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.
HOUSE
Gulf Coast recovery
For: 302/Against: 125
Members voted to ease federal housing rules and authorize funds to speed the Gulf Coast’s slow recovery from Hurricane Katrina. A yes vote backed a bill to provide affordable housing for residents seeking to return. (HR 1227)
All Colorado Republicans No
All Colorado Democrats Yes
Matching funds
For: 98/Against: 333
Members refused to strip HR 1227 of a waiver that would allow New Orleans to use U.S. community development grants as matching funds for obtaining the release of Federal Emergency Management Agency allocations. A yes vote was to remove the waiver.
Diana DeGette (D) No
Doug Lamborn (R) Yes
Marilyn Musgrave (R) No
Ed Perlmutter (D) No
Mark Udall (D) No
John Salazar (D) No
Tom Tancredo (R) Yes
War funding, withdrawal
For: 218/Against: 212
Members voted to appropriate an additional $100 billion for war in Afghanistan and Iraq while requiring withdrawal of most U.S. forces from Iraq to begin by March 2008. A yes vote backed a bill (HR 1591) also appropriating $24 billion for non-war programs.
All Colorado Republicans No
All Colorado Democrats Yes
SENATE
U.S. attorneys dispute
For: 94/Against: 2
Senators repealed a USA Patriot Act provision used by the Bush administration to appoint U.S. attorneys without Senate confirmation. A yes vote was to close a loophole central to the ongoing dispute over the administration’s firing of U.S. attorneys. (S 214)
Wayne Allard (R) Yes
Ken Salazar (D) Yes
Medicare drug premiums
For: 44/Against: 52
Senators defeated a bid to require individuals with incomes over $80,000 and couples above $160,000 to pay higher premiums for the Medicare prescription drug program. A yes vote backed the amendment during debate on the federal budget. (SCR 21)
Wayne Allard (R) Yes
Ken Salazar (D) No
Social Security surpluses
For: 45/Against: 52
Senators defeated an amendment to SCR 21 to stop the practice of Social Security surpluses being spent as part of the federal budget’s general funds.
Wayne Allard (R) Yes
Ken Salazar (D) No
Tobacco tax increase
For: 59/Against: 40
Senators voted to raise the U.S. tax on a package of cigarettes from 39 cents to $1 and dedicate the $20 billion-plus in new revenue over five years to a federal entitlement program that funds health insurance for poor children. A yes vote backed the increase. (SCR 21)
Wayne Allard (R) No
Ken Salazar (D) Yes
Special-education funds
For: 38/Against: 58
Senators defeated a bid to raise taxes on incomes over $1 million and allocate the $44 billion in new revenue over five years to the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A yes vote was to return the top marginal rate to its pre-2001 39.6 percent. (SCR 21)
Both Colorado senators No
Ineffective federal programs
For: 33/Against: 64
Senators refused to reduce spending for U.S. agencies that have fared poorly in Office of Management and Budget performance reviews. A yes vote backed the amendment over arguments it would hurt security agencies such as the Border Patrol. (SCR 21)
Wayne Allard (R) Yes
Ken Salazar (D) No
KEY VOTES AHEAD
The House will consider the fiscal 2008-12 budget resolution. The Senate will take up an Iraq funding and withdrawal measure.
