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)
HIV/AIDS FUNDING
For: 308/Against: 116 Members approved a bill to spend $50 billion over five years in U.S. support of global programs to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. A yes vote was to pass a bill (HR 5501) that ends a requirement that one-third of HIV/AIDS funds be directed to abstinence programs.
Voting yes: All Colorado Democrats Voting no: All Colorado Republicans
AIDS FUNDING CUT
For: 175/Against: 248 Members defeated a motion to cut the authorization level in HR 5501 (above) from $50 billion to $30 billion over five years, in keeping with both President Bush’s budget and the Democrats’ congressional budget resolution. A yes vote supported a 40 percent cut.
Voting yes: Musgrave, Lamborn
Voting no: DeGette, Udall, Salazar, Tancredo, Perlmutter
SENATE
The Colorado delegation Wayne Allard (R); Ken Salazar (D)
MORTGAGE COUNSELING
For: 44/Against: 40 Senators failed to reach the 60 votes needed to double funding for mortgage counseling by nonprofit agencies. This occurred during debate on a pending housing bill (HR 3221). A yes vote was to increase counseling funds in the bill from $100 million to $200 million.
Voting yes: Salazar
Voting no: Allard
BANKRUPTCY DISPUTE
For: 58/Against: 36 Senators killed a bid to give bankruptcy judges power to redo subprime loans on primary residences. A yes vote opposed an amendment to HR 3221 (above) that sought to give these loans the same protection that applies to loans for second homes, farms and yachts.
Voting yes: Allard
Voting no: Salazar
CAPITAL-GAINS INDEXING
For: 41/Against: 44 Senators refused to index for inflation the amount of home sales not subject to capital-gains taxes. Singles can exclude $250,000 in profits from taxes and couples $500,000, but the sums do not rise with inflation. A yes vote backed the amendment to HR 3221.
Voting yes: Allard
Voting no: Salazar
GULF COAST AID
For: 74/Against: 5 Senators expanded HR 3221 (above) to add a projected $1 billion in aid to homeowners suffering major losses in hurricanes Katrina and Rita. A yes vote backed an amendment that also benefits some Gulf Coast businesses and tornado-flattened Greensburg, Kan.
Voting yes: Salazar
Not voting: Allard
KEY VOTES AHEAD This week, the House will take up a bill on ocean pollution near shorelines, while the Senate will continue to debate a housing bill.
