate equally divided between the votes.

The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Cochran objects to calling up Merkley amendment #978 (Plant Protection ACt)

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:06:14 +0000

Senator Merkley asked unanimous consent to call up amendment #978 (Plant Protection Act) and Senator Cochran objected.

Roll Call Vote on the Durbin-Coburn amendment

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:41:57 +0000

3:41pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Durbin-Coburn amendment #953 (premium subsidy)

Agreed to: 59-33

Roll Call Vote on Hagan #1031 (crop insurance fraud)

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:16:58 +0000

3:14pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Hagan amendment #1031 (crop insurance fraud)

Agreed to: 94-0

Up to 2 roll call votes at 3:15pm–Hagan #1031 and Durbin-Coburn #953

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:02:36 +0000

At 3:15pm, the Senate will proceed to a series of 2 roll call votes in relation to the following amendments:

- Hagan #1031 (crop insurance fraud)

- Durbin-Coburn #953 (premium subsidy)

No amendments are in order prior to the vote. There will be 2 minutes for debate equally divided. Upon disposition of the amendments Senator Merkley will be recognized.

Roll Call Vote on Feinstein-McCain amendment #923 (crop insurance-tobacco)

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:29:30 +0000

2:28pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Feinstein amendment #Feinstein-McCain amendment #923 (crop insurance-tobacco) (60-vote threshold);

Not Agreed To: 44-52

The managers of the Farm bill would like to have additional votes this afternoon. Senator Reid said that if we are able to get consent to have the votes today, it would be before 5pm. The managers are trying to get a finite list of amendments to the Farm bill. Senator Reid is talking to members about proceeding the Immigration bill the week we get back or wait a week. There will be a vote Monday, June 3 around 5:30pm.

Roll Call Vote on confirmation of Srinivasan

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:00:28 +0000

2:00pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #93, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit;

Confirmed: 97-0

Amendments to S.954, the Farm Bill

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:00:10 +0000

The following amendments are pending to S.954, the Farm bill:

Leahy amendment #998 (gigabit Internet pilot program)

The following amendments have been considered to S.954, the Farm bill:

Cantwell amendment #919 (Indian tribes – land and soil conservation programs) Agreed to: 87-8
Sessions amendment #945, as modified (eligibility criteria for agriculture irrigation assistance) Agreed to by unanimous consent
Roberts amendment #948 (SNAP) Not Agreed to: 40-58
Gillibrand amendment #931 (SNAP funding) Not Agreed to: 26-70
Inhofe amendment #960 (repeal SNAP and establish nutrition assistance block program) Not Agreed to: 36-60
Franken amendment #992 (access to grocery delivery for homebound seniors and persons with disabilities) Agreed to by unanimous consent
Vitter amendment #1056 (end food stamp eligibility for convicted violent rapists, pedophiles, and murderers) Agreed to by unanimous consent
Shaheen amendment #925 (Federal sugar program) Not Agreed to: 45-54
Sanders amendment #965 (GMO foods) Not Agreed to: 27-71 (60 vote threshold)
Feinstein amendment #923 (crop insurance – tobacco) Not Agreed to: 44-52 (60 vote threshold)
Hagan amendment #1031 (crop insurance fraud) Agreed to: 94-0
Durbin-Coburn amendment #953 (crop insurance premiums) Agreed to: 59-33

2 roll call votes at 2pm–Srinivasan and Feinstein-McCain #923 (tobacco crop insurance)

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:35:58 +0000

The time until 1pm is equally divided on the Feinstein-McCain amendment #923 (crop insurance-tobacco). Following the 2pm vote on the Srinivasan nomination, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the Feinstein amendment. The Feinstein-McCain amendment is subject to a 60-vote threshold. There will be 2 minutes for debate prior to the vote.

2pm votes:

- Confirmation of Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia; and

- Feinstein-McCain amendment #923 (crop insurance-tobacco) (60-vote threshold)

McCaskill request to go to conference on Budget resolution

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:17:26 +0000

The Sanders amendment #965 (GMO food labeling) was not agreed to 27-71. We are working on an agreement to have additional votes after the 2pm vote on the Srinivasan nomination. Another message will be sent if an when an agreement is reached.

Senator McCaskill asked unanimous consent to go to conference on the Budget resolution and that 2 motions to instruct conferees on each side relative to the debt limit and taxes/revenue be in order.

Senator Lee asked that she modify her request to prohibit consideration of a conference report that includes reconciliation instructions to increase the debt limit. Senator McCain urged Senator Lee to allow the Senate to vote on motions to instruct conferees to go to conference. Senator McCaskill objected to modifying her request. Senator Lee objected to McCaskill’s request.

Senator Rubio asked consent to go to conference on the Budget resolution and to prohibit consideration of a conference report that includes reconciliation instructions on the debt limit. Senator McCain objected.

Roll Call Vote Sanders amendment #965 (GMO food labels)

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:38:48 +0000

10:38am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Sanders amendment #965 (GMO food labels) (60-affirmative vote threshold);

Not Agreed To: 27-71

1 votes at 10:30am (Sanders)/cloture on Srinivasan vitiated/confirmation vote at 2pm

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:21:12 +0000

The cloture vote on Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia, has been vitiated. At 1pm today, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and debate the Srinivasan nomination for one hour, with the time equally divided and controlled in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote on confirmation of the nomination.

Now that the Circuit Court nomination vote has been scheduled for later this afternoon, we will shortly lock in an agreement to resume consideration of S.954, the Farm bill, at 10:30am and have 2 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote in relation to the Sanders amendment #965 (GMO food labels) (60-affirmative vote threshold) at 10:30am.

10:30am Vote:

- Sanders amendment #965 (GMO food labels) (60-affirmative vote threshold)

2:00pm Vote:

- Confirmation of Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia

Up to 2 roll call votes at 10:30am re: Srinivasan and Sanders amendment

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:50:26 +0000

As a reminder, there will be 2 roll call votes at 10:30am:

- motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia; and

- Sanders amendment #965 (GMO foods)(60 affirmative-vote threshold).

Today we will work towards a finite list of amendments to the Farm bill. We hope we can work something out so we can finish our work today. If we don’t then we’ll have to be here tomorrow in the afternoon to finish the Srinivasan nomination.

Senate Floor Schedule for Thursday, May 23, 2013

meredith — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:00:15 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Thursday, May 23, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 10:30am with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
At 10:30am, there will be 2 roll call votes. The first vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. The Senate will then resume Legislative Session and consideration of S.954, the Farm bill. There will then be a roll call vote on the Sanders amendment #965 (GMO foods)(60 affirmative-vote threshold).
If cloture is invoked on the Srinivasan nomination, the time during consideration of S.954, the Farm bill, will count post-cloture on the nomination.

Agreement to vote in relation to Sanders #965–2 votes at 10:30am tomorrow

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:52:01 +0000

The Senate has reached an agreement that tomorrow, following the cloture vote on the Srinivasan nomination and notwithstanding cloture having been invoked, if invoked, the Senate resume legislative session and consideration of S.954, the Farm bill, and the Senate then proceed to vote in relation to the pending Sanders amendment #965 (GMO food labels). No second degree amendments are in order prior to the vote. the amendment is subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. The time consumed during consideration of the Farm bill will count post-cloture.

There will be 2 roll call votes at 10:30am:

- motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia; and

- Sanders amendment #965 (GMO foods)(60 affirmative-vote threshold).

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Wednesday, May 22, 2013

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:45:21 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Inhofe amendment #960 (nutrition assistance block grants) to S.954, the Farm bill; Not Agreed to: 36-60

2) Adoption of S.Res.65, Iran Sanctions; Adopted: 99-0

3) Shaheen amendment #965 (federal sugar program reform) to S.954; Not Agreed to: 45-54

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.258, the Stolen Valor Act of 2013.

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.45, the Repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1003, the Comprehensive Student Loan Protection Act. (Coburn)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1004, the Anti-Trust Freedom Act. (Paul)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Period of morning business

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:18:07 +0000

The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Sanders amendment #965 (GMO food labels) is pending

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:16:11 +0000

Senator Sanders called up amendment #965 (GMO food labels). We are working on an agreement to vote in relation to the his amendment tomorrow. As a reminder, the cloture vote on the Srinavasan will occur tomorrow, potentially in the 10:30am range. Stay tuned for a final decision on the vote time.

No more votes today

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:59:06 +0000

There will be no further roll call votes during today’s session.

No further roll call votes

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:37:07 +0000

The managers of the bill will continue to work on amendments, however, there will be no further roll call votes today.

Roll Call Vote on Shaheen amendment #925 (sugar programs)

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:06:50 +0000

5:04pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Shaheen amendment #925 (sugar programs);

Not Agreed To: 44-54

Roll Call Vote on S.Res.65, Iran Sanctions

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:37:51 +0000

4:36pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of S.Res.65, Iran Sanctions.

Adopted: 99-0

Up to 2 roll call votes at 4:35pm

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:16:58 +0000

At 3:45pm the Senate will begin consideration of S.Res. 65, Iran Sanctions. There will be up to 50 minutes for debate, with the Majority controlling 20 minutes and the Republicans controlling 30 minutes. At approximately 4:35pm, the Senate will proceed to vote on adoption of the resolution. There will then be 2 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote in relation to the Shaheen amendment #925 (sugar programs). No second degree amendments are in order to the Shaheen amendment prior to the vote.

4:35pm votes

- Adoption of S.Res.65, Iran Sanctions

- Shaheen amendment #925 (sugar programs)

Shaheen amendment #925 (sugar) is pending

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:16:53 +0000

Senator Stabenow has called up Shaheen amendment #925 (Sugar programs ). We are working towards an agreement to vote in relation to the amendment this afternoon, perhaps around the vote on the Iran Sanctions resolution.

Republicans object to going to conference with 2 motions to instruct conferees

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:03:34 +0000

Senator Kaine asked unanimous consent to go to conference on the Budget resolution and that 2 motions to instruct conferees relative to the debt limit and taxes/revenue be in order. Senator Rubio asked that the request be modified to prohibit consideration of any conference report that includes reconciliation instructions regarding the debt limit. Senator Kaine objected to modify his request. Senator Rubio objected to the original request. Senator McCain then argued that we go through regular order and go to conference on the budget resolution, with motions to instruct conferees in order, and a debate ensued.

Franken and Vitter Amendments agreed to

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:36:56 +0000

The following amendments to S.954, the Farm bill, were agreed to by unanimous consent:

- Franken #992 (access to grocery delivery for homebound seniors and persons with disabilities); and

- Vitter #1056 (end food stamp eligibility for convicted violent rapists, pedophiles, and murders)

Roll Call Vote on Inhofe #960 (nutrition block grants)

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:02:47 +0000

At 12:00 noon the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Inhofe amendment #960 (nutrition block grants);

Not Agreed To: 36-60

Possible vote at noon re: Inhofe #960 (nutition block grants)

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:25:58 +0000

For the information of senators, there is a chance that when we resume consideration of the Farm bill Senator Inhofe will offer amendment #960 (repeal nutrition entitlements programs and establish nutrition assistance block grants) and we vote in relation to the amendment as early as 12:00 noon.

Senate now in morning business, then Farm bill, 5pm vote on Iran Sanctions resolution

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:31:36 +0000

The Senate is in a period of morning business for 1 hour, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. Following morning business (approx 11:35am), the Senate will resume consideration of S.954, the Farm bill. Today we will continue to process amendments to the bill. Currently the Leahy amendment #998 (rural broadband) is pending.

As a reminder, at 5pm today, the Senate will vote on adoption of S.Res.65, a resolution strongly supporting the full implementation of United States and international sanctions on Iran and urging the President to continue to strengthen enforcement of sanctions legislation.

Reid-McConnell exchange on Srinivasan nomination

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:30:54 +0000

This morning Senator McConnell asked unanimous consent that the Senate vote on Tuesday, June 4, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, following consultation with the Republican Leader, on confirmation of Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Senator Reid objected and explained some of his frustrations over continued Republican delay on nominations. As a reminder, Senator Reid filed cloture on the Srinivasan nomination last night and the cloture vote will occur tomorrow.

Senator McConnell noted that there is another circuit judge on the calendar that was reported prior to the Srinivasan nomination that the Wyoming senators would like to confirm. Senator Reid then suggested we confirm that nomination today and again asked consent to vote today on the Srinivasan today. Senator McConnell objected and said he would continue working on nominations off the floor.

Senate Floor Schedule for Wednesday, May 22, 2013

meredith — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:00:40 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.954, the Farm bill. We will continue to work through amendments to the Farm bill during Wednesday’s session of the Senate.
At 4:00pm, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of Calendar #43, S.Res.65, resolution strongly supporting the full implementation of United States and international sanctions on Iran and urging the President to continue to strengthen enforcement of sanctions legislation.
- There will be 60 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form.
- Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:00pm), there will be a roll call vote in relation to the resolution. If the resolution is agreed to, the preamble will be agreed to.
During Tuesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Unless an agreement is reached, Senators should expect that cloture vote on Thursday morning.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Tuesday, May 21, 2013

meredith — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:33:41 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Roberts amendment #948 (SNAP) to S.954, the Farm bill; Not Agreed to: 40-58

2) Gillibrand amendment #931 (SNAP funding); Not Agreed to: 26-70

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.45, the Repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.1003, the Comprehensive Student Loan Protection Act. (Coburn)

Began the Rule 14 process of S.1004, the Anti-Trust Freedom Act. (Paul)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Cloture filed on Srinivasan (DC Circuit Court)

meredith — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:33:26 +0000

This evening Senator Reid filed cloture on Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Unless an agreement can be reached, the cloture vote would occur 1 hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday.

Leahy #998 offered–no more votes today–morning business until 6:30pm

meredith — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:38:15 +0000

Following the period of morning business, the Senate resumed consideration of the Farm bill and Senator Stabenow called up Leahy amendment #998 (rural broadband).

The Senate is now in a period of morning business until 6:30pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

Tomorrow the Senate will resume consideration of the Farm bill and continue to process amendments.

As a reminder, at 4pm on Wednesday, May 22, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of Calendar #43, S.Res.65, resolution strongly supporting the full implementation of United States and international sanctions on Iran and urging the President to continue to strengthen enforcement of sanctions legislation.

There will be 60 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote in relation to the resolution. If the resolution is agreed to, the preamble will be agreed to. The motions to reconsider will be considered made and laid upon the table, all with no intervening action or debate.

Budget consents objected to

meredith — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:37:53 +0000

Senator Murray asked unanimous consent to proceed to H.Con.Res.25, that the amendment which is at the desk, the text of S.Con.Res. 8, the budget resolution passed by the Senate, be inserted in lieu thereof; that H.Con.Res.25, as amended, be agreed to; the motion to reconsider be made and laid upon the table; that the Senate insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees. This is the long way of saying she asked to go to conference on the Budget resolution.

Senator Paul asked that Murray modify her request to make it not in order to consider any conference report that includes reconciliation instructions to raise the debt limit. Senator McCain objected to Paul’s request.

Senator McCain then asked that the original Murray request be modified so that 2 motions to instruct conferees be in order, one related to the debt limit and the other related to taxes. Senator Paul objected to the modification. Senator Paul then objected to Murray’s original request.

Roll Call Vote on Gillibrand amendment #931 (SNAP)

meredith — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:35:07 +0000

4:35pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Gillibrand amendment #931 (SNAP);

Not Agreed To: 26-70

Roll Call Votes on Roberts amendment #948 (SNAP)

meredith — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:10:20 +0000

4:07pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Roberts amendment #948 (SNAP);

Not Agreed To: 40-58

Roberts calls up #948 (SNAP)

meredith — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:25:37 +0000

Senator Roberts has called up amendment #948 (SNAP). We are working on an agreement to have a couple votes this afternoon in relation to the Gillibrand and Roberts amendments. Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.

Sanders amendments #963 and 964 (energy)

meredith — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:42:05 +0000

Senator Sanders asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment in order to call up amendments #963 (CFTC investigation on energy futures and swaps markets) and #964 (CFTC regulation of energy markets). Senator Stabenow said there is an objection to setting aside the pending amendment.

Gillibrand amendment is pending; Sessions amendment agreed to

meredith — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:37:36 +0000

Cantwell amendment #919 was agreed to 87-8. Senator Gillibrand offered amendment #931 (SNAP funding). The Sessions amendment #945 (eligibility criteria for agriculture irrigation assistance), as modified, was agreed to.

Following Senator Gillibrand’s statement, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm. After the lunch we will continue to process amendments to the Farm bill.

Roll Call Vote on Cantwell amendment #919

meredith — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:01:48 +0000

12:01pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Cantwell amendment #919 (tribal participation in soil and water conservation programs);

Agreed To: 87-8

Roll call vote following moment of silence at 12 noon

meredith — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:59:29 +0000

Following the moment of silence at noon, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote in relation to Cantwell amendment #919 (tribal participation in soil and water conservation programs).

Following the votes Senator Gillibrand will be recognized and intends to offer amendment #931 (restore SNAP cuts with offset).

The managers of the bill are also working on a Sessions amendment #945, but there may be an additional modification. If that modification is agreeable to both sides, it is their intention to adopt that amendment, as modified, prior to the caucus meetings.

12:00 noon moment of silence-OK tornado victims

meredith — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:23:34 +0000

At 12:00 noon today the Senate will observe a moment of silence to honor the victims of the tornado in Oklahoma.

Senate Floor Schedule for Tuesday, May 21, 2013

meredith — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:29 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, May 21, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.954, the Farm bill.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

Agreement on S.Res.65, Iran Sanctions-5pm Wednesday roll call vote

meredith — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:08:49 +0000

At 4pm on Wednesday, May 22, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of Calendar #43, S.Res.65, resolution strongly supporting the full implementation of United States and international sanctions on Iran and urging the President to continue to strengthen enforcement of sanctions legislation.

There will be 60 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the resolution. If the resolution is agreed to, the preamble will be agreed to. The motions to reconsider will be considered made and laid upon the table, all with no intervening action or debate.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Monday, May 20, 2013

meredith — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:05:32 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #45, the nomination of Sheri Polster Chappell, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida; Confirmed: 90-0

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Banking Committee and passed S.309, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol with a Harkin amendment.

Adopted S.Res.149, Designating the week of May 19 through May 25, 2013 as “National Public Works Week.”

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #46, the nomination of Michael J. McShane, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon by voice vote.

Morning business until 7pm, no more votes

meredith — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:24:49 +0000

The Senate is in a period of morning business until 7pm, with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no further roll call votes today.

McShane nomination confirmed by voice vote

meredith — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:24:35 +0000

Executive Calendar #46, the nomination of Michael J. McShane, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon, was confirmed by voice vote.

Roll Call Vote on Chappell nomination

meredith — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:36:57 +0000

5:32pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #45, the nomination of Sheri Polster Chappell, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida;

Confirmed: 90-0

McCain crop insurance amendment

meredith — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:05:04 +0000

Senator McCain asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment in order to call up the Feinstein-McCain amendment #923 (tobacco crop insurance). Senator Stabenow objected in order to give the committee time to group additional crop insurance amendments together, but assured Senator McCain a vote on the amendment.

Cantwell amendment pending to Farm bill; Reminder: Up to 2 roll call votes at 5:30pm (judges)

meredith — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:23:01 +0000

The Senate has begun consideration of S.954, the Farm bill. Senator Stabenow called up Cantwell amendment #919 (tribal soil and water conservation programs).

At 5pm, the Senate will turn to Executive session with 30 minutes for debate prior to votes on confirmation of the below listed nominations.

- Executive Calendar #45, the nomination of Sheri Polster Chappell, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida; and

- Executive Calendar #46, the nomination of Michael J. McShane, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon.

We may be able to consider one of the nominations by voice vote, but we don’t know which one yet.

Senate Floor Schedule for Monday, May 20, 2013

meredith — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:00:15 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 2:00pm on Monday, May 20, 2013. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 3:00pm.
Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.954, the Farm bill.
At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following items:
- Executive Calendar #45, the nomination of Sheri Polster Chappell, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida and
- Executive Calendar #46, the nomination of Michael J. McShane, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon.
There will be up to 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled by Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be up to 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the Chappell and McShane nominations.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Thursday, May 16, 2013

meredith — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:05:02 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar # 91, the nomination of Ernest J. Moniz, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Energy; Confirmed: 97-0

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.982, to prohibit the Corps of Engineers from taking certain actions to establish a restricted area prohibiting public access to waters downstream of a dam.

Adopted S.Res.145, a resolution Promoting minority health awareness and supporting the goals and ideals of National Minority Health Month in April 2013 to bring attention to the health disparities faced by minority populations such as American Indians and Alaska Natives, Asians, Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.

Adopted S.Res.146, designating the week of May 12 through May 18, 2013 as “National Police Week.”

Adopted S.Res.147, recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system, and encouraging Congress to implement policy to improve the lives of children in the foster care system.

Adopted S.Res.148, designating May 18, 2013, as “National Kids to Parks Day”.

Adopted S.Con.Res.16, a concurrent resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the unveiling of a statue of Frederick Douglass.

No additional EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Agreements on Chappell, McShane, Barnett, and Kellly nominations

meredith — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:04:32 +0000

On Monday, May 20, 2013, at 5:00 pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nomination:

Executive Calendar #45, Sheri Polster Chappell, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida; and

Executive Calendar #46, Michael J. McShane, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon.

There will be 30 minutes for debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nominations in the order listed. If all time is used, at approximately 5:30pm on Monday the Senate will vote in relation to the above listed amendments.

Further, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

Executive Calendar #11 Mark A. Barnett, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade; and

Executive Calendar #12 Claire R. Kelly, of New York, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade.

Lee Abortion consent request and Blumenthal’s counteroffer

meredith — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:48:31 +0000

Senator Lee asked unanimous consent the HELP Committee be discharged from further consideration of S.Res.133, A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Congress and the States should investigate and correct abusive, unsanitary, and illegal abortion practices; and the Senate adopt the resolution and preamble, with no intervening action or debate.

Senator Blumenthal objected and asked that in lieu of S.Res.133, the HELP Committee be discharged from further consideration of S.Res.134, A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that all incidents of abusive, unsanitary, or illegal health care practices should be condemned and prevented and the perpetrators should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law; the resolution be agreed to; the Blumenthal amendment to the preamble (to reflect the outcome of the court case), which is at the desk, be agreed to; and the preamble, as amended, be agreed to; with no intervening action or debate.

Senator Lee objected to Blumenthal’s request.

Budget consents objected to

meredith — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:35:51 +0000

Senator Lee asked that Murray modify her request to make it not in order to consider any conference report that includes reconciliation instructions to raise the debt limit. Senator Murray declined to modify her request. Senator Lee objected to Murray’s request.

Senator Sessions then asked consent that at a time to be determined the Senate proceed to H.Con.Res.25, House passed Budget resolution. Senator Murray objected.

Morning Business until 5pm, No more votes this week

meredith — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:24:38 +0000

The Senate is in a period of morning business until 5pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no further roll call votes this week.

Roll Call Vote on Moniz (Energy Secretary)

meredith — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:52:22 +0000

1:51pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Ernest J. Moniz, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Energy;

Confirmed: 97-0

Moniz vote at 2:26pm, if all time is used

meredith — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:15:55 +0000

The Senate is debating Executive Calendar #91, the nomination of Ernest J. Moniz, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Energy, for up to 3 hours. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote on confirmation of the nomination. If all time is used, the vote would begin at approximately 2:26pm. If time is yielded back, the vote could begin earlier.

Schedule for Thursday, May 16, 2013

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:39:59 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 11:00am on Thursday, May 16, 2013. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #91, the nomination of Ernest J. Moniz, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Energy with up to 3 hours of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Wyden and Murkowski or their designees.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 2:00pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Moniz nomination.

During Wednesday’s session of the Senate, the Senate reached an agreement that on Monday, May 20^th, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #73, S.954, the Farm bill.

Wrap Up for Wednesday, May 15, 2013

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:39:51 +0000

WRAP UP FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Coburn amendment #815 (beach nourishment) to S.601, the Water Resources Development Act; Not Agreed to: 43-53

2) Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects); Not Agreed to: 35-61

3) Merkley-Brown amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods); Agreed to: 60-36

4) Passage of S.601, WRDA, as amended; Passed: 83-14

5) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #40 William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California; Confirmed: 56-41

6) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #92, Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Confirmed: 91-7

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.142, designating May 15^th, 2013, as “National MPS (Mucopolysaccharidosis) Awareness Day”.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S. 953, the Student Loan Affordability Act. (Reed)

No additional EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Agreement to proceed to S.954, the Farm bill

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:20:55 +0000

The Senate has reached an agreement that on Monday, May 20^th, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #73, S.954, the Farm bill.

Reid moves to proceed to the Farm bill; no more votes today

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:38:51 +0000

Executive Calendar #92, the nomination of Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, was confirmed 91-7. Following the vote, Senator Reid moved to proceed to S.954, a bill to reauthorize agricultural programs through 2018 (the Farm bill). There will be no further roll call votes today.

Roll Call Vote on confirmation of Tavenner nomination

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:03:35 +0000

5:03pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #92, Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Confirmed: 91-7

Roll Call Vote on confirmation of the Orrick nomination

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:38:26 +0000

4:38pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #40, William H. Orrick III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California

Confirmed: 56-41

McConnell objects to going to conference on the Budget resolution

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:18:14 +0000

Senator Wyden asked unanimous consent that the Senate go to conference on the Budget resolution.

Senator McConnell asked that the request be modified so that it not be in order for the Senate to consider a conference report that includes tax increases or reconciliation instructions to increase taxes or raise the debt ceiling.

Senator Wyden objected to modifying the request.

Senator McConnell then objected to the original request.

2 votes at 4:30pm: confirmation of Orrick and Tavenner

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:11:25 +0000

The Senate is in a period of morning business until 2:00pm with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

At 2:00pm today, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #40 William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California; and Executive Calendar #92, Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, en bloc.

The time until 4:30 pm, will be equally divided in the usual form, with Senator Baucus in control of the time from 4:15 to 4:30pm. Upon the use or yielding back of time the Senate will proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nominations in the order listed. There will be two minutes for debate between the votes. The second vote be 10 minutes in length.

4:30pm votes:

- Executive Calendar #40 William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California; and

- Executive Calendar #92, Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Roll Call Vote on Passage of S.601, WRDA, as amended

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:03:35 +0000

11:51am The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.601, the Water Resources Development Act, as amended

Passed: 83-14

Roll Call Vote on Merkley amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods)

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:27:31 +0000

11:23am The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on Merkley amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods);

Agreed To: 60-36

Boozman amendment #822 (recreational lands pass programs) agreed to by voice vote

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:22:09 +0000

Boozman amendment #822 (recreational lands pass programs) was agreed to by voice vote

Amendments to S.601, the Water Resources Development Act

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:15:49 +0000

The following amendments have been considered to S.601, the Water Resources Development Act:

Coburn amendment #805 (Army Corps land/guns) Not Agreed to: 56-43 (60-vote threshold)
Whitehouse amendment #803 (oceans) Agreed to: 68-31 (60-vote threshold)
Boxer-Vitter substitute amendment #799 Agreed to by UC
Brown amendment #813, as modified (Asian carp) Agreed to: 95-0
Pryor amendment #801, as modified (farms) Agreed to by UC
Pryor amendment #806 (work-in-kind) Agreed to by UC
Inhofe amendment #835, with a modification to the instruction lines (rural water infrastructure projects) Agreed to by UC
McCain amendment #833 (levee safety programs) Agreed to by UC
Murray amendment #832 (cargo noncontainer) Agreed to by UC
Blunt amendment #800 (resilient construction techniques for extreme weather) Agreed to by UC
Sessions amendment #811, as modified (Tennessee Valley Authority to grant restrictions) Agreed to by UC
Coburn amendment #823 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission) Agreed to by UC
Warner amendment #873 (4 Mile Run) Agreed to by UC
Baucus amendment #847 Agreed to by UC
Boxer-Vitter amendment #899, as modified Agreed to by UC
Inhofe amendment #895 Agreed to by UC
Wicker amendment #894 Agreed to by UC
Inhofe amendment #867 Agreed to by UC
Boozman amendment #872 Agreed to by UC
Thune amendment #912 Agreed to by UC
Cornyn amendment #880 Agreed to by UC
Murkowski amendment #904 Agreed to by UC
Klobuchar amendment #884 Agreed to by UC
Wyden amendment #870, as modified Agreed to by UC
Cochran amendment #911, as modified Agreed to by UC
Carper amendment #882 Agreed to by UC
Murkowski amendment #903, as modified Agreed to by UC
Durbin amendment #906, as modified Agreed to by UC
Levin amendment #893 Agreed to by UC
Collins amendment #898 Agreed to by UC
Cardin amendment #861, as modified Agreed to by UC
Brown-Graham amendment #907 Agreed to by UC
Wyden amendment #896 Agreed to by UC
Inhofe amendment #797 Agreed to by UC
Barrasso amendment #868 Not Agreed to: 52-44
Sanders amendment #889 Not Agreed to: 56-40
Coburn amendment #815 (beach nourishment) Not Agreed To: 43-53
Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects) Not Agreed to: 35-61
Boozman amendment #822 (recreational lands pass programs for military) Agreed to by voice vote
Merkley amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods) Agreed to: 60-36
Hoeven amendment #909 (surplus water charges), as modified Agreed to by voice vote

Roll Call Vote on Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects)

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:06:43 +0000

11:01am The Senate began a roll call vote on Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects);

Not Agreed To: 35-61

Roll Call Vote on Coburn amendment #815 (beach replenishment)

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:39:23 +0000

10:35am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Coburn amendment #815 (beach replenishment);

Not Agreed To: 43-53

Up to 7 roll call votes at 10:30am; additional votes expected this afternoon re: Tavenner and Orrick nominations

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:48:27 +0000

As a reminder, at 10:30am there will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to amendments to S.601, Water Resources Development Act, and on passage of the bill.

The first vote will be the usual 15 minute vote and the remaining votes will be 10 minutes in duration. Senator Reid intends to close the votes as quickly as possible. Senators are encouraged to remain on or close to the floor during the vote series.

Last week we were able to reach short time agreements on the Tavenner (CMMS) and Orrick (Northern District Judge of CA) nominations. Senator Reid intends to execute those orders later today. Senators will be notified when the votes are scheduled.

10:30am votes:

- Coburn amendment #815 (beach nourishment);

- Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects);

- Merkley amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods);

- Udall(NM) amendment #853 (pilot program);

- Hoeven amendment #909 (surplus water charges);

- Boozman amendment #822 (recreational lands pass programs);

- Passage of S.601, as amended.

Tavenner Agreement:

At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #92 the nomination of Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. There will be 1 hour for debate equally divided in the usual form prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

Orrick Agreement:

At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, there will be up to 1 hour for debate equally divided and controlled prior to a vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #40, the nomination of William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California.

Senate Floor Schedule for Wednesday, May 15, 2013

meredith — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:19 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 10:30am with the time 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.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.601, the Water Resources Development Act. There will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the items listed below, in the order listed. All votes after the first vote will be 10 minutes in duration. There will be 2 minutes of debate prior to each vote.
- Coburn amendment #815 (beach nourishment);
- Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects);
- Merkley amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods);
- Udall(NM) amendment #853 (pilot program);
- Hoeven amendment #909 (surplus water charges);
- Boozman amendment #822 (recreational lands pass programs);
- Passage of S.601, as amended.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Tuesday, May 14, 2014

meredith — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:37:34 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Barrasso amendment #868 (water rights) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 52-44 (60-vote threshold)

2) Sanders #889 (restoration of certain properties impacted by natural disasters); Not Agreed To: 56-40 (60-vote threshold)

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.140, Commemorating and acknowledging the dedication and sacrifices made by the Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.

Adopted S.Res.141, A resolution recognizing the goals of National Travel and Tourism Week and honoring the valuable contributions of travel and tourism to the United States.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.953, the Student Loan Affordability Act. (Reed)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

McConnell objects to going to conference on the Budget resolution

meredith — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:03:48 +0000

Senator Warner asked unanimous consent that the Senate go to conference on the Budget resolution.

Senator Warner objected to modifying the request.

Senator McConnell then objected to the original request.

Roll Call Vote on Sanders #889 (restoration of certain properties impacted by natural disasters)

meredith — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:34:54 +0000

5:34pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Sanders #889 (restoration of certain properties impacted by natural disasters);

Not Agreed To: 56-40

Roll Call Vote on Barrasso amendment #868 (water rights)

meredith — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:06:42 +0000

The Senate agreed to the Inhofe amendment #797 (land exchange) by voice vote.

At 5:06pm the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Barrasso amendment #868 (water rights) (60-vote threshold);

Not Agreed To: 52-44

Next Vote:

Sanders #889 (restoration of certain properties impacted by natural disasters)

2 Roll Call Votes at 5pm

meredith — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:46:10 +0000

At 5pm today, the Senate will vote in relation to the Barrasso amendment #868 (water rights) and Sanders #889 (restoration of certain properties impacted by natural disasters). Both amendments are subject to 60-affirmative vote threshold. Following the votes, the Senate will turn to a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. When the Senate resumes consideration of S.601, WRDA, tomorrow (expect around 11:15am), we will resume the voting sequence in the previous order. The first vote in each series will be 15 minute votes and the subsequent votes will be 10 minutes in duration.

5pm votes

- Inhofe amendment #797 (land exchange) **expect voice vote

- Barrasso amendment #868 (water rights)

- Sanders #889 (restoration of certain properties impacted by natural disasters)

Tomorrow’s roll call votes (approx. 11:15am)

- Coburn #815 (beach renourishment);

- Coburn #816 (Infrastructure Deathourization Commission projects);

- Merkley #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods);

- Udall(NM) #853 (pilot program);

- Hoeven #909 (surplus water charges);

- Boozeman #822 (recreational lands pass programs);

- Passage of S.601, as amended.

S.601, WRDA Agreement

meredith — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:12:53 +0000

Senator Boxer asked consent to consider a finite list of amendments including Johnson (SD) #891 (flood insurance) and Landrieu #888 (flood insurance). Senator Toomey reserved his right to object and stated his opposition to Landrieu’s amendment #888 and objected to the request.

After some debate between Senators Landrieu and Toomey, Senator Boxer asked the same consent without the Landrieu and Johnson (SD) amendments.

Senator Rubio reserved his right to object and asked that the Rubio amendment #892 (IRS) be in order. Senator Boxer reminded the Senate that this is a water resources bill and did not agree to include the Rubio amendment in the agreement. Senator Rubio did not object to the overall agreement on the WRDA bill and the request was agreed to.

As a result of this agreement, we will not have a cloture vote on the bill. We expect a series of 2 votes beginning at 5:00pm tonight. Most likely candidates for roll call votes tonight are Barrasso #868 and Sanders #889. Inhofe #797 will likely be a voice vote. We expect to resume voting in relation to the remaining amendments and passage at a time to be determined tomorrow.

The following amendments will be considered and agreed to, en bloc:

- Baucus #847;

- Boxer-Vitter #899, as modified;

- Inhofe #895;

- Wicker #894;

- Inhofe #867;

- Boozman #872;

- Thune #912;

- Cornyn #880;

- Murkowski #904;

- Klobuchar #884;

- Wyden #870, as modified;

- Cochran #911, as modified;

- Carper #882;

- Murkowski #903, as modified;

- Durbin #906, as modified;

- Levin #893;

- Collins #898;

- Cardin #861, as modified;

- Brown-Graham #907; and

- Wyden #896.

Further, that the only remaining amendments in order to the bill be the following:

- Inhofe #797;

- Barrasso #868 (60 affirmative vote threshold);;

- Sanders #889 (60 affirmative vote threshold);

- Coburn #815;

- Coburn #816;

- Merkley #866;

- Udall(NM) #853;

- Hoeven #909; and

- Boozeman #822

No second degree amendments are in order to any of the amendments prior to votes in relation to the amendments. The time until 5:00pm will be equally divided between the two Leaders, or designees, for debate on the amendments. At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the amendments in the order listed. All after the first vote will be ten minute votes. There will be two minutes equally divided prior to each vote. The following amendments are subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold: Sanders #889; Barrasso #868.

Finally, upon disposition of the Hoeven amendment #909, the cloture motion be withdrawn and the Senate proceed to vote on passage of S.601, as amended.

WRDA cloture vote

meredith — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:34:19 +0000

It appears that we are very close reaching an agreement on a finite list of amendments to S.601, WRDA. We are currently in a quorum call to finalize the details. If we are able to reach an agreement, cloture would be vitiated and we could see some votes on amendments in the 5:30pm range tonight. Again, if no deal is reached, we would proceed with the cloture vote.

2:30pm Cloture vote

meredith — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:58:01 +0000

In an effort to give the managers additional time to work on an agreement to limit amendments to S.601, the cloture vote has been postponed and will now occur at 2:30pm.

If we are unable to reach an agreement, we will proceed to the cloture vote at 2:30pm. If cloture is invoked, it will be considered as having been invoked at 12:00 noon.

11:15am filing deadline for second degree amendments to S.601, WRDA

meredith — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:20:24 +0000

As a reminder, the filing deadline for second degree amendments to S.601, Water Resources Development Act, is 11:15am today. Please send a signed copy of any germane second degree amendments to the cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may file it at the desk for you. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

The managers of the bill continue to negotiate an agreement to complete action on the WRDA bill. Last night we hotlined a list of amendments that could either be agreed to or would require a vote. We believe we are close to being able to lock in an agreement to limit amendments and vitiate cloture, but, as always, that takes consent and we’re not quite there yet. Another message will be sent if and when an agreement is reached. If no agreement can be reached, at approximately 12:00 noon the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.601, WRDA.

Senate Floor Schedule for Tuesday, May 14, 2013

meredith — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:00:03 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, May 14, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 11:00am with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.601, the Water Resources Development Act with the time until noon equally divided and controlled between Senators Boxer and Vitter or their designees.
At noon, there will be a cloture vote on S.601, WRDA. The managers of the bill continue to work on a finite list of amendments; Senators will be notified if an agreement is reached.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Monday, May 13, 2013

meredith — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:17:43 +0000

No ROLL CALL VOTES

No LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Reid asks consent to go to conference on Budget resolution and withdraws request because of continued Republican objection

meredith — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:27:22 +0000

This afternoon Senator Reid asked unanimous consent to go to conference on the concurrent resolution on the Budget. Senator Cruz was unavailable to be on the floor at this time to object. Out of respect for the long tradition of comity in the Senate, Senator Reid withdrew his request.

4pm filing deadline reminder re: WRDA amendments

meredith — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:26:52 +0000

As a reminder, there is a 4pm filing deadline for first degree amendments to S.601, Water Resources Development Act. If your senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to protect the right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may file it at the desk for you. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

Senator Reid said on the floor this afternoon that the managers are close to reaching an agreement to complete action of the WRDA bill. If an agreement can be reached, we could be in a position to vote in relation to amendments and passage of the bill Tuesday and/or Wednesday. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, the cloture vote on the bill would occur at approximately 12:00 noon tomorrow, Tuesday, May 14.

Senate Floor Schedule for Monday, May 13, 2013

meredith — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:00:10 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 2:00pm on Monday, May 13, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
During Thursday’s session, cloture was filed on S.601, the Water Resources Development Act. As a result, the filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.601 is 4:00pm Monday.
As previously announced, there will be no roll call votes on Monday. The next roll call vote will be at approximately 12:00pm on the motion to invoke cloture on S.601, the Water Resources Development Act.

Agreement on Moniz nomination (Secretary of Energy)

meredith — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:53:47 +0000

The Senate reached the following agreement to consider the Moniz nomination. At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate will consider Executive Calendar #91, the nomination of Ernest J. Moniz, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Energy. There will be up to 3 hours for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

Agreement on Orrick nomination (Northern District of CA district judge)

meredith — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:46:22 +0000

At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, there will be up to 60 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled prior to a vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #40, the nomination of William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California.

Cloture filed on S.601, WRDA–4pm Monday filing deadline–12noon Tuesday cloture vote

meredith — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:45:42 +0000

This afternoon Senator Reid filed cloture on S.601, Water Resources Development Act of 2013.

The filing deadline for first degree amendments is 4:00pm on Monday, May 13. If your senator have a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve the right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may file it at the desk for you. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

The cloture vote will occur at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, May 14.

The managers of the bill will work over the weekend on an agreement to complete action of the WRDA bill. If an agreement can be reached, we would seek to vitiate the cloture vote.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Thursday, May 9, 2013

meredith — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:45:41 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #41, the nomination of Nelson Stephen Roman, of New York, to be District Judge for the Southern District of New York Confirmed: 97-0

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R. 360, to award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal to Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley to commemorate the lives they lost 50 years ago in the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.

Adopted S. Res.136, recognizing the 60^th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice and the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953, and congratulating Park Geun-Hye on her election to the Presidency of the Republic of Korea.

Adopted S.Res.137, designating May 2013 as “Older Americans Month”.

Adopted S.Res.138, Congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and administration of charter schools across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education, and supporting the ideals and goals of the 14^th annual National Charter Schools Week, to be celebrated the week of May 5 through May 11, 2013.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #39, the nomination of Shelly Decker Dick, of Louisiana, to be a District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana by voice vote.

Agreement on Tavenner nomination (Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)

meredith — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:44:45 +0000

The Senate has reached the following agreement to consider the Tavenner nomination.

No more votes this week, agreement on amendments

meredith — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:00:35 +0000

The following amendment is the next amendment in order to S.601, WRDA:

- Inhofe #797 (land exchange).

No second degree amendments are in order to the amendment prior to a vote in relation to the amendment.

The following amendments were agreed to by consent:

- Blunt #800 (resilient construction techniques for extreme weather)

- Sessions #811, as modified with the changes that are at the desk (Tennessee Valley Authority to grant restrictions);

- Coburn #823 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission); and

- Warner #873 (4 Mile Run).

There will be no further roll call votes this week.

Roman confirmed, Senator resumed consideration of WRDA

meredith — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:42:39 +0000

The Nelson Stephen Roman nomination was confirmed 97-0.

The Senate has resumed consideration of S.601, Water Resources Development Act. A few senators are now speaking as if in morning business while the managers of the bill work on an agreement to consider additional amendments. The Majority Leader has not announced there would be no more votes, however, the likelihood of reaching an agreement to conduct roll call votes this afternoon seems to be dwindling.

Roll Call Vote on the Roman nomination

meredith — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:02:14 +0000

2:01pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the confirmation of Executive Calendar #41, the nomination of Nelson Stephen Roman, of New York, to be District Judge for the Southern District of New York

Confirmed: 97-0