October 1, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 171 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session
Daily Digest
Daily Digest Section (PDF)
Thursday, October 1, 2020
Daily Digest
HIGHLIGHTS
- See Résumé of Congressional Activity.
Senate
Chamber Action
Measures Introduced: Eighteen bills and four resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 4778–4795, and S. Res. 742–745.
Pages S6026–27
Measures Reported:
S. 1046, to establish the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 116–274)
S. 2203, to extend the transfer of Electronic Travel Authorization System fees from the Travel Promotion Fund to the Corporation for Travel Promotion (Brand USA) through fiscal year 2027, with amendments. (S. Rept. No. 116–275)
S. 4138, to amend title 5, United States Code, to make permanent the authority of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to conduct a telework travel expenses program. (S. Rept. No. 116–276)
S. 4200, to establish a program to facilitate the adoption of modern technology by executive agencies, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 116–277)
Page S6026
Measures Passed:
National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Senate agreed to S. Res. 742, designating September 2020 as ``National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month''.
Pages S6028–29, S6030–31
National Retirement Security Month: Senate agreed to S. Res. 743, supporting the goals and ideals of National Retirement Security Month, including raising public awareness of the various tax-preferred retirement vehicles, increasing personal financial literacy, and engaging the people of the United States on the keys to success in achieving and maintaining retirement security throughout their lifetimes.
Page S6029
Whole Veteran Act: Senate passed H.R. 2359, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a report on the Department of Veterans Affairs advancing of whole health transformation.
Page S6031
Identifying Barriers and Best Practices Study Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4183, to direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on disability and pension benefits provided to members of the National Guard and members of reserve components of the Armed Forces by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the bill was then passed.
Page S6031
Measures Considered:
Pages S6011–15
Page S6015
National Medal of Honor Monument Act--Referral Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry be discharged from further consideration of S. 4433, to authorize the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and the bill then be referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Page S6026
Messages from the President: Senate received the following messages from the President of the United States:
Transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to the designation as an emergency requirement all funding (including the rescission of funds) so designated by the Congress in the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021, pursuant to section 251 (b) (2) (A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as outlined in the enclosed list of accounts; which was referred to the Committee on the Budget. (PM–60)
Page S6025
Transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to the designation for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism all funding (including the rescission of funds) so designated by the Congress in the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021, pursuant to section 251 (b) (2) (A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as outlined in the enclosed list of accounts; which was referred to the Committee on the Budget. (PM–61)
Page S6025
Pages S6015–21
A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that at approximately 4:30 p.m., on Monday, October 5, 2020, Senate resume consideration of the nomination.
Page S6031
Messages from the House:
Page S6025
Measures Referred:
Pages S6025–26
Measures Placed on the Calendar:
Pages S6011, S6026
Executive Communications:
Page S6026
Petitions and Memorials:
Page S6026
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages S6027–28
Additional Statements:
Page S6024
Amendments Submitted:
Page S6030
Authorities for Committees to Meet:
Page S6030
Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. (Total--200)
Page S6015
Adjournment: Senate convened at 12 noon and adjourned at 4:31 p.m., until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2020. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on page S6031.)
Committee Meetings
SUPPLY CHAIN INTEGRITY
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support concluded a hearing to examine supply chain integrity, after receiving testimony Ellen M. Lord, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee approved the authorization to subpoena the attendance of a witness for purpose of a hearing to Jack Dorsey, Chief Executive Officer, Twitter; to subpoena the attendance of a witness for purpose of a hearing to Sundar Pichai, Chief Executive Officer, Alphabet Inc., Google; and to subpoena the attendance of a witness for purpose of a hearing to Mark Zuckerberg, Chief Executive Officer, Facebook.
House of Representatives
Chamber Action
Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 33 public bills, H.R. 8470–8502; 1 private bill, H.R. 8503; and 10 resolutions, H. Res. 1165–1174, were introduced.
Pages H5637–39
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages H5640–41
Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows:
H. Res. 1164, providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1153) condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent, and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1154) condemning QAnon and rejecting the conspiracy theories it promotes (H. Rept. 116–557).
Pages H5123, H5123–36
Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed Representative Cuellar to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
Page H5109
Recess: The House recessed at 10:18 a.m. and reconvened at 11 a.m.
Page H5120
Point of Personal Privilege: Representative King (IA) rose to a point of personal privilege and was recognized to proceed for one hour.
Pages H5136–42
Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Criminal Judicial Administration Act of 2020: H.R. 8124, amended, to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for transportation and subsistence for criminal justice defendants;
Pages H5142–43
Protecting the Health and Wellness of Babies and Pregnant Women in Custody Act: H.R. 7718, amended, to address the health needs of incarcerated women related to pregnancy and childbirth;
Pages H5143–49
Fight Notario Fraud Act of 2020: H.R. 8225, amended, to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain types of fraud in the provision of immigration services;
Pages H5149–51
Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act: S. 2330, to amend the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act to provide for congressional oversight of the board of directors of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and to protect amateur athletes from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse;
Pages H5151–60
Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act: H.R. 6813, to amend the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act to improve the prevention of elder abuse and exploitation of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias;
Pages H5160–63
America's Conservation Enhancement Act: S. 3051, to improve protections for wildlife;
Pages H5163–76
Direct Enhancement of Snapper Conservation and the Economy through Novel Devices Act: H.R. 5126, amended, to require individuals fishing for Gulf reef fish to use certain descending devices;
Pages H5176–78
Women Who Worked on the Home Front World War II Memorial Act: H.R. 5068, amended, to authorize the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs;
Pages H5178–80
Amending the Klamath Basin Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2000 to make certain technical corrections: S. 3758, to amend the Klamath Basin Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2000 to make certain technical corrections;
Pages H5180–83
Stop Sexual Assault and Harassment in Transportation Act: H.R. 5139, amended, to protect transportation personnel and passengers from sexual assault and harassment;
Pages H5183–88
Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act: S. 2638, to amend title 49, United State Code, to require small hub airports to construct areas for nursing mothers;
Pages H5188–89
Reinvigorating Lending for the Future Act: S. 4075, to amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide for the release of certain Federal interests in connection with certain grants under that Act;
Pages H5189–90
Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2020: H.R. 5912, amended, to amend title 49, United States Code, to permit the use of incentive payments to expedite certain federally financed airport development projects;
Pages H5190–91
Renaming the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation: H.R. 4470, amended, to rename the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; and
Pages H5191–92
Save Our Seas 2.0 Act: S. 1982, amended, to improve efforts to combat marine debris.
Pages H5192–H5202
Correcting the enrollment of S. 2330: The House agreed to take from the Speaker's table and agree to S. Con. Res. 46, to correct the enrollment of S. 2330.
Page H5160
Designating the airport traffic control tower located at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, as the ``Senator Kay Hagan Airport Traffic Control Tower'': The House agreed to take from the Speaker's table and pass S. 4762, to designate the airport traffic control tower located at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, as the ``Senator Kay Hagan Airport Traffic Control Tower''.
Page H5183
Family Support Services for Addiction Act of 2020: Agreed by unanimous consent that the ordering of the yeas and nays on the motion that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5572, as amended, to establish a grant program for family community organizations that provide support for individuals struggling with substance use disorder and their families, be vacated, to the end that the Chair put the question de novo. Subsequently, H.R. 5572, as amended, was agreed to by voice vote.
Page H5202
North American Wetlands Conservation Extension Act: The House agreed to the Lowey motion to concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 925, to extend the authorization of appropriations for allocation to carry out approved wetlands conservation projects under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act through fiscal year 2024, with an amendment consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 116–66, by a yea-and-nay vote of 214 yeas to 207 nays, Roll No. 214.
Pages H5202–H5435
Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To improve protections for wildlife, and for other purposes.''.
Pages H5163–76
H. Res. 1161, the rule providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 925), was agreed to yesterday, September 30th.
Condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent and Condemning QAnon and rejecting the conspiracy theories it promotes--Rule for Consideration: The House agreed to H. Res. 1164, providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1153) condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent, and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1154) condemning QAnon and rejecting the conspiracy theories it promotes, by a yea-and-nay vote of 226 yeas to 186 nays, Roll No. 216, after the previous question was ordered by a yea-and-nay vote of 226 yeas to 187 nays, Roll No. 215.
Pages H5435–37
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure--Communication: Read a letter from Chairman DeFazio wherein he transmitted copies of thirty-three resolutions included in the General Services Administration's Capital Investment and Leasing Programs. The resolutions were adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on September 30, 2020.
Pages H5440–H5634
Presidential Messages: Read a message from the President wherein he notified Congress of the designation of funds for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism--referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 116–156).
Page H5439
Read a message from the President wherein he notified Congress of the designation of funds as emergency requirements--referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 116–157).
Pages H5439–40
Senate Referrals: S. 910 was held at the desk. S. 1069 was held at the desk. S. 3681 was held at the desk. S. 4403 was held at the desk.
Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on page H5149.
Quorum Calls--Votes: Three yea-and-nay votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H5434–35, H5435–36, and H5436.
Adjournment: The House met at 9 a.m. and adjourned at 10 p.m.
Committee Meetings
CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSES OF CONSERVATION PROGRAMS IN 2020
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry held a hearing entitled ``Challenges and Successes of Conservation Programs in 2020''. Testimony was heard from Kevin D. Norton, Acting Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture; and public witnesses.
GENERATING EQUITY: IMPROVING CLEAN ENERGY ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing entitled ``Generating Equity: Improving Clean Energy Access and Affordability''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Full Committee held a markup on H.R. 6986, the ``Protecting Human Rights During Pandemic Act''; H.R. 7990, the ``FENTANYL Results Act''; H.R. 7673, the ``Represent America Abroad Act''; H. Res. 1012, recognizing the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean war and the transformation of the United States--Korea alliance into a mutually beneficial, global partnership; H. Res. 697, recognizing the significance of the genuine autonomy of Tibet and the Tibetan people and the work His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has done to promote global peace, harmony, and understanding; H. Res. 1100, reaffirming the strategic partnership between the United States and Mongolia and observing the 30th anniversary of democracy in Mongolia; H. Res. 751, reaffirming the partnership between the United States and the African Union and recognizing the importance of diplomatic, security, and trade relations; H. Res. 1077, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the continued importance of the United States--Lebanon relationship; H.R. 8409, the ``Department of State Student Internship Program Act''; H. Res. 672, expressing support of the Three Seas Initiative in its efforts to increase energy independence and infrastructure connectivity thereby strengthening the United States and European national security; H. Res. 17, expressing concern over the detention of Austin Tice, and for other purposes; H.R. 4507, the ``Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act''; H. Res. 823, condemning the Government of Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights; H. Res. 996, expressing the sense of Congress that the activities of Russian national Yevgeniy Prigozhin and his affiliated entities pose a threat to the national interests and security of the United States and of its allies and partners; H. Res. 958, condemning the practice of politically motivated imprisonment and calling for the immediate release of political prisoners in the Russian Federation and urging action by the United States Government to impose sanctions with respect to persons responsible for that form of human rights abuse; H.R. 8428, the ``Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act of 2020''; H.R. 8405, the ``American Values and Security in International Athletics Act''; H.R. 8259, to prohibit Russian participation in the G7, and for other purposes; H. Res. 825, recognizing the importance of entry into force of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT); H.R. 4636, the ``Partnering and Leveraging Assistance to Stop Trash for International Cleaner Seas Act''; H. Res. 1121, urging the Government of Burma to hold free, fair, inclusive, transparent, participatory, and credible elections on November 8, 2020; H. Res. 1115, calling for the immediate release of Trevor Reed, a United States citizen who was unjustly sentenced to 9 years in a Russian prison; H. Res. 768, calling on African governments to protect and promote human rights through internet freedom and digital integration for all citizens across the continent of Africa; H. Res. 1150, urging the Government of Cote d'Ivoire, opposition leaders, and all citizens to respect democratic principles, refrain from violence, and hold free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections in October 2020; H. Res. 1145, condemning the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and calling for a robust United States and international response; H.R. 4326, the ``Sex Trafficking Demand Reduction Act''; H.R. 7954, the ``Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2020''; and H.R. 8438, to reauthorize the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004. H.R. 6986, H.R. 7990, H. Res. 1012, H. Res. 697, H. Res. 1100, H. Res. 1077, H.R. 8409, H. Res. 672, H. Res. 823, H. Res. 996, H. Res. 958, H.R. 8259, H. Res. 825, H.R. 4636, H. Res. 1121, H. Res. 1115, H. Res. 768, H. Res. 1145, H.R. 4326, H.R. 7673, and H.R. 4507 were ordered reported, as amended. H. Res. 751, H. Res. 17, H.R. 8428, H.R. 8405, H. Res. 1150, H.R. 7954, and H.R. 8438 were ordered reported, without amendment.
PROPOSALS TO STRENGTHEN THE ANTITRUST LAWS AND RESTORE COMPETITION ONLINE
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law held a hearing entitled ``Proposals to Strengthen the Antitrust Laws and Restore Competition Online''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE MEASURE
Committee on Natural Resources: Full Committee held a hearing on H.R. 5986, the ``Environmental Justice for All Act''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
UNSUSTAINABLE DRUG PRICES: TESTIMONY FROM THE CEOS, PART II
Committee on Oversight and Reform: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Unsustainable Drug Prices: Testimony from the CEOs, Part II''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MEMBERS' DAY HEARING ON PROPOSED RULES CHANGES FOR THE 117TH CONGRESS
Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Members' Day Hearing on Proposed Rules Changes for the 117th Congress'' [Original Jurisdiction Hearing]. Testimony was heard from Chairman Kilmer, Chairman Thompson of Mississippi, and Representatives Hoyer, Cline, Clyburn, Rodney Davis of Illinois, Castro of Texas, Taylor, Crist, Woodall, Davids of Kansas, Eshoo, Langevin, Ted Lieu of California, Murphy of Florida, Schneider, and Wasserman Schultz.
PREVENTING FRAUD AND ABUSE OF PPP AND EIDL: AN UPDATE WITH THE SBA OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations held a hearing entitled ``Preventing Fraud and Abuse of PPP and EIDL: An Update with the SBA Office of Inspector General and Government Accountability Office''. Testimony was heard from Hannibal Ware, Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Small Business Administration; and William Shear, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, Government Accountability Office.
CREATING A CLIMATE RESILIENT AMERICA: STRENGTHENING THE U.S. FINANCIAL SYSTEM AND EXPANDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
Select Committee on the Climate Crisis: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Creating a Climate Resilient America: Strengthening the U.S. Financial System and Expanding Economic Opportunity''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
Joint Meetings
No joint committee meetings were held.
H.R. 8337, making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2021. Signed on October 1, 2020. (Public Law 116–159)
No meetings/hearings scheduled.
Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation; and Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities of the House Committee on Armed Services, joint hearing entitled ``Strengthening Biological Security: Traditional Threats and Emerging Challenges'', 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn and Webex.
Committee on Oversight and Reform, Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, hearing entitled ``Hybrid Hearing with Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex M. Azar II'', 9 a.m., 2154 Rayburn and Webex.
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Full Committee, hearing entitled ``DHS Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis Joseph B. Maher'', 10 a.m., CVC Auditorium and HVC–304 Hearing Room. This hearing is closed. October 1, 2020* These figures include all measures reported, even if there was no accompanying report. A total of 84 written reports have been filed in the Senate, 191 reports have been filed in the House.
Résumé of Congressional Activity
SECOND SESSION OF THE ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
The first table gives a comprehensive résumé of all legislative business transacted by the Senate and House.
The second table accounts for all nominations submitted to the Senate by the President for Senate confirmation.
- DATA ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY
January 3 through September 30, 2020
Days in session
140123
. .
Time in session
717 hrs., 33432 hrs., 38
. .
Congressional Record:
Pages of proceedings
6,0075,107
. .
Extensions of Remarks
. .907
. .
Public bills enacted into law
2528
53
Private bills enacted into law
. .. .
. .
Bills in conference
. .1
. .
Measures passed, total
285358
643
Senate bills
8639
. .
House bills
36238
. .
Senate joint resolutions
54
. .
House joint resolutions
46
. .
Senate concurrent resolutions
42
. .
House concurrent resolutions
68
. .
Simple resolutions
14461
. .
Measures reported, total
*128183
311
Senate bills
982
. .
House bills
19155
. .
Senate joint resolutions
. .. .
. .
House joint resolutions
. .1
. .
Senate concurrent resolutions
. .. .
. .
House concurrent resolutions
. .2
. .
Simple resolutions
1123
. .
Special reports
38
. .
Conference reports
. .. .
. .
Measures pending on calendar
37178
. .
Measures introduced, total
1,9383,374
5,312
Bills
1,6292,933
. .
Joint resolutions
1316
. .
Concurrent resolutions
1737
. .
Simple resolutions
279388
. .
Quorum calls
11
. .
Yea-and-nay votes
199178
. .
Recorded votes
. .34
. .
Bills vetoed
11
. .
Vetoes overridden
. .. .
. .
- DISPOSITION OF EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS
January 3 through September 30, 2020
Civilian nominees, totaling 350 (including 87 nominees carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows:
Other Civilian nominees, totaling 1,299 (including 1 nominee carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows:
Air Force nominees, totaling 4,324, disposed of as follows:
Army nominees, totaling 6,213 (including 3 nominees carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows:
Navy nominees, totaling 1,887 (including 2 nominees carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows:
Marine Corps nominees, totaling 1,451, disposed of as follows:
Space Force nominees, totaling 652, disposed of as follows:
Program for Monday: Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Michael Jay Newman, of Ohio, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio.
At 5:30 p.m., Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Aileen Mercedes Cannon, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida.
Program for Friday: Consideration of H. Res. 1153--Condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent. Consideration of H. Res. 1154--Condemning QAnon and rejecting the conspiracy theories it promotes.
HOUSE
Babin, Brian, Tex., E912
Baird, James R., Ind., E915
Banks, Jim, Ind., E914
Brooks, Susan W., Ind., E909
Bucshon, Larry, Ind., E914
Cunningham, Joe, S.C., E910
DeLauro, Rosa L., Conn., E911
Engel, Eliot L., N.Y., E912
Griffith, H. Morgan, Va., E913
Guthrie, Brett, Ky., E913
Jackson Lee, Sheila, Tex., E909, E910, E911, E913
Lee, Barbara, Calif., E914
Maloney, Carolyn B., N.Y., E912
McAdams, Ben, Utah, E910
McBath, Lucy, Ga., E914
Moulton, Seth, Mass., E911
Panetta, Jimmy, Calif., E913, E915
Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E911
Stauber, Pete, Minn., E910
Underwood, Lauren, Ill., E909
Walden, Greg, Ore., E912
Wenstrup, Brad R., Ohio, E911