Here’s how some major bills fared recently in Congress and how Colorado’s congressional members voted, as provided by Thomas’ Roll Call Report Syndicate. N/V means not voting.
HOUSE
Head Start renewal
For: 231/Against: 184
HR 2123, a bill extending the Head Start program for preschool children through fiscal 2010, passed at a cost of $36 billion over five years. The bill stresses academics and allows publicly financed hiring based on religion. A yes vote was to pass the bill.
Bob Beauprez (R) Yes
Diana DeGette (D) No
Joel Hefley (R) N/V
Marilyn Musgrave (R) Yes
Mark Udall (D) Yes
John Salazar (D) No
Tom Tancredo (R) No
Religion-based hiring
For: 220/Against: 196
The House voted to amend HR 2123 (above) to allow faith-based Head Start sponsors to use federal funds to hire only those of the same religion. A yes vote was to expand a law that now requires sponsors to use their own funds for religion-based hiring.
Bob Beauprez (R) Yes
Diana DeGette (D) No
Joel Hefley (R) N/V
Marilyn Musgrave (R) Yes
Mark Udall (D) No
John Salazar (D) No
Tom Tancredo (R) Yes
SENATE
Counseling for veterans
For: 48/Against: 50
Senators refused to add $10 million to the fiscal 2006 budget for counseling services for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The underlying bill (HR 2528) already raised the budget by $4 million. A yes vote backed the $10 million increase.
Wayne Allard (R) No
Ken Salazar (D) Yes
Pork-barrel disclosure
For: 55/Against: 39
Senators voted to require public disclosure of pork-barrel items in the final version of the agriculture appropriations bill for fiscal 2006. At present, such “earmarks” typically are hard or impossible to find in spending bills. A yes vote backed the disclosure bid. (HR 2744)
Wayne Allard (R) No
Ken Salazar (D) Yes
Horse slaughter
For: 68/Against: 29
Senators voted to bar meat inspections of U.S. horses slaughtered for human consumption abroad. The amendment to the 2006 agricultural budget was designed to stop all horse killing to feed humans overseas. A yes vote backed the amendment. (HR 2744)
Wayne Allard (R) No
Ken Salazar (D) No
Japanese beef imports
For: 72/Against: 26
Senators voted to block an impending trade rule that would allow Japan to export whole cuts of boneless beef to the United States on a large scale. The rule is part of a larger pact between the two countries. A yes vote opposed the beef imports. (HR 2744)
Wayne Allard (R) No
Ken Salazar (D) No
KEY VOTES AHEAD
The House will consider a weakening of the Endangered Species Act, while the Senate will vote on the nomination of John Roberts as chief justice of the United States and also debate appropriations bills. The 2006 fiscal year begins at week’s end.
