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 INSURANCE
For: 290/Against: 135 Members approved a bill to renew the State Children’s Health Insurance Program for children of the working poor at a cost of $60 billion annually. The bill would hike tobacco taxes to pay $25 billion in added costs.
Voting yes: All Colorado Democrats
Voting no: All Colorado Republicans
DIGITAL-TV DELAY
For: 264/Against: 158 Members voted to delay from Feb. 17 to June 12 the deadline for converting TV signals in the U.S. from analog to digital. The bill gives stations the option of switching sooner and thus abandoning analog-only viewers.
Voting yes: DeGette, Polis, Salazar, Markey
Voting no: Lamborn, Coffman, Perl mutter
SENATE
The Colorado delegation Michael Bennet (D) Mark Udall (D)
ATTORNEY GENERAL HOLDER
For: 75/Against: 21 Senators confirmed Eric H. Holder Jr. as the 82nd U.S. attorney general and the first African-American in that post.
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
“BUY AMERICAN”
For: 31/Against: 65 Senators refused to strip HR 1 of a “Buy American” mandate for public-works projects that are funded by the bill. But the requirement could not be applied in a way that violates trade treaties. A yes vote was to strip “Buy American” from the $900 billion- plus stimulus.
Voting no: Bennet, Udall
GOP TAX CUTS
For: 40/Against: 57 Senators defeated the main GOP alternative to the Democrats’ stimulus bill (HR 1, above). Up to two-thirds of the $420 billion plan consisted of tax cuts for corporations and the lowest personal brackets and a waiver of all payroll taxes. The plan also provided mortgage aid.
Voting no: Bennet, Udall
EARMARKS RULE
For: 32/Against: 65 Senators refused to establish a new Senate rule that 60 votes are needed to include unauthorized earmarks in appropriations bills. The rule was proposed as part of HR 1 (above) even though the stimulus contains no earmarks. A yes vote was to adopt the rule.
Voting no: Bennet, Udall
KEY VOTES AHEAD This week the House will take up a bill to conserve public lands. Both chambers will vote on an economic-stimulus conference report. At week’s end, Congress begins a recess until Feb. 23.
