Here is 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)
BUDGETS, CONGRESSIONAL PAY
For: 245/Against: 178 Members approved a $410 billion 2009 budget (HR 1105) for agencies now on stopgap budgets. Democrats had delayed the bill to await the installation of a Democratic president. A yes vote was to pass a bill that denies a congressional pay raise in 2009.
Voting yes: All Colorado Democrats
Voting no: All Colorado Republicans
EARMARKS, ETHICS PROBE
For: 226/Against: 182 Members voted to table (kill) a Republican motion for an ethics committee probe of any suspect links between House members’ receipt of campaign contributions and their sponsorship of earmarks to benefit the contributors. A yes vote was to kill H Res 189.
Voting yes: All Colorado Democrats
Voting no: All Colorado Republicans
BANKRUPTCY, MORTGAGES
For: 224/Against: 198 Members voted to set rules for later debate on a bill (HR 1106) authorizing bankruptcy courts to rewrite problem loans on primary residences during Chapter 13 actions. A yes vote was to advance a bill that also permanently raises deposit insurance to $250,000.
Voting yes: All Colorado Democrats
Voting no: All Colorado Republicans
PRIMATES TRAFFICKING
For: 323/Against: 95 Members voted to prohibit interstate commerce in non-human primates. The bill would not ban primates as pets, a matter left up to states. But backers made note of a pet chimpanzee’s recent mauling of a woman in Stamford, Conn. A yes vote was to pass HR 80.
Voting yes: All Colorado Democrats
Voting no: All Colorado Republicans
SENATE
The Colorado delegation Michael Bennet (D) Mark Udall (D)
SECRETARY OF LABOR HILDA SOLIS
For: 80/Against: 17 Senators confirmed Hilda L. Solis as the 25th U.S. secretary of Labor. Solis, 51, had been a California congresswoman.
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
Voting no: None
D.C. SEAT IN CONGRESS
For: 61/Against: 37 Senators voted to expand the House of Representatives from 435 to 437 seats by establishing the District of Columbia as a congressional district and awarding Utah a fourth congressional district. A yes vote was to give D.C. residents a vote in the House.
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
Voting no: None
RETROCESSION TO MARYLAND
For: 30/Against: 67 Senators rejected a plan to give D.C. representation in Congress by ceding most of its 69 square miles back to Maryland, from which it was created in 1790. A yes vote backed a plan that could require a constitutional amendment to implement. (S 160)
Voting yes: None
Voting no: Bennet, Udall
D.C. GUN LAWS
For: 62/Against: 36 Senators adopted an amendment to S 160 (above) denying the D.C. government authority to enact laws restricting private ownership or use of firearms. A yes vote backed the amendment over arguments it would, in part, negate D.C.’s ban on armor-piercing sniper rifles.
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
Voting no: None
FAIRNESS DOCTRINE
For: 87/Against: 11 Senators voted to prevent the federal government from once again requiring broadcasters to air competing views. The Fairness Doctrine was repealed in 1987. A yes vote backed the amendment even though there is no move afoot to reinstate the fairness rule. (S 160)
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
Voting no: None
KEY VOTES AHEAD This week, the House will debate voting rights in Congress for the District of Columbia and a bill concerning bankruptcies and foreclosures. The Senate will take up a $410 billion budget bill for fiscal 2009.
