Volume 164, No. 30 covering the 2nd Session of the 115th Congress (2017 - 2018) was published by the Congressional Record.
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“Senate” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Daily Digest section on pages D171-D175 on Feb. 15, 2018.
More than half of the Agency's employees are engineers, scientists and protection specialists. The Climate Reality Project, a global climate activist organization, accused Agency leadership in the last five years of undermining its main mission.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Daily Digest
Senate
Chamber Action
Routine Proceedings, pages S1131-S1192
Measures Introduced: Twenty bills and seven resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2431-2450, and S. Res. 407-413.
Pages S1164-65
Measures Reported:
H.R. 294, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2700 Cullen Boulevard in Pearland, Texas, as the
``Endy Nddiobong Ekpanya Post Office Building''.
H.R. 452, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 324 West Saint Louis Street in Pacific, Missouri, as the ``Specialist Jeffrey L. White, Jr. Post Office''.
H.R. 1207, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 306 River Street in Tilden, Texas, as the ``Tilden Veterans Post Office'', with an amendment.
H.R. 1208, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9155 Schaefer Road, Converse, Texas, as the
``Converse Veterans Post Office Building''.
H.R. 1858, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4514 Williamson Trail in Liberty, Pennsylvania, as the ``Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott Ostrom Post Office''.
H.R. 1988, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1730 18th Street in Bakersfield, California, as the
``Merle Haggard Post Office Building''.
H.R. 2254, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2635 Napa Street in Vallejo, California, as the
``Janet Capello Post Office Building''.
H.R. 2302, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 259 Nassau Street, Suite 2 in Princeton, New Jersey, as the ``Dr. John F. Nash, Jr. Post Office''.
H.R. 2464, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 25 New Chardon Street Lobby in Boston, Massachusetts, as the ``John Fitzgerald Kennedy Post Office''.
H.R. 2672, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 520 Carter Street in Fairview, Illinois, as the
``Sgt. Douglas J. Riney Post Office''.
H.R. 2815, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 30 East Somerset Street in Raritan, New Jersey, as the ``Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Post Office''.
H.R. 2873, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 207 Glenside Avenue in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, as the
``Staff Sergeant Peter Taub Post Office Building''.
H.R. 3109, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1114 North 2nd Street in Chillicothe, Illinois, as the ``Sr. Chief Ryan Owens Post Office Building''.
H.R. 3369, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 225 North Main Street in Spring Lake, North Carolina, as the ``Howard B. Pate, Jr. Post Office''.
H.R. 3638, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1100 Kings Road in Jacksonville, Florida, as the
``Rutledge Pearson Post Office Building''.
H.R. 3655, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1300 Main Street in Belmar, New Jersey, as the ``Dr. Walter S. McAfee Post Office Building''.
H.R. 3821, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 430 Main Street in Clermont, Georgia, as the ``Zach T. Addington Post Office''.
H.R. 3893, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Mathe Avenue in Interlachen, Florida, as the
``Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. Post Office''.
H.R. 4042, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1415 West Oak Street, in Kissimmee, Florida, as the
``Borinqueneers Post Office Building''.
H.R. 4285, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 123 Bridgeton Pike in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, as the ``James C. `Billy' Johnson Post Office Building''.
S. 931, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4910 Brighton Boulevard in Denver, Colorado, as the ``George Sakato Post Office''.
S. 2040, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 621 Kansas Avenue in Atchison, Kansas, as the
``Amelia Earhart Post Office Building''.
Pages S1163-64
Measures Passed:
Black History Month: Senate agreed to S. Res. 413, celebrating Black History Month.
Page S1189
Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs was discharged from further consideration of S. 946, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to hire additional Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists to provide treatment court services to justice-
involved veterans, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto:
Page S1190
Alexander (for Flake) Amendment No. 2042, in the nature of a substitute.
Page S1190
Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1725, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit certain reports relating to medical evidence submitted in support of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary, and the bill was then passed.
Pages S1190-91
Veterans Care Financial Protection Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3122, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include on the internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a warning regarding dishonest, predatory, or otherwise unlawful practices targeting individuals who are eligible for increased pension on the basis of need for regular aid and attendance, and the bill was then passed.
Page S1191
Lexington VA Health Care System: Senate passed H.R. 4533, to designate the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lexington, Kentucky, as the ``Lexington VA Health Care System'' and to make certain other designations.
Page S1191
Measures Considered:
Broader Options for Americans Act: Senate continued consideration of H.R. 2579, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the premium tax credit with respect to unsubsidized COBRA continuation coverage, taking action on the following amendments and motions proposed thereto:
Pages S1131-36, S1138-48
Pending:
Grassley Amendment No. 1959, in the nature of a substitute.
Pages S1131-36, S1138-48
McConnell (for Toomey/Cruz) Amendment No. 1948 (to Amendment No. 1959), to ensure that State and local law enforcement may cooperate with Federal officials to protect our communities from violent criminals and suspected terrorists who are illegally present in the United States.
Page S1131
Schumer Modified Amendment No. 1958 (to the language proposed to be stricken by Amendment No. 1959), of a perfecting nature.
Page S1131
Durbin (for Coons/McCain) Amendment No. 1955 (to Amendment No. 1958), to provide relief from removal and adjustment of status of certain individuals who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States before reaching the age of 18, improve border security, foster United States engagement in Central America.
Page S1131, S1146
During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action:
By 52 yeas to 47 nays (Vote No. 33), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion to close further debate on Durbin (for Coons/
McCain) Amendment No. 1955 (to Amendment No. 1958) (listed above).
Page S1146
By 54 yeas to 45 nays (Vote No. 34), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion to close further debate on McConnell (for Toomey/
Cruz) Amendment No. 1948 (to Amendment No. 1959) (listed above).
Pages S1146-47
By 54 yeas to 45 nays (Vote No. 35), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion to close further debate on Schumer Modified Amendment No. 1958 (to the language proposed to be stricken by Amendment No. 1959) (listed above).
Pages S1147-48
By 39 yeas to 60 nays (Vote No. 36), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion to close further debate on Grassley Amendment No. 1959 (listed above).
Page S1148
Appointments:
National Council on Disability: The Chair announced, on behalf of the Majority Leader, pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 93-112, as amended by Public Law 112-166, and further amended by Public Law 113-
128, the reappointment of the following to serve as a member of the National Council on Disability: Neil Romano of Maryland.
Page S1191
Authorizing Leadership To Make Appointments--Agreement: A unanimous-
consent agreement was reached providing that, notwithstanding the upcoming adjournment of the Senate, the President of the Senate, the President pro tempore, and the Majority and Minority Leaders be authorized to make appointments to commissions, committees, boards, conferences, or interparliamentary conferences authorized by law, by concurrent action of the two Houses, or by order of the Senate.
Page S1191
Washington's Farewell Address--Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that following the closing of morning business, on Monday, February 26, 2018, Senator Peters be recognized to deliver Washington's Farewell Address.
Page S1191
Pro Forma Sessions--Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the Senate adjourn, to then convene for pro forma sessions only, with no business being conducted on the following dates and times, and that following each pro forma session, the Senate adjourn until the next pro forma session: Friday, February 16, 2018 at 12 noon; Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 5 p.m.; Friday, February 23, 2018 at 2 p.m.; and that when the Senate adjourns on Friday, February 23, 2018, it next convene at 3 p.m., on Monday, February 26, 2018.
Page S1191
Branch Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination of Elizabeth L. Branch, of Georgia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.
Page S1149
A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, and pursuant to the unanimous-consent agreement of Thursday, February 15, 2018, a vote on cloture will occur at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2018.
Page S1149
Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the following action:
Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination.
Page S1149
A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that Senate resume consideration of the nomination after the reading of Washington's Farewell Address on Monday, February 26, 2018, and, notwithstanding the provisions of Rule XXII, vote on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m.
Page S1191
Vought Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination of Russell Vought, of Virginia, to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Page S1149
A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the nomination of Elizabeth L. Branch, of Georgia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.
Page S1149
Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the following action:
Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session.
Page S1149
Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination.
Page S1149
Quattlebaum Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination of A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Jr., to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina.
Pages S1149-50
A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the nomination of Russell Vought, of Virginia, to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Page S1150
Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the following action:
Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session.
Page S1149
Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination.
Page S1149
Scholer Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination of Karen Gren Scholer, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas.
Page S1150
A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the nomination of A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Jr., to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina.
Page S1150
Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the following action:
Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session.
Page S1150
Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination.
Page S1150
Self Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination of Tilman Eugene Self III, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.
Page S1150
A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the nomination of Karen Gren Scholer, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas.
Page S1150
Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the following action:
Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session.
Page S1150
Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination.
Page S1150
Doughty Nomination--Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination of Terry A. Doughty, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana.
Page S1150
A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition of the nomination of Tilman Eugene Self III, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.
Page S1150
Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Senate took the following action:
Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legislative Session.
Page S1150
Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination.
Page S1150
Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations:
John Henderson, of South Dakota, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force.
John Marshall Mitnick, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security.
John C. Demers, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Attorney General.
Norman Euell Arflack, of Kentucky, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky for the term of four years.
Michael T. Baylous, of West Virginia, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia for the term of four years.
David G. Jolley, of Tennessee, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Tennessee for the term of four years.
Daniel R. McKittrick, of Mississippi, to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of Mississippi for the term of four years.
Matthew D. Krueger, of Wisconsin, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin for the term of four years.
Neil Jacobs, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce.
Thomas M. Griffin, Jr., of South Carolina, to be United States Marshal for the District of South Carolina for the term of four years.
Peter Hendrick Vrooman, of New York, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda.
Joel Danies, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to the Gabonese Republic, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe.
John C. Anderson, of New Mexico, to be United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico for the term of four years.
Joseph D. Brown, of Texas, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas for the term of four years.
John H. Durham, of Connecticut, to be United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut for the term of four years.
Brandon J. Fremin, of Louisiana, to be United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana for the term of four years.
Melissa F. Burnison, of Kentucky, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs).
Ted G. Kamatchus, of Iowa, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Iowa for the term of four years.
Joseph P. Kelly, of Nebraska, to be United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska for the term of four years.
Scott W. Murray, of New Hampshire, to be United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire for the term of four years.
David C. Weiss, of Delaware, to be United States Attorney for the District of Delaware for the term of four years.
Michael D. Griffin, of Alabama, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
Lisa Gordon-Hagerty, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary for Nuclear Security, Department of Energy.
Kevin Fahey, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense.
William Roper, of Georgia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force.
Phyllis L. Bayer, of Mississippi, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
Holly W. Greaves, of the District of Columbia, to be Chief Financial Officer, Environmental Protection Agency.
Thomas E. Ayres, of Pennsylvania, to be General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force.
John H. Gibson II, of Texas, to be Chief Management Officer of the Department of Defense.
Pages S1150-52, S1156, S1191-92
Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations:
Naomi C. Earp, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture.
Thelma Drake, of Virginia, to be Federal Transit Administrator.
James Reilly, of Colorado, to be Director of the United States Geological Survey.
Joseph Cella, of Michigan, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Fiji, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru, the Kingdom of Tonga, and Tuvalu.
David B. Cornstein, of New York, to be Ambassador to Hungary.
Georgette Mosbacher, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Poland.
Jean Carol Hovland, of South Dakota, to be Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, Department of Health and Human Services.
Mark Jeremy Bennett, of Hawaii, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.
Nancy E. Brasel, of Minnesota, to be United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota.
Thomas S. Kleeh, of West Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia.
Andrew S. Oldham, of Texas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit.
Peter J. Phipps, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Michael Y. Scudder, of Illinois, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit.
Amy J. St. Eve, of Illinois, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit.
Eric C. Tostrud, of Minnesota, to be United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota.
Charles J. Williams, of Iowa, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Iowa.
Page S1191
Messages from the House:
Page S1162
Measures Referred:
Page S1162
Executive Communications:
Pages S1162-63
Petitions and Memorials:
Page S1163
Executive Reports of Committees:
Page S1164
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages S1165-66
Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions:
Pages S1166-70
Additional Statements:
Pages S1160-62
Amendments Submitted:
Pages S1170-89
Authorities for Committees to Meet:
Page S1189
Record Votes: Four record votes were taken today. (Total--36)
Pages S1146-48
Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 5:58 p.m., until 12 noon on Friday, February 16, 2018. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S1191.)
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