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)
2009-13 BUDGET
For: 214/Against: 210 Members approved the final version of a five-year Democratic budget that for 2009 sets $3.1 trillion in spending, $216.8 billion in interest on U.S. debt and a $340.4 billion deficit. A yes vote backed a plan that would allow top-bracket tax cuts to expire in 2011.
Voting yes: All Colo. Democrats
Voting no: All Colo. Republicans
PUBLIC-SCHOOL RENOVATIONS
For: 250/Against: 164 Members approved a bill (HR 3021) creating a federal program authorizing $33.2 billion in 2009-13 for grants to renovate public schools, with poor school districts getting funding priority for projects such as asbestos and lead removal.
Voting yes: All Colo. Democrats
Voting no: All Colo. RepublicansENERGY AID TO SCHOOLS
For: 187/Against: 230 Members rejected a Republican bid to allow funds in HR 3021 (above) to be used for routine maintenance outlays rather than just renovations. A yes vote backed a motion enabling schools to use the federal funds to pay their energy bills.
Voting yes: All Colo. Republicans
Voting no: All Colo. DemocratsCHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED
For: 321/Against: 86 Members approved a bill renewing for five years a federal-state program that promotes citizen involvement in restoring the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem in six Eastern states. A yes vote backed a bill budgeting $1 million a year for the program.
Voting yes: All Colo. Democrats
Voting no: All Colo. RepublicansSENATE
The Colorado delegation Wayne Allard (R); Ken Salazar (D)
GLOBAL WARMING
For: 74/Against: 14 Senators voted to start debate on a bill (S 3036) that would establish a cap-and-trade system to reduce the U.S. share of the emissions that cause global warming. A yes vote was to debate a bill requiring the 2,100 worst U.S. polluters to cut emissions by 67 percent by 2050.
Voting yes: Salazar
Voting no: Allard
2009-13 BUDGET
For: 48/Against: 45 Senators voted to join House members (above) in giving final approval to a Democratic budget that meets President Bush’s defense and security requests, tops his domestic requests and extends his tax cuts for the middle class. A yes vote was to pass SCR 70.
Voting yes: Salazar
Voting no: Allard
GLOBAL WARMING FILIBUSTER
For: 48/Against: 36 Senators failed to reach 60 votes needed to end a Republican filibuster against an updated version of S 3036 (above). Democratic leaders pulled the bill from the floor, perhaps for the remainder of the year.
Voting yes: Salazar
Voting no: Allard
KEY VOTES AHEAD This week, the House will take up the space budget, rail-passenger improvements and possibly a war-funding bill. The Senate will debate an energy bill.
