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Senate

Thursday, May 21, 2009

As amended ; Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 H.R. 2346

On Thursday, May 21, 2009, the Senate passed as amended ; Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009, (H.R. 2346; Full text of legislation ) on a 86-3 vote.  (To view how your senators voted, visit: 00202).  The bill granted President Obama's request for $91.3 billion for military and diplomatic operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Article: Senate passes $91.3 billion war funding bill

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

On the Amendment H.R. 2346 Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009

The Senate passed an amendment to the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 (H.R. 2346; On the Amendment S.Amdt. 1133) on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, by a 90-6 vote.  (To view how your senators voted, visit: 00196 ).  The measure would not provide the $80 million that President Obama requested to close the detention center at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.  Senate Democrat leaders in an abrupt shift escalated pressure on the President to outline his plans for the 240 terrorism suspects still held there. 

Article: Democrats in Senate Block Money to Close Guantánamo

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

H.R. 627 As Amended; Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2009 

On Tuesday, May 19, 2009, the Senate passed H.R. 627 As Amended; Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2009  (H.R. 627; Full text of legislation ) on a 90-5 vote (To view how your senators voted, visit: 00194) 

Article: Consumers Are Dealt a New Hand in Credit Cards 

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

On the Amendment H.R. 627 Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2009 

The Senate passed an amendment to H.R. 627 the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2009 (H.R. 627; On the Amendment S.Amdt. 1067 ) on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, by a 67-29 vote.  (To view how your senators voted, visit: 00188 ).  The measure relaxes a long-standing ban on bringing loaded guns into national parks, an outcome that underscored divisions among Democrats over the politically charged issue of regulating firearms. 

Article: Senate votes to ease ban on loaded guns in national parks

Thursday, May 7, 2009

S. 454 As Amended; Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009

The Senate passed S. 454 as amended; the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 (S. 454; Full text of legislation) on a 93-0 vote on May 7, 2009. (To view how your senators voted, visit: 00186 ). The measure would improve the organization and procedures of the Department of Defense for the acquisition of major weapon systems with the hope to stop significant delays and excessive cost overruns by private contractors producing military equipment weapons.

Article: Senate passes weapon acquisition bill

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

S. 896 As Amended; Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009

S. 896 as amended; Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 (S.896; Full text of legislation)  passed the Senate on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, by a 91-5 vote. (To view how your senators voted, visit: 00185 ). The bill would enhance mortgage credit availability and would prevent mortgage foreclosures.

Article: Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009

House of Representatives

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2009 (H.R. 627)

The Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2009, (H.R. 627; Full text of legislation ) a measure passed by the House of Representatives by a 361-64 vote (To view how your representative voted,  visit: 276) on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, is a credit card "bill of rights" that imposes limits on interest and fees and requires 45 days notice of rate hikes. Also, the legislation requires that billing statements be mailed at least 21 days before the due date, up from 14 days; that payments be applied to balances with the highest interest rates first; and that teaser interest rates be maintained for six months before being raised.

Also, the House of Representatives approved an unrelated Senate amendment that permits concealed weapons in national parks and wildlife refuges in a separate 279-147 vote (To view how your representative voted, visit: 277)

Article: House Passes Bill Imposing Tighter Rules on Credit Cards

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Twenty-First Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 2187)

On Thursday, May 14, 2009, the House of Representatives approved the Twenty-First Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 2187; Full text of legislation ) on a 275-155  (To view how your representative voted, visit: 259) vote a multiyear construction plan designed to turn schools into more energy-efficient, healthier environments for the nation's schoolchildren. For green high-performing school facilities the bill approves $6.4 billion in the first year, and similar amounts over the next five years, for green high-performing school facilities.

Article:House approves $6.4 billion for green schools

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act (H.R. 1728)

The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act (H.R. 1728; Full text of legislation ) was approved by the House of Representatives on Thursday, May 7, 2009, by a 300 to 14 vote (To view how your representative voted, visit: 242).The measure outlaws many of the egregious industry practices and prevents borrowers from deliberately misstating their income to qualify for a loan.

Article: House approves anti-predatory mortgage bill

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act (S 386)

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, approved the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act (S 386; Full text of legislation ) by a 367-59 vote (To view how your representative voted, visit: 235 ). The bill would broaden the coverage of current laws against financial crimes, including fraud affecting mortgages, securities, and federal assistance and relief programs. Also, it would authorize the appropriation of $245 million for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011 for the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Postal Inspection Service, and other federal agencies to investigate and prosecute violators of the measure's provisions. And the bill would amend certain provisions of the False Claims Act (FCA), which allows private individuals with knowledge of past or present fraud committed against the government to file claims against federal contractors.

 Article : S. 386 Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009

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: 202-224-3121 (Those numbers will direct you to the Capitol Hill operator. Ask for representative or senator'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 https://writerep.house.gov.  

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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