Boss battles
from GovTrack.us, April 20, 2024
Been a week in Congress and it's not done yet. In order from easiest to hardest boss battles, we present the week that was. We've also got a preview of next week.
Iran Bills
There were votes on 16 bills on Iran, punishing the state and some specific individuals, that passed this week.
Highest Support:
H.R. 6245: Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act of 2023 - 419-4
H.R. 5917: Strengthening Tools to Counter the Use of Human Shields Act - 419-4
Impeachment
The Senate convened for their portion of the Mayorkas impeachment process on April 17. The outcome was never in doubt: all Democrats and the Independents who caucus with them were unanimously opposed to the impeachment and planned to dispense with it as soon as possible. Majority Leader Schumer offered a motion that would have allowed a few hours of debate from Republicans on the substance of the charges before he moved to dismiss charges. This would have been an opportunity to for Republicans to force Democrats to vote against holding a trial, something many Senate Republicans felt they could use later.
However, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) refused to allow unanimous consent on Schumer's offer. Sen. Schmitt's reasoning was that he would settle for nothing less than a trial even though his move precluded even a vote to hold one. That meant Republicans could only offer procedural motions to postpone the inevitable. By about 4:15 pm, on party line votes, articles one and two had been declared unconstitutional and the court of impeachment was adjourned.
Foreign Aid Bills in the House
Foreign Aid bills for Ukraine, Israel/Gaza and other allies have been floating undealt with for months. The House as a whole supports the bills at issue; the Republicans don't necessarily. Because part of House procedure typically relies on votes from only the majority party to bring bills to the floor, House leadership has either used another procedure which skips that part (voting on suspension), but requires the bill to pass by a much larger margin or let bills be held hostage by those Republicans who don't want them to come to the floor because they would indeed pass. Speaker Johnson has finally decided he's tired of being held hostage.
In attempt to give everyone an opportunity to oppose or support whatever they wish, he's put forth a complicated plan that will allow individual votes on each of the foreign aid bills so that opponents of Ukraine aid can vote against it while opponents of aid to Israel can vote against that without those variations sinking all the bills. Then, ideally, the individual bills will be presented to the Senate as a single entity, Senate passes, president signs, Congress moves to the next crisis. So far, the plan is working. The bills have made it through two procedural votes and they'll be voted on for passage tomorrow. But they've required Democratic support to pass even though support from the opposing party in these circumstances is extremely rare.
The only wrinkle is for Speaker Johnson personally. The Republican minority that is mad about these bills coming to the floor and requiring Democratic votes to pass says that they will move to vacate the Speaker. Again. Will it work again? Probably not. A few Democrats have already said publicly that they would support Johnson in a motion to vacate.
Foreign Aid & FISA in the Senate
The Senate is currently working on the FISA bill. However, there are not yet any agreements on amendments. As The Hill reports, the opposition to the bill in the Senate isn't large, but it is deeply held. There's even disagreement over whether Seciton 702 authorities really end today or not. Odds are that the bill passes; amendments reeling in expanded warrantless surveillance don't and that no more than a day or two passes with Section 702 out of authorization.
After that, the Senate would move to the foreign aid bills. The Senate is supposed to be in recess next week, but it's possible they'll stay in Washington to get those bills passed as needed.
Next Week (Maybe) (See Above)
This upcoming week should be quiet on Capitol Hill as the House and Senate both are having "district work weeks." What this means is that no floor action or committee hearings are scheduled to occur and many members will be spending the week back in their home district.
It does not mean that Congress isn't at work. Much of the time, Members split their weeks between Washington, D.C. and offices back. This is pretty much the same, except they don't have to fly into Washington. Members likely will spend a lot of their time meeting with constituents and local notables. Of course, some of the members use this time off to do other work, such as fly on congressional delegations to foreign countries, fundraise for their campaigns (which is not official work), or just take a little time off.
Congress is more than members of Congress. Congressional staff in Washington, D.C. will be able to relax their dress code a bit, but they'll be busy doing all the work they couldn't accomplish when their bosses were around. And, as we're in the middle of appropriations season, many staffers will be busy working on figuring out how to get their bosses' proposals into that must-pass legislation. They'll also be preparing for when the big show comes back to town -- getting questions ready for hearings, drafting language for mark-ups, meeting with constituents and lobbyists, and working to move their boss's agenda forward.
* * * * *
Hawaii Congressional Delegation
from GovTrack.us, April 20, 2024
Apr 15, 2024 5:28 p.m. — Vote
On the Motion to Table PN1252: Ramona Villagomez Manglona, of the Northern Mariana Islands, to be Judge for the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands for a term of ten years
Motion to Table Failed 39/50
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 15, 2024 6:58 p.m. — Vote
Table Motion to Reconsider: H R 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act
Passed 259/128
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Aye
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Aye
Apr 15, 2024 7:03 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: Ramona Villagomez Manglona to be Judge for the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands: Ramona Villagomez Manglona, of the Northern Mariana Islands, to be Judge for the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands for a term of ten years
Cloture Motion Agreed to 84/3
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Yea
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Yea
Apr 15, 2024 7:05 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 6408: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations.
Passed 382/11
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
According to the Congressional Budget Office, “H.R. 6408 would suspend the tax-exempt status of organizations that support terrorism. Under current law, an entity’s tax-exempt status is suspended if it is designated by the Department of State as a terrorist organization. H.R. 6408 would extend that prohibition to include organizations identified as having provided material support or resources to a terrorist or terrorist-supporting organization within the prior three years. The bill would establish procedures for the department to provide notice to those organizations, for organizations to refute the designation, and for designations to be rescinded.”
Apr 15, 2024 7:11 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 5923: Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act of 2023
Passed 383/11
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Apr 15, 2024 7:18 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 5921: No U.S. Financing for Iran Act of 2023
Passed 294/105
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Apr 16, 2024 — Introduced
S.Res. 643: A resolution recognizing the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and expressing support for the designation of April 2024 as the “Month of the Military Child”.
Sponsor: Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI]
This resolution was referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services which will consider it before sending it to the Senate floor for consideration.
Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI] is a member of the committee.
Apr 16, 2024 11:31 a.m. — Vote
On the Nomination PN1252: Ramona Villagomez Manglona, of the Northern Mariana Islands, to be Judge for the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands for a term of ten years
Nomination Confirmed 96/2
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Yea
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Yea
Apr 16, 2024 12:34 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Proceed to Legislative Session
Motion to Proceed Agreed to 50/49
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Yea
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Yea
Apr 16, 2024 2:02 p.m. — Vote
On Ordering the Previous Question: H.Res. 1149: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6323) to modify the availability of …
Passed 212/208
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Apr 16, 2024 2:08 p.m. — Vote
H.Res. 1149: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6323) to modify the availability of certain waiver authorities with respect to sanctions imposed with respect to the financial sector of Iran, and for other purposes; providing for consideration
Passed 214/208
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: No
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: No
Apr 16, 2024 2:14 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 6245: Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act of 2023
Passed 419/4
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
According to the Congressional Budget Office, “ H.R. 6245 would require the Administration to report to the Congress on funds and assets controlled by specified Iranian groups and individuals. That report would include information on how those funds were acquired, how they have been used, and which non-Iranian financial institutions hold any of those funds or assets or knowingly provide financial services to a person covered by the report. The initial report would be required within 180 days of enactment with subsequent reports due every two years thereafter. Any unclassified information in the report would be made publicly available.”
Apr 16, 2024 2:21 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 6015: Iran Sanctions Accountability Act of 2023
Passed 408/13
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
According to the Congressional Budget Office, “H.R. 6015 would require the Administration to issue regulations to ensure that humanitarian exceptions to sanctions on Iran do not facilitate international terrorism or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The bill would require periodic reports on the efficacy of those regulations. It also would direct the United States Executive Director at the World Bank to oppose financial assistance to Iran.”
Apr 16, 2024 4:32 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 5917: Strengthening Tools to Counter the Use of Human Shields Act
Passed 419/4
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
According to the Congressional Budget Office, “ H.R. 5917 would reinstate sanctions against people who use civilians as human shields in conflict zones. The authority to impose those specific sanctions, which expired at the end of calendar year 2023, would be extended through calendar year 2030. The bill also would add members and supporters of the Palestine Islamic Jihad militant group who are involved in the use of civilians as human shields to the list of people who would be subject to mandatory sanctions.”
Apr 16, 2024 4:36 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 4681: Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act of 2023
Passed 410/13
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Apr 16, 2024 4:40 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 6603: No Technology for Terror Act
Passed 406/19
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
According to the Congressional Budget Office, “H.R. 6603 would codify existing export controls that restrict the transfer of U.S. technology to Iran. The bill would require the Department of Commerce to issue licenses to export component parts of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as cameras, sensors, and circuits, if Iran is the ultimate destination of those components.”
Apr 16, 2024 4:43 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 5826: No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act
Passed 391/34
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Apr 16, 2024 4:47 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 3033: Solidify Iran Sanctions Act of 2023
Passed 407/16
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Apr 16, 2024 4:51 p.m. — Vote
H.Res. 288: Encouraging the EU to DESIGNATE Resolution
Passed 411/14
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Apr 16, 2024 4:56 p.m. — Vote
H.Res. 883: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the slogan, “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is antisemitic and its use must be condemned.
Passed 377/44
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Apr 17, 2024 2:43 p.m. — Vote
On the Motion (Motion to Close the Doors)
Motion Rejected 49/51
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 17, 2024 2:52 p.m. — Vote
On the Motion to Adjourn (Motion to Adjourn the Court of Impeachment until April 30, 2024 until 12:00 Noon)
Motion to Adjourn Rejected 49/51
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 17, 2024 3:02 p.m. — Vote
On the Motion to Table (Motion to Table Schumer Point of Order)
Motion to Table Failed 49/51
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 17, 2024 3:08 p.m. — Vote
On the Point of Order (Is the Schumer Constitutional Point of Order Against Article I Well Taken)
Point of Order Well Taken 51/48
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Yea
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Yea
Apr 17, 2024 3:19 p.m. — Vote
On the Motion (Motion to Close the Doors)
Motion Rejected 49/51
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 17, 2024 3:26 p.m. — Vote
On the Motion to Adjourn (Motion to Adjourn the Court of Impeachment Until April 30, 2024 at 12:00 Noon)
Motion to Adjourn Rejected 49/51
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 17, 2024 3:35 p.m. — Vote
On the Motion to Adjourn (Motion to Adjourn the Court of Impeachment until 12 Noon May 1, 2024)
Motion to Adjourn Rejected 49/51
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 17, 2024 3:46 p.m. — Vote
On the Motion to Adjourn (Motion to Adjourn the Court of Impeachment Until Nov. 6, 2024 at 7:00 a.m.)
Motion to Adjourn Rejected 49/51
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 17, 2024 3:54 p.m. — Vote
On the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Proceed to Executive Session)
Motion to Proceed Rejected 49/51
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 17, 2024 4:01 p.m. — Vote
On the Motion to Table (Motion to Table the Schumer Point of Order)
Motion to Table Failed 49/51
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 17, 2024 4:08 p.m. — Vote
On the Point of Order (Is the Schumer Constitutional Point of Order Against Article II Well Taken)
Point of Order Well Taken 51/49
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Yea
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Yea
Apr 17, 2024 4:15 p.m. — Vote
On the Motion to Adjourn (Motion to Adjourn the Court of Impeachment Sine Die)
Motion to Adjourn Agreed to 51/49
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Yea
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Yea
Apr 17, 2024 5:37 p.m. — Vote
H.Amdt. 885 (LaLota) to H.R. 4639: To clarify that Section 2 shall not limit a governmental entity's ability to obtain information that would be obtainable without a warrant.
Failed 176/246
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Aye
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: No
Apr 17, 2024 5:48 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 4639: Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act
Passed 219/199
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
This bill would prohibit law enforcement from buying data from data brokers to circumvent the fourth amendment.
Apr 17, 2024 5:54 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 6046: Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act
Passed 285/135
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Apr 17, 2024 6 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 4691: Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act of 2023
Passed 278/141
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Apr 17, 2024 6:07 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 5947: To provide for the rescission of certain waivers and licenses relating to Iran, and for other purposes.
Passed 259/160
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Apr 17, 2024 6:14 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 6323: Iran Counterterrorism Act of 2023
Passed 271/147
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Apr 18, 2024 10:57 a.m. — Vote
H.Res. 1143: Condemning Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel.
Passed 404/14
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Apr 18, 2024 1:02 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Invoke Cloture: Motion to Proceed to H.R. 7888
Cloture Motion Agreed to 67/32
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Yea
Apr 18, 2024 2:52 p.m. — Vote
S. 4072: A bill to prohibit the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce certain rules of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Bill Defeated 52/46
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 19, 2024 11:01 a.m. — Vote
On Agreeing to the Resolution: H RES 1160 Providing for consideration of the bills (H.R. 8034) Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act; (H.R. 8035) Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act; (H.R. 8036) Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act; and (H.R. 8038) 21st Century Peace through Strength Act;
Passed 316/94
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Apr 19, 2024 8:07 p.m. — Vote
Motion to Proceed on H.R. 7888: Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act
Motion to Proceed Agreed to 62/30
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Yea
Apr 19, 2024 9:36 p.m. — Vote
S.Amdt. 1829 (Paul) to H.R. 7888
Amendment Rejected 31/61
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Yea
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 19, 2024 10:07 p.m. — Vote
S.Amdt. 1834 (Marshall) to H.R. 7888
Amendment Rejected 17/75
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 19, 2024 10:27 p.m. — Vote
S.Amdt. 1820 (Wyden) to H.R. 7888
Amendment Rejected 34/58
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Yea
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 19, 2024 10:48 p.m. — Vote
S.Amdt. 1828 (Paul) to H.R. 7888
Amendment Rejected 11/81
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 19, 2024 11:03 p.m. — Vote
On the Amendment S.Amdt. 1841 to H.R. 7888 (No short title on file)
Amendment Rejected 42/50
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Yea
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 19, 2024 11:23 p.m. — Vote
On the Amendment S.Amdt. 1840 to H.R. 7888 (No short title on file)
Amendment Rejected 40/53
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Yea
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Nay
Apr 19, 2024 11:45 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 7888: Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act
Bill Passed 60/34
Sen. Hirono [D-HI]: Nay
Sen. Schatz [D-HI]: Yea
Apr 20, 2024 1 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 3602: Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act
Failed 215/199
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Nay
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay
Apr 20, 2024 1:04 p.m. — Vote
On Agreeing to the Amendment: Amendment 2 to H R 8038
Agreed to 249/167
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: No
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: No
Apr 20, 2024 1:12 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 8038: 21st Century Peace through Strength Act
Passed 360/58
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Apr 20, 2024 1:19 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 8036: Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024
Passed 385/34
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Apr 20, 2024 1:24 p.m. — Vote
On Agreeing to the Amendment: Amendment 1 to H R 8035
Failed 105/319
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: No
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: No
Apr 20, 2024 1:27 p.m. — Vote
On Agreeing to the Amendment: Amendment 2 to H R 8035
Failed 71/351
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: No
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: No
Apr 20, 2024 1:32 p.m. — Vote
On Agreeing to the Amendment: Amendment 3 to H R 8035
Failed 154/272
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: No
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: No
Apr 20, 2024 1:40 p.m. — Vote
On Motion to Recommit: H.R. 8035: Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024
Failed 88/336
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: No
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: No
Apr 20, 2024 1:48 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 8035: Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024
Passed 311/112
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Yea
Apr 20, 2024 1:57 p.m. — Vote
H.R. 8034: Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024
Passed 366/58
Rep. Case [D-HI1]: Yea
Rep. Tokuda [D-HI2]: Nay