POPVOX Evening Update: September 20, 2012
From our Hill sources:
On Thursday, September 20, 2012, the following bills were considered in the House:
- HJRes 118 a resolution disapproving of an Obama administration rule allowing for state waivers regarding the temporary assistance to needy families (TANF) “welfare-to-work” requirements.
The House approved this in a 250-164 vote. Under the Congressional Review Act, Congressional disapproval does not revoke the rule unless it passes both chambers and is signed by the President. The Senate is not expected to consider the measure.
- HR 6249 the STEM Jobs Act This bill would take 55,000 annual diversity visas and make them available for foreign nationals with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The bill was brought under “suspension of the rules,” which requires a two-thirds majority to pass. The bill did not reach that threshold. With a 257-158 vote, the bill failed.
- HR 5987 to creating a Manhattan Project national park. The bill was also brought under “suspension of the rules,” and also failed to meet the two-thirds threshold, with a vote of 237-180.
