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)
U.S. WATER POLICY
For: 413/Against: 10 Members voted to improve the work of the 20-plus agencies concerned with assuring the U.S. has adequate water supplies and clean drinking water. A yes vote was to pass a bill (HR 1145) that creates a White House office to streamline and focus U.S. water policy.
Voting yes: DeGette, Polis, Salazar, Markey, Lamborn, Coffman, Perlmutter
Voting no: None
COMMUNITY POLICE FUNDS
For: 342/Against: 78 Members approved a bill (HR 1139) to expand the Clinton-era COPS program, which provides U.S. grants for the hiring of local police officers. A yes vote was to authorize grants for purposes such as hiring prosecutors and helping schools fight drugs and gangs.
Voting yes: DeGette, Polis, Salazar, Markey, Coffman, Perlmutter
Voting no: Lamborn
SENATE
The Colorado delegation Michael Bennet (D); Mark Udall (D)
AMBASSADOR TO IRAQ
For: 73/Against: 23 Senators voted to confirm Christopher Hill as U.S. ambassador to Iraq. Backers praised his foreign service career of 32 years, while critics said he was not tough enough as the Bush administration’s chief negotiator with North Korea. A yes vote was to confirm Hill.
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
Voting no: None
WHISTLEBLOWER REWARDS
For: 31/Against: 61 Senators refused to cap at $50 million the reward for whistleblowers who use the False Claims Act to help the Treasury recover funds lost to fraud. A yes vote was to retain rules that allow successful plaintiffs to receive up to 30 percent of recovered U.S. funds. (S 386)
Voting yes: None
Voting no: Bennet, Udall
KEY VOTES AHEAD This week the House will take up a bill to curb arbitrary practices by credit- card companies, while the Senate will resume debate on a bill to combat securities and home-mortgage fraud.
