Congress Reports

I've noticed that the Congress.org site has stopped sending me email.
Signed back up today, we'll where it goes.
Causes me to wonder if this quiet deselection is intentional.
Certainly this site in not significant in any way.
That said nobody enjoys being criticized.

Reciprocity Between States

Congress.org presents MEGAVOTE for December 5, 2017 and Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Nielsen Nomination - Confirmation
• Senate:  Balash Nomination - Confirmation
• Senate: Short-Term Fiscal 2018 Continuing Appropriations
• House: Tax Overhaul – Motion to Request Conference
• House: Concealed Carry Reciprocity Between States
• House: Small Business Mergers Regulatory Exemption
• House: Short-Term Fiscal 2018 Continuing Appropriations

Upcoming Congressional Bills

• Senate: Grasz Nomination
• Senate: Willett Nomination
• Senate: Ho Nomination
• House: Mortgage Escrow Requirements
• House: Investigate Assets of Iranian Leaders
• House: Iranian Aircraft Purchases Financing
• House: Annual Financial Privacy Notices

Recent Senate Votes:

Nielsen Nomination - Confirmation Vote Confirmed (62-37, 1 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be secretary of Homeland Security.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Covered here in the last MegaVote comments.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirstjen_Nielsen 

Balash Nomination - Confirmation Vote Confirmed (61-38, 1 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed Joseph Balash to be assistant secretary of the Interior.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

An assistant to Ryan Zinke, I am surprised that he got any Democrat votes at all.

Short-Term Fiscal 2018 Continuing Appropriations Vote Agreed to (81-14, 5 Not Voting)
The House passed the joint resolution that would provide funding for federal government operations and services at current levels through Dec. 22, 2017, at an annualized rate of $1.23 trillion for federal departments and agencies covered by the 12 unfinished fiscal 2018 spending bills. The bill also would allow state Children's Health and Insurance Programs to receive extra redistribution funds beyond what is currently allowed, supporting the program's operations through the end of December.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

People have to eat, politicians don't have to budget.

Recent House Votes:

Tax Overhaul – Motion to Request Conference Vote Passed (222-192, 19 Not Voting)
Brady, R-Texas, motion that the House disagree with the Senate amendment and request a conference with the Senate on the bill that would revise the federal income tax system by lowering individual and corporate tax rates, repealing various deductions through 2025.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

These politicians are full of crap, they fuck with our income, want to fuck with our savings and expect praise for for working so hard at the mess they created.

Concealed Carry Reciprocity Between States Vote Passed (231-198, 4 Not Voting)
The House passed the bill that would permit any individual authorized by their home state to carry a concealed handgun to also carry that concealed weapon in any other state that permits the carrying of concealed weapons. The bill also would require a twice-annual certification by all federal agencies, federal courts and state governments, in coordination with the Department of Justice, to verify that all relevant data has been reported and uploaded to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System regarding individuals who are not eligible to purchase firearms.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

I am entirely for this but do not expect it to make it through the Senate. 

Even so, if it passes the liberal district courts will kill it.

To a degree this smells like something that needs an amendment. Laws made by little men in Congress can be easily overturned by new little men in Congress.  Such reciprocity should be difficult to create and more difficult to remove.

Small Business Mergers Regulatory Exemption Vote Passed (426-0, 6 Not Voting)
The House passed the bill that would exempt brokers handling mergers and acquisitions from Securities and Exchange Commission registration requirements in cases in which the company being sold does not have any class of securities required to be registered with the SEC and in the prior fiscal year, the company's earnings, before interest or taxes, are less than $25 million or gross revenue is less than $250 million.
Rep. David Scott voted YES

Certainly a bill drafted by the same brokers who provide many campaign donations.

Short-Term Fiscal 2018 Continuing Appropriations Vote Passed (235-193, 5 Not Voting)
The House passed the joint resolution that would provide funding for federal government operations and services at current levels through Dec. 22, 2017, at an annualized rate of $1.23 trillion for federal departments and agencies covered by the 12 unfinished fiscal 2018 spending bills. The bill also would allow state Children's Health and Insurance Programs to receive extra redistribution funds beyond what is currently allowed, supporting the program's operations through the end of December.
Rep. David Scott voted YES

We would not have listen o all of this crap if they would just pass a real budget.

Upcoming Votes:

Grasz Nomination - PN878
The Senate is expected to vote on the nomination of Leonard Grasz to be a U.S. circuit judge for the Eight Circuit.

In what I've read, can't really get a grasp of where he stands on Conservative issues. A mid-westerner, University of Nebraska for both BS and JD.

Willett Nomination - PN1077
The Senate is expected to vote on the nomination of Don Willett to be a U.S. circuit judge for the Fifth Circuit.

Willett is more of a known Conservative, a Texan, studied at Baylor and Duke. Trump must have felt a kinship because Don Willett is busy on Twitter.

Ho Nomination - PN1108
The Senate is expected to vote on the nomination of James Ho to be a U.S. circuit judge for the Fifth Circuit.

Short for James Chiun-Yue Ho, a Stanford BA and University of Chicago JD. Ho clerked for Clarence Thomas and server as Chief Counsel to Senator John Cornyn on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Mortgage Escrow Requirements - HR3971
The bill would expand to somewhat larger companies certain exemptions from home mortgage escrow requirements under the 2010 financial regulatory overhaul law. Specifically, it would exempt lenders with assets of $25 billion or less from the law's requirement that they establish escrow accounts for the first five years of "high-priced" mortgage loans, if the lender holds the loan on its own balance sheet for three years after the loan is made.

Boring

Investigate Assets of Iranian Leaders - HR1638 
The bill would require the Treasury secretary to compile and submit to Congress a report detailing the known assets in U.S. and foreign institutions that are controlled directly or indirectly by the top political and military leaders of Iran, how those assets were acquired and for what purposes they are used.

Headline opportunity.

Iranian Aircraft Purchases Financing - HR4324 
The bill would require the Treasury secretary to regularly report to Congress on any U.S. or foreign financial institutions that are involved with the financing of Treasury-authorized purchases and export of aircraft on behalf of Iran, and to certify that the associated financial transactions pose no money laundering or terrorism financing risk to the U.S. financial system and will not benefit certain Iranian individuals and entities.

Who doesn't think the Iranians will get whatever their heart desires?

Annual Financial Privacy Notices - HR2396 
The bill would exempt any financial services company that has not changed its privacy policies — including companies that share or sell information on consumers to unaffiliated third parties — from the requirement that it provide annual written privacy notices to consumers, as long as such disclosures are available online and the availability of those notices is noted to consumers by other means, such as on billing statements.

Government pretending to serve and protect.

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Tax Me Bitch

Congress.org presents MEGAVOTE for December 5, 2017 and Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Tax Overhaul – Motion to Proceed
• Senate: Tax Overhaul – Education Savings Accounts
• Senate: Tax Overhaul – Passage
• House: National Forest Mining
• House: Federal Workforce Probationary Period Extension
• House: EPA Brownfields Program Reauthorization
• House: Manufactured Housing Lending Regulation

Upcoming Congressional Bills

• Senate: Nielsen Nomination
• Senate: Tax Overhaul – Motion to Proceed to Conference
• Senate: Extend Federal Government Funding
• House: Tax Overhaul Conference
• House: Concealed Carry & Gun Background Checks
• House: Mortgage Escrow Requirements
• House: Merger & Acquisition Firms
• House: Extend Federal Government Funding

Recent Senate Votes:

Tax Overhaul – Motion to Proceed Vote Agreed to (52-48)

McConnell, R-Ky., motion to proceed to the bill that would revise the federal income tax system by: lowering individual and corporate tax rates; consolidating the current seven tax income rates into four rates; eliminating the deduction for state and local income taxes; limiting certain deductions for property taxes and home mortgages; and creating a new system of taxing U.S. corporations with foreign subsidiaries.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Sen. David Perdue voted YES

There are a few things that you can expect from every tax structure change. 

• The general progressive structure will not change.

• The Democrats will say it favors the rich.

• The Republicans will say it favors everybody.

• Poor people who do not pay income tax will have their cash flow increase.

• Cost and spending will be paid lip service.

Our politicians are not interested in real tax reform or growing business, they are interested in maintaining the cash flow to the government, ever increasing the benefits paid so as to create dependence and predictable votes,  and creating favorable environments for the businesses that support them with campaign donations. The rest is just bullshit smoke and mirrors.

Its all so depressing. 

Tax Overhaul - Education Savings Accounts Vote Agreed to (51-50)

Cornyn, R-Texas, for Cruz, R-Texas, amendment to the McConnell, R-Ky., for Hatch, R-Utah, substitute amendment, that would allow tuition expenses or the cost of school supplies for secondary public, private or religious school to be treated the same as higher education expenses for certain tax purposes. Vice President Mike Pence broke the tie and voted in the affirmative.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Whatever, lets make sure we protect carve outs, ending up with a system of mutually deterrent tax exceptions.

Tax Overhaul - Passage Vote Passed (51-49)

Passage of the bill, as amended, that would revise the federal income tax system by lowering individual and corporate tax rates, repealing various deductions through 2025, specifically by eliminating the deduction for state and local income taxes through 2025, increasing the deduction for pass-through entities and raising the child tax credit through 2025. It would also open parts of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Sen. David Perdue voted YES

More of the same topic, I am tired of it and assure myself that in a year or two we may realize it was all misdirection leading to taxes that are the highest in the industrial world.

Recent House Votes:

National Forest Mining Vote Passed (216-204, 13 Not Voting)

Passage of the bill would prohibit the designation of national monuments and the withdrawal of lands in the National Forest System in the state of Minnesota from mineral and geothermal leases without the approval of Congress. It would designate any mineral leases issued within the boundaries of the National Forest System lands in Minnesota as indeterminate preference right leases.

Rep. David Scott voted NO

Democrats are not conservationists, they are environmentalists. Study the difference and it becomes clear why they resist everything and seek to avoid oversight.

Federal Workforce Probationary Period Extension Vote Passed (213-204, 16 Not Voting)

Passage of the bill would increase to two years the probationary period for newly hired federal employees, for any individuals promoted to a supervisory or managerial role, and for any individual appointed to the Senior Executive Service. It would also establish a system in which supervisors would be notified near the end of an employee's probationary period.

Rep. David Scott voted NO

Absolutely, the security of federal employees needs a little threatening.

EPA Brownfields Program Reauthorization Vote Passed (409-8, 16 Not Voting)

Passage of the bill would authorize $250 million annually, through fiscal 2022, for assistance with environmental assessment, cleanup and job training activities at the EPA's brownfields program sites, and would increase, to $500,000 per site, the amount available for remediation grants for brownfield sites.

Rep. David Scott voted YES

This is kind of a simple issue, pay to clean up the messes.

Manufactured Housing Lending Regulation Vote Passed (256-163, 14 Not Voting)

Passage of the bill would change the definitions of "mortgage originator" and "loan originator" to exempt companies that manufacture homes and sell manufactured homes from various mortgage-related regulatory requirements. It would increase the maximum allowable rates and fees that may be applied to a manufactured home loan before the loan is classified as a high-cost mortgage.

Rep. David Scott voted YES

Technical loan speak. Frankly I don't care what they charge people for buying double wides, or the interest rate they catch.

Upcoming Votes:

Nielsen Nomination - PN1095

The Senate will vote on the nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen to be secretary of Homeland Security.

Kirstjen Nielsen is a national security expert who served in the Bush administration and in the private world earned some accolades from the Obama administration. She earned a BS from Georgetown and an JD from the University of Virginia.

Tax Overhaul – Motion to Proceed to Conference - HR1 The Senate is expected to vote on a motion to proceed to a conference committee on tax legislation.

The house takes op the Senate bill, discussed enough above.

Extend Federal Government Funding - HJRes123 The Senate will vote on legislation to extend funding the federal government through Dec. 22, 2017.

Oh the difficulties of pretending like they budget anything..

Tax Overhaul Conference - HR1

The House will vote on a motion to go to conference on HR 1, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The House passed its version of the bill on Nov. 16 by a 227-205 vote, and the Senate was set to pass its version in the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 2. Both versions would substantially restructure the U.S. tax code to simplify the code and provide a net $1.5 trillion tax cut, with taxes being cut for both corporations and small businesses and individuals.

I've got nothing more to say. 

Concealed Carry & Gun Background Checks - HR38 

The measure, would combine two bills reported by the Judiciary Committee last week, allows anyone authorized by their state to carry a concealed handgun to also carry that concealed weapon in any other state that allows concealed carry. It also seeks to ensure that federal agencies and state governments report relevant information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) regarding individuals who are not eligible to purchase firearms — including by requiring federal agencies to certify twice per year that they are uploading all relevant records to the NICS.

I want to see this but think it is a pipe dream.

Mortgage Escrow Requirements - HR2971

The bill would expand to somewhat larger companies certain exemptions from home mortgage escrow requirements under the 2010 Dodd Frank law. Specifically, it exempts lenders with assets of $25 billion or less from the law's requirement that they establish escrow accounts for the first five years of "high-priced" mortgage loans, if the lender holds the loan on its own balance sheet for three years after the loan is made, and it exempts companies that service up to 30,000 mortgage loans from current loan servicing and escrow account administration requirements.

Politicians messing with loans that poor people cannot afford. 

Merger & Acquisition Firms - HR477

The measure would exempt from SEC registration requirements certain firms that broker mergers and acquisitions and assist in the transfer of ownership of small, privately owned businesses — if the transactions meet certain criteria. Republicans say that exempting those firms from SEC registration requirements will help preserve jobs since those brokers play a critical role in helping small, privately held businesses transition to new owners.

Extend Federal Government Funding - HJRes123 

The House will vote on legislation to extend funding the federal government through Dec. 22, 2017.

This must be tiring. 

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Overhauling Nothing

Congress.org presents MegaVote for November 20, 2017 and Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Kan Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Bradbury Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Esper Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Zatezalo Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Otting Nomination – Confirmation
• House: Flood Insurance Reauthorization
• House: Fiscal 2018 National Defense Authorization-Conference Report
• House: Tax Overhaul

The House of Representatives and Senate are not doing legislative business this week.

Congress takes many and long vacations, though no doubt the elected legislators, consider the fund raising that they do on these breaks per of their position requirements. In fact fund raising is not what we pay their salary for, they should be expected to put in 1900 hours (52 x 40 less 160 for vacation) a year toward their primary responsibility.

No measurement will ever by made, but I would estimate that we half of that. 

Recent Senate Votes:
Kan Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (90-7, 3 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of Derek Kan to be undersecretary of Transportation for policy.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

It is interesting that nominees involved with President Obama receive overwhelming votes of approval. The Senate confirmed Kan unanimously for the last president and 90-7 for this president. Kan was general manager for the Uber rival Lyft.

Bradbury Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (50-47, 3 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of Steven Bradbury to be general counsel of the Department of Transportation.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

A closer vote, therefore he must be a pure Trump man. Let's see, Bradbury first served during President GW Bush's second term heading the Office of Legal Counsel in the DOJ. A Stanford BA and Michigan JD who clerked for Clarence Thomas. Conservative credentials are a reason Democrats vote no.

Esper Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (89-6, 5 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of Mark T. Esper to be secretary of the Army.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

The Secretary of the Army is responsible for the authority to convene general courts-martial and management of the Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army Program. Esper is a graduate of West Point where he earned a BS, Harvard MPA and George Washington for a PhD. In the Army, Esper achieved the rank of  , Lieutenant Colonel, serving in the 101st Airborne Division and earned a Bronze Star in the Gulf War.

Zatezalo Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (52-46, 2 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of David G. Zatezalo to be assistant secretary of Labor for mine safety and health.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Awesome, President Trump nominated a coal industry man. Zatezalo has been given instructions to a relax inspection rules for hard rock mines, rules that during the last administration had become onerous.

Otting Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (54-43, 3 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of Joseph Otting to be Comptroller of the Currency.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Another industry man who's entire carer has been in banking.

Recent House Votes:
Flood Insurance Reauthorization Vote Passed (237-189, 7 Not Voting)
Passage of the bill, as amended, would reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program through fiscal 2022 and would make modifications to the program, including: raise annual surcharges and reserve fund assessments on federal flood insurance policyholders, raise rates on properties that incur multiple losses, establish an annual deductible for severe and extreme repetitive loss properties and end the requirement that flood insurance be purchased for commercial and multifamily properties located in flood risk zones.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

Argument Ad nauseam.

Fiscal 2018 National Defense Authorization-Conference Report Vote Passed (356-70, 7 Not Voting)
Adoption of the conference report on the bill would authorize $692.1 billion for defense programs in fiscal 2018, including $65.7 billion for overseas operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, and for the general war on terror. It would authorize $241.2 billion for operations and maintenance; $146.2 billion for military personnel; 10.7 billion for military construction and family housing; $15 billion for ballistic-missile defense; and $33.9 billion for defense health care programs, including $396 million from the overseas operations account. It also would prohibit the use of funds for a new round of base closures. It would authorize $8 billion for various cyber-security programs. The bill would authorize a 2.4 percent pay raise for military personnel. It also would prohibit detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from being transferred to U.S. soil, and would prohibit the closing of the main base and detention facility at Guantanamo.
Rep. David Scott voted YES

Defense bills are generally good for Georgia, thus David Scott cannot vote against without alienating persons dependent on bases in his district.

Tax Overhaul Vote Passed (227-205, 2 Not Voting)
Passage of the bill would revise the federal income tax system by: lowering individual and corporate tax rates; consolidating the current seven tax income rates into four rates; eliminating the deduction for state and local income taxes; limiting certain deductions for property taxes and home mortgages; and creating a new system of taxing U.S. corporations with foreign subsidiaries. Specifically, it would eliminate personal exemptions and would nearly double the standard deduction. It would raise the child tax credit through 2022, repeal the alternative minimum tax, repeal the estate tax in 2025 and reduce the gift tax rate in 2025. It would establish a new top tax rate for pass-through business income and would modify tax credits related to energy production.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

I feel a diatribe coming on. The House of Representatives, under pressure from voters know that they have to show progress on improving the tax situation. Under the table they are ok with the structure of the taxes, it is not tethered to expenditures in a real way and the general practice of over taxing everything provides a money stream that allows them as representatives to have projects aimed at direct payments to constituents or indirectly through purchases of goods. To listen to these folks, on both sides of the aisle, most legislators say that he system needs to be over healed, their actions belie their dishonesty. The most we ever see done is some nibbling at the edges. That is what this proposal is. If they were serious about tax reform, they would strike the system and move to a consumer based taxed system like the Fair or Flat tax designs. To see this bill passed then harangued over by the Senate is like watching a soap opera, total bullshit, and nothing serious.

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More Nomination Chores

Congress.org presents MegaVote for November 13, 2017 and Georgia's 13th Congressional District.
Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Gibson Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Engel Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Wehrum Nomination – Confirmation
• House: Joint Employer Definition
• House: Hydropower Regulation
• House: Securities Regulations Exemptions

Upcoming Congressional Bills

• Senate: Kan Nomination
• Senate: Bradbury Nomination
• Senate: Zatezalo Nomination
• House: Defense Authorization
• House: Flood Insurance
• House: Reconciliation Tax Overhaul

Recent Senate Votes:
Gibson Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (91-7, 2 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of John Gibson to be deputy chief management officer of the Defense Department.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Slam dunk vote for the Defense Department bureaucrat. IN private industry Gibson worked in CFO type roles.

Engel Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (51-47, 2 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of Steven Engel to be an assistant Attorney General.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Harvard BA, Cambridge MPhil and Yale for the JD, he's such a pure blood I am surprised that the Democrats voted against him. Surely he is a closeted progressive. That said, he was involved in the G. W. Bush memo signing off enhanced interrogation techniques. McCain doesn't like him, that is good enough for me.

Wehrum Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (49-47, 4 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of William Wehrum to be an assistant administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

A close vote, for a Bush appointee in the same department. Democrats reflexively reject all nominees with potential effect on the environment.

Recent House Votes:
Joint Employer Definition Vote Passed (242-181, 9 Not Voting)
Passage of the bill would define a joint employer as an entity with actual, direct and immediate control over employees, with significant control over essential terms of employment such as hiring, determining pay and benefits, day-to-day supervision of employees, and assigning individual work schedules.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

This was posed as a means of protecting small business by the Republican proponents, seeking clarity on the definitions of what joint-employee is.  To this I am generally in favor of legislation that restricts bureaucrats from having decision making capability when it some to issues relating to insurance and taxation.

Hydropower Regulation Vote Passed (257-166, 9 Not Voting)
Passage of the bill would specify a variety of time frames and procedures for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to follow in carrying out required permitting and licensing activities for non-federal hydropower projects and would make FERC the lead agency for coordinating all applicable federal authorizations. It would extend, from three years to four, the duration of a preliminary permit for proposed non-federal hydropower projects and would allow project sponsors to initiate construction up to 10 years after a proposed project receives a license from FERC.
Rep. David Scott voted YES

Thank you David Scott, this should be helpful to our state.

Securities Regulations Exemptions Vote Passed (232-188, 12 Not Voting)
Passage of the bill would require an issuer of securities to meet a specific set of criteria in order for the issuer's transactions to constitute a sale of "nonpublic" securities that are exempt from registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and from state regulation. It would require each purchaser to have a substantive pre-existing relationship with an officer or certain shareholders of the issuer, permit no more than 35 purchasers under the exemption over the preceding 12 months, and would cap, at $500,000, the total aggregate amount of securities sold in the 12-month period preceding the transaction.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

Said it before, this smells like people are going to get worked over.

Upcoming Votes:
Kan Nomination - PN458
The Senate is expected to vote on the nomination of Derek Kan to be under secretary of Transportation for policy.

Later

Bradbury Nomination - PN558
The Senate is expected to vote on the nomination of Steven Bradbury to be general counsel for the Transportation Department.

Later

Zatezalo Nomination - PN919
The Senate is expected to vote on the nomination of David Zatezalo  to be an assistant secretary of Labor for mine, safety and health.

Later

Defense Authorization - HR2810
The measure would authorize $692.1 billion in fiscal 2018 for discretionary defense spending within the Armed Services Committee's jurisdiction, $74.2 billion more than the fiscal 2017 enacted authorization and $26.4 billion more than the president's overall request. It would also authorize $7.5 billion in mandatory spending for a grand total of $699.6 billion. The discretionary total includes $65.7 billion for uncapped OCO funding and $626.4 billion for base activities that would be subject to the $549 billion cap on discretionary spending for fiscal 2018 defense spending set by the 2011 Budget Control Act. It would authorize major increases for missile defense as well as billions more than requested by the president for ships, aircraft and other weapons systems.

Wont be a problem.

Flood Insurance - HR2874
The measure, which combines seven bills reported by the Financial Services Committee, reauthorizes the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for five years, through Sept. 30, 2022, and modifies the program to bolster its solvency and to promote a private flood insurance market. It raises annual surcharges and reserve fund assessments on federal flood insurance policyholders; provides for increased annual premiums for properties with subsidized premiums that experience multiple floods in the future; terminates flood insurance if future claims exceed three times a home's replacement value; ends the requirement that flood insurance be purchased for commercial and multifamily properties; requires FEMA to accept private flood insurance for mandatory coverage requirements; requires FEMA to provide public access to its flood loss and other data; and makes it easier for policyholders to switch between private and NFIP policies.

Do it.

Reconciliation Tax Overhaul - HR1
The bill substantially restructures the U.S. tax code to simplify the code and reduce taxes on individuals, corporations and small businesses. For individuals, it consolidates the current seven tax brackets down to four and eliminates or restricts many tax credits and deductions, including by eliminating the deduction for state and local income taxes and limiting the deduction for property taxes to $10,000 and the interest deduction for home mortgages to the first $500,000 worth of a loan. It eliminates personal exemptions but nearly doubles the standard deduction so fewer taxpayers will itemize deductions. It also raises the child tax credit to $1,600 and for five years provides $300 per person adult credits, while eliminating the estate tax and Alternative Minimum Tax. On the business side, it reduces the corporate tax from 35% to 20% and establishes a "territorial" tax system that exempts most overseas income from U.S. taxation. It allows businesses to immediately expense 100% of the cost of assets acquired and placed into service, and establishes a 25% rate for a portion of pass-through business income that otherwise must be paid at the individual income rate. For small businesses where an individual would receive less than $150,000 in pass-through income, it taxes the first $75,000 of that income at a 9% rate.

When a bunch of politicians struggle to create something that is going to cut my taxes, I expect that when its over, some people will be paying more taxes and the rest won't feel any significant relief. Freeze spending increases while moving to a Fair or Flat tax, quit fucking with ways to bring in money for buying votes off the backs of the perceived rich.

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March of Women to the Circuit Courts

Congress.org presents MegaVote for November 7, 2017 and Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Barrett Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Larsen Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Eid Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Bibas Nomination – Confirmation
• House: Wildfire Funding and Environmental Reviews
• House: Independent Payment Advisory Board Repeal
• House: CHIP and Community Health Centers Funding Reauthorization

Upcoming Congressional Bills

• Senate: Engel Nomination
• Senate: Robb Nomination
• Senate: Wehrum Nomination
• Senate: Kan Nomination
• House: Joint Employers
• House: Hydropower
• House: SEC Regulation of Private Securities
• House: Flood Insurance Overhaul

Recent Senate Votes:

Barrett Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (55-43, 2 Not Voting)

The Senate confirmed the nomination of Amy C. Barrett to be U.S. circuit judge for the Seventh Circuit.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Barrett is more an exception to the Ivy League club, she got here BA at Rhodes College of Memphis and earned her JD at Notre Dame. During the hearing lading to confirmation, was questioned on her Catholic faith y Dianne Feinstein, who suggested that being Catholic was grounds for disqualification. This now circuit court judge clerked for Antonin Scalia.

Larsen Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (60-38, 2 Not Voting)

The Senate confirmed the nomination of Joan L. Larsen to be U.S. circuit judge for the Sixth Circuit.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Another conservative judge  coming from outside the Ivy League. Larsen earned a BA at Northern Iowa and JD from Northwestern.  Confirmed with some Democrat votes. Previously served on the Michigan Supreme Court and an assistant attorney general during the George W. Bush administration.

Eid Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (56-41, 3 Not Voting)

The Senate confirmed the nomination of Allison H. Eid to be U.S. circuit judge for the Tenth Circuit.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Another confirmed woman for the circuit courts Approved with some Democrat votes. Earned a BA at Stanford and a JD at the University of Chicago. Eid has worked as a clerk for Clarence Thomas, in in Ronald Reagan's administration as an assistant to William Bennett. Most recently Eid served as a replacement in the seat vacated by the Neil Gorsuch move to the Supreme Court.

Bibas Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (53-43, 4 Not Voting)

The Senate confirmed the nomination of Stephanos Bibas to be U.S. circuit judge for the Third Circuit.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Back to the Ivy League well, Bibas earned a BA from Columbia, an MA from Oxford and a JD from Yale. Bibas is considered a leading scholar in the are of criminal procedure. This judge clerked for Anthony Kennedy at the Supreme Court.

Recent House Votes:

Wildfire Funding and Environmental Reviews Vote Passed (232-188, 12 Not Voting)

Passage of the bill would allow for a presidential declaration of a major disaster with regard to wildfires, which would allow for the release of funding from Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund to fight major wildfires, and would modify the disaster cap under the Budget Control Act to account for expected wildfire funding needs. It also would exempt various forest management activities from filing environmental impact statements and would provide for expedited timber salvage operations and reforestation activities after catastrophic events.

Rep. David Scott voted NO

My understanding of this vote was that the Republicans were looking to streamline the process at the behest of lawmakers in western states. Naturally Democrats resist common sense land management principles. Fires occur naturally and if contained actually are healthy for a forest.

Independent Payment Advisory Board Repeal Vote Passed (307-111, 14 Not Voting)

Passage of the bill would repeal provisions of the 2010 health overhaul law that provide for the creation of Independent Payment Advisory Board, which would recommend cost-cutting measures if Medicare spending exceeds a target growth rate.

Rep. David Scott voted Not Voting

Democrats vote to leave the control with the bureaucrats.

CHIP and Community Health Centers Funding Reauthorization Vote Passed (242-174, 16 Not Voting)

Passage of the bill, as amended, would extend funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program through fiscal 2022, and would increase funding from $21.5 billion in fiscal 2018 to $25.9 billion in fiscal 2022. It would also provide $3.6 billion annually for community health centers through fiscal 2019, and would extend funding for a number of other public health programs through fiscal 2019. It also would eliminate, through fiscal 2019, scheduled cuts in Medicaid funding to hospitals that serve large numbers of uninsured and low-income patients.

Rep. David Scott voted NO

Republicans push, Democrats resist, while the people want the the thing imploded.

Upcoming Votes:

Engel Nomination - PN58

The Senate will vote on the nomination of Steven Engel to be an assistant attorney general at the Justice Department.
Robb Nomination - PN1025

The Senate will vote on the nomination of Peter Robb to be general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board.
Wehrum Nomination - PN994

The Senate will vote on the nomination of William Wehrum to be an assistant administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Kan Nomination - PN458

The Senate will vote on the nomination of Derek Kan to be undersecretary of Transportation for policy.

Will check all these guys out after the vote.

Joint Employers - HR3441

The bill would effectively negate the National Labor Relations Board's 2015 ruling regarding joint employers by modifying the statutory definition of joint employer to clarify that an employer must have actual, direct and immediate control over employees to be considered a joint employer.

If the NRLB is involved, some persons rights are being restricted.

Hydropower - HR3043

The bill would promote the construction of non-federal hydropower projects by providing more certainty to the permitting and licensing process, including by specifying a variety of time frames and procedures for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and other affected agencies to follow in carrying out required permitting and licensing activities, and by establishing FERC as the lead agency for permitting these hydropower facilities.

Who could argue with more hyropower.

SEC Regulation of Private Securities - HR2201 The bill would clarify which transactions constitute a sale of "nonpublic" securities that are exempt from registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and from state regulation, in an effort to further promote such private placements and enable smaller companies and startups to more easily raise capital.

The terms SEC and "nonpublic" should not be in the same statement, if it is some persons are about to be cheated.

Flood Insurance Overhaul - HR2874

The House of Representatives is expected to vote on a bill that would reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program for five years. It would provide certain new benefits to policyholders as well as institute new options for lower-cost flood insurance coverage.

My feelings about federal flood insurance run against  to grain. While I agree that such insurance is necessary and appropriate, it is in many cases abused by landowners who build expensive homes in high risk zones. I believe that landowners that build second luxury homes in high risk zones should not be covered by such insurance. Unless of course, the premiums are realistic in terms of having zero cost for the taxpayers.

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Nominations and Confirmations

Congress.org presents MEGAVOTE for October 10, 2017 and Georgia's 13th Congressional District.
Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Pai Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Quarles Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Cissna Nomination – Confirmation
• House: Abortion Ban
• House: Fiscal 2018 Budget Resolution 

Upcoming Congressional Bills

• House: Federal Whistleblower Protections

The Senate is not doing legislative business this week.

The time has passed, I wish they were still in recess.

Recent Senate Votes:
Pai Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (52-41, 7 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of Ajit V. Pai to be a member of the Federal Communications Commission.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Pai came into the FCC as an appointment of President Obama. He is a lawyer, undergraduate of Harvard and earned his JD from the Univerity of Chicago. He is an opponent of "Net Neutrality".

Quarles Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (65-32, 3 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of Randal Quarles to be a member of the Board of Governors for the Federal Reserve System.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Another lawyer, he was a partner of The Carlyle Group before coming into government during the administration of President posts in the George W. Bush.

Cissna Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (54-43, 3 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of Lee Francis Cissna to be director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Cissna is 51 years old and a lawyer, earned his undergraduate degree from MIT, MA from Columbia and JD from Georgetown. The current administration supports Lee Cissna for his expertise and study on the displacement of U.S. workers by foreign workers on H-1B visas. A position certainly not palatable in the circles of "we are the world".

Recent House Votes:

Abortion Ban Vote Passed (237-189, 7 Not Voting)
The House passed the bill that would prohibit abortions in cases where the probable age of the fetus is 20 weeks or later, and it imposes criminal penalties on medical professionals who violate the ban.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

Don't see this getting out of the Senate, probably not even to a vote.

Fiscal 2018 Budget Resolution Vote Passed (219-206, 9 Not Voting)
The House adopted the concurrent resolution that would provide for $3.2 trillion in new budget authority in fiscal 2018, not including off-budget accounts. It would assume $1.22 trillion in discretionary spending in fiscal 2018. It would assume the repeal of the 2010 health care overhaul law. It also would propose reducing spending on mandatory programs such as Medicare and Medicaid and changing programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also known as food stamps). It would call for restructuring Medicare into a “premium support” system beginning in 2024. It would also require the House Ways and Means Committee to report out legislation under the budget reconciliation process that would provide for a revenue-neutral, comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. tax code and would include instructions to 11 House committees to trigger the budget reconciliation process to cut mandatory spending.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

Who knows what is right when they design budgets?

 Chances are good that it's mostly bs.

Upcoming Votes:
Federal Whistleblower Protections - S585 The House will vote on the bill that would provide additional protections for federal employees who are retaliated against for disclosing waste, fraud or abuse, require federal agencies to suspend for at least three days any supervisory employee who retaliates against a whistleblower and require that the supervisory employee be fired for a second offense.

An age old issue, that with the newly developed stigma of being a national populist, has become more of a political argument. People should be motivated by either their god or their moral code to expose wrong doing. Problems arise when "exposures" are generated by those with political axes to grind. Do you think that there is any chance the Snowden would have a chance of seeing daylight fifty years ago?

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Infantilism

Congress.org presents MEGAVOTE for October 2, 2017 and Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Fiscal 2018 Defense Authorization
• Senate: Francisco Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Delrahim Nomination – Confirmation
• House: Maternal and Infant Home Visit Program
• House: FAA Short Term Reauthorization, Flood Insurance and Hurricane Tax Adjustments
• House: Parole Violators' Benefits Revocation

Upcoming Congressional Bills

• Senate: Pai Nomination
• House: Abortion Ban
• House: Fiscal 2018 Budget Resolution

Recent Senate Votes:

Fiscal 2018 Defense Authorization Vote Agreed to (89-8, 3 Not Voting)

The Senate passed the bill that would authorize $692 billion in discretionary funding for defense programs in fiscal 2018, including $60 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations funding.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Here is an link to the text of the bill.

1. Paul (R-KY), Nay     
2. Lee (R-UT), Nay 
3. Corker (R-TN), Nay 
4. Merkley (D-OR), Nay
5. Wyden (D-OR), Nay 
6. Leahy (D-VT), Nay   
7. Gillibrand (D-NY), Nay  
8. Sanders (I-VT)

Is is not interesting that the nay voters would all be considered on the extreme side of their party.  Below, folks that know it is f'd up but are unwilling to be on record.

1.  Graham (R-SC), Not Voting
2. Menendez (D-NJ), Not Voting 
3. Rubio (R-FL), Not Voting

Francisco Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (50-47, 3 Not Voting)

The Senate confirmed the nomination of Noel J. Francisco to be Solicitor General of the United States. Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Sen. David Perdue voted YES

A party line vote except for three abstentions.

1. Cochran (R-MS)
2. Menendez (D-NJ)
3. Moran (R-KS)

Cochran is pissed at the president, and Menendez is busy fighting extradition to New Jersey. Who the heck is Moran. 

Noel Francisco is a lawyer 48 years old, studied at Brandeis University, got his JD at University of Chicago. The new Solicitor General clerked for Supreme Court Antonin Scalia.

The United States Solicitor General is the third-highest-ranking official in the Department of Justice. The Solicitor General represents the federal government of the United States before the Supreme Court of the United States. The Office of the Solicitor General also reviews cases decided against the United States in the federal district courts and approves every case in which the government files an appeal.

Delrahim Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (73-21, 6 Not Voting)

The Senate confirmed the nomination of Makan Delrahim to be an assistant attorney general in the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Sen. David Perdue voted YES

More damned lawyers voting on other lawyers. Less so of a party line vote

Delrahim studied at UCLA and obtained his JD at George Washington University Law School and has worked as a lobbyist for some significant industries entities. No doubt Delrahim's experience is the cause for resistance from from like Elizabeth Warren.

Recent House Votes:

Maternal and Infant Home Visit Program Vote Passed (214-209, 10 Not Voting)

The House passed the bill that would authorize, through fiscal 2022, $400 million a year for the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program. The bill would require entities that receive grants under the program to continue to demonstrate improvements in applicable benchmarks and guidelines.

Rep. David Scott voted NO

OMG, my representative voted against children. Just kidding, doubt as a democrat his position is that the requirement is too onerous. My position as a taxpayer is that every dollar spent should have positive effect, if standards make that happen, do it. Truth though is that government requirements are often obstructive in their application.

FAA Short Term Reauthorization, Flood Insurance and Hurricane Tax Adjustments Vote Passed (264-155, 14 Not Voting)

The House passed the bill that would extend through March 31, 2018, various expiring authorities, programs and activities for the Federal Aviation Administration. The measure would also extend multiple health care programs and would establish the basis for the development of a private flood insurance market. It would modify tax provisions for individuals living in areas impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, and would allow the federal government to reimburse the governments of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for any disaster tax relief that those islands provide their citizens.

Rep. David Scott voted NO

More democrats crossed on this one, but not David. Who knows, they load so much unrelated shit into these things, its hard to tell what is right and what is wrong.

Parole Violators' Benefits Revocation Vote Passed (244-171, 18 Not Voting)

The House passed the bill that would prohibit, beginning in 2021, the payment of social security benefits to an individual who is the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant for committing a felony or for violating a condition of parole or probation.

Rep. David Scott voted NO

Don't mess with a man's gub-mint check, anybody who would passes judgement on a wanted fellon must be racist.

Upcoming Votes:

Pai Nomination - PN89 The Senate will vote on the nomination of Ajit V. Pai to be a member of the Federal Communications Commission.

WTFC

Abortion Ban - HR36 The House will vote on the bill that would prohibit abortions in cases where the probable age of the fetus is 20 weeks or later, and it imposes criminal penalties on medical professionals who violate the ban.

Four and a half months is plenty of time for a woman, or couple, to decide on the abortion option. For me evolving in my church life, am against it but accept the judicial position. What seems to be lost in all the bitching about restricting the rights of women, are the rights of a child that could live. Lucky for the feminist column, this will provide fertile (sic) ground for attacking all men and Republicans.

Fiscal 2018 Budget Resolution - HConRes71 The House will vote on the measure that would call for a balanced budget by fiscal 2027, mostly by reducing spending by $4.9 trillion over the next 10 years, including by repealing the 2010 health care overhaul; reducing spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other health programs; and changing other mandatory programs, such as food stamps. It also would assume significant future savings by restructuring Medicare into a "premium support" system beginning in 2024. It would call for the fiscal 2018 cap on defense discretionary spending to be raised by $72.5 billion, while reducing the non-defense cap by $5 billion. Finally, it would include reconciliation instructions for a deficit-neutral overhaul of the tax code, as well as instructions to 11 House committees to produce legislation that reduces mandatory spending by at least $203 billion over 10 years.

WTFC

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Not Much Here

Congress.org presents: MEGAVOTE for September 18, 2017 and Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Fiscal 2018 Defense Authorization
• Senate: Patenaude Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Fiscal 2018 Defense Authorization
• House: Criminal Gang Members
• House: Fiscal 2018 Omnibus Appropriations

Upcoming Congressional Bills

•  Senate: Fiscal 2018 Defense Authorization Bill

The House is not in session the week if 18-September.

Yes there is a great need for the representatives to be at their home districts explaining, no lying, about why they aren't what they've advertised.

Recent Senate Votes

Fiscal 2018 Defense Authorization Vote Agreed to (61-36, 3 Not Voting)
Corker, R-Tenn., motion to table the McConnell, R-Ky., for Paul, R-Ky., amendment to the McCain, R-Ariz., modified substitute amendment to the bill. The Paul amendment would sunset, six months after enactment, the 2001 authorization for the use of military force in Afghanistan and the 2002 authorization for the use of military force in Iraq.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Corer and McCain, there is a pair for you. Their support causes me to have immediate distrust in the intent.

Patenaude Nomination – Confirmation
Vote Confirmed (80-17, 3 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of Pamela H. Patenaude to be deputy secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

According to Wikipedia, Pamela Hughes Patenaude, age 56, is the incoming United States Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Prior to assuming her current position, she served as president of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Foundation for Housing America's Families and as director of housing policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. She served as Housing and Urban Development assistant secretary for Community, Planning and Development during the George W. Bush Administration. She was proposed as a candidate for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Trump administration, but was ultimately nominated for Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. 

Fiscal 2018 Defense Authorization Vote Agreed to (84-9, 7 Not Voting)
Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the McCain, R-Ariz., modified substitute amendment that would authorize $692 billion in discretionary funding for defense programs in fiscal 2018.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted Not Voting
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

War hero or not, I have come to a opinion of John McCain that he is acting like a wounded little brat. Presuming to be the "conscience" of the Republican party while holding the distinction of being the worst Republican candidate for President in the however many years, hell after some thought, I think he is actually the worst ever if you exclude those that got elected at least once. His recent diatribe which amounts to sideways endorsement of globalism, pretty much says it all. He represents what is bad about politics, being more interested in continuing the path of bureaucratic inertia towards a UN styled global government controlled by business.

Recent House Votes:

Criminal Gang Members Vote Passed (233-175, 25 Not Voting)
The House passed the bill that would define a criminal gang as a group of five or more persons that has the primary purpose of the commission of one or more certain criminal offenses and would prohibit individuals defined as foreign criminal gang members from entering the United States.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

David Scott the contrarian, how cute that he would take a stand against a bill that doesn't mean a thing to gang members.

Fiscal 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Vote Passed (211-198, 25 Not Voting)
The House passed the bill, as amended, that would provide $1.23 trillion for federal departments and agencies covered by the 12 unfinished fiscal 2018 spending bills, including $621.5 billion for defense and $511 billion for nondefense discretionary spending.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

What do you think, was his reason for voting no because there was not enough in there for defense?

Upcoming Votes:
Fiscal 2018 Defense Authorization Bill - HR2810 The bill would authorize more than $680 billion for the Pentagon and related agencies as well as the Overseas Contingency Operations account.

Money from nothing but taxes, and a treasury that prints more than it takes in.

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Relief from Pork

Congress.org presents MEGAVOTE for September 11, 2017 and Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Fiscal 2017 Disaster Supplemental Appropriations, Debt Limit, Continuing Appropriations
• House: Emergency Hurricane Harvey Supplemental Appropriations
• House: Fiscal 2017 Disaster Supplemental Appropriations, Debt Limit, Continuing Appropriations

Upcoming Congressional Bills

• Senate: Fiscal 2018 Defense Authorization
• House: Complete Consideration of Fiscal 2018 Omnibus Appropriations
• House: Deport Criminal Gang Members

Recent Senate Votes:

Fiscal 2017 Disaster Supplemental Appropriations, Debt Limit, Continuing Appropriations Vote Passed (80-17, 3 Not Voting)

McConnell, R-Ky., motion to concur in the House amendment to the bill with a Senate amendment that would make available $15.25 billion in emergency supplemental funding for fiscal 2017 to partially cover the costs of responding to multiple natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey. The amendment would suspend the public debt limit from the bill's date of enactment until Dec. 8, 2017, and would provide for government operations to be funded at fiscal 2017 levels until Dec. 8.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Also known as excuse to pork it up. Ted Cruz was right to call folks out on this, but in the end more of the same. Congressmen should have to address unique situations separately so they can be judged on individual merits, rather than glob things together, so everybody gets something they need want for their district. Disaster relief should be addressed without encumbrances, cost and payment addressed in the same legislation. But Congress won't DO that!

Recent House Votes:

Emergency Hurricane Harvey Supplemental Appropriations Vote Passed (419-3, 11 Not Voting)

Frelinghuysen, R-N.J., motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution that would provide for the House to concur in the Senate amendments to a bill (HR 601) that would codify practices and programs at the United States Agency for International Development related to U.S. education assistance abroad, with further amendment that would appropriate $7.9 billion in emergency supplemental funding for fiscal 2017 as an initial payment to cover the costs of responding to Hurricane Harvey. The total would include $7.4 billion for the Homeland Security Department's Disaster Relief Fund, which will be used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support ongoing hurricane response efforts. It would also include $450 million for the Small Business Administration's disaster loan program to assist small businesses and homeowners.

Rep. David Scott voted YES

Relief is right, polluting it with pork is dishonest. Ignoring the cost is irresponsible.

Fiscal 2017 Disaster Supplemental Appropriations, Debt Limit, Continuing Appropriations Vote Passed (316-90, 27 Not Voting)

Frelinghuysen, R-N.J., motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill that would make available $15.25 billion in emergency supplemental funding for fiscal 2017 to partially cover the costs of responding to multiple natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey. The measure would suspend the public debt limit from the bill's date of enactment until Dec. 8, 2017, and would provide for government operations to be funded at fiscal 2017 levels until Dec. 8, 2017.

Rep. David Scott voted YES

Ignoring cost is irresponsible. Those are our leaders, aren't we proud of them?

Upcoming Votes:

Fiscal 2018 Defense Authorization - HR2810 

The Senate is expected to limit debate on the fiscal 2018 defense authorization measure and Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain is expected to offer a substitute amendment (S 1519).  The bill would authorize more than $680 billion for the Pentagon and related agencies as well as the Overseas Contingency Operations account.

Let me take this opportunity to express my opinion that John McCain has become a first rate asshole. He has my gratitude for his service. But that was 50 years ago, and this is also the man who one of the Keating Five, and until the last election, ran the worst campaign since George McGovern. The way that he hung Sarah Palin out t dry during the election was disgraceful.

Complete Consideration of Fiscal 2018 Omnibus Appropriations - HR3354 

The House is expected to complete consideration of the measure, which combined eight of 12 annual spending bills for fiscal 2018 for purposes of amendment. A floor rule adopted last week also added the four-bill "security minibus" (HR 3219) passed in July, so that when this measure passes a full, 12-bill omnibus will be sent to the Senate.

An omnibus is a vehicle of carrying pork.

Deport Criminal Gang Members - HR3697

The bill would make it easier to deport criminal gang members, including by making it illegal for foreign gang members to come to the United States and by providing for the detention and removal of non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. nationals if they are criminal gang members or participate in gang activity.

 Easier is good, but this smacks of pandering to the conservative base with minor legislation producing even more minor results. How about we treat them like enemy combatants and shoot them, problem solved.

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Skinny BS

Congress.org presents M E G A V O T E for August 1, 2017 and Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Bernhardt Nomination – Confirmation
• Senate: Health Care Marketplace Overhaul – Motion to Proceed
• Senate: Sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea
• Senate: Health Care Marketplace Overhaul – “Skinny” Repeal Amendment
• House: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Arbitration Rule Disapproval
• House: Four Bill Fiscal 2018 Appropriations Minibus
• House: Fiscal 2018 Intelligence Authorization
• House: Veterans Choice Fund Authorization

Upcoming Congressional Bills

• Senate: Nomination of Kevin Newsom to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the 11th Circuit
• Senate: FDA User Fees
• Senate: Nomination of Marvin Kaplan to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board
• Senate: Veterans Choice Fund Authorization
• Senate: Nomination of Christopher A. Wray to be a Director of the FBI

The House is in the August district work period and not doing any legislative business until Sept. 5.

The House has a majority of composed of dishonest elected Republicans that honor the wishes of the Chamber of Commerce before making good on the promises they made to their voters. They should not be in recess, they should be held to account for their failure of action.

Recent Senate Votes:
Bernhardt Nomination – Confirmation Vote Confirmed (53-43, 4 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of David Bernhardt to be deputy secretary of the Interior.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Per Wikipedia, David Bernhardt earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1990, making him about 49 years old.His law degree from the George Washington University was with honors. Environmental groups were almost unanimously opposed to his nomination which these days does not mean he is sure to to be a threat to the environment, only that he is not a Democrat.

Health Care Marketplace Overhaul – Motion to Proceed Vote Agreed to (51-50)
McConnell, R-Ky., motion to proceed to the bill would make extensive changes to the 2010 health care overhaul law, by effectively repealing the individual and employer mandates as well as most of the taxes that finance the current system and by making extensive changes to Medicaid.  Vice President Mike Pence voted yes as the tie breaking vote.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Who knows what will be effective when it comes to revisions to the Affordable Care Act. It seems to be an accepted fact that as it stands the ACA is a seriously flawed device doomed to collapse under its own weight. An act created by politicians of one parted, supposedly being adjusted be the dishonest leader of the other party.  Its all shit, and they are all ineffective blowhard liars.

Sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea Vote Agreed to (98-2)
The Senate passed the bill that would codify certain existing sanctions on Russia, including various sanctions tied to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Moscow's annexation of Crimea, and malicious cyber activities relating to the 2016 U.S. elections. The bill would establish multiple new sanctions on Russia, including sanctions on entities conducting malicious cyber activity on behalf of the Russian government and entities which conduct business with the Russian intelligence and defense sectors.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Too little 25 years to late. Susan Rice, dishonest former representative to the United Nations, is actually out there saying that the United States should become comfortable with North Korea having become a nuclear power. The Bolton book I've been reading talks about this problem existing back during the administrations  of Bush 41 and Bush 43. During those administrations, the State Department of the United States and the United Nations, were inconsistent and generally unwilling to apply real effort against North Korea. The problem with those bodies is that their internal inertia is constructed to work at maintaining the status quotient, that "status quo" is diplomatic and appeasement. The last four Presidents have caved on Korean policy, and now they are able in a nuclear way. All of these Presidents made statements about containing North Korea and all claimed to have made diplomatic progress ensuring that North Korea would not become a nuclear power. In that way our leaders were as dishonest in their proclamations and the North Koreans were in their shallow promises. Knowing the lack of skill in both the United Nations and the US State Department, the probable outcome is that there will be no real action and the world will have to hope for the best. Susan Rice's proclamation is effectively correct, the fact that she is a lying cunt does not appear to have effect on the media. We can expect North Korea to periodically demand fuel oil and food, each time after some saber rattling. 

Health Care Marketplace Overhaul – “Skinny” Repeal Amendment Vote Rejected (49-51)
McConnell, R-Ky., second-degree amendment to the McConnell substitute amendment to the bill in which the second-degree amendment would repeal the individual mandate, repeal the employer mandate through 2024, delay the implementation of the medical device tax through 2020, and block, for one year, federal funding from going to certain medical providers that provide abortions.  The amendment would ease the waiver process for states to opt out of the requirement that their health insurance providers include certain benefits on their health care plans.  Additionally, the amendment would increase the maximum allowable contribution to health savings accounts and would defund the Prevention and Public Health Fund starting in 2019.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Epic fail for the American people. Epic lie on the part of the Republican politicians. I believe that once two or three Republican Senators showed enough courage to get on the soapbox and make clear that they are neither conservative, nor honest, cover was provided for all of the rest of the Senators that really wanted to vote against it but needed to show their constituents how (sic) tough they are. 

Recent House Votes
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Arbitration Rule Disapproval Vote Passed (231-190, 12 Not Voting)
The House passed the joint resolution that would provide for congressional disapproval of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s final arbitration rule which prohibits financial services companies that offer financial products to consumers from using arbitration clauses to stop consumers from being part of a class action lawsuit.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

David Scot why would you vote against Congress have final say over the legal decisions based on  regulations created by bureaucrats? Politicians suck but at least they are accountable to somebody.

Four Bill Fiscal 2018 Appropriations Minibus Vote Passed (235-192, 6 Not Voting)
The minibus would include the following appropriations bills: (Defense, Energy-Water, Legislative Branch and Military Construction-VA). Defense appropriations (HR 3219) would provide $658.1 billion for the Defense Department and $73.9 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism funding. Energy-Water appropriations (HR 3266) would provide $37.6 billion for national defense nuclear weapons activities, the Army Corps of Engineers and various programs under the Energy. Legislative branch appropriations (HR 3162) would provide $3.6 billion (excluding Senate only items) for the House and joint operations. Military Construction-VA appropriations (HR 2998) would provide $88.8 billion in discretionary funding with $638 million for the Overseas Contingency Operations fund. It would provide a total of $182.3 billion (in mandatory and discretionary funding) for the Veterans Affairs Department. The bill would provide $1.6 billion in funding to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for procurement, construction and improvement of a barrier along the southern U.S. border.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

Whatever, these damned omnibus bills make it unclear as hell as to why somebody votes for or against anything. Do you think that that is intentional? I do.

Fiscal 2018 Intelligence Authorization Vote Passed (380-35, 18 Not Voting)
The House passed the bill that would authorize classified amounts of funding through fiscal 2018 for 16 U.S. intelligence agencies and intelligence-related activities, including the Office of the National Intelligence Director, the CIA and the National Security Agency. The bill would require the director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress multiple reports regarding Russia's campaigns directed at foreign elections and its efforts related to cyber influence, including an analytical assessment of the most significant Russian influence campaigns, if any, conducted during the three years prior to the bill's enactment.
Rep. David Scott voted YES

Veterans Choice Fund Authorization Vote Passed (414-0, 19 Not Voting)
The House passed the amended bill that would make available an additional $2.1 billion in funding for the Veterans Choice Fund, without fiscal year limitation. The bill would extend until Sept. 30, 2027, the current cap on per-month payment of VA pensions to certain veterans residing at VA nursing care facilities.
Rep. David Scott voted YES

The only way a Democrat would vote against something like this is when it is in an omnibus bill. They've got no choice, so they embrace it and then screw it from the inside.

Upcoming Votes
Nomination of Kevin Newsom to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the 11th Circuit - PN372
The Senate will vote on the nomination of Kevin Newsom to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the 11th Circuit.

Kevin Christopher Newsom is 44 years old. Earned is Bachelors of Arts degree at Samford University (no t) and his law degree at Harvard. The People for the American Way are against him, complaining that he is a member of the Federalist Society. That is enough for me to endorse the man. Expect a close party line vote. I am generally enjoying the judicial appointments that this President is making.

FDA User Fees - HR2430
The bill would reauthorize the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) user fee programs for prescription drugs, medical devices, generic drugs and biosimilar biological products through FY 2022. It significantly modifies the fee structure for FDA prescription drug user fees to codify the agreement reached last year by the FDA and pharmaceutical industry, while also modifying FDA fee structures for medical devices, generic drugs and biosimilars. It also includes provisions to accelerate the review and approval of generic drugs, allow certain classes of medical devices to be reviewed by accredited persons and laboratories, and provide for federal regulation of over-the-counter hearing aids.

Doesn't it seem like Congress is voting on some way to make drugs get approved faster? Maybe it is an observed common results that politicians seldom deliver what they promise. 

Nomination of Marvin Kaplan to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board - PN681
The Senate will vote on Marvin Kaplan to be a member of the National Labor Relations Board.

Not to be confused with the recently departed actor, best remembered from the show Alice.  By the way, the this Kaplan was confirmed 50-48. Elizabeth Warren hates him which I consider a requirement for the position.

Veterans Choice Fund Authorization - S114
The Senate will consider the House-amended bill that would make available an additional $2.1 billion in funding for the Veterans Choice Fund, without fiscal year limitation. The bill would extend until Sept. 30, 2027, the current cap on per-month payment of VA pensions to certain veterans residing at VA nursing care facilities.

https://rules.house.gov/sites/republicans.rules.house.gov/files/BILLS-115-S114-AMDT.pdf

Nomination of Christopher A. Wray to be a Director of the FBI - PN696
The Senate will vote on Christopher A. Wray to be director of the FBI for a term of 10 years.

Clear committee with a 20-0 vote.  Approved in the Senate by a 92-5 vote. I remember a time during the Obama administration, both parties loving James Comey; remember how that worked out. 

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No No No

Is what we got from out elected official in the House of Representatives this week. The mighty senators put in a tough week of approving candidates that they have no clue about other than what the Chamber of Commerce wants. 

Congress.org presents MEGAVOTE for July 24, 2017 and Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Recent Congressional Votes
Senate

• Shanahan Nomination - Confirmation
• Bush Nomination - Confirmation

House

• Ozone Standards Implementation
• Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Agency Coordinating Authority
• King Cove Land Exchange

Upcoming Congressional Bills
Senate

• Nomination of David Bernhardt to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior

House

• Four Bill Appropriations Minibus
• Disapproval of the Consumer Arbitration Rule

Recent Senate Votes:
Shanahan Nomination - Confirmation Vote Confirmed (92-7, 1 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of Patrick M. Shanahan to be deputy secretary of Defense.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

As long as they aren't doves's bent on decimating defense by way limiting the dollars, all ahead full speed.

Bush Nomination - Confirmation Vote Confirmed (51-47, 2 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed the nomination of John Kenneth Bush to be a judge for the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Vanderbilt  for hos undergraduate, Harvard for the JD. Bush is the He is chair for the chapter of the Federalist Society in Louisville. The Federalist Society, is made up of conservatives and libertarians interested in steering the legal system with an originalist interpretation of the Constitution. This would be the reason why the vote was so divided, that and the Democratic suggestion that Bush is a virulent LGBTQ rights opponent. What I do not see in a web search is evidence of court actions that are biased. Well tough shit boys, he's there for life if he doesn't get promoted.

Recent House Votes:
Ozone Standards Implementation, Vote Passed (229-199, 5 Not Voting)
The House passed the bill that would extend for eight years the deadline for the EPA to implement new National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ground-level ozone. The bill would require the EPA to review the national ambient air quality standards for each pollutant every ten years, instead of every five, and would require the agency to evaluate possible adverse effects of standard changes.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

Business good, EPA bad.

Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure, Vote Passed (254-175, 4 Not Voting)
The House passed the bill that would establish a new system for the approval and permitting of border-crossing oil and gas pipelines and electrical transmission lines. The bill would require sponsors of border-crossing oil pipelines and electricity transmission facilities that cross the U.S. borders into Canada and Mexico to receive a "certificate of crossing" from the relevant federal agency in order to build or modify their projects.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

Who the heck knows, no doubt Scott voted against as a reflex.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Agency Coordinating Authority Vote Passed (248-179, 6 Not Voting)
The House passed the bill that would establish the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the sole lead agency for the permitting of proposals to build or expand natural gas pipelines.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

Clearing out the clutter and bureaucracy, naturally a Democrat would be against that.

King Cove Land Exchange, Vote Passed (248-179, 6 Not Voting)
The House passed the bill that would require the Interior Department to convey to the state of Alaska, if requested, 206 acres of federal land within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and Izembek Wilderness for the purpose of constructing a single-lane gravel road between the towns of King Cove and Cold Bay, Alaska.
Rep. David Scott voted NO

States right to self determination, for David Scott and the Democrats that is a non-starter. The Interior Department over-stepped its charter and authority during the last President's administration, a course that all bureaucracies seek, unfortunately it takes elected officials to correct that shit. In the end they never get it all corrected so there is a long crawl, with intermittent back slides and then leaps forward towards total Federal government control and essentially no personal rights to property.

Upcoming Votes:
Nomination of David Bernhardt to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior - PN365 The Senate will vote on the nomination of David Bernhardt to be deputy secretary of the Interior.

An industry guy, Elizabeth Warren, aka fauxahontas,  hates him so he is good enough for me. The Senate seems to be getting more aggressive on these confirmation votes so I expect this is going through.

Four Bill Appropriations Minibus - HR3219 The minibus would include the following appropriations bills: (Defense, Energy-Water, Legislative Branch and Military Construction-VA). Defense appropriations (HR 3219) would provide $658.1 billion for the Defense Department and $73.9 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism funding. Energy-Water appropriations (HR 3266) would provide $37.6 billion for national defense nuclear weapons activities, the Army Corps of Engineers and various programs under the Energy. Legislative branch appropriations (HR 3162) would provide $3.6 billion (excluding Senate only items) for the House and joint operations. Military Construction-VA appropriations (HR 2998) would provide $88.8 billion in discretionary funding with $638 million for the Overseas Contingency Operations fund. It would provide a total of $182.3 billion (in mandatory and discretionary funding) for the Veterans Affairs Department.

This is supposed to be Ryan's strength, and with all the military expenditures, David Scott will probably vote YES.

Disapproval of the Consumer Arbitration Rule - HJRes111 Under the Congressional Review Act, the joint resolution would provide for congressional disapproval of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's final arbitration rule which prohibits financial services companies that offer financial products to consumers from using arbitration clauses to stop consumers from being part of a class action lawsuit.

I can see David Scott, swishing his little finger and sweetly saying...

Hated it 

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