Capitol Hill Updates

  • From Speaker Boehner's Blog: House of Representatives to Vote on Student Loans Today
    Later today, the House will vote on legislation to ensure millions of student loan borrowers won’t see their rates double in July.  Not only that, the bill will put in place a long-term solution that gets Washington out of the business of setting interest rates.  The Smarter Solutions for Students Act (H.R. 1911) is a win-win for both students and taxpayers and it’s part of Republicans’ Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs. To preview today’s vote, the bill’s authors, Education & the Workforce Committee Chairman Rep. John Kline (R-MN)...
  • From Speaker Boehner's Blog: More Labor Unions “Emphatically” Back Keystone XL Jobs Project
    A vote is scheduled in the House this week on Rep. Lee Terry’s (R-NE) bill (H.R. 3), which clears the roadblocks delaying Keystone XL -- and more and more labor unions are coming out in full support of it. The AFL-CIO Building & Construction Trades Department “emphatically” supports Keystone, noting that the “economic, energy security and national security benefits” are “too important to allow it to be delayed any longer.” Read their letter to Congress here. Then there’s the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which says Keystone XL will “contribute to enhanced energy...
  • Threat of Nuclear Option Is Really a Pretext for Dem Power Grab
    ‘These continued threats to use the nuclear option point to the Majority’s own culture of intimidation here in the Senate. Their view is that you had better confirm the people we want, when we want them, or we’ll break the rules of the Senate to change the rules so you can’t stop us. So much for respecting the rights of the minority. So much for a meaningful application of Advice and Consent. Senate Republicans will work with the Administration and the Democrat Majority. But we will not be intimidated.’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the...
  • Daily House of Representatives’ Schedule - 5/23/13
    THURSDAY, MAY 23RD On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.  First votes expected: 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Last votes expected: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. One Minute Speeches H.R. 1911 - Smarter Solutions for Students Act, Rules Committee Print (Closed Rule, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. John Kline / Education and the Workforce Committee) Special Order Speeches COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice hearing on “H.R. 1797 - The District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection...
  • Speaker Boehner: House Continues to Focus on Jobs, Oversight
    WASHINGTON, DC – Taking to the House floor for a “speaker’s minute” floor speech on Tuesday to preview the week ahead, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) said the House of Representatives continues to focus on jobs and economic growth as well as oversight of the executive branch.  The House Republican Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs can be seen online at GOP.gov/jobs.  Boehner’s remarks on the floor: “Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, our hearts go out today to those in Oklahoma who are suffering as a result of this storm.  I've asked that the flags here in...
  • Senator Paul Defends Apple Against Senate Subcommittee
    'If there is anyone to blame here, it is Congress and the tax code it created’  WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, Sen. Rand Paul attended the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Subcommittee hearing that called for executives of Apple to testify on the companies tax practices. In the hearing, Sen. Paul defended the job-creating efforts Apple has made and lambasted his fellow Members for perpetuating a U.S. tax code that hinders corporate growth and productivity. Below is the video and transcript of Sen. Paul’s opening statement: TRANSCRIPT: I am offended by the tone and...
  • Daily House of Representatives’ Schedule - 5/22/13
    WEDNESDAY, MAY 22ND On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. First votes expected: 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Last votes expected: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. One Minute Speeches Begin Consideration of H.R. 3 - Northern Route Approval Act, Rules Committee Print (Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Lee Terry / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee / Energy and Commerce Committee / Natural Resources Committee) The rule provides for 90 minutes of general debate and makes in order the following...
  • Speaker Boehner: Our Hearts & Our Prayers Go Out to Those in Oklahoma
    WASHINGTON, DC – House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) made the following remarks today on the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma: “Our hearts and our prayers go out to those in Oklahoma who have been victimized by this storm, especially our colleague Tom Cole.  Moore, Oklahoma is his hometown, so obviously he’s there, and so I’ve ordered the flags this morning to be lowered to half-staff in honor of those who’ve suffered through this terrible storm.”  
  • Daily House of Representatives’ Schedule - 5/21/13
    TUESDAY, MAY 21ST On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. First and last votes expected: 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. One Minute Speeches Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules: 1) H.R. 1412 - Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2013 (Sponsored by Rep. Mike Coffman / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)2) H.R. 570 - American Heroes COLA Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jon Runyan / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)3) H.R. 1344 - Helping Heroes Fly Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard / Homeland...
  • Daily House of Representatives’ Schedule - 5/20/13
    MONDAY, MAY 20TH On Monday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. One Minute Speeches  Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules: 1) H.R. 258 - Stolen Valor Act of 2013 (Sponsored by Rep. Joe Heck / Judiciary Committee)2) H.R. 1073 - Nuclear Terrorism Conventions Implementation and Safety of Maritime Navigation Act of 2013 (Sponsored by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner / Judiciary Committee) Special Order Speeches COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAYEnergy and Commerce Subcommittee on...