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: Jared Polis (D) District 3: John Salazar (D) District 4: Betsy Markey (D) District 5: Doug Lamborn (R) District 6: Mike Coffman (R) District 7: Ed Perlmutter (D)
CHILDREN’S HEALTH CARE
For: 289/Against: 139 Members voted to renew the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and nearly double its $35 billion annual budget. SCHIP benefits children of the working poor. U.S. tobacco taxes would be raised to pay the added cost. A yes vote was to pass HR 2.
Voting yes: All Colo. Democrats
Voting no: All Colo. Republicans
GOP HEALTH PLAN
For: 179/Against: 247 Members rejected a GOP alternative to HR 2 (above) that sought to prevent states from expanding children’s health insurance until they first cover 90 percent of children from families with incomes under $40,000 annually. A yes vote backed the GOP plan.
Voting yes: All Colo. Republicans
Voting no: All Colo. Democrats
BAILOUT OVERSIGHT
For: 151/Against: 274 Members defeated a bid to limit federal overseers’ access to boardrooms of firms receiving taxpayer funds under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). A yes vote was to delete a proposal in HR 384 granting the Treasury Department access to some companies’ board meetings.
Voting yes: All Colo. Republicans
Voting no: All Colo. Democrats
HOME MORTGAGES
For: 142/Against: 282 Members refused to strip HR 384 of eased rules for the Hope for Homeowners Program, which all sides agree has failed in its mission to switch 400,000 subprime loans to FHA-backed loans. A yes vote opposed easing rules designed to protect taxpayers.
Voting yes: All Colo. Republicans
Voting no: All Colo. Democrats
SENATE
The Colorado delegation Mark Udall (D); Ken Salazar (D)
$700 BILLION BAILOUT
For: 42/Against: 52 Senators refused to block the release of $350 billion not yet spent from the $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Program. This clears the way for the Treasury to spend the funds for purposes such as averting home foreclosures and aiding Wall Street firms. (SJ Res 5)
Voting yes: Udall, Salazar
PAY BIAS
For: 72/Against: 23 Senators voted to debate a bill giving plaintiffs more standing to file pay-bias suits. A yes vote was to advance S 181, which allows suits to be filed within 180 days of the last offense, thus voiding a Supreme Court rule that suits must be filed within 180 days of the first offense.
Voting yes: Udall, Salazar
KEY VOTES AHEAD This week the House will consider tighter controls on the ongoing $700 billion TARP bailout. The Senate will debate bills on children’s health coverage and pay bias, and begin confirmation voting on President-elect Barack Obama’s administration appointees.
