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)
2010-14 BUDGET
For: 233/Against: 193 Members adopted the final version of a five-year Democratic budget that for 2010 sets $3.4 trillion in spending, a $1.2 trillion deficit and $130 billion for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A yes vote backed a budget clearing the way for health care reform this year. (SCR 13)
Voting yes: DeGette, Polis, Salazar, Perlmutter
Voting no: Markey, Lamborn, Coffman
HATE CRIMES
For: 249/Against: 175 Members approved a bill to expand the federal law against hate crimes to cover offenses based on sexual orientation, gender or disability, as well as the existing categories of national origin, religion, color and race. A yes vote supported HR 1913, which awaits Senate action.
Voting yes: DeGette, Polis, Salazar, Markey, Coffman, Perlmutter
Voting no: Lamborn
CREDIT CARDS
For: 357/Against: 170 Members voted to impose new rules on credit cards. A yes vote was to pass a bill (HR 627) that, in part, requires notice of rate hikes, bans contract changes before renewal, prohibits due-date gimmicks, bans cards for youths younger than 18 and permits cardholders to set credit limits.
Voting yes: DeGette, Polis, Salazar, Markey, Coffman, Perlmutter
Voting no: Lamborn
SENATE
The Colorado delegation Michael Bennet (D) Mark Udall (D)
2010-14 BUDGET
For: 53/Against: 43 Senators voted to give final approval to a 2010-14 budget plan that embraces most of President Barack Obama’s requests, including his proposals for revamping health care, student loans and energy policies. A yes vote backed SCR 13, which took effect immediately.
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
KATHLEEN SEBELIUS CONFIRMATION
For: 65/Against: 31 Senators confirmed Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as the 21st secretary of health and human services. She was backed by all 56 Democrats and independents who voted and by nine Republicans. A yes vote was to confirm Sebelius.
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
BANKRUPTCY, MORTGAGES
For:45 /Against: 51 Senators refused to permit bankruptcy judges to rework loans on primary homes in Chapter 13 actions if borrower- lender refinancing efforts have failed and other terms have been met. A yes vote was to authorize mortgage intervention by bankruptcy judges
Voting yes: Udall
Voting no: Bennet
FINANCIAL CRIMES
For: 92/Against: 4 Senators voted to bolster federal laws against crimes such as mortgage and securities fraud. A yes vote backed a bill (S 386) that also expands the False Claims Act, under which citizens can file suits in behalf of the government and get a share of any recovered funds.
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
KEY VOTES AHEAD This week the House will consider a bill to rein in predatory home lending. The Senate will debate bills on saving troubled mortgages and changing credit- card practices.
