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)
MORTGAGE REFINANCING
For: 266/Against: 154 Members approved a bill expanding the Federal Housing Administration’s backing of home loans in order to induce mortgage firms to voluntarily rework up to 500,000 loans now headed for default. A yes vote backed the plan as part of a housing-relief package (HR 3221).
Voting yes: All Colorado Democrats
Voting no: Lamborn
Not voting: Musgrave, Tancredo
HOMEOWNER TAX BREAKS
For: 322/Against: 94 Members approved a measure that authorizes $7,500 tax credits for first-time home purchases and allows taxpayers who do not itemize to treat $700 of their 2008 property taxes as a federal tax deduction. A yes vote backed these provisions. (HR 3221)
Voting yes: All Colorado Democrats
Voting no: Lamborn
Not voting: Musgrave, Tancredo
NEW LIFE FOR FORECLOSURES
For: 239/Against: 188 Members voted to provide $15 billion through 2013 for a program to help communities and nonprofit groups buy foreclosed, vacant homes and sell or rent the properties to families below the region’s median-income level. A yes vote was to pass HR 5818.
Voting yes: All Colorado Democrats
Voting no: All Colorado Republicans
SENATE
The Colorado delegation Wayne Allard (R); Ken Salazar (D)
WIND DAMAGE
For: 19/Against: 74 Senators rejected an amendment expanding the National Flood Insurance Program to cover damages caused by wind as well as those caused by rising water. A yes vote backed the amendment over arguments it could drive the insurance program into insolvency. (S 2284)
Voting no: Salazar, Allard
COVERAGE-LIMITS INCREASE
For: 27/Against: 66 Senators defeated an amendment to S 2284 that sought to increase National Flood Insurance Program coverage limits by 35 percent while not raising premiums. A yes vote backed the measure over arguments it would fiscally weaken the shaky program.
Voting yes: Salazar
Voting no: Allard
KEY VOTES AHEAD This week the House will take up an Iraq-Afghanistan war-funding bill while the Senate will debate energy programs and flood insurance. Both may vote on the farm-bill conference report.
