What's happening

Some excerpts from the House floor, courtesy of the House Web site. Rangel amendment on liberalizing trade with Cuba passes with voice vote but further questions on adoption of the amendment put off until later today. Cardoza amendment on transferring border inspectors to USDA was withdrawn.


9:56 A.M. -
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Rangel amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Ros-Lehtinen demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
9:42 A.M. -
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 574, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rangel amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Rangel.
An amendment numbered 12 printed in Part B of House Report 110-261 to remove certain banking restrictions related to Cuba's payment for agricultural purchases from U.S. producers. It also authorizes direct transfers between Cuban banks and U.S. banks and allows visas to be issued to conduct activities related to purchasing U.S. agricultural goods.

9:28 A.M. -
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 574, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Boustany amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Boustany.
An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part B of House Report 110-261 to state that in the case of sweet potatoes, Risk Management Agency Pilot Program data shall not be considered for purposes of determining production for the 2005-2006 Farm Service Agency Crop Disaster Program.
By unanimous consent, the Cardoza amendment was withdrawn.
9:21 A.M. -
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 574, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cardoza amendment, pending reservation of a point of order.
Amendment offered by Mr. Cardoza.
An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 110-261 to require USDA to transition Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) employees responsible for plant pest inspection duties back to USDA from the Department of Homeland Security in order to better serve the needs of American agriculture.