Passage of the bill that would overhaul the operations of the U.S. Postal Service. The bill would establish a Postal Regulatory Commission and make changes to the system for regulating postal rates. It would require the Postal Regulatory System to develop separate rate regulation systems for market-dominant products and competitive products, including Express and Priority Mail, within two years of enactment. The bill would require the Treasury Department to pay retirement costs related to military service and establish the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund. The Postal Service would be required to calculate its unfunded liability for health benefits costs for current and future retirees. The Postal Service would also be subject to competition laws, including fair Passed 410-20: R 208-20; D 201-0 (ND 150-0, SD 51-0); I 1-0. A 'nay' was a vote in support of the president's position. July 26, 2005.
Flake, R-Ariz., amendment that would create pilot programs for up to 20 communities to determine the feasibility of alternative mail delivery services. Communities would have to submit applications to the Postal Service proposing alternative postal service providers, the impact on consumers, the services providers would supply and the duration of the program, which could be up to five years. Rejected 51-379: R 51-177; D 0-201 (ND 0-150, SD 0-51); I 0-1 . July 26, 2005.
Pence, R-Ind., amendment that would strike a provision in the bill that would require one position on the Postal Service's Board of Governors to be filled by an individual with the unanimous backing of labor unions. Rejected 82-345: R 82-146; D 0-198 (ND 0-149, SD 0-49); I 0-1. July 26, 2005.
Towns, D-N.Y., motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill that would allow the U.S. Postal Service to accept monetary donations for plaques in connection with the commemorative designation of postal facilities and require the Postal Service, after receiving sufficient amounts, to provide a plaque within 120 days of a facility designation. Motion agreed to 414-0: R 170-0; D 244-0. A two-thirds majority of those present and voting (276 in this case) is required for passage under suspension of the rules.
Towns, D-N.Y., motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill that would lower the amount the U.S. Postal Service is required to contribute to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund in fiscal 2009 to $1.4 billion from $5.4 billion. Motion agreed to 388-32: R 142-32; D 246-0. A two-thirds majority of those present and voting (280 in this case) is required for passage under suspension of the rules.
Passage of the bill that would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. It also would delay for two years a cost-savings plan to eliminate Saturday postal deliveries. As amended, it would establish limits on the compensation of executives of the Postal Service. It would direct the postmaster general to maintain overnight delivery for some first class mail for the next three years. It also would allow the operation of only one post office on each side of the Capitol complex. Passed 62-37 : D 47-4; R 13-33; I 2-0. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for passage of the bill to 60 votes.
DeMint, R-S.C., amendment no. 2046 to the Lieberman, I-Conn., substitute amendment no. 2000. The DeMint amendment would bar the use of union dues paid by Postal Service employees for purposes other than collective bargaining and similar activities without an annual certification. The substitute would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. Rejected 46-53 : D 0-51; R 46-0; I 0-2. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the DeMint amendment to 60 votes.
Casey, D-Pa., amendment no. 2042 to the Lieberman, I-Conn., substitute amendment no. 2000. The Casey amendment would prohibit the Postal Service from extending the standard delivery time for certain products including periodicals and other bound printed matter. The substitute would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. Rejected 44-54 : D 41-9; R 2-44; I 1-1. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the Casey amendment to 60 votes.
Paul, R-Ky., amendment no. 2039 to the Lieberman, I-Conn., substitute amendment no. 2000. The Paul amendment would prohibit collective bargaining by Postal Service employees. The substitute would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. Rejected 23-76 : D 0-51; R 23-23; I 0-2. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the Paul amendment to 60 votes.
Paul, R-Ky., amendment no. 2025 to the Lieberman, I-Conn., substitute amendment no. 2000. The Paul amendment would allow mailbox owners to determine whether to allow organizations or entities other than the Postal Service to put things in their mailboxes. The substitute would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. Rejected 35-64 : D 0-51; R 35-11; I 0-2. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the Paul amendment to 60 votes. April 24, 2012, on the legislative day April 23, 2012.
Akaka, D-Hawaii, amendment no. 2049 to the Lieberman, I-Conn., substitute amendment no. 2000. The Akaka amendment would allow supervisory organizations to participate in planning Postal Service pay policies, certain benefits and other policies. The substitute would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. Rejected 57-42 : D 51-0; R 4-42; I 2-0. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the Akaka amendment to 60 votes. April 24, 2012, on the legislative day April 23, 2012.
Corker, R-Tenn., amendment no. 2083 to the Lieberman, I-Conn., substitute amendment no. 2000. The Corker amendment would allow the Postal Service to immediately transition to a delivery service of five days per week. The substitute would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. Rejected 29-70 : D 0-51; R 29-17; I 0-2. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the Corker amendment to 60 votes. April 24, 2012, on the legislative day April 23, 2012.
Coburn, R-Okla., amendment no. 2061 to the Lieberman, I-Conn., substitute amendment no. 2000. The Coburn amendment would allow the U.S. postmaster general to require employees of the postal service eligible for retirement to retire, beginning two years after enactment of the bill. The substitute would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. Rejected 33-65 : D 0-51; R 33-12; I 0-2. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the Coburn amendment to 60 votes. April 24, 2012, on the legislative day April 23, 2012.
S 380 Passage of the bill that would alter the formula used to determine the size of annual payments made by the Postal Service to the civil service pension fund. The Postal Service would be required to use the same formula for payments to the Civil Service Retirement System that it currently uses to determine payments to the Federal Employee Retirement System. The resulting savings through fiscal 2005 would go toward lowering the service's debt to the U.S. Treasury. A portion of the savings in fiscal 2005 also would go toward maintaining current postage rates. Passed 424–0: R 223–0; D 200–0 (ND 144–0, SD 56–0); I 1–0. April 8, 2003.
Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., motion to proceed to the bill that would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. It also would delay for two years a cost-savings plan to eliminate Saturday postal deliveries. Motion rejected 51-46 : D 44-7; R 5-39; I 2-0. Three-fifths of the total Senate (60) is required to invoke cloture. (Subsequently, Reid entered a motion to reconsider the vote.).
Paul, R-Ky., amendment no. 2028 to the Lieberman, I-Conn., substitute amendment no. 2000. The Paul amendment would establish a pilot program to allow local postmasters to determine the best ways to process and deliver mail within their jurisdictions, with approval of the Postal Regulatory Commission. The substitute would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. Rejected 35-64 : D 0-51; R 35-11; I 0-2. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the Paul amendment to 60 votes.
Manchin, D-W.Va., amendment no. 2079 to the Lieberman, I-Conn., substitute amendment no. 2000. The Manchin amendment would place a two-year moratorium on the closure of post offices and mail processing facilities. The substitute would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. Rejected 43-53 : D 38-12; R 4-40; I 1-1. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the Manchin amendment to 60 votes.
Akaka, D-Hawaii, amendment no. 2034 to the Lieberman, I-Conn., substitute amendment no. 2000. The Akaka amendment would strike provisions in the bill restricting workers' compensation and replace it with adjustments to laws governing federal employees. It would allow payments of certain benefits in the event of terrorism incidents. It also would allow payments of up to $6,000 for funeral expenses in the event of death of certain federal employees. The substitute would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. Rejected 46-53 : D 44-7; R 1-45; I 1-1. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the Akaka amendment to 60 votes. April 24, 2012, on the legislative day April 23, 2012.
McCain, R-Ariz., amendment no. 2044 to the Lieberman, I-Conn., substitute amendment no. 2000. The McCain amendment would establish a new Commission on Postal Reorganization that would be responsible for providing recommendations for postal facility closures and consolidations. The substitute would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. Rejected 30-69 : D 0-51; R 30-16; I 0-2. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the McCain amendment to 60 votes. April 24, 2012, on the legislative day April 23, 2012.
Lieberman, I-Conn., motion to waive all applicable budget laws and budget resolutions with respect to the Sessions, R-Ala., point of order against the bill that would allow the Postal Service to recoup about $11 billion in overpayments to a retirement account and use the money to provide financial incentives to some 100,000 employees to retire. Motion agreed to 62-37 : D 51-0; R 9-37; I 2-0. A three-fifths majority vote of the total Senate (60) is required to waive the applicable budget laws. April 24, 2012, on the legislative day April 23, 2012.
HR 5120 Passage of the bill that would provide $35.1 billion in fiscal 2003 for the Treasury Department, U.S. Postal Service, various offices of the Executive Office of the President and certain independent agencies, a $1.1 billion increase over fiscal 2002 spending. The total includes $9.9 billion for the IRS and $3.1 billion for the Customs Service. The measure provides that all federal employees would receive a 4.1 percent pay raise. Passed 308–121: R 148–71; D 159–49 (ND 123–31, SD 36–18); I 1–1. July 24, 2002.
HR 5120 Linder, R-Ga., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 488) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would allocate $35.1 billion in fiscal 2003 for the Treasury Department, Postal Service, Executive Office of the President and other federal agencies. Motion agreed to 258–156: R 128–84; D 129–71 (ND 101–48, SD 28–23); I 1–1. July 18, 2002.
HR 4516 Adoption of the conference report to appropriate $2.5 billion in fiscal 2001 for the legislative branch; appropriate $30.4 billion in fiscal 2001 for the Treasury Department, Postal Service, executive office of the president and certain independent agencies; and repeal the 3 percent federal excise tax on telecommunications services by the end of 2002. Adopted (thus sent to the Senate) 212–209: R 197–20; D 15–187 (ND 14–134, SD 1–53); I 0–2. Sept. 14, 2000.
HR 4516 Adoption of the conference report on the bill that would appropriate $2.5 billion in fiscal 2001 for the legislative branch; appropriate $30.4 billion for the Treasury Department, Postal Service, executive office of the president and certain independent agencies, and repeal the 3 percent federal excise tax on telecommunications services by the end of 2002. Adopted (thus cleared for the president) 58–37: R 33–19; D 25–18 (ND 21–13, SD 4–5). Oct. 12, 2000.
HR 5120 Sanders, I-Vt., amendment that would prohibit the IRS from using funds in the bill to implement tax laws that provide benefits to private companies if those companies' pension plans violate federal pension, age discrimination and other tax laws. Adopted 308–121: R 102–116; D 204–5 (ND 152–3, SD 52–2); I 2–0. July 24, 2002.
HR 5120 Hefley, R-Colo., amendment that would mandate a 1 percent cut in the total discretionary funding for the departments and agencies funded in the bill. Rejected 147–282: R 125–94; D 21–187 (ND 11–143, SD 10–44); I 1–1. July 24, 2002.
HR 5120 Hefley, R-Colo., amendment that would mandate a 10 percent cut in the $3.3 million allowance for former presidents. Rejected 165–265: R 135–84; D 29–180 (ND 14–141, SD 15–39); I 1–1. July 24, 2002.
HR 5120 Moran, D-Va., amendment that would prohibit the Office of Management and Budget, or any other federal agency, from using numerical quotas, targets and goals for the outsourcing of federal jobs to private contractors. Adopted 261–166: R 52–165; D 208–0 (ND 154–0, SD 54–0); I 1–1. A 'nay' was a vote in support of the president's position. July 24, 2002.
HR 5120 Rangel, D-N.Y., amendment that would ban the expenditure of funds to operate and enforce the Cuban economic embargo. Rejected 204–226: R 30–190; D 173–35 (ND 132–22, SD 41–13); I 1–1. A 'nay' was a vote in support of the president's position. July 23, 2002.
HR 5120 Flake, R-Ariz., amendment that would ban the expenditure of funds to enforce any restriction on remittances to nationals of Cuba. Adopted 251–177: R 63–155; D 187–21 (ND 139–15, SD 48–6); I 1–1. July 23, 2002.
HR 5120 Flake, R-Ariz., amendment that would ban the expenditure of funds to enforce the ban on travel to Cuba. Adopted 262–167: R 73–147; D 188–19 (ND 142–12, SD 46–7); I 1–1. A 'nay' was a vote in support of the president's position. July 23, 2002.
S 2312 Cochran, R-Miss., motion to table (kill) the Baucus, D-Mont., amendment that would require the Postal Service to provide 60 days notice to the community, hold a hearing and abide by local zoning requirements before closing or relocating a post office in that community. Motion rejected 21–76: R 18–34; D 3–42 (ND 1–36, SD 2–6). July 29, 1998. (Subsequently, the Baucus amendment was adopted by voice vote.)
HR 4104 Adoption of the rule (H Res 498) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill to provide $29.2 billion in fiscal 1999 for the Treasury Department, U.S. Postal Service, various offices of the Executive Office of the President and certain independent agencies. Adopted 218–201: R 198–23; D 20–177 (ND 14–130, SD 6–47); I 0–1. July 15, 1998.
HR 4104 Goss, R-Fla., motion to order the previous question (thus ending the possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 498) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill to provide $29.2 billion in fiscal 1999 for the Treasury Department, U.S. Postal Service, various offices of the Executive Office of the President and certain independent agencies. Motion agreed to 231–185: R 222–0; D 9–184 (ND 5–136, SD 4–48); I 0–1. July 15, 1998. (Subsequently, the rule was adopted.)
HR 2378 Adoption of the conference report on the bill to provide $25.4 billion in new mandatory and discretionary budget authority for the Treasury Department, Postal Service and other general government functions, including the Executive Office of the President in fiscal 1998. The conference report would provide $1.3 billion more than in fiscal 1997 and $262 million less than requested by President Clinton. Adopted (thus sent to the Senate) 220–207: R 107–118; D 113–88 (ND 86–62, SD 27–26); I 0–1, Sept. 30, 1997.
S 1282 Boxer, D-Calif., motion to table (kill) the DeWine, R-Ohio, amendment that would prohibit funding for abortions or for administrative expenses of federal health plans that provide coverage for abortions, except when the life of the mother is endangered or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. Motion rejected 47–51: R 7–46; D 40–5 (ND 33–4, SD 7–1), July 1, 1999. (Subsequently, the DeWine amendment was adopted and the $27.7 billion underlying bill was passed by voice vote.)
S 1282 Campbell, R-Colo., motion to table (kill) the Lautenberg, D-N.J., amendment that would add alcohol use by minors to the topics addressed by the national anti-drug media campaign intended to reduce youth drug use. Motion agreed to 58–40: R 48–6; D 10–34 (ND 6–30, SD 4–4), July 1, 1999.
HR 2020 Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 190) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill to provide $23,315,119,500 in new budget authority for the Treasury Department, the Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President and certain independent agencies for fiscal 1996. Motion agreed to 232–192: R 230–0; D 2–191 (ND 1–132, SD 1–59); I 0–1, July 18, 1995.
HR 2020 Passage of the bill to provide $23.3 billion in new budget authority for the Treasury Department, the Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President and certain independent agencies for fiscal 1996. The bill would provide $553.7 million more than the fiscal 1995 level of $22.8 billion and $1.7 billion less than the administration request of $25.1 billion. Passed 216–211: R 200–30; D 15–181 (ND 7–129, SD 8–52); I 1–0, July 19, 1995. A 'nay' was a vote in support of the president's position.
HR 4104 Passage of the bill to provide $29.9 billion in new budget authority for the Treasury Department, the White House, postal subsidies and civil service benefits in fiscal 1999. The bill would provide $4.6 billion more than in fiscal 1998 and $3.1 billion more than requested by President Clinton. It would provide a 3.6 percent cost of living adjustment for federal workers. Passed 91–5: R 49–4; D 42–1 (ND 34–1, SD 8–0). Sept. 3, 1998. (Before passage, the Senate struck all after the enacting clause and inserted the text of S 2312 as amended.)
S 2312 Glenn, D-Ohio, motion to table (kill) the McConnell, R-Ky., amendment that would impose four-year term limits on the staff director and the general counsel of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), though the officers could be elected to additional terms if four members of the six-member commission vote for reappointment. Motion rejected 45–54: R 0–54; D 45–0 (ND 37–0, SD 8–0). July 30, 1998. (Subsequently, the underlying bill, along with all pending amendments, were set aside.)
S 2312 Harkin, D-Iowa, amendment to the Thompson, R-Tenn., amendment. The Harkin amendment would replace the text of the Thompson amendment with the bill's language regarding child labor with a few changes. That language would prohibit the government from buying products made by forced or indentured child labor and would require executive agencies to publish a list of products mined or manufactured with forced or indentured child labor. The Thompson amendment would strike all bill language concerning child labor except for a provision requiring revisions to federal acquisition regulations within 180 days of the bill's enactment. Rejected 46–53: R 1–53; D 45–0 (ND 37–0, SD 8–0). July 29, 1998. (Subsequently, the underlying Thompson amendment was adopted by voice vote.)
S 2312 Campbell, R-Colo., motion to table (kill) the Daschle, D-S.D., amendment that would allow married couples with combined incomes below $50,000 a year to deduct 20 percent of the income of the lesser-earning spouse on their income taxes, thus eliminating the so-called marriage penalty for those in that income bracket. Motion agreed to 57–42: R 54–0; D 3–42 (ND 2–35, SD 1–7). July 29, 1998.
S 2312 Roth, R-Del., motion to table (kill) the Brownback, R-Kan., amendment that would allow each spouse to claim one-half of the combined taxable income of both spouses as if unmarried, thus eliminating the so-called marriage penalty. Motion rejected 48–51: R 4–50; D 44–1 (ND 37–0, SD 7–1). July 29, 1998. (Subsequently, the Brownback amendment was withdrawn.)
S 2312 Hutchinson, R-Ark., motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Kohl, D-Wis., point of order against the Hutchinson amendment. The Hutchinson amendment would abolish the current tax code by Dec. 31, 2002, and recommend that Congress approve a new tax code by July 4, 2002. Motion rejected 49–49: R 47–7; D 2–42 (ND 2–34, SD 0–8). July 28, 1998. A three-fifths majority vote (60) of the total Senate is required to waive the Budget Act. (Subsequently, the chair upheld the point of order, and the amendment fell.) A 'nay' was a vote in support of the president's position.
S 2312 Campbell, R-Colo., motion to table (kill) the Feinstein, D-Calif., amendment that would prohibit the importation of large capacity ammunition feeding devices. The devices are currently illegal in the United States. Motion agreed to 54–44: R 49–5; D 5–39 (ND 3–33, SD 2–6). July 28, 1998.
HR 4104 Motion to proceed to the conference report on the bill to provide about $27 billion in new budget authority for the Treasury Department, the White House, postal subsidies and civil service benefits in fiscal 1999. Motion agreed to 58–39: R 54–1; D 4–38 (ND 2–33, SD 2–5). Oct. 9, 1998. (Subsequently, Lott, R-Miss., pulled the bill from consideration.)
HR 2378 Hoyer, D-Md., motion to instruct conferees to increase funding for the Exploited Child Unit of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Motion agreed to 412–2: R 213–2; D 198–0 (ND 146–0, SD 52–0); I 1–0, Sept. 24, 1997.
HR 5139 Clay, D-Mo., motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill to provide re-employment procedures for persons involuntarily separated by the Postal Service for improper narcotics arrests. Motion agreed to 300–117: R 64–108; D 235–9 (ND 164–3, SD 71–6); I 1–0, Oct. 5, 1994. A two-thirds majority of those present and voting (278 in this case) is required for passage under suspension of the rules.
HR 4539 Passage of the bill to provide $23.4 billion in new budget authority for the Treasury Department, the Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President and certain independent agencies for fiscal 1995. The administration had requested $24,569,399,000. Passed 276–139: R 51–123; D 224–16 (ND 154–10, SD 70–6); I 1–0, June 15, 1994.
