Senate Democrats » Senate Floor

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.

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.

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

Up to 2 roll call votes at 2pm (district judges)

meredith — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:33:54 +0000

At 1:30pm today, the Senate will turn to Executive Session to consider the nominations of Shelly Decker Dick and Nelson Stephen Roman. Under the previous order, there will be up to 30 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled prior to votes on confirmation of the nominations. We expect to consider one by voice vote and the other by a roll call vote, but Republicans have not indicated which one will require the roll call vote.

Up to 2 roll call votes at approximately 2:00pm:

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #39, the nomination of Shelly Decker Dick, of Louisiana, to be a District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana; and
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

Upon disposition of the nominations, the Senate will resume consideration of S.601, Water Resources Development Act. As a reminder, we reached an agreement yesterday that the next amendment in order is the Blunt amendment #800 (resilient construction techniques for extreme weather). The managers of the bill are working on moving the bill forward.

McConnell objects to going to conference on Budget resolution

meredith — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:14:51 +0000

Senator Reid Murray 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 Murray objected to modifying the request.

Senator McConnell then objected to the original request.

Amendments to S.601, the Water Resources Development Act

meredith — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:10:49 +0000

The following amendments are pending to S.601, the Water Resources Development Act:

The following amendments have been considered to S.601:

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

Senate Floor Schedule for Thursday, May 9, 2013

meredith — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:00:49 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Thursday, May 9, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of 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.601, the Water Resources Development Act. We will continue to work through amendments to the bill. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.

Agreement on Dick and Roman nominations (LA and NY district judges)

meredith — Wed, 08 May 2013 23:07:29 +0000

The Senate has reached an agreement to consider the nominations of Shelly Dick (District Judge LA) and Nelson Roman (Southern District NY).

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 # 39 Shelly Deckert Dick, of Louisiana, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana, and

- Executive Calendar #41 Nelson Stephen Roman, of New York, to be District Judge for the Southern District of New York.

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.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Wednesday, May 8, 2013

meredith — Wed, 08 May 2013 23:06:56 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Coburn amendment #805 (Army Corps land/guns) to S.601, the Water Resources Development Act; Not Agreed to: 56-43 (60-vote threshold)

2) Whitehouse amendment #803 (oceans); Agreed to: 68-31 (60-vote threshold)

3) Brown amendment #813, as modified (Asian carp); Agreed to: 95-0

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.622, an original bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize user fee programs relating to new animal drugs and generic new animal drugs.

Adopted H.Con.Res.32, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.

Discharged the HELP committee and adopted S.Res.126, recognizing the teachers of the United States for their contributions to the development and progress of our country.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.888, the End User Exemptions from provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act. (Johanns)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Amendments agreed to WRDA

meredith — Wed, 08 May 2013 23:06:42 +0000

The following amendments to S.601, WRDA, were agreed to by unanimous consent:

- Pryor #801, as modified with the changes that are at the desk (farms);

- Pryor #806 (work-in-kind);

- Inhofe #835, with a modification to the instruction lines (rural water infrastructure projects);

McCain #833 (levee safety programs);

No more votes today

meredith — Wed, 08 May 2013 22:13:06 +0000

There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

Roll Call Vote on Brown amendment #813 (Asian Carp)

meredith — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:46:22 +0000

5:45pm the Senate began a roll call vote on Brown amendment #813, as modified (Asian Carp);

Agreed To: 95-0

5:45pm vote in relation to Brown amendment #813, as modified (Asian Carp)

meredith — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:32:25 +0000

At 5:45pm today, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote in relation to the Brown amendment #813, as modified (Asian Carp). No amendments are in order to the amendment prior to the vote.

Objections to sense of the Senate resolutions

meredith — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:27:14 +0000

This afternoon, Senator Lee asked consent to adopt a Senate Resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Congress and the States should investigate and correct abusive, unsanitary, and illegal abortion practices.

Senator Blumenthal then asked consent to adopt an alternative 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.

Senator Lee objected to Senator Blumenthal’s request and Senator Blumenthal objected to Senator Lee’s request.

McConnell objects to going to conference on the Budget resolution, again

meredith — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:02:46 +0000

Senator Warner asked 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 Murray objected to modifying the request. Senator McConnell then objected to the original request.

Agreement on next amendments in order to WRDA

meredith — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:02:15 +0000

The next amendments in order to S.601, Water Resources Development Act, are the following:

Blunt #800 (resilient construction techniques for extreme weather)
Pryor #806 (provide work-in-kind credit)
Inhofe #835 (rural water infrastructure projects)

No second degree amendments are in order prior to votes in relation to the amendments. We will work on time agreements on the amendments. Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.

Roll Call Vote on Whitehouse amendment #803 (Oceans)

meredith — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:28:16 +0000

2:26pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Whitehouse amendment #803 (Oceans);

Agreed To: 68-31 (60-affirmative vote threshsold)

Roll Call Vote on Coburn #805 (Army Corps/guns)

meredith — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:04:33 +0000

12:00pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Coburn amendment #805 (Army Corps land/guns) (60-vote threshold);

Not Agreed to: 56-43

2 votes at 2pm

meredith — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:49:18 +0000

Senator Coburn has indicated he will not offer amendment #804. As a result, there will only be 2 roll call votes at 2pm.

- Coburn amendment #805 (Army Corps lands/guns); and

- Whitehouse amendment #803 (oceans).

Senate Floor Schedule for Wednesday, May 8, 2013

meredith — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:00:23 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Wednesday, May 8, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 10:00am with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
At 10:00am, the Senate will recess to allow for the Joint Meeting of Congress with Her Excellency Park Geun-hye, President of the Republic of Korea until 11:30am. Senators should plan to gather in the Senate Chamber at 10:00am in order to proceed as a body to the House of Representatives.
When the Senate reconvenes, we will resume consideration of S.601, the Water Resources Development Act. The following amendments are the first amendments in order to the Boxer-Vitter substitute amendment #799:
- Coburn amendment #804 (ammunition)
- Coburn amendment #805 (Army Corps lands/guns)
- Whitehouse amendment #803 (oceans).
The time until 2:00pm will be equally divided between the two Leaders or their designees for debate on the amendments with Senator Coburn controlling 40 minutes of the Republican time. At 2:00pm, there will be 3 roll call votes in relation to the amendments in the order above. All 3 amendments will require 60-affirmative votes and no second degree amendments will be order to the amendments. The first vote will be a 15-minute vote and the subsequent votes will be 10 minutes in duration.
Upon disposition of the Coburn and Whitehouse amendments, the substitute amendment, as amended, if amended, will be agreed to and considered original text for the purposes of further amendment.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Tuesday, May 7, 2013

meredith — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:46:31 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #42, the nomination of David Medine, of Maryland, to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board; Confirmed: 53-45

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.1071, a bill to specify the size of the precious-metal blanks that will be used in the production of the National Baseball Hall of Fame commemorative coins.

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S. Res. 127, Commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the loss of the State symbol of New Hampshire, the Old Man of the Mountain.

Adopted S.Res.130, designating the week of May 1 through May 7, 2013, as “National Physical Education and Sport Week”.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.888, the End User Exemptions from provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act. (Johanns)

No additional EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Agreement to consider first 3 amendments to WRDA/agree to substitute amendment/3 votes at 2pm Wednesday

meredith — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:33:53 +0000

The Senate has reached an agreement that provides for the consideration of the first 3 amendments to the WRDA legislation. At 11:30am tomorrow, Wednesday, May 8^th, the Senate will resume consideration of S.601 and the following amendments will be the first amendments in order to the pending Boxer-Vitter substitute amendment #799:

- Coburn #804 (ammunition);

- Coburn #805 (Army Corps lands/guns); and

- Whitehouse #803 (oceans).

No second degree amendments are in order to any of these amendments prior to votes in relation to the amendments. The Coburn and Whitehouse amendments are subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. The time until 2pm, will be equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, for debate on the amendments. Senator Coburn controls 40 minutes of the Republican time.

At 2:00pm the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the amendments in the order listed. There will be 2 minutes equally divided between the votes and all after the first vote will be 10 minute votes.

Upon disposition of the Coburn and Whitehouse amendments, the substitute amendment, as amended, if amended, will be agreed to and be considered original text for the purposes of further amendment.

Debate only until 6:30pm

meredith — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:26:41 +0000

The Senate is in a period for debate only until 6:30pm on S.601, WRDA, while we figure out the first amendments to be considered to the bill.

Boxer-Vitter substitute amendment is pending

meredith — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:54:01 +0000

The Senate has begun consideration of S.601, Water Resources Development Act. Senator Boxer withdrew the committee reported substitute amendment and called up Boxer-Vitter substitute #799. The managers are now giving their opening statements. We are working on lining up the first amendments in order to the bill.

McConnell objects to going to conference on Budget resolution

meredith — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:42:35 +0000

Senator Murray asked consent to 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 Murray declined to modify her request. Senator McConnell then objected to the request.

The Senate stands in recess until 2:15pm.

Roll Call Vote on Medine nomination

meredith — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:01:56 +0000

12:01pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #42, the nomination of David Medine, of Maryland, to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board;

Confirmed: 53-45

Senate Floor Schedule for Tuesday, May 7, 2013

meredith — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:13 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, May 7, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 11:00am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #42, the nomination of David Medine, of Maryland, to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board with up to one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12:00pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Medine nomination.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
At 2:15pm, the Senate will begin consideration of S.601, the Water Resources Development Act.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Monday, May 6, 2013

meredith — Mon, 06 May 2013 22:59:23 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTES
1) Enzi-Durbin amendment #741 (perfecting amendment) to S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act; Agreed to: 70-24

2) Passage of S.743, as amended; Passed: 69-27

No additional LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Republicans object to going to conference on Budget resolution

meredith — Mon, 06 May 2013 22:14:41 +0000

Prior to the vote on passage of Marketplace Fairness Act, Senator Reid asked consent to go to conference on the Budget resolution. Senator Cruz objected.

Request to go to conference on H.Con.Res.25 – Budget Resolution – FY2014

Leader: I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #33, H.Con.Res.25; that all after the enacting clause be stricken; 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 considered 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 on the part of the Senate, all with no intervening action or debate.

Chair: Is there an objection to the request?

Cruz: Reserved his right to object and asked that the Leader modify his request 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 to raise the debt limit.

Senator Reid: Declined to modify his request

Senator Cruz: I object

Roll Call Vote on passage of S.743, as amended (Marketplace Fairness Act)

meredith — Mon, 06 May 2013 22:14:07 +0000

6:12pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act;

Passed: 69-27

Roll Call Vote on Enzi-Durbin amendment #741

meredith — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:34:55 +0000

5:31pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Enzi-Durbin amendment #741 (perfecting substitute) to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act;

Agreed To: 70-24

Cloture withdrawn on motion to proceed to S.601, WRDA; Up to 2 votes at 5:30pm

meredith — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:26:25 +0000

The cloture motion on the motion to proceed to S.601, Water Resources Development Act, was withdrawn. At 2:15pm tomorrow, Tuesday, May 7, the motion to proceed to S.601 will be agreed to, and the Senate will begin consideration of the bill.

We may be able to consider the Enzi-Durbin amendment #741 (perfecting substitute) to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act, without a roll call vote. If so, there would only be 1 vote at 5:30pm on passage of S.743, as amended. If a roll call vote is requested, there would be 2 votes.

Senate Schedule for Monday, May 6, 2013

meredith — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:00:55 +0000

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, May 6, 2013. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 5:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
At 5:30pm, the Senate will resume consideration of S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013, post-cloture. The filing deadline for 2^nd degree amendments to S.743 is 4:00pm.
At 5:30pm, all post-cloture time will be yielded back, the Durbin amendment #745 will be withdrawn, no other 2^nd degree amendments will be in order and the Senate will proceed to 2 roll call votes in relation to the following:
- Enzi-Durbin amendment #741 and
- Passage of S.743, as amended, if amended.
Upon the disposition of S.743, there will be a 3^rd roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.601, the Water Resources Development Act of 2013.

Pro Formas April 26 through May 3rd

meredith — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:40:07 +0000

The Senate will meet in pro forma sessions only with no business conducted on the following dates at the following times:

- Friday, April 26^th at 11:30am,

- Tuesday, April 30^th at 10:00am, and

- Thursday, May 3^rd at 2:00pm.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Thursday, April 25, 2013

meredith — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:34:20 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Motion to invoke cloture on S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013; Invoked: 63-30

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.853, a bill to prevent continued flight delays related to furloughs of essential employees of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and for other purposes. *If the Senate receives a bill from the House that is identical to S.853, that bill will be considered read three times and passed.

Adopted S.Res.115, a resolution commending the heroism, courage, and sacrifice of Sean Collier, an officer in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Police Department, Martin Richard, an 8-year-old resident of Dorchester, Massachusetts, Krystle Campbell, a native of Medford Massachusetts, Lu Lingzi, a student at Boston University, and all the victims who are recovering from injuries caused by the attacks in Boston, Massachusetts, including Richard Donohue, Jr., an officer in the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Police Department.

Adopted S.Res.116, designating September 26, 2013 as “National Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day”.

Adopted S.Res.118, Supporting the designation of April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

Adopted S.Res.119, Supporting the goals and ideals of World Malaria Day.

Adopted S.Res.120, Supporting the mission and goals of 2013 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Adopted S.Res.121, expressing support for the designation of May 1, 2013, as “Silver Star Service Banner Day”.

Adopted S.Res.122, recognizing the historic significance of the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo.

Adopted S.Res.123, Congratulating the University of Minnesota women’s ice hockey team on winning its second straight National Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Ice Hockey Championship.

Adopted S.Res.124, Legal Counsel resolution regarding Whitnum v. Town of Greenwich memo.

Adopted S.Res.125, designating April 30, 2013, as “Dia de los Ninos: Celebrating Young Americans”.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.788, to suspend FY2013 sequestration. (Reid)

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following items:

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Executive Calendar #24 Christopher J. Meade, to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Executive Calendar #25 William B. Schultz, to be General Counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

Executive Calendar #61 Jenny R. Yang, to be a Member of the Equal Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2017

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Executive Calendar #89 Karol Virginia Mason – to be an Assistant Attorney General

Agreement to consider Medine nomination

meredith — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:33:36 +0000

The Senate has reached an agreement to vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #42 David Medine- to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 29, 2018 at a time to be determined. The details of the agreement are below.

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 #42 David Medine- to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 29, 2018. There will be one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination.

Cloture filed on MTP to S.601, WRDA

meredith — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:32:42 +0000

During Thursday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to Calendar #44, S.601, the Water Resources Development Act of 2013. The cloture vote will be on Monday, May 6^th following disposition of S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act (the 3^rd roll call vote in a series beginning at 5:30pm).

Roll Call Vote on Motion to Invoke Cloture on S.743

meredith — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:36:38 +0000

5:36pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013

Invoked: 63-30.

Durbin asks consent to consider 3 amendments to Marketplace Fairness Act

meredith — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:00:47 +0000

Senator Durbin asked unanimous consent the pending Enzi amendment be set aside and it be in order for the following amendments to be called up:

- Collins-King #771 (provides a limitation on when States may first exercise the authority under this Act)

- Pryor-Blunt #740 (extends for 10 years the moratorium on taxes on internet access and multiple and discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce imposed by the Internet Freedom Act)

- Hatch #754 (strikes the preemption provision, to sunset the authority under the Act, to require a 3-year statute of limitations)

That no second degree amendments be in order to any of these amendments prior to a vote in relation to the amendments. That there be 20 minutes for debate equally divided.

Senator Wyden objected.

Hatch’s unanimous consent request to consider amendments

meredith — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:34:06 +0000

Hatch asked unanimous consent that the following amendments be in order to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act:

Collins 744 or Collins 771
Ayotte 759, as amended
Coats 765
Thune 764 with GAO study/Thune 778 without GAO study
Coburn 753
Coburn 767
Thune 743
Lee 768
Ayotte 763
Hatch 754
Portman 772
Cruz 794
Coats 797
Portman 792
Paul 755
Cruz 799
Ayotte 776

That there be up to 1 hour for debate equally divided on each amendment prior to a vote in relation to the amendment.

Senator Durbin objected.

The managers of the bill continue to work on an agreement to consider amendments in an effort to complete action on the bill.

Coburn amendments objected to

meredith — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:45:51 +0000

Senator Coburn asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendments in order to call up the following amendments:

- Coburn #753 (delinquent tax debts and Federal employment)

- Coburn #751 (charitable organizations)

- Coburn #767 (duplicative and overlapping programs)

- Coburn #766 (prohibit presidential election campaign funds for part conventions)

Senator Durbin objected to setting aside the pending amendment and said that he would take a look at the amendments to see if we can come up with an agreement to consider them. Some of the amendments would create a blue slip issue in the House, a situation he would like to avoid.

Senator Coburn also expressed his intent to call up an amendment regarding the tax exempt status of sport organizations.

Baucus objects to setting aside pending amendment to consider Collins amendment

meredith — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:50:19 +0000

The Senate has resumed consideration of S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act.

Senator Collins asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment in order to call up Collins amendment #744, to provide a limitation on when States may first exercise the authority under this Act.

Senator Wyden reserved his right to object and then Senator Baucus objected to the request.

The managers of the bill will continue to work on an agreement to consider amendments to the bill. However, if no agreement can be reached we would proceed to the cloture vote 1 hour after the Senate convenes tomorrow.

Senate Floor Schedule for Thursday, April 25, 2013

meredith — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:49 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Thursday, April 25, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 10:30am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
At 10:30am, the Senate will recess for one hour to allow for a Senators-only briefing.
When the Senate reconvenes, the Senate will resume consideration of S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act. During Wednesday’s session, cloture was filed on S.743. As a result, the filing deadline for all first degree amendments to the bill is 1:00pm on Thursday. Unless an agreement is reached, Senators should expect the cloture vote on Friday morning.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Wednesday, April 24, 2013

meredith — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:32:00 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Executive Calendar #60, the nomination of Jane Kelly, of Iowa, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit; Confirmed: 96-0

2) Executive Calendar #64, the nomination of Sylvia Mathews Burwell, of West Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget; Confirmed: 96-0

3) Adoption of the motion to proceed to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act; Adopted: 75-22

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.111, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month.

Adopted S.Res.112, Commending employees of the Senate Post Office, employees of the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, members of the Capitol Police, and members of the Capitol Hill community for their courage and professionalism following the biochemical attack against the Senate on April 16, 2013.

Adopted S.Res.113, designating April 23, 2013 as “National Adopt a Library Day”.

Adopted S.Res.114, a legal counsel resolution regarding U.S. v. Renzi.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.799, to provide for a sequester replacement. (Inhofe/Toomey)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.788, to suspend FY2013 sequestration. (Reid)

No additional EXECUTIVE ITEMS

1pm Thursday, April 25 filing deadline for first degree amendments to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act

meredith — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:07:33 +0000

As a result of cloture being filed, the filing deadline for first degree amendments to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act, is 1pm tomorrow, Thursday, April 25. If cloture is invoked, amendments must be germane and timely filed to be considered in order post-cloture.

Toomey request to pass sequestration bill

meredith — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:43:24 +0000

Senator Toomey asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass a bill to provide for sequester replacement. Senator Durbin objected. Senator Durbin then asked consent to take up and pass Calendar #64, S.788, a bill to suspend the fiscal year 2013 sequestration and offset with funds from Overseas Contingency Operations. Senator Toomey objected.

Durbin amendment #745 is pending

meredith — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:23:19 +0000

Senator Durbin offered a second degree amendment #745 (date change) to Enzi amendment #741. Senator Durbin has urged senators with amendments to the bill to come to the floor to talk to the managers about their amendments. He, along with Senator Reid, would like to complete action on the bill before we leave this week.

Motion to proceed to Marketplace Fairness adopted/Reid for Enzi-Durbin amendment #741 pending/Cloture filed on bill

meredith — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:09:57 +0000

The motion to proceed to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act, was adopted 75-22. Senator Reid then offered the Enzi-Durbin perfecting amendment #741 (Manager’s technical amendment) and filed cloture on the bill. Under the rule, the cloture vote would occur 1 hour after the Senate convenes on Friday.

Senator Donnelly is now giving his maiden speech. We will resume consideration of the Marketplace Fairness Act following his remarks.

Roll Call Vote on Adoption of the Motion to Proceed to S.743

meredith — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:48:42 +0000

12:48pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of the motion to proceed to S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013

Adopted: 75-22

Roll Call Vote on Confirmation of Burwell nomination

meredith — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:30:10 +0000

12:29pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #64, the nomination of Sylvia Mathews Burwell, of West Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget (10 minute roll call vote)

Confirmed: 96-0

Roll Call Vote on Confirmation of the Kelly nomination

meredith — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:06:08 +0000

12:05pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #60, the nomination of Jane Kelly, of Iowa, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit

Confirmed: 96-0

Up to 3 roll call votes at noon

meredith — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:03:25 +0000

At 10:00am the Senate turned to a period of morning business until 10:30am, with the time equally divided. At 10:30am, the Senate will turn to Executive Session to debate the Kelly (30 minutes of debate) and Burwell (60 minutes of debate) nominations.

At 12:00 noon, the Senate will proceed to a series of up to 3 roll call votes in relation to the following items:

- Confirmation of Executive Calendar #60, the nomination of Jane Kelly, of Iowa, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit;

- Confirmation of Executive Calendar #64, the nomination of Sylvia Mathews Burwell, of West Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget; and

- Adoption of the motion to proceed to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act.

SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

meredith — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:11:54 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Wednesday, April 24, 2013. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 10:30am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

- Executive Calendar #60, the nomination of Jane Kelly, of Iowa, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit; and

- Executive Calendar #64, the nomination of Sylvia Mathews Burwell, of West Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

There will be 90 minutes of debate, with time from 10:30 until 11:00am on the Kelly nomination and the time from 11:00am until 12:00 noon on the Burwell nomination. At 12:00 noon, the Senate will proceed to vote on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed. The first vote will be a 15 minute vote and the second vote will be a 10 minute vote.

Following the votes, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013, and immediately vote on adoption of the motion.

Wrap Up for Tuesday, April 23, 2013

meredith — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:10:10 +0000

WRAP UP FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2013

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.105, designating April 2013 as “Financial Literacy Month”.

Adopted S.Res.106, commending rehabilitation counselors and supporting the goals and ideals of National Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day.

Adopted S.Res.107, honoring military children during the National Month of the Military Child.

Adopted S.Res.108, designating April 2013 as “National 9-1-1 Education Month”.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.788, to suspend FY2013 sequestration. (Reid)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Agreement on Kelly and Burwell nominations–2 votes at noon Wednesday

meredith — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:06:00 +0000

At 10:30am tomorrow, Wednesday, April 24, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

- Executive Calendar #60, the nomination of Jane Kelly, of Iowa, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit; and

- Executive Calendar #64, the nomination of Sylvia Mathews Burwell, of West Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

There will be 90 minutes of debate, with time from 10:30 until 11:00am on the Kelly nomination and the time from 11:00am until 12:00 noon on the Burwell nomination. At approximately 12:00 noon, the Senate will proceed to vote on confirmation of the nominations. If all time is used, the votes would begin at approximately 12:00 noon. The first vote will be a 15 minute vote and the second vote will be a 10 minute vote.

Agreement on H.R.475, Taxable Vaccines

meredith — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:02:53 +0000

The Senate reached an agreement that if the Senate receives H.R.475 from the House of Representatives and the bill is identical to the text of which is at the desk, then the bill be read three times and the Senate proceed to a vote, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader in consultation with the Minority Leader, with no intervening action or debate. H.R.475, a bill to amend the internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include vaccines against seasonal influenza within the definition of taxable vaccines.

Republicans object to S.788, a bill to suspend Sequestration

meredith — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:43:07 +0000

Senator Reid asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass S.788, a bill to suspend the fiscal year 2013 sequestration and offset with funds from the Overseas Contingency Operations. Senator Coburn objected. Senator Coburn then asked consent to take up and pass an Inhofe-Toomey bill, Calendar #19, S.16, a bill to provide for a sequester replacement. Senator Reid objected.

Republicans object to going to conference on Budget resolution

meredith — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:26:32 +0000

Senator Reid asked unanimous consent to request a conference with the House and name conferees on the Budget resolution. Senator Toomey objected on behalf of Senator Sessions.

Senate Floor Schedule for Tuesday, April 23, 2013

meredith — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:00:44 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, April 23, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013. All time during adjournment, morning business and recess will be counted post-cloture on the motion to proceed.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Monday, April 22, 2013

meredith — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:05:51 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013; Invoked: 74-20

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.90, Standing with the people of Kenya following their national and local elections on March 4, 2013, and urging a peaceful and credible resolution of electoral disputes in the courts with a committee-reported amendment to the resolution, a committee-reported amendment to the preamble and a committee-reported amendment to the title.

Discharged the HELP committee of S.437, the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act and referred it to the Banking committee.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Cloture on MTP to Marketplace Fairness invoked–no more votes tonight

meredith — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:07:14 +0000

At 5:55pm, the Senate invoked cloture on the motion to proceed to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act, by a vote of 74-20. By consent, all time during any adjournment, recess, or period of morning business will count post-cloture. There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

Roll Call Vote on cloture on MTP to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act

meredith — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:31:43 +0000

5:30pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act;

Invoked: 74-20

5:30pm cloture vote on MTP to Marketplace Fairness Act

meredith — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:19:40 +0000

As a reminder at 5:30pm today, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act. If cloture is invoked, there would be up to 30 hours for debate prior to adoption of the motion to proceed.

2:50pm Moment of Silence to honor victims of Boston Marathon bombing

meredith — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:18:32 +0000

At 2:50pm today, there will be a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

Schedule for Monday, April 22, 2013

meredith — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:50:17 +0000

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, April 22. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:30pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 5:30pm, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act, and immediately proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed.

Wrap Up for Thursday, April 18, 2013

meredith — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:52:36 +0000

WRAP UP FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) On Barrasso amendment #717. AGREED TO 67-30.

2) On Harkin-Alexander amendment #730. AGREED TO 95-2.

3) On confirmation of Executive Calendar #23 Derrick Kahala Watson- to be United States District Judge for the District of Hawaii. CONFIRMED 94-0.

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.1246, the District of Columbia Chief Financial Officer Vacancy Act

Adopted S.Res.103, a resolution to authorize representation by the Senate Legal Counsel in the case of Steve Schonberg v. Senator Mitch McConnell, et al.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed by voice vote Executive Calendar #22, the nomination of Analisa Torres, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York.

By unanimous consent the Senate confirmed the following nominations and all nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force, Army, Foreign Service, Marine Corps, and Navy:

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

#52 Frederick Vollrath, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense (New Position)

#54 Eric K. Fanning, to be Under Secretary of the Air Force

AIR FORCE

#65 to be Lieutenant General- Lt. Gen. John W. Hesterman, III

#66 to be Brigadier General- Col. Richard M. Murphy

#67 to be Major General- Colonel Dorothy A. Hogg

#68 to be Lieutenant General- Maj. Gen. James M. Holmes

#69 to be Lieutenant General- Maj. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson

#71 to be General- Gen. Philip M. Breedlove

#72 to be Lieutenant General- Maj. Gen. Mark O. Schissler

#73 to be Lieutenant General- Maj. Gen. Robert P. Otto

#74 to be Major General- Brig. Gen. Scott W. Jansson

ARMY

#75 to be Brigadier General- Col. Erik C. Peterson

#76 to be Brigadier General- Col. Brently F. White

#77 to be Brigadier General- Col. Christie L. Nixon

#78 to be Major General-

Brigadier General Jeffrey L. Bannister

Brigadier General Scott D. Berrier

Brigadier General Gwendolyn Bingham

Brigadier General Joseph A. Brendler

Brigadier General Clarence K. K. Chinn

Brigadier General Edward F. Dorman, III

Brigadier General Terry R. Ferrell

Brigadier General George J. Franz, III

Brigadier General Christopher K. Haas

Brigadier General Thomas A. Horlander

Brigadier General Thomas S. James, Jr.

Brigadier General Ole A. Knudson

Brigadier General Jonathan A. Maddux

Brigadier General Theodore D. Martin

Brigadier General Kevin G. O’Connell

Brigadier General Barrye L. Price

Brigadier General James M. Richardson

Brigadier General Martin P. Schweitzer

Brigadier General Richard L. Stevens

Brigadier General Stephen M. Twitty

Brigadier General Peter D. Utley

Brigadier General Gary J. Volesky

Brigadier General Darryl A. Williams

Brigadier General Michael E. Williamson

#79 to be General- Lt. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn

#80 to be Lieutenant General- Lt. Gen. James L. Terry

#81 to be Lieutenant General- Maj. Gen. Perry L. Wiggins

MARINE CORPS

#82 to be Lieutenant General- Lt. Gen. John E. Wissler

#83 to be Lieutenant General- Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey

#84 to be Lieutenant General- Lt. Gen. Steven A. Hummer

#85 to be Lieutenant General- Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck, Jr.

#86 to be Lieutenant General- Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills

NAVY

#87 to be Rear Admiral (lower half)- Capt. Bret J. Muilenburg

#88 to be Rear Admiral (lower half)- Capt. Adrian J. Jansen

Jane Kelly, of Iowa, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit, Agreement

meredith — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:47:11 +0000

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 #60, Jane Kelly, of Iowa, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit.

Cloture filed on MTP to Marketplace Fairness Act

meredith — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:59:53 +0000

Senator Reid moved to proceed to Calendar #14, S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act, and filed cloture on the motion. We expect the cloture vote to occur at 5:30pm Monday, April 22.

There will be no further roll call votes this week.

Roll Call Vote on confirmation of Derrick Kahala Watson (HI district judge)

meredith — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:15:09 +0000

At 2:15pm the Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #23, the nomination of Derrick Kahala Watson, of Hawaii, to be United States District Judge for the District of Hawaii;

Confirmed: 94-0

Torres nomination (Southern NY District judge) confirmed by voice vote

meredith — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:14:58 +0000

The Senate confirmed by voice vote the nomination of Executive Calendar #22, the nomination of Analisa Torres, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York.

Roll Call Vote on Harkin-Alexander amendment #730 (mental health).

meredith — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:48:27 +0000

12:29pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Harkin-Alexander amendment #730 (mental health);

Agreed To: 95-2 (60-vote threshold)

Roll Call Vote on Barrasso amendment #717 (privacy).

meredith — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:02:53 +0000

At 12:02pm the Senate began a roll call vote on Barrasso amendment #717 (privacy);

Agreed To: 67-30 (60-vote threshold)

Senate Floor Schedule for Thursday, April 18, 2013

meredith — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:00:38 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Thursday, April 18, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013 with the time until 12:00pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees for concurrent debate on the Barrasso and Harkin amendments.

At approximately 12:00pm, there will be 2 roll call votes in relation to the following:

- Barrasso amendment #717 (privacy) and

- Harkin-Alexander amendment #730 (mental health)

Both amendments will be subject to a 60 affirmative-vote threshold. No other amendments are in order to any of these amendments. There will be 2 minutes of debate equally divided prior to each vote. Both votes will be 10 minutes in duration.

Following the roll call votes above, the Senate will recess until 2:00pm to allow for caucus meetings.

At 2:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

- Executive Calendar #22 Analisa Torres- to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York and

- Executive Calendar #23 Derrick Kahala Watson- to be United States District Judge for the District of Hawaii

There will be up to 15 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.

At approximately 2:15pm, the Senate will vote on confirmation of the nominations. A roll call vote is expected on confirmation of the Torres nomination and a voice vote is expected on the Watson nomination.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Wednesday, April 17, 2013

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:42:28 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Manchin-Toomey amendment #715 (background checks); Not agreed to: 54-46 (60 affirmative vote threshold)

2) Grassley amendment #725 (substitute); Not Agreed to: 52-48 (60 affirmative vote threshold)

3) Leahy-Collins amendment #713 (trafficking); Not Agreed to: 58-42 (60 affirmative vote threshold)

4) Cornyn amendment #719 (conceal carry); Not Agreed to: 57-43 (60 affirmative vote threshold)

5) Feinstein amendment #711 (assault weapons/clip ban); Not Agreed to: 40-60 (60 affirmative vote threshold)

6) Burr amendment #720 (veterans/guns); Not Agreed to: 56-44 (60 affirmative vote threshold)

7) Lautenberg-Blumenthal amendment #714 (high capacity clip ban); Not Agreed to:46-54 (60 affirmative vote threshold)

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.101, condemning the horrific attacks in Boston, Massachusetts, and expressing support, sympathy, and prayers for those impacted by this tragedy.

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Con.Res.5, expressing the sense of Congress that John Arthur “Jack” Johnson should receive a posthumous pardon for the racially motivated conviction in 1913 that diminished the athletic, cultural and historic significance of Jack Johnson and unduly tarnished his reputation.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act. (Enzi)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Last vote of the day, 2 roll call votes at noon tomorrow, 1 roll call vote at 2:15 (judge vote)

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:30:10 +0000

The Lautenberg-Blumenthal amendment was not agreed to 46-54. There will be no further roll call votes today.

At 12:00 noon tomorrow, there will be 2 roll call votes in relation to the Barrasso and Harkin amendments.

- Barrasso amendment #717 (privacy) and

- Harkin-Alexander amendment #730 (mental health).

Senator Reid intends to execute the previous orders to consider the Torres and Watson nominations tomorrow. At 2:00pm, there will be 15 minutes for debate equally divided in the usual form prior to votes on the nominations.

At 2:15pm, there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #22, the nomination of Analisa Torres, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York. We expect a voice vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #23, the nomination of Derrick Kahala Watson, of Hawaii, to be United States District Judge for the District of Hawaii.

Roll Call Vote on the Lautenberg-Blumenthal amendment

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:04:44 +0000

6:04pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Lautenberg-Blumenthal amendment #714 (high capacity clip ban)

Not Agreed to: 46-54

Roll Call Vote on the Burr amendment #720

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:42:56 +0000

5:42pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Burr amendment #720 (veterans/guns)

Not Agreed to: 56-44

Roll Call Vote on Feinstein amendment #711 (assault weapons ban)

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:23:50 +0000

5:23pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Feinstein amendment #711 (assault weapons ban/clips ban)

Not Agreed to: 40-60

Roll Call Vote on Cornyn amendment #719 (conceal carry).

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:06:22 +0000

5:06pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Cornyn amendment #719 (conceal carry);

Not Agreed To: 57-42 (60-vote threshold)

Roll Call Vote on Leahy-Collins amendment #713 (trafficking)

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:48:49 +0000

4:47pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Leahy-Collins amendment #713 (trafficking);

Not Agreed To: 58-42 (60-vote threshold)

Roll Call Vote on the Grassley amendment #725

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:31:34 +0000

4:30pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Grassley amendment #725 (substitute)

Not Agreed To: 52-48 (60-vote threshold)

Roll Call Vote on the Manchin-Toomey amendment #715

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:09:45 +0000

4:04pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Manchin-Toomey amendment #715 (background checks) (60-vote threshold);

Not Agreed To: 54-46

Senator Reid changed his vote to no and entered a motion to reconsider

Senate adopts resolution condemning attacks on Boston Marathon

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:50:07 +0000

The Senate adopted S.Res.101, a resolution condemning the horrific attacks in Boston, Massachusetts, and expressing support, sympathy, and prayers for those impacted by this tragedy.

Senate Floor Schedule for Wednesday, April 17, 2013

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:00:12 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Wednesday, April 17, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013 and the time until 4:00pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees for concurrent debate on amendments to the bill.
At approximately 4:00pm, there will be a series of up to 9 roll call votes in the order listed below. All amendments will be subject to a 60 affirmative-vote threshold. No other amendments are in order to any of these amendments. There will be 2 minutes of debate equally divided prior to each vote. All votes after the first vote will be 10 minutes in duration.
- Manchin-Toomey amendment #715
- Grassley substitute amendment consistent with the summary which is at the desk;
- Leahy-Collins amendment #713 (trafficking);
- Cornyn amendment #719 (conceal carry);
- Feinstein amendment #711 (assault weapons/clip bans);
- Burr amendment #720 (veterans/guns);
- Lautenberg-Blumenthal amendment #714 (high capacity clip ban)
- Barrasso amendment #717 (privacy) and
- Harkin-Alexander amendment relative to mental health, the text of which is at the desk.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Tuesday, April 16, 2013

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:08:45 +0000

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.98, Honoring the life, legacy, and example of British Prime Minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher.

Adopted S.Res.99, 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.100, Commending the University of Louisville men’s basketball team for winning the NCAA championship and the women’s basketball team for being the runner up.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act. (Enzi)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.729, the Disarm Criminals and Protect Communities Act. (Cruz)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.730, the Firearm Straw Purchasing and Trafficking Prevention Act. (Cruz)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Senate reconvened; immigration bill introduced

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:08:32 +0000

The Senate has reconvened. S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act was introduced.

Senate in recess subject to the call of the Chair

meredith — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:17:46 +0000

The Senate is in recess subject to the call of the Chair. When the Senate reconvenes, another message will be sent.

Agreement on next amendments to S.649, gun safety legislation; 9 RCV @ 4:00pm

meredith — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 23:46:36 +0000

The Senate has reached an agreement for 8 additional amendments to be in order S.649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013. The Manchin-Toomey amendment #715 (background checks) is currently pending to the bill. The agreement results in a series of up to 9 roll call votes at approximately 4:00pm on Wednesday, April 17^th. The details of the agreement are below.

It is in order for the Manchin-Toomey amendment #715 to be set aside and the following amendments to be called up:

- Grassley substitute amendment consistent with the summary which is at the desk;

- Leahy-Collins amendment #713 (trafficking);

- Cornyn amendment #719 (conceal carry);

- Feinstein amendment #711 (assault weapons/clip bans);

- Burr amendment #720 (veterans/guns);

- Lautenberg-Blumenthal amendment #714 (high capacity clip ban)

- Barrasso amendment #717 (privacy) and

- Harkin-Alexander amendment relative to mental health, the text of which is at the desk.

Following Leader remarks on Wednesday, April 17^th, the time until 4:00pm will be equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, to debate the amendments concurrently.

At approximately 4:00pm, the Senate will proceed to a series of up to 9 roll call votes in the order listed below. All amendments will be subject to a 60 affirmative-vote threshold. No other amendments or motions to commit are in order to any of these amendments or to the bill prior to these votes. There will be 2 minutes of debate equally divided prior to each vote. All votes after the first vote will be 10 minutes in duration.

- Manchin-Toomey amendment #715

- Grassley substitute amendment consistent with the summary which is at the desk;

- Leahy-Collins amendment #713 (trafficking);

- Cornyn amendment #719 (conceal carry);

- Feinstein amendment #711 (assault weapons/clip bans);

- Burr amendment #720 (veterans/guns);

- Lautenberg-Blumenthal amendment #714 (high capacity clip ban)

- Barrasso amendment #717 (privacy) and

- Harkin-Alexander amendment relative to mental health, the text of which is at the desk.

Senate reconvened

meredith — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 23:04:40 +0000

The Senate has reconvened.

We hope to reach an agreement on amendments to S.649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013 this evening.

We expect votes in relation to those amendments to occur sometime tomorrow. When an agreement is reached, another message will be sent.

Recess subject to the call of the Chair at 6pm

meredith — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:27:49 +0000

The time until 6:00pm will be for debate only on S.649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013. At 6:00pm, the Senate will recess subject to the call of the Chair to allow for a Senators-only briefing.

When the Senate reconvenes, the Majority Leader will be recognized and another message will be sent.

Debate only on gun safety bill until 5:30pm

meredith — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:32:35 +0000

The period for debate only has been extended until 5:30pm and Senator Reid will be recognized at that time. We are still working on an agreement to consider the first amendments to S.649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013. However, no agreement has been reached yet.

Debate only on gun safety until 3:30pm

meredith — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:26:47 +0000

The period for debate only on S.649, Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013, has been extended until 3:30pm today. Senator Reid will then be recognized. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings. The Republicans need to have their caucus to discuss if an agreement on amendments to the gun safety bill can be reached.

Senate Floor Schedule for Tuesday, April 16, 2013

meredith — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:00:04 +0000

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, April 16, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be a period of 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.649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013 with the time until the recess for the caucus meetings for debate only.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

Senate Floor Wrap Up for Monday, April 15, 2013

meredith — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 22:22:04 +0000

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #21, the nomination of Beverly Reid O’Connell, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California; Confirmed: 92-0

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Began the Rule 14 process of S.729, the Disarm Criminals and Protect Communities Act. (Cruz)

Began the Rule 14 process of S.730, the Firearm Straw Purchasing and Trafficking Prevention Act. (Cruz)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS