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)
SMALL-BUSINESS FINANCING
For: 410/Against: 4 Members passed a bill to extend several Small Business Administration loan and grant programs while awaiting Senate action on a House-passed bill that would upgrade and reauthorize those programs. A yes vote was to pass the bill (HR 4508). Members voted to extend through 2010 about $31 billion in temporary tax credits and other fiscal incentives for farms, businesses, charities, individuals, schools and other beneficiaries.
Voting yes: All Colorado representatives
SENATE
The Colorado delegation Michael Bennet (D) Mark Udall (D)
BERNANKE CONFIRMATION
For: 70/Against: 30 Senators confirmed Ben Bernanke, 56, below, for a second four-year term as chairman of the Federal Reserve System Board of Governors. His first term expired Jan. 31. A yes vote was to confirm Bernanke over arguments his policies helped cause the recent recession.
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
DEBT CEILING
For: 60/Against: 39 Senators voted to raise the national debt limit by $1.9 trillion to $14.29 trillion. This would extend Treasury borrowing authority until late 2010 or early 2011, at which time Congress would vote again on raising the debt ceiling.
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
“PAY AS YOU GO”
For: 60/Against: 40 Senators passed a rule under which tax cuts or entitlement spending hikes must be offset. If they are not offset, super majority votes are needed to approve them. Because the House has passed “pay as you go,” the rule is likely to be signed into law. A yes vote was to enact pay-as-you-go. (HJ Res 45)
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
SPENDING CAPS
For: 56/Against: 44 The Senate failed to get 60 votes for putting spending caps on the 40 percent of the federal budget that is discretionary spending. Under the plan, supermajority votes would be needed to waive the caps in emergencies. A yes vote backed the proposal. (HJ Res 45)
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
DEFICIT REDUCTION
For: 53/Against: 46 Senators failed to get 60 votes needed to establish an 18-member panel that would draft a deficit-reduction plan. Congress then would accept or reject the plan in up-or-down votes with amendments barred. A yes vote was to establish the commission. (HJ Res 45)
Voting yes: Bennet, Udall
KEY VOTES AHEAD This week the House will take up bills on raising the national debt limit and authorizing federal grants for university cyber- security instruction. The Senate schedule was to be announced.
