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
The Colorado delegation District 1: Diana DeGette (D) District 2: Mark Udall (D) District 3: John Salazar (D) District 4: Marilyn Musgrave (R) District 5: Doug Lamborn (R) District 6: Tom Tancredo (R) District 7: Ed Perlmutter (D)
ENERGY TAXES
For: 236/Against: 182 Members approved a bill to raise taxes on the five largest oil firms by $13.6 billion over 10 years and use the revenue to fund tax breaks to spur development of renewable fuels. A yes vote backed a bill that also raises $4.1 billion by limiting foreign tax credits for oil firms. (HR 5351)
Voting yes: All Colo. Democrats
Voting no: All Colo. Republicans REPUBLICAN ENERGY PLAN
For: 197/Against: 222 Members rejected a Republican alternative to HR 5351 (above) that differed, in part, by stripping the Democratic bill of its tax hike on the five largest oil companies and its approval of tax-exempt bonds for initiatives to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
Voting yes: All Colo. Republicans
Voting no: All Colo. Democrats
SENATE
The Colorado delegation Wayne Allard (R); Ken Salazar (D)
SUBPRIME MORTGAGE RELIEF
For: 48/Against: 46 Senators failed to reach 60 votes for taking up a bill enabling holders of shaky subprime mortgages to rework their loans in bankruptcy court. A yes vote backed the Democratic bill over GOP arguments it would raise the cost of loans for all borrowers. (HR 3221)
Voting yes: Salazar
Voting no: Allard
IRAQ PULLOUT MANDATE
For: 70/Against: 24 Senators voted to debate a bill (S 2633) requiring the administration to start pulling most U.S. forces from Iraq within 120 days and end most war funding by the same deadline. GOP leaders favored debate in order to showcase their view of progress in Iraq. Voting yes: Allard
Voting no: Salazar
WAR STRATEGY SHIFT
For: 89/Against: 3 Senators voted to begin debate on a bill requiring an administration report within 60 days on its strategy for combating al-Qaeda in countries in addition to Iraq, such as Pakistan and Afghanistan. The bill was later shelved. A yes vote was to debate S 2634.
Voting yes: Salazar, Allard
INDIAN MEDICAL CARE
For: 83/Against: 10 Senators approved a bill to renew U.S. health programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives. A yes vote backed a bill (S 1200) expanding care at tribal and veterans’ hospitals.
Voting yes: Salazar
Voting no: Allard
KEY VOTES AHEAD
This week, both chambers will debate the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The Senate may consider a bill addressing subprime loans and other elements of the U.S. housing crisis.
