Senate Legislative Activity

On Monday, March 2, following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the House Message to accompany H.R.240, appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which was laid before the Senate. Prior to adjourning on Friday, February 27, the Senate passed H.R.33, as amended with a substitute amendment (SA#268), to fund DHS through Friday, March 6. At approximately 3:30pm, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is expected to file cloture on the consolidated motion to go to conference. Under the expedited rule for going to conference, once cloture has been filed, Senators would have two hours for debate, which is equally divided prior to a cloture vote. As such, a cloture vote – requiring at least 60 votes – is likely to take place at approximately 5:30pm on Monday. If cloture is invoked, the Senate will immediately hold a vote on the motion, which would require a majority vote for passage.

The consolidated motion to go to conference includes the following:

1. Motion to insist upon the Senate amendment;

2. Motion to agree to a request by the House for a committee of conferees; and

3. Motion to authorize the Presiding Officer to appoint conferees

House Legislative Activity

On Monday, March 2, the House will meet at 12:00pm for morning hour and at 2:00pm for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30pm. The following legislation will be considered under suspension of the rules:

1. R. 294 – Long-Term Care Veteran Choice Act, as amended; and

2. R. 280 – To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recoup bonuses and awards paid to employees of the Department of Veterans Affair, as amended

On Tuesday, March 3, the House will meet at 9:30am for legislative business, recessing immediately. The House will reconvene at approximately 10:45am for a Joint Meeting of Congress to receive His Excellency Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel. On Wednesday, March 4, the House will meet at 10:00am for morning hour and 12:00pm for legislative business. On Thursday, March 5, the House will meet at 9:00am for legislative business, with last votes expected by 3:00 pm.

The House will consider the following legislation:

1. R. 749 – Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule);

2. R. 1029 – EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2015, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule); and

3. R. 1030 – Secret Science Reform Act of 2015, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule)

On Friday, March 6, the House may meet in pro forma session.