Today in Congress: Republicans panic, move quickie student loan bill (aka stage 3 socialist cancer)

Recapping yesterday's action:

The House actually got all the way through its centerpiece item of the day, CISPA and its raft of amendments, even though yesterday's schedule said they only expected to begin consideration, which usually means they're not expecting to finish. But yes, they did wrap it up and pass it (unfortunately), and it now heads to the Senate under veto threat.

The marquee item in the Senate today was the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization bill, and yes, they actually managed to wrap things up and pass their big bill as well. What a day! And they confirmed another judge, as well! They're actually making reasonably good progress toward their goal of approving the agreed-upon 14 judges by early May. Unfortunately, that still puts them (and the Obama administration) way, way, way behind the 8 ball on judicial confirmations. But at least they're predictably behind.

By the way, do go below the fold today and take a look at the Senate floor wrap-up report for yesterday. Notice the gigantic list of unanimous consent approvals of non-controversial bills, and of executive appointments and military promotions. You know what that means? Yes! Recess!

Looking ahead to today:

The House was scheduled to be in for work today, and they probably planned originally to use the day to finish up CISPA. But plans changed, because the political climate changed, and now they'll be using today to take a stab at a Republican solution to the impending student loan rate increase. Yes, even after insisting that helping people with their loans was stage three socialist cancer, or whatever. Jumping in with their own bill now pretty much renders that statement from Todd Akin (R-MO-02) the stage three cancer of F-ing idiocy. I tell you, it's a wonder some of these people don't pass out forgetting to breathe.

So, whatever. They're giving their effort an hour, and then they're outta here for a week.

The Senate, on the other hand, is already gone and won't be in session. Though they did set up a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to their own student loan rate bill upon their return after the recess.

Today's floor and committee schedules appear below the fold.