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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2419; Food and Energy Security Act of 2007

On Thursday, May 15, 2008, the Senate passed the Food and Energy Security Act of 2007  (Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2419; Food and Energy Security Act of 2007; Full text of legislation ) by an 81-15 vote  (To view how your senators voted visit: 00130 .) The measure is to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes. The vote represents a two-thirds majority needed to override a  Presidential veto.

Article: Senate Passes $289 Billion Farm Bill, 81-to-15

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Motion to Table Graham Amendment  No. 4763; To improve educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces and veterans in order to enhance recruitment and retention for the Armed Forces. (H.R. 980)

An amendment [Motion to Table Graham Amendment  No. 4763; To improve educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces and veterans in order to enhance recruitment and retention for the Armed Forces (H.R. 980; Full text of legislation)  to legislation that would give police officers, firefighters and other first responders the right to unionize was killed by the Senate on May 14, 2008, by a 55-42 vote (To view how your senators voted visit: 00127 .)  Since the amendment did not go far enough and would serve only as political cover for the GOP Presidential candidate John McCain, Senate Democrats blocked the amendment that would have increased college aid for military veterans.

Article: Dems derail McCain bill to boost veterans' college aid

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (H.R. 493 )

The Senate passed unanimously by a 95-0 vote (To view how your senators voted visit: 00113 ) on Thursday, April 24, 2008, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (As Amended; H.R. 493; Full text of legislation ) a bill designed to protect consumers against discrimination based on their genetic profiles. It would not allow an individual's genetic information to be used by health insurers or employers in harmful or hurtful ways.

Article: Senate passes genetic non-discrimination act

Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 (S.1315 )

The Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 (As Amended; S.1315; Full text of legislation ) was passed on Thursday, April 24, 2008, by the Senate by a 96-1 vote  (To view how your senators voted visit: 00112 ).  The bill makes improvements to veterans' benefits by expanding and increasing support for veterans, their families, and their survivors. Also, it will allow some 13,000 Filipino war veterans to receive $300 as  a monthly pension and other benefits from the U.S. government.  And it allows them to receive benefits from the Philippines.

Article: US Senate passes historic Fil-Vets Benefits Act of 2007

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008  (H.R. 3221) [A bill to provide needed housing reform and for other purposes.]

On Thursday, April 10, 2008, the Senate passed on an 84-12 vote (To view how your senators voted visit: 00096 ) the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008  (H.R. 3221; Full text of legislation ) The measure was a bipartisan package of tax breaks and other steps designed to help businesses and homeowners weather the housing crisis.

Article: Senate Passes Bill Giving Tax Breaks to Builders, Homeowners to Avert More Foreclosures

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (H.R. 2082 )

On a 51-45 vote (To view how your senators voted visit: 00022 ) the Senate passed the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (H.R. 2082 Conference Report ; Full text of legislation ) on Wednesday, February 13, 2008. The bill authorizes intelligence activities for the current year. Also, it restricts the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to the 19 interrogation techniques outlined in the Army field manual. And prohibits the CIA from using waterboarding and other interrogation methods on terror suspects.

Article: Senate votes ban CIA waterboarding

House of Representatives

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 2642; On Agreeing to the Senate Amendment With Amendment No. 3)

The House of Representatives supported a historic increase in college aid for military veterans and delivered a major political victory to US Senator of Virginia Jim Webb.  Despite threats of a Presidential veto an amendment to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 2642; On Agreeing to the Senate Amendment With Amendment No 3; Full text of legislation .)  was passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday, May 15, 2008, by a 256-166 (To view how your representative voted visit:  330 ).

Article: Webb-sponsored G.I. Bill clears first big hurdle

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 2642)

In a surprise and largely symbolic move the House of Representatives defeated on Thursday, May 15, 2008, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 2642; Full text of legislation .) by a vote of 149-141 (To view how your representative voted visit:  328). The measure would provide for another year $162.5 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, the House of Representatives sent the Senate a controversial troop withdrawal plan that would give that chamber an opportunity to restore the money.

Article: House blocks Iraq war money and sets pullout plan

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act (H.R. 2419)

The House of  Representatives on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, passed the  Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act (H.R. 2419; Full text of legislation ) a new  farm bill.  A veto threat was ignored by scores of Republicans.  Assuming members stick to their positions if President George W.  Bush follows through on his promise to veto the bill  the measure was passed by a 318-106 vote (To view how your representative voted visit:  315 ) more than enough support to override a veto.

Article: Farm Bill Passes by Veto-Proof Margin  

 Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act of 2007 (H.R. 4008)

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, passed the Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act of 2007 (H.R. 4008; Full text of legislation .) by a 407-0 vote.  (To view how your representative voted visit:  308 ). The measure amends the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) to ensure that it is not abused by frivolous class-action lawsuits against businesses. The bill also preserves consumers' right to sue for negligence resulting in identity theft or credit card account fraud.

Article : House Passes Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act

Strategic Petroleum Reserve Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 6022)

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 6022;  Full text of legislation ) a measure to stop putting 70,000 barrels of oil daily in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve through the remainder of this year was passed by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, by a  vote of 385 to 25  (To view how your representative voted visit:  307 )

Article : Congress Votes to Stop Stockpiling Oil

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act  (H.R.5715)

To avert a looming shortage in available student loans the House of Representatives approved the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act (H.R.5715; Full Text of legislation . ) by a 383-27 vote (To view how your representative voted visit:  204 .) The bill allows the Department of Education to purchase federally guaranteed loans that lenders are unable to sell to private investors.

Article: Student Loan Bill Passes in House

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

The Intelligence Authorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 2082)

The House of Representatives failed to overturn the President's veto of the Intelligence Authorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 2082; Full Text of legislation ) on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, by a 225-188 vote. (To view how your representative voted visit:  117 ) A two-thirds majority is required  to override a Presidential veto. The measure would have prohibited the Central Intelligence Agency from using waterboarding and other interrogation techniques on terrorist suspects. This legislation would have limited the CIA to using only the 19 interrogation methods approved in the Army field manual.

Article: House Fails to Overturn White House Veto of Anti-Waterboarding Bill

What Can You Do?

If your representative or senators have or have not reflected your views, let them know how you feel.

Contact Information:

US House of Representatives:

Capitol Hill Switchboard Numbers: 202-225-3121 or 202-224-3121 (Those numbers will direct you to the Capitol Hill operator. Ask for representative's office.)

To go to your representative's website, find his E-mail or to find out who your representatives are...   http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.html.

To electronically mail your U.S. House of Representative, go to http://www.house.gov/htbin/wrep_findrep.  

Addressing Correspondence: 

The Honorable (full name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative (last name):  

US Senate:  

Contact Information:  

To go to your senators' websites, find their E-mail or to find out who your senators are... http://www.senate.gov/contacting/index_by_state.cfm

Addressing Correspondence: 

The Honorable (full name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510   

Dear Senator (last name):      

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