Senate Floor Activity - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Mrs. Kirsten E. Gillibrand, from the State of New York, called the Senate to order at 9:30 a.m., the Chaplain offered a prayer, and Mrs. Gillibrand led the Senate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

The Journal

Pursuant to the order of yesterday, the Journal of the proceedings of the Senate was deemed approved to date.

Certain Procedures Dispensed With

Pursuant to the order of yesterday, the morning hour being deemed expired, and the times for the recognition of the two leaders being reserved.

Transaction of Morning Business

Pursuant to the order of yesterday, the Senate proceeded to a period for the transaction of morning business.

Legislative Business (Wednesday, March 14)

S. 1813 (Sen. Boxer): To reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes.

-- Considered by Senate.

-- Passed Senate with amendments by Yea-Nay Vote. 74 - 22. Record Vote Number: 48

-- Ordered held at desk by unanimous consent. Pursuant to the order of 3/7/2012.

S.Amdt. 1556 (Sen. Paul): To permit emergency exemptions from compliance with certain laws for highway construction projects.

-- Amendment SA 1556 proposed by Senator Paul to Amendment SA 1761.

-- Point of order raised in Senate with respect to amendment SA 1556.

-- Motion to waive all applicable budgetary discipline with respect to amendment SA 1556 rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 42 - 54. Record Vote Number: 47

-- Amendment SA 1556 ruled out of order by the chair.

S.Amdt. 1669 (Sen. McCain): To enhance the natural quiet and safety of airspace of the Grand Canyon National Park and for other purposes .

-- Amendment pending in Senate.

-- Proposed amendment SA 1669 as modified withdrawn in Senate.

S.Amdt. 1779 (Sen. Alexander): To make technical corrections to certain provisions relating to overflights of National Parks.

-- Amendment pending in Senate.

-- Amendment SA 1779 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.

S.Amdt. 1810 (Sen. Corker): To ensure that the aggregate amount made available for transportation projects for a fiscal year does not exceed the estimated amount available for those projects in the Highway Trust Fund for the fiscal year.

-- Amendment pending in Senate.

-- Amendment SA 1810 not agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.

S.Amdt. 1816 (Sen. Boxer): To express the sense of the Senate that Federal agencies should ensure that all applicable environmental reviews, approvals , licensing, and permit requirements under Federal law are completed on an expeditious basis after a disaster or emergency.

-- Amendment SA 1816 proposed by Senator Boxer to Amendment SA 1761.

-- Amendment SA 1816 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 76 - 20. Record Vote Number: 46

S.Res. 396 (Sen. Casey): A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

Executive Business (Wednesday, March 14)

PN349: Mary Geiger Lewis, of South Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina