Today's Senate Floor Log
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SENATE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
The Senate was not in session on Friday, March 30, 2012; however, after the Senate adjourned on Thursday, March 29th, the House adopted S. Con. Res. 38 (Adjournment Resolution). Therefore, the Senate will not convene for Pro Forma sessions as previously mentioned.
The Senate will stand in adjournment until 2:00 PM on Monday, April 16, 2012, and will resume consideration of the Motion to Proceed to S. 2230 (Reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers). At 4:30 PM, the Senate will proceed to an Executive Session to consider Cal. #460 (Stephanie Thacker to be US Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit). At approximately 5:30 PM, the Senate will proceed to vote on the Thacker nomination. Upon disposition of the vote, the Senate will then proceed to a Legislative Session and proceed to vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S. 2230 (To reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers).
THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012
The Senate will convene at 9:30 AM and will immediately resume consideration of the Motion to Proceed to S. 2230 (Reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers). At 11:30 AM, the Senate will vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on S. 2204 (Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act).
The Senate convened and proceeded to a Legislative Session.
Motion to Proceed to S. 2230 (Reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers).
S. 2204 (Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act). Motion to Invoke Cloture. Yeas and nays ordered. The Cloture Motion was not agreed to by a vote of 51-47.
H.R. 4281 (Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012). The bill was read for a third time. The bill passed by Voice Vote.
Reid Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S. 2230 (To reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers).
The Senate proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
The Senate proceeded to an Executive Session.
The following nominations were considered en bloc:
Cal. #344 (Martin Gruenberg to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation).
Cal. #346 (Thomas Curry to be Comptroller of the Currency, Dept. of Treasury).
Cal. #422 (Michael Hammer to be Asst. Sec. of State).
Cal. #493 (Charles McConnell to be Asst. Sec. of Energy).
Cal. #494 (David Danielson to be Asst. Sec. of Energy).
Cal. #495 (LaDoris Harris to be Director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact).
Cal. #496 (Gregory Woods to be General Counsel of the Dept. of Energy).
Cal. #499 (James Hannah to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute).
Cal. #500 (Daniel Becker to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute).
Cal. #504 (Roberta Jacobson to be an Asst. Sec. of State).
Cal. #505 (Elizabeth Cousens to be Representative of the US on the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations).
Cal. #506 (Elizabeth Cousens to be an Alternate Representative of the US to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations).
Cal. #507 (Michael Horowitz to be Inspector General).
Cal. #511 (Rebecca Blank to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce).
Cal. #514 (Jon Leibowitz to be a Federal Trade Commissioner).
Cal. #515 (Maureen Ohlausen to be a Federal Trade Commissioner).
Cal. #516 (Kathryn Keneally to be an Asst. Attorney General).
Cal. #517 (Maurice Jones to be Deputy Sec. of Housing and Urban Development).
Cal. #520 (Thomas Hoenig to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation).
Cal. #521 (Deepa Gupta to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts).
Cal. #522 (Christopher Merrill to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities).
Cal. #523 (Stephanie Orlando to be a Member of the National Council on Disability).
Cal. #524 (Stephanie Orlando to be a Member of the National Council on Disability).
Cal. #525 (Gary Blumenthal to be a Member of the National Council on Disability).
Cal. #526 (Wendy Spencer to be Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service).
Cal. #541 (Mary John Miler to be an Under Sect. of the Treasury).
Cal. #543 (Kathleen Kerrigan to be a judge of the US Tax Court).
Cal. #544 (Alastair Fitzpayne to be a Deputy Under Secretary of the Treasury).
Cal. #546 (Margaret Sherry to be Chief Financial Officer, Dept. of Homeland Security).
Cal. #547 (Eduardo Arriola to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation).
Cal. #548 (J. Kelly Ryan to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation).
Cal. #549 (Michael Warren to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation).
Cal. #550 (David McMillan to be a Member of the Advisory Board of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation).
Cal. #551 (Wenona Singel to be a Member of the Advisory Board of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation).
Cal. #553 (Anuj Desai to be a Member of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission).
Cal. #554 (Anuj Desai to be a Member of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission).
Cal. #555 (Dennis Erby to be US Marshal for the Northern District of Mississippi).
Cal. #556 (Earl Gast to be an Asst. Administrator of the US Agency for International Development).
Cal. #557 (Anne Richard to be an Asst. Sec. of State).
Cal. #558 (Tara Sonenshine to be Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy).
Cal. #559 (Robert Whitehead to be Ambassador of the US to be Togolese Republic).
Cal. #560 (Larry Palmer to be Ambassador of the US to Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of the Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)
Cal. #561 (Jonathan Farrar to be Ambassador of the US to the Republic of Panama).
Cal. #562 (Phyllis Powers to be Ambassador of the US to Republic of Nicaragua).
Cal. #563 (Nancy Powell to be Ambassador of the US to India).
Cal. #564 (Bruce Sherrick to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation).
Cal. #565 (Chester Culver to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Agriculture Mortgage Corporation).
Cal. #608 (Catherine Allgor to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation).
Cal. #614 (Thomas Harrigan to be Deputy Administrator of Drug Enforcement).
Cal. #629 (Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley to be Ambassador of the US to the Republic of Malta).
Cal. #630 (Julissa Reynoso to be Ambassador of the US to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay).
Cal. #631 (William Todd to be Ambassador of the US to the Kingdom of Cambodia).
Cal. #632 (Jacob Walles to be Ambassador of the US to the Tunisian Republic).
Cal. #633 (Pamela White to be Ambassador of the US to the Republic of Haiti).
Cal. #634 (John Stevens to be Ambassador of the US to Libya).
Cal. #635 (Tracey Jacobson to be Ambassador of the US to the Republic of Kosovo).
Cal. #636 (Kenneth Merten to be Ambassador of the US to the Republic of Croatia).
Cal. #637 (Mark Pekala to be Ambassador of the US to the Republic of Latvia).
Cal. #638 (Richard Norland to be Ambassador of the US to Georgia).
Cal. #639 (Jeffrey Levine to be Ambassador of the US to the Republic of Estonia).
Cal. #641 (Frederick Barton to be an Asst. Sec. of State).
Cal. #642 (Frederick Barton to be Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization).
Cal. #643 (Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be Director General of the Foreign Service).
Cal. #648 (Jeremiah Norton to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation).
Cal. #649 (Gregory Davis to be US Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi).
All the nominations placed on the Secretary’s Desk.
Confirmed, en bloc, by Unanimous Consent.
The following nominations were considered en bloc:
PN 1134 (Coast Guard Vice Admiral John Currier to be Vice Commandant).
PN 1135 (Coast Guard Rear Admiral Paul Zukunft to be Vice Admiral).
PN 1136 (Coast Guard Vice Admiral Manson Brown to be Deputy Commandant for Mission Support).
PN 1137 (Coast Guard Rear Admiral Peter Neffenger to be Vice Admiral).
PN1312 (3 Coast Guard officers to be Captain).
Confirmed, en bloc, by Unanimous Consent.
The following nominations were considered en bloc:
Cal. #258 (Phyllis Segal to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service).
Cal. #259 (Lisa Quiroz to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service).
Cal. #262 (Marguerite Kondracke to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service).
Cal. #264 (Richard Christman to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service).
Confirmed, en bloc, by Unanimous Consent.
PN 1311 (Christine Romero). Confirmed by Unanimous Consent.
The Senate resumed a Legislative Session.
S. Con. Res. 38 (Adjournment Resolution). Agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
H.R. 2297 (Promotes the development of the SW Waterfront of the District of Columbia). Lieberman amendment agreed to by Unanimous Consent. The bill is agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
S. Res. 80 (Condemning the government of Iran for its state sponsored persecution of its Baha’l minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights). Paul amendment agreed to by Unanimous Consent. The resolution is agreed to by Voice Vote.
S. Res. 356 (Expressing support for the people of Tibet). Agreed to by Voice Vote.
S. Res. 391 (Condemning violence by the government of Syria). Agreed to by Voice Vote.
S. Res. 395 (Expressing the sense of the Senate in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the NATO summit to be held in Chicago, IL). Agreed to by Voice Vote.
S. Res. 397 (Promoting the peace and stability in Sudan). Committee substitute amendment is agreed to by Unanimous Consent. The resolution is agreed to Voice Vote.
The following resolutions were considered en bloc:
S. Res. 414 (Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke).
S. Res. 415 (National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Day).
S. Res. 416 (Parkinson’s Awareness Month).
Agreed to, en bloc, by Unanimous Consent.
H.R. 5 (Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare Act of 2011). The bill is read for the first time. Further reading is objected to and the bill is placed on the calendar.
The Senate will convene for a Pro Forma session on the following dates unless the Senate receives a Message from the House that it has adopted S. Con. Res. 38 (Adjournment Resolution):
Monday, April 2nd at 2:00 PM
Thursday, April 5th at 11:00 AM
Monday, April 9th at 10:00 AM
Thursday, April 12th at 2:00 PM
If the Senate receives a Message from the House that is has adopted S. Con. Res. 38 (Adjournment Resolution), the Senate will stand in adjournment until 2:00 PM on Monday, April 16, 2012, and will resume consideration of the Motion to Proceed to S. 2230 (Reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers). At 4:30 PM, the Senate will proceed to an Executive Session to consider Cal. #460 (Stephanie Thacker to be US Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit). At approximately 5:30 PM, the Senate will proceed to vote on the Thacker nomination. Upon disposition of the vote, the Senate will then proceed to a Legislative Session and proceed to vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S. 2230 (To reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers).
The Senate adjourned at 6:26 PM.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2012
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 and will resume consideration of the Motion to Proceed to S. 2230 (Reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers). At 5:00 PM, the Senate will proceed to an Executive Session to consider Cal. #464 (Miranda Du to be US District Judge for the District of Nevada) and Cal. #497 (Susie Morgan to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana). There will be 60 minutes of debate followed by two votes on the nominations at approximately 6:00 PM.
The Senate convened and proceeded to a Legislative Session.
The following bills were considered en bloc:
H.R. 2682 (Provide end user exemptions for certain provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act). The first reading of the bill was agreed to. The second reading of the bill was objected to.
H.R. 2779 (Exempt inter-affiliate swaps from certain regulatory requirements put in place by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act). The first reading of the bill was agreed to. The second reading of the bill was objected to.
H.R. 4014 (Amend the Federal Deposit Insurance Act with Respect to information provided to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection).
The bills were read for a second time, en bloc. Further readings were objected to and the bills were placed on the calendar.
Motion to Proceed to S. 2230 (Reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers).
Two nomination votes will now take place beginning at 5:30 PM.
Hoeven made a parliamentary inquiry that when the Senate resumes consideration of S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation), that it be in order for him to offer a Substitute amendment on the Keystone XL Pipeline. The Chair instructed Hoeven that it would take a unanimous consent request to offer the amendment because there is not an available amendment slot at this time.
Murkowski made a parliamentary inquiry that when the Senate resumes consideration of S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation), that it be in order for her to offer a Substitute amendment number 1976. The Chair instructed Murkowski that it would take a unanimous consent request to offer the amendment because there is not an available amendment slot at this time.
Vitter asked unanimous consent that when the Senate resumes consideration of S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation), that it be in order for him to offer a Substitute amendment numbered 1965. Durbin objected.
McCain asked unanimous consent that when the Senate resumes consideration of S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation), that it be in order for him to offer an amendment numbered 1965 (to waiver the Jones Act restrictions for oil and gasoline tankers for a period of six months).Durbin objected.
Barrasso asked unanimous consent that when the Senate resumes consideration of S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation), that it be in order for him to offer amendments numbered 1956 (Accelerate permitting of oil and gas exploration on Federal public lands) and 1957 (to establish standards for the adoption of existing environmental documents). Durbin objected.
The Senate proceeded to an Executive Session to consider the following nominations:
Cal. #464 (Miranda Du to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Nevada). Yeas and nays ordered. The nomination was confirmed by a vote of 59-39.
Cal. #497 (Susie Morgan to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana). The nomination was confirmed by a vote of 96-1.
The Senate resumed a Legislative Session.
S. Res. 408 (Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
S. Res. 409 (Financial Literacy Month). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
The Senate will convene at 9:30 AM on Thursday, March 29, 2012 and will immediately resume consideration of the Motion to Proceed to S. 2230 (Reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers). At 11:30 AM, the Senate will vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on S. 2204 (Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act).
The Senate adjourned at 7:07 PM.
TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM and will be in a period of Morning Business for one hour. The Senate will then resume consideration of the Motion to Proceed to S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation). At 12:30 PM, the Senate will recess subject to the call of the chair to accommodate for weekly party caucus luncheons and the Official Photograph of Congress.
The Senate convened and proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
S. 2237 (Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act). The bill was read for a second time. Further reading was objected to and the bill was placed on the calendar.
The Senate proceeded to a Legislative Session.
Motion to Proceed to S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation).
The Senate is in recess subject to the call of the chair.
The Senate reconvened at 2:44 PM and resumed a Legislative Session.
Motion to Proceed to S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation). Under a previous Unanimous Consent request, the Motion to Proceed is agreed to.
Motion to Proceed to S. 1789 (21st Century Postal Service Act). Motion to Invoke Cloture. Yeas and nays ordered. The Motion to Invoke Cloture was not agreed to by a vote of 51-46.
S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation).
Reid amend #1968 (Of a perfecting nature). Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid 2nd degree amend #1969 (Of a perfecting nature) to Reid amend #1968 (Of a perfecting nature).
Motion to commit the bill to the Committee on Finance with Instructions and an amend #1970 (Of a perfecting nature). Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid amend #1971 (Of a perfecting nature) to the Instructions to the Motion to Commit the Bill to the Committee on Finance. Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid 2nd degree amend #1972 (Of a perfecting nature) to Reid amend #1971 (of a perfecting nature).
Sen. Reid filed a Motion to Invoke Cloture on the S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation). All actions and amendments were laid aside. If all debate time is used on the Cloture Motion, the vote will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday, March 29, 2012.
Motion to Proceed to S. 2230 (Reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers).
Sen. DeMint Motion to Proceed to the consideration of S 2191 (Amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to prohibit the Attorney General from Administering or enforcing certain accessibility regulations relating to pools at public accommodations or provided by public entities) was objected to by Sen. Harkin.
H. R. 1905 (Iran Threat Reduction Act). Sen. Reid Motion to proceed to Substitute Amendment (Language of S. 2201,Iran Sanctions Accountability and Human Rights Act) and agree to the amendment and pass the bill, as amended, by unanimous consent was objected to by Sen. Paul.
Motion to Proceed to S. 2230 (Reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers).
S. Res. 407 (Expressing the Sense of the Senate that executives of the bankrupt firm, M. M. Global should not be rewarded with bonuses while customer money is still missing). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
The following were considered en bloc:
H. R. 2682 (Provide end user exemptions for certain provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act). The first reading of the bill was agreed to. The second reading of the bill was objected to.
H. R. 2779 (Exempt inter-affiliate swaps from certain regulatory requirements put in place by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act). The first reading of the bill was agreed to. The second reading of the bill was objected to.
H. R. 4014 (Amend the Federal Deposit Insurance Act with Respect to information provided to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection). The first reading of the bill was agreed to. The second reading of the bill was objected to.
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 and will resume consideration of the Motion to Proceed to S. 2230 (Reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers). At 5:00 PM, the Senate will proceed to an Executive Session to consider Cal. #464 (Miranda Du to be US District Judge for the District of Nevada) and Cal. #497 (Susie Morgan to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana). There will be 60 minutes of debate followed by two votes on the nominations at approximately 6:00 PM.
The Senate adjourned at 8:03 PM.
MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2012
The Senate will convene at 2:00 PM and will be a period of Morning Business until 4:30 PM. The Senate will resume consideration of the Motion to Proceed to S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation). At 5:30 PM, the Senate will proceed to a vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S. 2204. If cloture is not invoked, the Senate will proceed to a vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S. 1789 (21st Century Postal Service Act).
The Senate convened and proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
H.R. 5 (Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011).
S. 2230 (A bill to reduce the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers).
S. 2231 (A bill to amend the Federal Credit Union Act, to advance the ability of credit unions to promote small business growth and economic development opportunities).
The bills were read, en bloc, for a second time. Further readings were objected to and the bills were placed on the calendar.
The Senate proceeded to a Legislative Session.
Motion to Proceed to S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation). Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed. Yeas and nays ordered. The Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed is agreed to by a vote of 92-4.
The Senate proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
S. 2237 (Provides for a temporary income tax credit for increased payroll and extend bonus depreciation for an additional calendar year). The bill was read for the first time. A second reading was objected to and the bill will be read for a second time on the next calendar day.
The Senate proceeded to an Executive Session.
The following nominations were considered en bloc:
Cal. #615 (Col. Peter Masciola to be Brig. General in the Air Force National Guard).
Cal. #616 (Brig. Gen. Mark Ediger to be Major General in the US Air Force).
Cal. #617 (Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger to be General in the US Air Force).
Cal. #618 (5 Cols. to be Brig. Generals in the Air National Guard).
Cal. #619 (5 Brig. Generals to be Major Generals in the Air National Guard).
Cal. #620 (25 Brig. Generals to be Major Generals in the US Air Force).
Cal. #621 (23 Cols. to be Brig. Generals in the Air National Guard).
Cal. #622 (Lt. General Clyde Moore II to be Lt. General in the US Air Force).
Cal. #623 (Col. Douglas Delozier to be Brig. General in the Air National Guard).
Cal. #625 (Brig. General Michael Garrett to be Major General in the US Army).
Cal. #626 (28 Brig. Generals to be Major Generals in the US Army).
Cal. #627 (Brig. General Craig Bugno to be Major General in the Army Reserve).
Cal. #628 (Major General David Halverson to be Lt. General in the US Army).
All nominations at the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy.
Confirmed, en bloc, by Unanimous Consent.
The Senate proceeded to a Legislative Session.
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 and will be in a period of Morning Business for one hour. The Senate will then resume consideration of the Motion to Proceed to S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation). At 12:30 PM, the Senate will recess subject to the call of the chair to accommodate for weekly party caucus luncheons and the Official Photograph of Congress.
The Senate adjourned at 6:44 PM.
THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012
The Senate will convene at 9:30 AM and will be in a period of Morning Business for one hour. The Senate will then resume consideration of H.R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). At 12:30 PM, the Senate will proceed to vote on the following: Reed 2nd degree amend #1931 (To improve the bill) to Merkley amend #1884 (To amend the securities laws to provide for registration exemptions for certain crowdfunded securities), Merkley amend #1884 (To amend the securities laws to provide for registration exemptions for certain crowdfunded securities), and final passage of H.R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). Following the disposition of H.R. 3606, the Senate will then proceed to the House Message to Accompany S. 2038 (STOCK Act) and vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Concur in the in the House Amendment to S. 2038 (STOCK Act). If cloture is invoked, all postcloture time will be yielded back, the amendment will be withdrawn and the Motion to Concur will be agreed to.
The Senate will then proceed to an Executive Session to consider the following nominations:
Cal. #441 (David Nuffer to be US District Judge for the District of Utah).
Cal. #462 (Ronnie Abrams to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York).
Cal. #463 (Rudolph Contreras to be US District Judge for the District of Columbia).
There will be two minutes of debate prior to votes on the above nominations.
The Senate convened and proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
The Senate proceeded to a Legislative Session.
H.R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011).
Reed 2nd degree amend #1931 (To improve the bill) to Merkley amend #1884 (To amend the securities laws to provide for registration exemptions for certain crowdfunded securities). The amendment is not agreed to by Voice Vote.
Merkley amend #1884 (To amend the securities laws to provide for registration exemptions for certain crowdfunded securities). Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment is agreed to by a vote of 64-35.
H.R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011), as amended. The bill is read for the third time. Final Passage. Yeas and nays ordered. The bill is passed by a vote of 73-26.
Motion to Concur in the in the House Amendment to S. 2038 (STOCK Act). Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Concur. Yeas and nays ordered. The Motion to Invoke Cloture is agreed to by a vote of 96-3. By a previous order, all post-cloture time is yielded back, the amendment #1940 is withdrawn and the Motion to Concur is agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
The Senate proceeded to an Executive Session.
Cal. #441 (David Nuffer to be US District Judge for the District of Utah). Yeas and nays ordered. The nomination is confirmed by a vote of 96-2.
Cal. #462 (Ronnie Abrams to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York). Yeas and nays ordered. The nomination is confirmed by a vote of 96-2.
Cal. #463 (Rudolph Contreras to be US District Judge for the District of Columbia). The nomination is confirmed by Voice Vote.
The Senate proceeded to a Legislative Session.
Motion to Proceed to S. 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation). Reid Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed.
Motion to Proceed to S. 1789 (21st Century Postal Service Act). Reid Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed.
The Senate proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
The Senate proceeded to an Executive Session.
PN #1376 (A list of 201 nominees in the Public Health Service). Confirmed by unanimous consent.
Cal. #226 (Cynthia A. Covell to be Rear Admiral in the Navy). Confirmed by unanimous consent.
The Senate resumed a Legislative Session.
H. Con. Res. 108 (Permitting the use of the US Capitol Rotunda for the use of the Days of Remembrance for the Victims of the Holocaust Commemoration). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
S. Res. 404 (Recognizing the life and work of war correspondent Colvin and other courageous correspondents in war zones). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
S. Res. 405 (Authorizing the taking of a photograph in the Chamber of the US Senate). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
The following were considered En Bloc:
H. R. 5 (Improve patient Access to Health Care Services). The bill was read for the first time. Further consideration was objected to.
S. 2230 (Address the deficit by imposing a minimum effective tax rate for high-income taxpayers). The bill was read for the first time. Further consideration was objected to.
S. 2231 (Amend the Federal Credit Union Act). The bill was read for the first time. Further consideration was objected to.
The Senate will convene at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 26, 2012. There will be a period of Morning Business until 4:30 PM. The Senate will resume consideration of the Motion to Proceed to S 2204 (To eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation). At 5:30 PM, the Senate will proceed to a vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S. 2204. If cloture is not invoked, the Senate will proceed to a vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S 1789 (21st Century Postal Service Act).
The Senate adjourned at 6:30 PM.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2012
The Senate will convene at 9:30 AM and will be in a period of Morning Business for one hour. At 10:30 AM, the Senate will resume consideration of H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). Currently there are no votes scheduled for Wednesday’s session of the Senate. The Senate will proceed to a period of Morning Business from 2:30 to 3:00 PM to recognize Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) as the longest serving woman in the history of Congress.
The Senate convened and proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
The Senate proceeded to a Legislative Session.
H.R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). Motion to Invoke Cloture. Yeas and nays ordered. The Motion to Invoke Cloture is agreed to by a vote of 76-22.
Reid germaneness Point of Order Cantwell amend #1836 (Reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States). The Point of Order is well taken and the amendment falls.
Reid germaneness Point of Order on Reed amend #1833 (Substitute amendment). The Point of Order is well taken and the amendment falls.
Merkley amend #1884 (To amend the securities laws to provide for registration exemptions for certain crowdfunded securities). Yeas and nays ordered.
Reed 2nd degree amend #1931 (To improve the bill) to Merkley amend #1884 (To amend the securities laws to provide for registration exemptions for certain crowdfunded securities).
Reid announced there will be no further votes during today’s session of the Senate.
The Senate proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
S. Res. 403 (Authorizes testimony, document production and legal representation in the United States vs. Richard F. Dickey Scruggs). Agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
The Senate will convene at 9:30 AM on Thursday, March 22, 2012 and will be in a period of Morning Business for one hour. The Senate will then resume consideration of H.R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). At 12:30 PM, the Senate will proceed to vote on the following: Reed 2nd degree amend #1931 (To improve the bill) to Merkley amend #1884 (To amend the securities laws to provide for registration exemptions for certain crowdfunded securities), Merkley amend #1884 (To amend the securities laws to provide for registration exemptions for certain crowdfunded securities), and final passage of H.R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). Following the disposition of H.R. 3606, the Senate will then proceed to the House Message to Accompany S. 2038 (STOCK Act) and vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Concur in the in the House Amendment to S. 2038 (STOCK Act). If cloture is invoked, all postcloture time will be yielded back, the amendment will be withdrawn and the Motion to Concur will be agreed to.
The Senate will then proceed to an Executive Session to consider the following nominations:
Cal. #441 (David Nuffer to be US District Judge for the District of Utah).
Cal. #462 (Ronnie Abrams to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York).
Cal. #463 (Rudolph Contreras to be US District Judge for the District of Columbia).
There will be two minutes of debate prior to votes on the above nominations.
The Senate adjourned at 7:10 PM.
TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2012
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM and will be in a period of Morning Business for one hour. The Senate will then resume consideration of H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). The Senate will recess from 12:30 to 2:15 PM for Party Caucuses. At 2:15 PM, the Senate will then resume consideration of H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). At approximately 4:00 PM, the Senate will proceed with up to three roll call votes. The first vote will be on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on Reed amend #1833 (In the Nature of a substitute). If Cloture is not invoked, the Senate will proceed to a vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Cantwell amend #1836 (Reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States). If cloture is not invoked, the Senate will proceed to a vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011).
The Senate convened and proceeded with a period of Morning Business.
Sen. Reid announced the three roll call votes scheduled for 11:30 AM will occur at 4:00 PM today.
The Senate proceeded with a Legislative Session.
S. 2204 (Eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation). The second reading of the bill was agreed to. Further consideration was objected to.
H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011).
The Senate recessed from 12:30-2:15 PM for weekly party caucus luncheons.
The Senate convened at 2:15 PM and resumed a Legislative Session.
H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011).
House Message to Accompany S. 2038 (STOCK Act).
Reid filed cloture on the Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 2038 (STOCK Act). Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 2038 (STOCK Act) with Reid amend #1940. Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid 2nd degree amend #1941 to Reid amend #1940. Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid Motion to Refer the House Message to accompany S. 2038 (STOCK Act) to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs with Reid amend #1942. Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid amend #1943 to the Instructions with the Motion to Refer the House Message to accompany S. 2038 (STOCK Act). Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid 2nd degree amend #1944 to Reid amend #1943. Yeas and nays ordered.
H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011).
Motion to Invoke Cloture on Reed amend #1833 (In the Nature of a substitute). Yeas and nays ordered. The Motion to Invoke Cloture was not agreed to by a vote of 55-44.
Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Cantwell amend #1836 (Reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States). Yeas and nays ordered. The Motion to Invoke Cloture was not agreed to by a vote of 55-44.
The third vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011) was postponed.
The Senate will convene at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 and will be in a period of Morning Business for one hour. At 10:30 AM, the Senate will resume consideration of H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). Currently there are no votes scheduled for Wednesday’s session of the Senate. The Senate will proceed to a period of Morning Business from 2:30 to 3:00 PM to recognize Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) as the longest serving woman in the history of Congress.
The Senate adjourned at 5:21 PM.
MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2012
The Senate will convene at 2:00 PM and will be in a period of Morning Business until 4:30 PM. The Senate will then resume consideration of H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). There will be no votes during Monday’s session of the Senate. The next vote is scheduled to occur Tuesday, March 20, 2012 before the party caucus lunches.
The Senate convened and proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
The Senate proceeded to a Legislative Session.
H.R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011).
S. 2204 (Eliminate unnecessary tax subsidies and promote renewable energy and energy conservation). The first reading of the bill was agreed to. Further consideration was objected to.
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. There will be a period of Morning Business for one hour. The Senate will then resume consideration of H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). At approximately 11:30 AM, the Senate will proceed with up to three roll call votes. The first vote will be on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on Reed amend #1833 (In the Nature of a substitute). If Cloture is not invoked, the Senate will proceed to a vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Cantwell amend #1836 (Reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States). If cloture is not invoked, the Senate will proceed to a vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). The Senate will recess from 12:30 to 2:15 for Party Caucuses. There will be up to three roll call votes beginning at 11:30 AM on Tuesday.
The Senate adjourned at 6:45 PM.
THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012
The Senate will convene at 9:30 AM and will proceed with 90 minutes of Morning Business. The Senate will then proceed to the consideration of H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). At 1:45 PM, the Senate will proceed to an Executive Session to consider the nominations of Cal. #408 (Gina Marie Groh to be US District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia) and Cal. #461 (Michael Walter Fitzgerald to be US District Judge for the Central District of California). There will be two votes on the nominations beginning at 2:00 PM.
The Senate convened and proceeded with a period of Morning Business.
S. 2191 (Amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990). The second reading of the bill was agreed to. Further consideration of the bill was objected to.
H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011).
Reed amend #1833 (In nature of a substitute). Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid amend #1834 (Of a perfecting nature) to Reed amend #1833 (In nature of a substitute). Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid 2nd degree amend #1835 to Reid amend #1834 (Of a perfecting nature). Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid filed cloture on Reed amend #1833 (In nature of a substitute). Yeas and nays ordered.
Cantwell amend #1836 (To re-authorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States) to Reed amend #1833 (In nature of a substitute). Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid 2nd degree amend #1837 (perfecting amend) to Cantwell amend #1836 (language proposed to be stricken by the substitute amendment). Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid filed cloture on Cantwell amend #1836 (To re-authorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States) to Reed amend #1833 (In nature of a substitute). Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid Motion to Recommit the bill with Instructions with an amend #1838. Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid amend #1839 (perfecting amendment) to the Instructions of Reid amend #1838 to the Motion to Recommit H.R. 3606. Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid 2nd degree amend #1840 (perfecting amendment) to Reid amend #1839. Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid filed cloture on H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). Yeas and nays ordered.
On Tuesday, March 20th, 2012, at a time to be determined, the Senate will proceed to vote on the following:
Motion to Invoke Cloture on Reed amend #1833 (In nature of a substitute). Upon disposition of the amendment the Senate will proceed to vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on Cantwell amend #1836 (To re-authorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States). Upon disposition of the amendment the Senate will vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011).
The Senate proceeded to an Executive Session.
Cal. #408 (Gina Marie Groh to be US District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia). Yeas and nays ordered. The nomination was confirmed by a vote of 95-2.
Cal. #461 (Michael Walter Fitzgerald to be US District Judge for the Central District of California). Yeas and nays ordered. The nomination was confirmed by a vote of 91-6.
The Senate resumed a Legislative Session and proceeded with a period of Morning Business.
H.R. 473 (HALE Scouts Act). The bill was agreed to by unanimous consent.
H.R. 886 (United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act). The bill as amended was agreed to by unanimous consent.
S. Res. 398 (Recognizing the 191st anniversary of the independence of Greece and grating Greek and American democracy). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
The Senate will convene at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 19, 2012 and will be in a period of Morning Business until 4:30 PM. The Senate will then resume consideration of H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). There will be no votes during Monday’s session of the Senate. The next vote is scheduled to occur Tuesday, March 20, 2012 before the party caucus lunches.
The Senate adjourned at 4:33 PM.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012
The Senate will convene at 9:30 AM and will be in a period of Morning Business for one hour. The Senate will then resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill). At 11:30 AM, the Senate will begin roll call votes on the following remaining amendments and final passage of the bill:
Corker amend #1810 (Ensure that the aggregate amount made available for transportation projects for a fiscal year does not exceed the estimated amount available for those projects in the Highway Trust Fund for the fiscal year).
Carper amend #1670 (Provide States with additional flexibility).
Hutchison amend #1568 (Prohibit the imposition of new tolls the Federal-aid system).
McCain amend #1669 (To enhance the natural quiet and safety of airspace of Grand Canyon National Park).
Alexander amend #1779 (Make technical corrections to certain provisions relating to over-flights of National Parks).
Boxer amend #1816 (Express the Sense of the Senate that Federal agencies should ensure that all applicable environmental reviews, approvals, licensing, and permit requirements under Federal law are completed on an expeditious basis after a disaster or emergency).
Paul amend #1556 (Permit emergency exemptions from compliance with certain laws for highway construction projects).
Following final passage, the Senate will proceed to a period of Morning Business until 2:00 PM. The Senate then will proceed to an Executive Session and at 2:30 PM, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on Cal. # 408 (Gina Marie Groh, of West Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Virginia). Senator Reid announced that there could be up to 17 cloture votes on nominations during tomorrow’s session.
The Senate convened and proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
The Senate proceeded to a Legislative Session.
S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill).
McCain amend #1669 (To enhance the natural quiet and safety of airspace of Grand Canyon National Park). Withdrawn because included in the Manager’s package.
Shaheen amend #1678 (Increase the amount available for the operating cost of equipment and facilities for public transportation systems that operate fewer than 50 buses). Withdrawn because included in the Manager’s package.
Carper amend #1670 (Provide States with additional flexibility). Withdrawn because included in the Manager’s package.
Hutchison amend #1568 (Prohibit the imposition of new tolls the Federal-aid system). Withdrawn because included in the Manager’s package.
Corker amend #1810 (Ensure that the aggregate amount made available for transportation projects for a fiscal year does not exceed the estimated amount available for those projects in the Highway Trust Fund for the fiscal year). The amendment is not agreed to by Voice Vote.
Alexander amend #1779 (Make technical corrections to certain provisions relating to over-flights of National Parks). The amendment is agreed to by Voice Vote.
Boxer amend #1816 (Express the Sense of the Senate that Federal agencies should ensure that all applicable environmental reviews, approvals, licensing, and permit requirements under Federal law are completed on an expeditious basis after a disaster or emergency). Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment is agreed to by a vote of 76-20.
Paul amend #1556 (Permit emergency exemptions from compliance with certain laws for highway construction projects). Boxer Point of Order that the amendment violates Section 3-11-A-2-A of the Congressional Budget Act. Paul Motion to Waive the applicable section in relation to the amendment. Yeas and nays ordered. The Motion to Waive is not agreed to by a vote of 42-54. The Point of Order is sustained and the amendment fails.
S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill), as amended. The bill was read for a third time. Final Passage. Yeas and nays ordered. The bill, as amended, is passed by a vote of 74-22.
The 2:15 PM cloture votes on judicial nominations have been vitiated.
The Senate proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
Sen. Reid received Unanimous Consent to proceed to H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011) at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 15, 2012.
S. Res. 396 (Supporting the goals and ideals of “Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week”). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
S. 2191 (Amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990). The first reading of the bill was agreed to. The second reading of the bill was objected to.
The Senate will convene at 9:30 AM on Thursday, March 15, 2012 and will proceed with 90 minutes of Morning Business. The Senate will then proceed to the consideration of H. R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). At 1:45 PM, the Senate will proceed to an Executive Session to consider the nominations of Cal. #408 (Gina Marie Groh to be US District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia) and Cal. #461 (Michael Walter Fitzgerald to be US District Judge for the Central District of California). There will be two votes on the nominations beginning at 2:00 PM.
The Senate adjourned at 6:45 PM
TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2012
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM and will proceed with a period of Morning Business for one hour. At 11:00 AM, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill). At 12:00 Noon the Senate will proceed to two roll call votes on the following amendments: DeMint amend #1756 (To return to individual States maximum discretionary authority and fiscal responsibility for all elements of the national surface transportation systems that are not within direct purview of the Federal Government) and Bingaman amend #1759 (To remove privatized highways from consideration in apportioning highway funding among States). The Senate will recess from 12:30 PM to 2:15 PM for the weekly party caucus lunches. At 2:15 PM, the Senate is scheduled to proceed to a series of votes in relation to the following amendments, in the order listed:
Roberts amend #1826 (Of a perfecting nature) as modified. Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Stabenow amend #1812 (Prevent a tax increase on American businesses and to provide certainty to job creators by extending certain expiring tax credits related to energy) as modified. Subject to a60 affirmative vote threshold.
DeMint amend #1589 (Amend the Internal Revenue code of 1986 to terminate certain energy tax subsidies and lower the corporate income tax rate). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Menendez-Burr, amend #1782 (Amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify certain tax credits relating to energy). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Coats amend #1517 (Modify the apportionment formula to ensure that the percentage of apportioned funds received by a State is the same as the percentage of total gas taxes paid by the State).
Brown amend #1819 (Close a loophole in current law which has allowed public infrastructure projects to be outsourced, to standardize the process by which the Secretary of Transportation responds to requests for waivers to applicable Buy America provisions, and to require the Secretary to report annually to Congress regarding such waivers).
Blunt amend #1540 (Modify the section relating to off-system bridges).
Merkley amend #1814 (Provide exemptions from requirements for certain farm vehicles).
Portman amend #1736 (Free States t spend gas taxes on their transportation priorities).
Klobuchar amend #1617 (Amend the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 to provide clarification regarding the applicability of exemptions relating to the transportation of agricultural commodities and farm supplies).
Corker amend #1785 (Lower the FY13 discretionary budget authority cap as set in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 by $20,000,000,000 in order to offset the general fund transfers to the Highway Trust Fund).
Shaheen amend #1678 (Increase the amount available for the operating cost of equipment and facilities for public transportation systems that operate fewer than 50 buses).
Portman amend #1742 (Allow States to permit non-highway uses in rest areas along any highway).
Corker amend #1810 (Ensure that the aggregate amount made available for transportation projects for a fiscal year does not exceed the estimated amount available for those projects in the Highway Trust Fund for the fiscal year).
Carper amend #1670 (Provide States with additional flexibility).
Hutchison amend #1568 (Prohibit the imposition of new tolls the Federal-aid system).
McCain amend #1669 (To enhance the natural quiet and safety of airspace of Grand Canyon National Park).
Alexander amend #1779 (Make technical corrections to certain provisions relating to over-flights of National Parks).
Boxer amend #1816 (Express the Sense of the Senate that Federal agencies should ensure that all applicable environmental reviews, approvals, licensing, and permit requirements under Federal law are completed on an expeditious basis after a disaster or emergency).
Paul amend #1556 (Permit emergency exemptions from compliance with certain laws for highway construction projects).
The Senate convened and proceeded with a period of Morning Business.
The following bills were read for the second time en bloc:
H.R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011).
S. 2186 (A bill to amend the Americans with Disabilities Acts of 1990).
Further consideration of the bills were objected to en bloc.
McConnell unanimous consent request that upon disposition of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill), the Senate immediately proceed to consideration of H.R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). Reid objected.
The Senate proceeded to a Legislative Session.
S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill).
Bingaman amend #1759 (To remove privatized highways from consideration in apportioning highway funding among States). Laid aside.
DeMint amend #1756 (To return to individual States maximum discretionary authority and fiscal responsibility for all elements of the national surface transportation systems that are not within direct purview of the Federal Government). Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment is not agreed to by a vote of 30-67.
Bingaman amend #1759 (To remove privatized highways from consideration in apportioning highway funding among States). Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment was agreed to by a vote of 50-47.
The Senate recessed at 12:51 PM.
The Senate reconvened at 2:15 PM.
S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill).
Roberts amend #1826 (Of a perfecting nature) as modified. Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment is not agreed to by a vote of 41-57.
Stabenow amend #1812 (Prevent a tax increase on American businesses and to provide certainty to job creators by extending certain expiring tax credits related to energy), as modified. Subject to a 60-affirmative vote threshold. Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment is not agreed to by a vote of 49-49.
DeMint amend #1589 (Amend the Internal Revenue code of 1986 to terminate certain energy tax subsidies and lower the corporate income tax rate). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment was not agreed to by a vote of 26-72.
Menendez-Burr, amend #1782 (Amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify certain tax credits relating to energy). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment is not agreed to by a vote of 51-47.
Coats amend #1517 (Modify the apportionment formula to ensure that the percentage of apportioned funds received by a State is the same as the percentage of total gas taxes paid by the State). Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment is not agreed to by a vote of 28-70.
Brown amend #1819 (Close a loophole in current law which has allowed public infrastructure projects to be outsourced, to standardize the process by which the Secretary of Transportation responds to requests for waivers to applicable Buy America provisions, and to require the Secretary to report annually to Congress regarding such waivers). Agreed to by Voice Vote.
Blunt amend #1540 (Modify the section relating to off-system bridges). Agreed to by Voice Vote.
Merkley amend #1814 (Provide exemptions from requirements for certain farm vehicles). Agreed to by Voice Vote.
Klobuchar amend #1617 (Amend the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 to provide clarification regarding the applicability of exemptions relating to the transportation of agricultural commodities and farm supplies). Agreed to by Voice Vote.
Portman amend #1736 (Free States to spend gas taxes on their transportation priorities). Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment was not agreed to by a vote of 30-68.
Corker amend #1785 (Lower the FY13 discretionary budget authority cap as set in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 by $20,000,000,000 in order to offset the general fund transfers to the Highway Trust Fund). Inouye Point of Order that the amendment violates Section 904 of the Budget Act. Corker Motion to Waive the applicable sections of the Budget Act with respect to the amendment. Yeas and nays ordered. The Motion to Waive is not agreed to by a vote of 40-58. The Point of Order is sustained and the amendment fails.
Portman amend #1742 (Allow States to permit non-highway uses in rest areas along any highway). Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment was not agreed to by a vote of 12-86.
Boxer amend #1830 (Manager’s Package). Agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
Shaheen amend #1678 (Increase the amount available for the operating cost of equipment and facilities for public transportation systems that operate fewer than 50 buses). The amendment is withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.
The Senate recessed at 5:36 PM Subject to the Call of the Chair.
The Senate reconvened at 5:49 PM.
The Senate will convene at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 and will be in a period of Morning Business for one hour. The Senate will then resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill). At 11:30 AM, the Senate will begin roll call votes on the following remaining amendments and final passage of the bill:
Corker amend #1810 (Ensure that the aggregate amount made available for transportation projects for a fiscal year does not exceed the estimated amount available for those projects in the Highway Trust Fund for the fiscal year).
Carper amend #1670 (Provide States with additional flexibility).
Hutchison amend #1568 (Prohibit the imposition of new tolls the Federal-aid system).
McCain amend #1669 (To enhance the natural quiet and safety of airspace of Grand Canyon National Park).
Alexander amend #1779 (Make technical corrections to certain provisions relating to over-flights of National Parks).
Boxer amend #1816 (Express the Sense of the Senate that Federal agencies should ensure that all applicable environmental reviews, approvals, licensing, and permit requirements under Federal law are completed on an expeditious basis after a disaster or emergency).
Paul amend #1556 (Permit emergency exemptions from compliance with certain laws for highway construction projects).
Following final passage, the Senate will proceed to a period of Morning Business until 2:00 PM. The Senate then will proceed to an Executive Session and at 2:30 PM, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on Cal. # 408 (Gina Marie Groh, of West Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Virginia). Senator Reid announced that there could be up to 17 cloture votes on nominations during tomorrow’s session.
The Senate adjourned at 6:45 PM.
MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2012
The Senate will convene at 2:00 PM and will be in a period of Morning Business until 4:00 PM. The Senate will then proceed to a Legislative Session and resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill). There will be no roll call votes during today’s session. On Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at a time to be determined, the Senate will continue the sequence of roll call votes related to S. 1813 (Surface Transportation Bill).
The Senate proceeded to a Legislative Session.
S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill).
Kyl unanimous consent request that following the disposition of the Highway bill the Senate proceed to the consideration of H.R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011). Reid objected.
The Senate proceeded to an Executive Session.
Reid filed cloture on the following nominations en bloc:
Cal. # 408 (Gina Marie Groh, of West Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Virginia).
Cal. # 441 (David Nuffer, to be United States District Judge for the District of Utah).
Cal. # 461 (Michael Walter Fitzgerald, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California).
Cal. # 462 (Ronnie Abrams, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York).
Cal. # 463 (Rudolph Contreras, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia).
Cal. # 464 (Miranda Du, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada).
Cal. # 497 (Susan Morgan, of Louisiana, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana).
Cal. # 509 (Greg Jeffrey Campos, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas).
Cal. # 510 (David Campos Guaderrama, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for Western District of Texas).
Cal. # 528 (Brian C. Wimes, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District and Western Districts of Missouri).
Cal. # 568 (Kristine Gerhard Baker, of Arkansas, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois).
Cal. # 569 (John Z. Lee, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois).
Cal. # 570 (George Levi Russell, of Maryland, to be United States District Judge for the District of Maryland).
Cal. # 571 (John Tharp, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois).
Cal. # 610 (Jeffrey Helmick, of Ohio, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio).
Cal. # 612 (Mary Geiger Lewis, of South Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina).
Cal. # 613 (Timothy Hillman, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts).
The Senate resumed a Legislative Session.
S. Res. 310 (Congratulating the Girl Scouts on its Anniversary). Agreed to by voice vote.
S. Res. 394 (Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Italian Unification). Agreed to by voice vote.
The following bills were read for the first time en bloc:
H.R. 3606 (Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act of 2011).
S. 2186 (A bill to amend the Americans with Disabilities Acts of 1990).
Further consideration of the bills were objected to en bloc.
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 and will proceed with a period of Morning Business for one hour. At 11:00 AM, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill). At 12:00 Noon the Senate will proceed to two roll call votes on the following amendments: DeMint amend #1756 (To return to individual States maximum discretionary authority and fiscal responsibility for all elements of the national surface transportation systems that are not within direct purview of the Federal Government) and Bingaman amend #1759(To remove privatized highways from consideration in apportioning highway funding among States). The Senate will recess from 12:30 PM to 2:15 PM for the weekly party caucus lunches.
The Senate adjourned at 7:05 PM.
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012
The Senate will convene at 9:30 AM and will be in a period of Morning Business for one hour. At 10:30 AM, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation Bill).
At a time to be determined, the Senate will proceed to a series of votes on the following amendments in the order listed:
Vitter amend #1535 (OCS). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Baucus or designee regarding rural schools. Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Collins amend #1660 (Provide additional time for the Administrator of the EPA to issue achievable standards for industrial, commercial and institutional boilers, process heaters , and incinerators) Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Coburn amend #1738 (Prevent the creation of duplicative and overlapping Federal programs). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Landrieu amend #1822 (RESTORE). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Wyden amend #1817 (Ensure the expeditious processing of Keystone XL permit applications consistent with current law, prohibit the export of crude oil produced in Canada and transported by the Keystone XL pipeline and related facilities unless the prohibition is waived by the President, and require the use of US iron, steel and manufactured goods in the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and related facilities with certain exceptions). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Hoeven amend #1537 (Regarding the Keystone XL Pipeline). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Levin amend #1818 (Authorize special measures against foreign jurisdictions, financial institutions, and others that significantly impede US tax enforcement).
McConnell or designee with a side by side to a Stabenow amend #1812 (Prevent a tax increase on American businesses and to provide certainty to job creators by extending certain expiring tax credits relating to energy). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Stabenow amend #1812 (Prevent a tax increase on American business and to provide certainty to job creators by extending certain expiring tax credits relating to energy). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
DeMint amend #1589 (Amend the Internal Revenue code of 1986 to terminate certain energy tax subsidies and lower the corporate income tax rate). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Menendez-Burr, amend #1782 (Amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify certain tax credits relating to energy). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Coats amend #1517 (Modify the apportionment formula to ensure that the percentage of apportioned funds received by a State is the same as the percentage of total gas taxes paid by the State).
Brown amend #1819 (Close a loophole in current law which has allowed public infrastructure projects to be outsourced, to standardize the process by which the Secretary of Transportation responds to requests for waivers to applicable Buy America provisions, and to require the Secretary to report annually to Congress regarding such waivers).
Blunt amend #1540 (Modify the section relating to off-system bridges).
Merkley amend #1653 (Provide exemptions from requirements for certain farm vehicles).
Portman amend #1736 (Free States t spend gas taxes on their transportation priorities).
Klobuchar amend #1617 (Amend the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 to provide clarification regarding the applicability of exemptions relating to the transportation of agricultural commodities and farm supplies).
Corker amend #1785 (Lower the FY13 discretionary budget authority cap as set in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 by $20,000,000,000 in order to offset the general fund transfers to the Highway Trust Fund).
Shaheen amend #1678 (Increase the amount available for the operating cost of equipment and facilities for public transportation systems that operate fewer than 50 buses).
Portman amend #1742 (Allow States to permit non-highway uses in rest areas along any highway).
Corker amend #1810 (Ensure that the aggregate amount made available for transportation projects for a fiscal year does not exceed the estimated amount available for those projects in the Highway Trust Fund for the fiscal year).
Carper amend #1670 (Provide States with additional flexibility).
Hutchison amend #1568 (Prohibit the imposition of new tolls the Federal-aid system).
McCain amend #1669 (To enhance the natural quiet and safety of airspace of Grand Canyon National Park).
Alexander amend #1779 (Make technical corrections to certain provisions relating to over-flights of National Parks).
Boxer amend #1816 (Express the Sense of the Senate that Federal agencies should ensure that all applicable environmental reviews, approvals, licensing, and permit requirements under Federal law are completed on an expeditious basis after a disaster or emergency).
Paul amend #1556 (Permit emergency exemptions from compliance with certain laws for highway construction projects).
Following approval of a Manager’s package, the Highway bill as amended will be read a third time and the Senate will vote on final passage of the bill. Reid announced that the Senate expects to finish the Highway bill today.
The Senate convened and proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
S. 2173 (Preserve and protect the free choice of individual employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, or to refrain from such activities). The second reading of the bill was agreed to. Further consideration was objected to. The bill was placed on the Senate Calendar.
The Senate proceeded to a Legislative Session.
S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill).
Vitter amend #1535 (provide for an extension of the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010 – 2015). Laid aside.
Collins amend #1660 (Provide additional time for the Administrator of the EPA to issue achievable standards for industrial, commercial and institutional boilers, process heaters , and incinerators) Laid aside.
Coburn amend #1738 (Prevent the creation of duplicative and overlapping Federal programs). Laid aside.
Wyden amend #1817 (Ensure the expeditious processing of Keystone XL permit applications consistent with current law, prohibit the export of crude oil produced in Canada and transported by the Keystone XL pipeline and related facilities unless the prohibition is waived by the President, and require the use of US iron, steel and manufactured goods in the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and related facilities with certain exceptions). Laid aside.
Hoeven amend #1537 (Regarding the Keystone XL Pipeline). Laid aside.
Corker raised a Point of Order that S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill) as amended violates the Congressional Budget Act. Boxer Motion to Waive the Budget Act. Yeas and nays ordered. Under a unanimous consent agreement, the vote on the Motion to Waive the Budget Act will occur today within the sequence of votes this afternoon at a time to be determined.
Vitter amend #1535 (provide for an extension of the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010 – 2015). Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment was not agreed to by a vote of 46-52.
Baucus amend #1825 (regarding rural schools). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment is agreed to by a vote of 82-16.
Collins amend #1660 (Provide additional time for the Administrator of the EPA to issue achievable standards for industrial, commercial and institutional boilers, process heaters , and incinerators) Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment is not agreed to 52-46.
Coburn amend #1738 (Prevent the creation of duplicative and overlapping Federal programs). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment is not agreed to by a vote of 52-46.
Landrieu amend #1822 (RESTORE). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment is agreed to by a vote of 76-22.
Wyden amend #1817 (Ensure the expeditious processing of Keystone XL permit applications consistent with current law, prohibit the export of crude oil produced in Canada and transported by the Keystone XL pipeline and related facilities unless the prohibition is waived by the President, and require the use of US iron, steel and manufactured goods in the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and related facilities with certain exceptions). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment is not agreed to by a vote of 34-64.
Hoeven amend #1537 (Regarding the Keystone XL Pipeline). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. Yeas and nays ordered. The amendment is not agreed to by a vote of 56-42.
Corker raised a Point of Order that S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill) as amended violates the Congressional Budget Act. Boxer Motion to Waive the Budget Act. Boxer Motion to Waive the applicable sections of the Budget Act relevant to the Point of Order. Yeas and nays ordered. The Motion to Waive is agreed to by a vote of 66-31. The Point of Order falls.
Levin amend #1818 (Authorize special measures against foreign jurisdictions, financial institutions, and others that significantly impede US tax enforcement). Agreed to by Voice Vote.
Merkely amend #1653 (Provide exemptions from requirements for certain farm vehicles) Unanimous Consent to now be considered Merkely amend #1814 (Provide exemptions from requirements for certain farm vehicles).
McCain amend #1669 (To enhance the natural quiet and safety of airspace of Grand Canyon National Park), as modified. Laid aside.
The following amendments were considered en bloc:
Corker amend #1785 (Lower the FY13 discretionary budget authority cap as set in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 by $20,000,000,000 in order to offset the general fund transfers to the Highway Trust Fund).
Corker amend #1810 (Ensure that the aggregate amount made available for transportation projects for a fiscal year does not exceed the estimated amount available for those projects in the Highway Trust Fund for the fiscal year).
Laid aside, en bloc.
The following amendments were considered en bloc:
Portman amend #1736 (Free States to spend gas taxes on their transportation priorities).
Portman amend #1742 (Allow States to permit non-highway uses in rest areas along any highway).
Laid aside, en bloc.
The following amendments were considered en bloc:
Alexander amend #1779 (Make technical corrections to certain provisions relating to over-flights of National Parks).
DeMint amend #1589 (Amend the Internal Revenue code of 1986 to terminate certain energy tax subsidies and lower the corporate income tax rate).
DeMint amend #1756 (To return to individual States maximum discretionary authority and fiscal responsibility for all elements of the national surface transportation systems that are not within direct purview of the Federal Government).
Laid aside, en bloc.
Coats amend #1517 (Modify the apportionment formula to ensure that the percentage of apportioned funds received by a State is the same as the percentage of total gas taxes paid by the State). Laid aside.
Blunt amend #1540 (Modify the section relating to off-system bridges). Laid aside.
The Senate proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
S. Res. 393 (World Plumbing Day). Agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
The Senate will convene at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 12, 2012 and will be in a period of Morning Business until 4:00 PM. The Senate will then proceed to a Legislative Session and resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill). There will be no roll call votes during Monday’s session. On Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at a time to be determined, the Senate will continue the sequence of roll call votes related to S. 1813 (Surface Transportation Bill).
The Senate adjourned at 5:52 PM.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM and will proceed with a period of Morning Business for one hour. The Senate will then resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation Bill). No votes are scheduled. The Senate will recess from 5:00 PM until 6:30 PM for a Senators’ only briefing.
The Senate convened and proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
The Senate proceeded to a Legislative Session.
H.R. 4105 (To apply the countervailing duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 to nonmarket economy countries). Under a previous Unanimous Consent agreement, the bill is read a third time and passed by Unanimous Consent.
S. 1713 (Surface Transportation bill).
The Senate recessed at 5:00 PM for a Senator’s only briefing.
The Senate reconvened at 6:30 PM.
S. 1713 (Surface Transportation bill).
The motion to recommit was withdrawn by unanimous consent.
The pending second-degree amendments were withdrawn by unanimous consent.
Reid amend #1761 (of a perfecting nature) was agreed to by unanimous consent, and S. 1813 (Surface Transportation Bill) as amended will be considered as original text for purpose of further amendments.
By unanimous consent on Thursday, March 8th at a time to be determined by the Senate will proceed to vote on the amendments in the order listed:
Vitter amend #1535 (OCS). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Baucus or designee regarding rural schools. Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Collins amend #1660 (Provide additional time for the Administrator of the EPA to issue achievable standards for industrial, commercial and institutional boilers, process heaters , and incinerators) Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Coburn amend #1738 (Prevent the creation of duplicative and overlapping Federal programs). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Landrieu amend #1822 (RESTORE). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Wyden amend #1817 (Ensure the expeditious processing of Keystone XL permit applications consistent with current law, prohibit the export of crude oil produced in Canada and transported by the Keystone XL pipeline and related facilities unless the prohibition is waived by the President, and require the use of US iron, steel and manufactured goods in the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and related facilities with certain exceptions). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Hoeven amend #1537 (Regarding the Keystone XL Pipeline). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Levin amend #1818 (Authorize special measures against foreign jurisdictions, financial institutions, and others that significantly impede US tax enforcement).
McConnell or designee with a side by side to a Stabenow amend #1812 (Prevent a tax increase on American businesses and to provide certainty to job creators by extending certain expiring tax credits relating to energy). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Stabenow amend #1812 (Prevent a tax increase on American business and to provide certainty to job creators by extending certain expiring tax credits relating to energy). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
DeMint amend #1589 (Amend the Internal Revenue code of 1986 to terminate certain energy tax subsidies and lower the corporate income tax rate). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Menendez-Burr, amend #1782 (Amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify certain tax credits relating to energy). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Coats amend #1517 (Modify the apportionment formula to ensure that the percentage of apportioned funds received by a State is the same as the percentage of total gas taxes paid by the State).
Brown amend #1819 (Close a loophole in current law which has allowed public infrastructure projects to be outsourced, to standardize the process by which the Secretary of Transportation responds to requests for waivers to applicable Buy America provisions, and to require the Secretary to report annually to Congress regarding such waivers).
Blunt amend #1540 (Modify the section relating to off-system bridges).
Merkley amend #1653 (Provide exemptions from requirements for certain farm vehicles).
Portman amend #1736 (Free States t spend gas taxes on their transportation priorities).
Klobuchar amend #1617 (Amend the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 to provide clarification regarding the applicability of exemptions relating to the transportation of agricultural commodities and farm supplies).
Corker amend #1785 (Lower the FY13 discretionary budget authority cap as set in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 by $20,000,000,000 in order to offset the general fund transfers to the Highway Trust Fund).
Shaheen amend #1678 (Increase the amount available for the operating cost of equipment and facilities for public transportation systems that operate fewer than 50 buses).
Portman amend #1742 (Allow States to permit non-highway uses in rest areas along any highway).
Corker amend #1810 (Ensure that the aggregate amount made available for transportation projects for a fiscal year does not exceed the estimated amount available for those projects in the Highway Trust Fund for the fiscal year).
Carper amend #1670 (Provide States with additional flexibility).
Hutchison amend #1568 (Prohibit the imposition of new tolls the Federal-aid system).
McCain amend #1669 (To enhance the natural quiet and safety of airspace of Grand Canyon National Park).
Alexander amend #1779 (Make technical corrections to certain provisions relating to over-flights of National Parks).
Boxer amend #1816 (Express the Sense of the Senate that Federal agencies should ensure that all applicable environmental reviews, approvals, licensing, and permit requirements under Federal law are completed on an expeditious basis after a disaster or emergency).
Paul amend #1556 (Permit emergency exemptions from compliance with certain laws for highway construction projects).
Under a unanimous consent agreement:
There will be no other amendments in order to the Highway bill other than the manager's package, no points of order or motions in order to any of these amendments other than the budget points of order and the applicable motions to waive. Agreed to by unanimous consent.
It will be in order for a manager's package to be considered. Agreed to by unanimous consent.
It will be in order for a manager’s package to be considered and if approved by the managers Boxer and Inhofe and the two Leaders, the managers' package will be agreed to, the bill be read a third time and the Senate will proceed to vote on passage of the bill as amended. Agreed to by unanimous consent.
When the House receives the House companion to the Highway bill, it will be moved to strike after all the enacting clause and insert the text of S. 1813 as passed by the Senate in lieu thereof, the House bill will be read a third time, a strategy pay-go statement if needed will be read, the motion be laid on the table, and 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. Agreed to by unanimous consent.
The Senate will convene at 9:30 AM on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 9:30 AM and will be in a period of Morning Business for one hour. At 10:30 AM, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation Bill). At a time to be determined, the Senate will proceed to a series of votes on the following amendments in the order listed:
Vitter amend #1535 (OCS). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Baucus or designee regarding rural schools. Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Collins amend #1660 (Provide additional time for the Administrator of the EPA to issue achievable standards for industrial, commercial and institutional boilers, process heaters , and incinerators) Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Coburn amend #1738 (Prevent the creation of duplicative and overlapping Federal programs). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Landrieu amend #1822 (RESTORE). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Wyden amend #1817 (Ensure the expeditious processing of Keystone XL permit applications consistent with current law, prohibit the export of crude oil produced in Canada and transported by the Keystone XL pipeline and related facilities unless the prohibition is waived by the President, and require the use of US iron, steel and manufactured goods in the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and related facilities with certain exceptions). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Hoeven amend #1537 (Regarding the Keystone XL Pipeline). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Levin amend #1818 (Authorize special measures against foreign jurisdictions, financial institutions, and others that significantly impede US tax enforcement).
McConnell or designee with a side by side to a Stabenow amend #1812 (Prevent a tax increase on American businesses and to provide certainty to job creators by extending certain expiring tax credits relating to energy). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Stabenow amend #1812 (Prevent a tax increase on American business and to provide certainty to job creators by extending certain expiring tax credits relating to energy). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
DeMint amend #1589 (Amend the Internal Revenue code of 1986 to terminate certain energy tax subsidies and lower the corporate income tax rate). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Menendez-Burr, amend #1782 (Amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify certain tax credits relating to energy). Subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.
Coats amend #1517 (Modify the apportionment formula to ensure that the percentage of apportioned funds received by a State is the same as the percentage of total gas taxes paid by the State).
Brown amend #1819 (Close a loophole in current law which has allowed public infrastructure projects to be outsourced, to standardize the process by which the Secretary of Transportation responds to requests for waivers to applicable Buy America provisions, and to require the Secretary to report annually to Congress regarding such waivers).
Blunt amend #1540 (Modify the section relating to off-system bridges).
Merkley amend #1653 (Provide exemptions from requirements for certain farm vehicles).
Portman amend #1736 (Free States t spend gas taxes on their transportation priorities).
Klobuchar amend #1617 (Amend the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 to provide clarification regarding the applicability of exemptions relating to the transportation of agricultural commodities and farm supplies).
Corker amend #1785 (Lower the FY13 discretionary budget authority cap as set in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 by $20,000,000,000 in order to offset the general fund transfers to the Highway Trust Fund).
Shaheen amend #1678 (Increase the amount available for the operating cost of equipment and facilities for public transportation systems that operate fewer than 50 buses).
Portman amend #1742 (Allow States to permit non-highway uses in rest areas along any highway).
Corker amend #1810 (Ensure that the aggregate amount made available for transportation projects for a fiscal year does not exceed the estimated amount available for those projects in the Highway Trust Fund for the fiscal year).
Carper amend #1670 (Provide States with additional flexibility).
Hutchison amend #1568 (Prohibit the imposition of new tolls the Federal-aid system).
McCain amend #1669 (To enhance the natural quiet and safety of airspace of Grand Canyon National Park).
Alexander amend #1779 (Make technical corrections to certain provisions relating to over-flights of National Parks).
Boxer amend #1816 (Express the Sense of the Senate that Federal agencies should ensure that all applicable environmental reviews, approvals, licensing, and permit requirements under Federal law are completed on an expeditious basis after a disaster or emergency).
Paul amend #1556 (Permit emergency exemptions from compliance with certain laws for highway construction projects).
Following approval of a Manager’s package, the Highway bill as amended will be read a third time and the Senate will vote on final passage of the bill. Reid announced that the Senate expects to finish the Highway bill tomorrow.
The Senate adjourned at 10:30 PM.
TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM and will be in a period of Morning Business for one hour. The Senate will then resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill). At 12:00 Noon, the Senate will vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Reid amend #1761 (Of a perfecting nature). The Senate will recess from 12:30-2:15 PM for weekly party caucus luncheons. At 2:15 PM, the Senate will then proceed to an Executive Session and vote on the following nominations:
Cal. #439 (Mary Phillips to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Missouri).
Cal. #440 (Thomas Rice to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington).
The Senate convened and proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
The Senate proceeded to a Legislative Session.
S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill).
Reid amend #1761 (Of a perfecting nature). Motion to Invoke Cloture on the amendment. Yeas and nays ordered. The Motion to Invoke Cloture was not agreed to by a vote of 52-44. Reid Motion to Reconsider the vote. The cloture motion is vitiated by Unanimous Consent.
The Senate recessed from 12:55-2:15 PM for weekly party caucus luncheons.
The Senate reconvened and proceeded to an Executive Session.
Cal. #439 (Mary Phillips to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Missouri). Yeas and nays ordered. The nomination was confirmed by a vote of 95-2.
Cal. #440 (Thomas Rice to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington). Yeas and nays ordered. The nomination was confirmed by a vote of 93-4.
The Senate resumed a Legislative Session.
S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill). The bill was laid aside.
S. 1886 (Prevent the trafficking in counterfeit drugs).
Leahy-Grassley substitute amendment was agreed to by unanimous consent.
The bill was agreed to by voice vote, as amended.
S. Res. 389 (Designating the first week of April 2012 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week”). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, March 10, 2012. The Senate will proceed with a period of Morning Business for one hour. The senate will then resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation Bill). No votes are scheduled. The Senate will recess from 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM for a Senators’ only briefing.
The Senate adjourned 6:58 PM.
MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012
The Senate will convene at 2:00 and will be in a period of Morning Business. There will be no votes during Monday’s session. On Tuesday, March 6th at 12:00 Noon, the Senate will vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Reid amend #1761 (Of a perfecting nature). At 2:15 PM, the Senate will then proceed to an Executive Session and vote on the following nominations:
Cal. #439 (Mary Phillips to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Missouri).
Cal. #440 (Thomas Rice to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington).
The Senate convened and proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
S. 2153 (Applies the countervailing duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 to nonmarket economy countries). Agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
H.R. 4105 (To apply the countervailing duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 to nonmarket economy countries). When the bill is received from the House, and if the language is identical to S. 2153, then H.R. 4105 will be agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
H.R. 1837 (Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act). The bill is read for a second time. Further readings was objected to and the bill is placed on the calendar.
S. Res. 386 (Calling for free and fair elections in Iran). Agreed to by Voice Vote.
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 and will be in a period of Morning Business for one hour. The Senate will then resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill). At 12:00 Noon, the Senate will vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Reid amend #1761 (Of a perfecting nature). The Senate will recess from 12:30-2:15 PM for weekly party caucus luncheons. At 2:15 PM, the Senate will then proceed to an Executive Session and vote on the following nominations:
Cal. #439 (Mary Phillips to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Missouri).
Cal. #440 (Thomas Rice to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington).
The Senate adjourned at 5:32 PM.
FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM and will resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill). There will be no roll call votes until Tuesday, March 6, 2012.
The Senate convened and proceeded to a Legislative Session.
S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill).
Reid Motion to Invoke Cloture on Reid amend #1761 (Of a perfecting nature).
Reid Motion to Invoke Cloture on S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill).
The Senate proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
H.R. 1837 (Act to address certain water-related concerns on the San Joaquin River). First reading. A second reading was objected to and the bill will be read again on the next Legislative day.
The Senate will convene at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 5, 2012 and will be in a period of Morning Business. There will be no votes during Monday’s session. On Tuesday, March 6th at 12:00 Noon, the Senate will vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Reid amend #1761 (Of a perfecting nature). At 2:15 PM, the Senate will then proceed to an Executive Session and vote on the following nominations:
Cal. #439 (Mary Phillips to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Missouri).
Cal. #440 (Thomas Rice to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington).
The Senate adjourned at 11:48 AM.
THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2012
The Senate will convene at 9:30 AM and will resume consideration S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill). At approximately 11:00 AM, the Senate will vote on the Blunt amend #1520 (To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to protect rights of conscience with regard to requirements for coverage of specific items and services).
The Senate convened and proceeded to a Legislative Session.
S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill).
Blunt 2nd degree amend #1520 (To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to protect rights of conscience with regard to requirements for coverage of specific items and services) to Reid amend #1730 (insert Banking, Finance, and Commerce titles). Murray Motion to Table the amendment. Yeas and nays ordered. The Motion to Table is agreed to by a vote of 51-48.
The Senate proceeded to a period of Morning Business.
The Senate resumed a Legislative Session.
S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill).
Reid amend #1730 (insert Banking, Finance, and Commerce titles). Withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.
Reid amend #1761 (Of a perfecting nature). Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid 2nd degree amend #1762 (Of a perfecting nature) to Reid amend #1761 (Of a perfecting nature).
Reid Motion to Recommit the bill with instructions with an amend #1763 (Of a perfecting nature). Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid amend #1764 (Of a perfecting nature) to the instructions amend #1763 (Of a perfecting nature) of the Motion to Recommit. Yeas and nays ordered.
Reid 2nd degree amend #1765 (Of a perfecting nature) to Reid amend #1764 (Of a perfecting nature).
The following resolutions were considered en bloc:
S. Con Res. 35 (Establish the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
S. Con Res. 36 (Authorize the use of the US Capitol Rotunda and the Capitol Visitor Center by the JCCIC). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
S. Res. 387 (Celebrating “Black History Month”). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
S. Res. 388 (Commemorating the War of 1812 and the “Star Spangled Banner”). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
The Senate will convene at 10:00 AM on Friday March 2, 2012. The Senate will resume consideration of S. 1813 (Surface Transportation bill). There will be no roll call votes until Tuesday, March 6, 2012.
The Senate adjourned at 6:40 PM.
