Blog - The Week Ahead in Congress

Congress comes back from their week off today, and it appears that the Republicans in the House and the Democrats in the Senate have just about struck a deal to keep the government operating, at least temporarily. On Friday, Republicans proposed a two week continuing resolution with $4 billion in cuts from the current funding level and on Sunday Senate Budget Committee Chaiman Sen. Kent Conrad [D, ND] sounded ready to work with that offer. “It is acceptable to me to have $4 billion in savings in a two-week package, sure. The makeup of that, you know, is up for discussion and negotiation. That negotiation is ongoing. And I’m confident we’ll achieve conclusion on that,” Konrad said. His comments follow a positive reaction to the Republican proposal from Majority Leader Harry Reid on Friday.

While the final details of this are being worked out, here’s how the House and Senate will be keeping themselves busy on the chamber floor. First, the House schedule (click on the bill numbers for more info):

First Vote Of The Week: Monday 6:30 p.m.
Last Vote Predicted: ???Thursday 3:00 p.m.

MEMBERS ARE ADVISED THAT ANY EXPECTED ABSENCES SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE WHIP’S OFFICE AT X5-3130.

Members are also advised that the House GOP Leadership has announced that votes are not expected after 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2011. However, it is possible that votes on the short-term Continuing Resolution could occur on Friday, March 4, 2011.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2011
On Monday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business with votes postponed until 6:30 p.m. There will be no Morning Hour debate.

Suspensions (4 Bills)

1. H.R. 394 – The Federal Courts and Venue Clarification Act of 2011 (Rep. Smith (TX) – Judiciary)
2. H.R. 386 The Securing Cockpits Against Laser Pointers Act of 2011 (Rep. Lungren Judiciary)
3. H.R. 368 – The Removal Clarification Act of 2011 (Rep. Johnson (GA) – Judiciary)
4. H.R. 347 – The Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011 (Rep. Rooney – Judiciary)

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.  No votes are expected before 1:00 p.m.

H.J.Res. __ – Further Continuing Appropriations Amendments, 2011 (Rep. Rogers (KY) – Appropriations) (Subject to a Rule)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011 AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. No votes are expected before 1:00 p.m. On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business with last votes no later than 3:00 p.m. On Friday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for pro forma session. No votes are expected in the House.

H.R.662 – Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011 (Rep. Mica – Transportation and Infrastructure) (Subject to a Rule)

H.R. 4 – Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 (Rep. Lungren – Ways and Means) (Subject to a Rule)

And here’s the Senate’s schedule so far:

Convenes: 2:00pm

Following the prayer and pledge, Senator Isakson will deliver Washington’s Farewell Address.

Following the address, there will be a period of morning business until 3:30pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 3:30pm, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.23, the Patent Reform Act of 2011.

At 4:30pm, the Senate will turn to Executive session to consider the following nominations:

- Amy Tottenberg, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia; and – Steve C. Jones, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia.

The time until 5:30pm will be equally divided and controlled in the usual form. At 5:30pm, senators should expect a voice vote on the Tottenberg nomination and a roll call vote on the Jones nomination.

For a full rundown of this week’s committee action, see Congress Matters.