The House began debating the HR 8 Senate bill at 8:43 pm ET. Speeches will last for one hour. No amendments will be discussed.
The House Rules Committee Ranking Member Rep. Louise Slaughter (D – New York) started her speech relating the history of the fiscal negotiations. After the November 2012 election, “Our mandate was clear.”
House Rules Committee Chairman Rep. David Dreier (R – California) emphasized James Madison’s description of creating legislation as ugly, messy, difficult process. Mr. Dreier retires from Congress after the last session of the 112th Congress.
Closing arguments began at 9:09 pm ET.
Mr. Drieir began his closing arguments by stating “Congress is a reflection of the people. When Americans are divided then Congress is divided… but it is not our fate.”
The vote to approve the rule is set to pass around 9:33 pm ET.