Get documents about "Motions to Recommit - The Republican Cloakroom
Document Sample
Vote
Date Roll Call Bill # Motion to Recommit
Breakdown
REJECTED Motion to Recommit 9/11 Recommendations bill:
1/9/07 14 H.R. 1 198-230 Struck provision ceding PSI authority to the UN
REJECTED Motion to Recommit Minimum Wage bill:
1/10/07 17 H.R. 2 144-287 Added small business tax relief, AHPs, and other incentives
REJECTED Motion to Recommit Part D Negotiation bill:
1/12/07 22 H.R. 4 196-229 Held harmless veterans, pharmacists, and certain disease groups to loss of
access and choice
REJECTED Motion to Recommit the CR:
Cut unidentified earmarks and used the funding to restore DEA funding and
1/31/07 71 H.J.Res. 20 196-228 military housing funding
REJECTED Motion to Recommit Advanced Fuels bill:
2/8/07 91 H.R. 547 200-207 Incorporated "coal to liquid" into the definition of "biofuel" in the bill by
replacing it with "advanced fuels"
REJECTED Motion to Recommit "Card Check" bill:
3/1/07 117 H.R. 800 202-225 Required unions to certify a card signer's (i.e. worker's) legal status
ADOPTED Motion to Recommit Water Quality Investment bill:
3/7/07 124 H.R. 569 425-0 Prohibited the use of funds to lobby or retain a lobbyist.
ADOPTED
Motion to Recommit Healthy Water bill:
3/8/07 129 H.R. 700 427-0 Prohibited the use of funds to lobby or retain a lobbyist.
Motion to Recommit Water Quality Financing bill:
ADOPTED
Prohibited convicted felons of being issued a transportation security card
3/9/07 134 H.R. 720 359-56
ADOPTED Motion to Recommit Whistleblower Protection bill:
3/14/07 152 H.R. 985 426-0 Protected federal employees from retaliation for the exercise and
expression of religion in the workplace.
Motion to Recommit Accountability in Contracting Act:
ADOPTED
Bars all federal agencies from awarding contracts to colleges and
3/15/07 155 H.R. 1362 309-114 universities that prohibit on-campus military recruitment
Motion to Recommit Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act:
ADOPTED Prohibits occupancy in public housing if the individual has been convicted of
3/21/07 171 H.R. 1227 249-176 a drug dealing, sex, domestic violence, or gang crime; and gives priority to
individuals that are working
Motion to Recommit D.C. Voting Rights bill:
3/22/07 N/A H.R. 1433 N/A Repealed the gun ban in D.C. in accordance with the Mark Souder bill from
the 108th Congress
Motion to Recommit Rail Security bill:
ADOPTED Granted immunity from civil liability to any person that voluntarily reports
3/27/07 200 H.R. 1401 304-121 suspicious activity that could be a threat to transportation security ("flying
imams" incident).
Motion to Recommit the RECOVER Act (promptly):
REJECTED Prohibits an individual or small business shall be prohibited from receiving
assistance under the bill if they have been convicted or plead no contest to
4/18/07 224 H.R. 1361 204-218
a felony, including murder, kidnapping, or sexual assault
REJECTED Motion to Recommit WRDA:
Study, maintain, develop, and increase renewable hydroelectric power and
4/19/07 233 H.R. 1495 194-226
dams; and maintain lock systems for transport purposes.
Motion to Recommit Executive Compensation:
REJECTED Protects against frivolous lawsuits by providing that no court may consider
the board’s refusal to follow the non-binding shareholder advisory vote as a
4/20/07 243 H.R. 1257 184-222 breach of that board’s duties of care or loyalty to the shareholders.
ADOPTED Motion to Recommit Math and Science Teacher Scholarship bill:
4/24/07 253 H.R. 362 408-4 Struck provision on national curriculum and affirmed the authority of states
and local school boards to determine curricula
ADOPTED Motion to Recommit Science and Engineering Research Grant bill:
Give priority to grants to expand domestic energy use and production
4/24/07 256 H.R. 363 264-154
through coal-to-liquids and advanced nuclear reprocessing
REJECTED Motion to Recommit the Democrat Small Business Loans bill:
Make small business adversely affected by a raise in the Federal minimum
4/25/07 262 H.R. 1332 197-224
wage eligible for loans under this bill.
Motion to Recommit Horse Slaughter bill:
REJECTED Requires that the bill not take effect until 60 days after the Secretary
4/26/07 268 H.R. 249 182-234 certifies to Congress that the long-term care of all animals not sold as a
result of this Act does not exceed $500,000 annually.
REJECTED Motion to Recommit Head Start bill:
Ensures that faith-based organizations participating in Head Start be
5/2/07 284 H.R. 1429 195-222
allowed to hire based upon faith
REJECTED Motion to Recommit Hate Crimes bill:
Add members of the armed forces (past and present) and senior citizens to
5/3/07 298 H.R. 1592 189-227 the protected classes under the bill
Motion to Recommit the NIST Authorization bill:
REJECTED
Prohibit increases in authorization levels if the social security surplus has
5/3/07 300 H.R. 1868 190-216 been spent in the previous year.
Motion to Recommit the DHS Authorization bill:
Allow Customs and Border Protection to establish an automated system to
ADOPTED assist in the screening of persons seeking to enter or depart the U.S.; and
5/9/07 317 H.R. 1684 264-160 create an administrative process for individuals to correct information in the
system (no private right of action)
Motion to Recommit the Small Business Contracting bill:
REJECTED Orders the Small Business Administrator to consider a small business to be
5/10/07 322 H.R. 1873 209-216 economically disadvantaged if it is proven to be adversely affected by tax
increases
Motion to Recommit Intelligence Authorization bill:
REJECTED
Audited the NDIC (Murtha's earmark) and moved its money into cut human
5/11/07 340 H.R. 2082 181-241 intelligence
Motion to Recommit Defense Authorization:
ADOPTED
Add $205 million to the missile defense program budget (including $135
5/17/07 372 H.R. 1585 394-30 million for integrated Israeli missile defense)
Motion to Recommit (promptly) GSE Reform bill:
Strike the housing fund and replace it with criteria to direct the money for all
REJECTED areas hurt by Katrina and Rita, recent tornadoes, wildfires, cost of mortgage
5/22/07 395 H.R. 1427 182-232 insurance, cost of financing residences for veterans, cost of mortgage
interest, and cost of homeowners insurance.
Motion to Recommit (promptly) the Carl Sandburg Historical Site bill (Heath
REJECTED Shuler sponsored):
Prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from using eminent domain to acquire
5/23/07 408 H.R. 1100 192-228
land, water, or interests in land or water under section 3 of the bill.
ADOPTED Motion to Recommit Democrat "Bundling" of Contributions bill:
Added PACs to list of entities required to disclose their bundling
5/24/07 419 H.R. 2317 228-192
Motion to Recommit Democrat Lobbying Reform bill:
ADOPTED Added ban on state and local lobbying gifts, bundling as passed by GOP
5/24/07 422 H.R. 2316 346-71-2 MTR, recusal for reverse revolving door, and disclosure of earmark
lobbying.
Motion to Recommit Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act:
ADOPTED Ensures that nothing in the act may limit the ability of the U.S. to respond to
an Iranian attack on the U.S. or Afghanistan in Afghanistan (passed on
6/6/07 437 H.R. 2446 345-71 recent Iranian arm shipments into the country).
Motion to Recommit the Lumbee Tribal Recognition bill (PROMPTLY):
REJECTED Ensured the bill could not take effect until the Lumbees had been
6/7/07 446 H.R. 65 152-237 considered for tribal status under the regular Interior process and had been
approved.
Motion to Recommit the Homeland Security Appropriations bill
(PROMPTLY):
REJECTED The Republican motion would ensure that the fence and all related
6/15/07 490 H.R. 2638 200-217 infrastructure is constructed as mandated by Congress in the Secure Fence
Act 2006.
REJECTED Motion to Recommit the Legislative Brach Appropriations bill:
6/22/07 547 H.R. 2771 181-217 Strike the $16 million included in the bill for the former FDA building.
Motion to Recommit the Interior Appropriations bill:
REJECTED Required that the following be certified before the bill's deep water drilling
6/27/07 578 H.R. 2643 186-233 provision could take effect: that the bill does not reduce the domestic energy
supply, that the bill does not increase foreign energy imports, that the bill
does not raise energy prices to American consumers.
REJECTED Motion to Recommit the Financial Services Appropriations Bill:
6/28/07 605 H.R. 2829 199-222 Barred any funding for the IRS to carry out future tax increases. A YES
vote on this motion was a vote against raising taxes.
Motion to Recommit the College Cost Reduction Act (Higher Education and
REJECTED Stundent Lending Reconciliation/Reauthorization):
Prohibit a borrower from receiving any of the loan forgiveness under this Act
7/11/07 612 H.R. 2669 199-223 if the borrower is: (1) a full-time elected public official who is paid for that
position, or (2) a registered lobbyist at either the federal or state level who is
paid for lobbying activities.
Motion to Recommit the Section 8 Voucher Reform Act:
The Republican Motion to Recommit would have required an individual, or
all adult members of a household, to provide valid personal
ADOPTED identification–such as a social security card, driver’s license, passport, or
photo identification card issued by the Department of Homeland
7/12/07 628 H.R. 1851 233-186 Security—to the local public housing agency that confirms the eligibility of
the individual/household to receive Section 8 voucher assistance (thereby
ensuring that individual’s valid legal status). A NO vote would have allowed
taxpayer dollars to be spent on subsidized housing for illegal aliens, by not
providing proper safeguards against potential occurrences.
Motion to Recommit (Porter) the Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations Bill:
REJECTED Would authorize the use of funds in the bill to pay the fees for the
background checks for teachers and others who work or care for children.
7/19/07 685 H.R. 3043 206-213 These national background checks were authorized in the Adam Walsh Act
signed into law last year and was also in a stand alone bill, the Schools
SAFE Act, passed by the House last year.
Motion to Recommit the Transportation, and Housing and Urban
Development Appropriations Bill:
REJECTED The Republican motion would have directed the Committee on
Appropriations to adopt an amendment providing that none of the $1.3
7/24/07 714 H.R. 3074 201-220 billion in rescissions of prior year funding for Housing Assistance may come
from funding necessary to provide housing to senior citizens, the disabled,
or homeless veterans. A vote for the Motion to Recommit is a vote to
protect housing for senior citizens, the disabled, and homeless veterans.
Motion to Recommit the Commerce and Justice, and Science
REJECTED Appropriations Bill:
The Republican motion would have increased funding for immigration law
7/26/07 743 H.R. 3093 209-215 enforcement efforts and for states and localities that incarcerate criminal
illegal aliens through the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program
(SCAAP). The motion was deficit-neutral.
Motion to Recommit the Farm Bill:
The Republican motion would have struck the Democrats' $7.5 billion tax
increase from the bill. The tax increases, alone, would abrogate over 50 tax
REJECTED treaties which will likely invite retaliation by foreign countries on American
7/27/07 755 H.R. 2419 198-223 owned employers, further hurting American jobs. An estimated 5.1 million
American jobs could be adversely affected by this tax increase. A vote in
favor of the Republican Motion to Recommit was a vote against raising
taxes on American jobs. Both Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) and the
National Taxpayers Union (NTU) key voted the motion.
Motion to Recommit the Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act:
REJECTED Provides that none of the funds in the bill may be used in order to
7/31/07 766 H.R. 986 200-225 "condemn" (for the purposes of acquiring) land. This amendment is to
protect against Federal land takings akin to those in the now infamous Kelo
eminent domain Supreme Court case.
Motion to Recommit the State Childrens Health Insurance Progam (SCHIP)
Reauthorization bill:
REJECTED The Republican motion would have reauthorized the program for 1 year
202-226 (instead of making it a permanent entitlement) and struck the Democrats'
8/1/07 786 H.R. 3162 loophole for illegal immigrants, restored the 5 year waiting period for legal
immigrants to participate in the program, struck Democrats' cuts to
Medicare, and struck Democrats' new tax on private health insurance plans.
A no vote was an up or down vote against these fixes to the Democrat bill.
Motion to Recommit (Offered by Rep. Lewis (CA)) the Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill:
Prohibits any funds in the Act (including grant funds) from being used to
*STOLEN* employ an alien who is not authorized to be employed in the United States;
8/2/07 814 H.R. 3161 212-216 and Prohibits any funds in the Act for rental housing assistance programs to
provide assistance to an alien not authorized to receive such assistance
pursuant to 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The vote was
called at 215-213 in favor of the motion, only to see the Democrats re-open
the vote in order to change its outcome.
Motion to Recommit the 21st Century Competitiveness Act Conference
Report:
Insists on the lower levels of authorized spending in the House-passed bill
REJECTED and insists on the provisions of the House bill (added by a Republican
Motion to Recommit) to prioritize early career grants to science and
8/2/07 801 H.R. 2272 199-227 engineering researchers for the expansion of domestic energy production
and use through coal-to-liquid technology and advanced nuclear
reprocessing. This motion was the same as the motion to instruct going
into conference that 69 Democrats supported. This time, only 11
Democrats supported the motion - a dramatic reversal in just 2 days.
Motion to Recommit the Troop Readiness and Troop Redeployment Act:
Requires the Secretary of Defense certify to the President and to Congress
REJECTED that implementation of the bill would not: cause the tour length of currently
8/2/07 795 H.R. 3159 207-217 deployed units to be extended; and increase the operational risk to any
deployed units. The Recommit would ensure that soldiers currently in the
field would not have their tours extended or be placed at an increased risk
as a result of the bill.
Motion to Recommit the Democrats' so-called "Comprehensive Energy Bill":
The motion includes consensus energy efficiency provisions; domestic
energy development in Alaska and 100 miles off-shore for natural gas; an
alternative fuel standard for biofuels, compressed natural gas, and coal-to-
REJECTED liquid fuels with carbon capture and sequestration; streamlines the Smart
8/4/07 831 H.R. 3221 169-244 Grid; streamlines permitting for new refineries for conventional and
alternative fuels; repeals restrictions on alleviating traffic congestion and the
fuel waste that come with it; and provides advanced R&D for geothermal
energy and coal gasification for ethanol production. All of these provisions
combined ensure that America moves towards energy independence by
relying on domestic sources of energy production and renewalables.
Motion to Recommit the Expanding American Homeownership Act:
Required an individual, or all adult members of a household, to provide valid
REJECTED personal identification--such as a social security card, driver’s license,
passport, or photo identification card issued by the Department of
9/18/07 875 H.R. 1852 209-216 Homeland Security--to confirm the eligibility of the individual/household to
receive assistance through the newly created affordable housing fund. This
Republican MTR would ensure that only legal residents would receive
taxpayer funds under this bill.
Motion to Recommit the Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension
Act:
REJECTED Struck the Democrats' self-executed amendment that would have required a
9/19/07 883 H.R. 2761 196-228 second vote before the disbursement of funds for any covered claims under
TRIA. The self-executed amendment amounted to an end-around the
House PAYGO Rules, allowing Democrats to bring a bill to the floor which
was in violation of their own rules.
ADOPTED Motion to Recommit (Offered by Rep. Lewis (CA)) the CR:
Recognizes and honors the service of General Petraeus, as well as all
9/26/07 910 H.J.Res. 52 341-79 members of the Armed Forces, and condemns the personal attacks made
by MoveOn.org impugning the integrity of General Petraeus.
Motion to Recommit (Offered by Rep. Bachmann) the Flood Insurance bill:
REJECTED Ensures that the National Flood Insurance Program is actuarially sound and
9/27/07 920 H.R. 3121 179-232 that the issuance of wind insurance will not result in an increase in
premiums for the current 5 million Americans who have purchased
insurance through the existing flood insurance program.
Motion to Recommit (Offered by Rep. Walberg) the Small Business
Investment Expansion Act:
REJECTED Strikes a provision that provides taxpayer matching financing of up to $2
9/27/07 922 H.R. 3567 183-213 million for ―angel investors‖ (those with net worth of $1 million who invest in
small businesses); and strikes grants to help develop networks of angel
investors. The Republican MTR ensures that taxpayer funds are not used
to subsidize private investments made by millionaires.
Motion to Recommit (offered by Rep. Tom Davis) the Improving
Government Accountability Act:
ADOPTED Make it a principle duty of each Inspector General to annually review all
federal programs within his or her jurisdiction and report to Congress with
10/3/07 936 H.R. 928 274-144 proposed legislation on abolishing, reorganizing, consolidating, or
transferring authority for those programs. The MTR is a vote to limit the
size of the Federal government and ensure that taxpayers’ money is not
being wasted on unnecessary programs.
Motion to Recommit (offered by Rep. Cantor) the Mortgage Forgiveness
REJECTED Debt Relief Act:
Strikes the tax increase pay-for in the bill. H.R. 3648 offsets the estimated
10/4/07 947 H.R. 3648 201-212-1 $1.4 billion cost of the bill with a revenue raising provision (tax increase) that
limits the current capital gains tax exemption on the sale of a second home.
The Republican MTR is a simple up or down vote on a tax increase.
Motion to Recommit (offered by Rep. Forbes) the MEJA Expansion and
Enforcement Act:
ADOPTED Clarify that nothing in the bill shall impact any currently permissible
10/4/07 939 H.R. 2740 342-75 intelligence activities. As the bill is currently drafted, there is concern that it
could inadvertently impact intelligence activities through the threat of
criminal prosecutions potentially requiring the inappropriate public
disclosure of sensitive and classified activities.
Motion to Recommit (offered by Rep. Jordan) the Regional Economic and
REJECTED Infrastructure Development Act:
10/4/07 945 H.R. 3246 201-218 Prohibit any of the funds authorized under the bill from being used to lobby
or to retain a lobbyist to attempt to influence either federal, state, or local
governments or officials.
Motion to Recommit (Offered by Rep. Hulshof) the Tax Collection
Responsibility Act:
REJECTED Permanently repeal the Death Tax (estate tax) that is currently repealed
10/10/07 959 H.R. 3056 196-212 under the Economic Growth and Tax Reconciliation Act of 2001. Without
additional Congressional action, the Death Tax would be reinstated after
December 31, 2010. The permanent repeal of the Death Tax will ensure
that small businesses and family farms will never be taxed twice.
Motion to Recommit the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act:
Requires that able-bodied adult occupants of housing financed under the bill
REJECTED be required to comply with the 20-hour per month work requirement
10/10/07 957 H.R. 2895 199-218 applicable under the federal welfare program. Those who are disabled,
blind, over the age of 62, responsible caring for young children because of a
lack of childcare, or otherwise exempt from the welfare work requirements
are not subject to the work requirement.
Motion to Recommit the Free Flow of Information Act:
ADOPTED Make clear that a court may consider whether the disclosure of the
10/16/07 972 H.R. 2102 388-33 information or document in question has harmed or will harm national
security and the extent of any such harm. The MTR does not preclude the
court from considering the impact of the disclosure on national security.
Motion to Recommit the Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act:
Reduces wasteful and unecessary spending of taxpayer money. The
underlying bill changes the name of the 41 year-old "Federal Railroad
REJECTED Administration" to the "Federal Railroad Safety Administration." In order to
10/17/07 979 H.R. 2095 198-222 avoid unnecessary costs to the taxpayer associated with new signs,
letterhead, updated regulations, business cards, etc. that result from
changing the name of a federal agency, the Republican Motion to Recommit
maintains the existing name and prohibits funds from being used to change
the name of the agency.
Motion to Recommit the Virginia Ridge & Valley Act:
Would permit the use of motorized vehicles in wilderness lands when
required in connection with an emergency involving the health and safety of
ADOPTED persons, including search and rescue efforts or the response to an Amber
10/23/07 994 H.R. 1011 236-178 Alert. Under current law, motorized vehicles are severely restricted from
entering into Wilderness Areas. In practice, whether to allow motorized
search and rescue operations can be at the whim of a local Forest
Supervisor. The Republican motion enables rescue personnel to use all
means available to save human life and rescue missing children.
Motion to Recommit (Offered by Rep. Flake) the Native Hawaiian
Government Reorganization Act:
REJECTED Amended the bill to apply the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights, and
10/24/07 999 H.R. 505 178-235 Federal civil rights and antidiscrimination laws to the Native Hawaiians.
Native Hawaiians would also not be exempt from any Federal or state laws,
regulations, taxes, or other legal burdens based on race, under the
Republican motion.
Motion to Recommit the Celebrating America's Heritage Act:
Would require all designated and future designated lands within any
national heritage area for which funding is provided under this Act be
ADOPTED exclusively governed by relevant State and local laws regarding hunting,
10/24/07 995 H.R. 1483 344-71 fishing, and the possession or use of a weapon, trap, or net. The motion
solidifies the rights of the States to permit hunting and gun use in national
heritage areas as States see fit. This ensures no National Park Service-
affiliated entity tampers with the Second Amendment rights of law abiding
citizens.
Motion to Recommit the Small Business Contracting Program
Improvements Act:
Struck section 101(b) of the underlying bill in order to reinstate the mandate
REJECTED that contracting officers must set aside awards to small businesses located
10/30/07 1016 H.R. 3867 177-240 in historically underutilized business zones (HUBZones) if there are two or
more HUBZone firms that are responsive bidders. The motion would have
increased the overall number of contracts awarded to small businesses
rather than expanding the opportunities for those that fall within certain
racial classifications (as the underlying bill did).
Motion to Recommit the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act:
The Republican motion would require the Secretary of the Interior to certify
that this bill would not result in the loss of American jobs before its
REJECTED provisions are enforced. The Republican MTR additionally prohibits
11/1/07 1032 H.R. 2262 170-240 royalties on any mineral that is used in the manufacturing of any technology
used for the production of solar energy or nuclear energy. This motion
protects American jobs that the underlying legislation seeks to send
overseas and provides for the investment in alternative energy that will fuel
our energy needs in the future.
Motion to Recommit the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA):
REJECTED States that nothing in the Act may be construed to modify, limit, restrict, or
11/7/07 1056 H.R. 3685 198-222 in any way overturn any State or Federal definition of marriage as between
one man and one woman, including the use of this Act as a legal predicate
in litigation on the issue of marriage.
Motion to Recommit the Homeowners Defense Act:
REJECTED Prohibits cross-subsidization among insurance lines and coastal regions. In
11/8/07 1073 H.R. 3355 175-239 other words, the motion prohibits low-risk states from subsidizing high-risk
states--ensuring that rural Americans, for example, should not be asked to
subsidize the insurance for beach homes along the coast.
Motion to Recommit the War Supplemental Withdrawal Bill:
REJECTED Strikes the most egregious policy provisions from the bill (including
withdrawal timelines), clearing it for immediate passage by the House (and
11/14/07 1107 H.R. 4156 192-231 subsequently, the Senate). Because of Democrats' politically charged bill,
the Pentagon will be forced to lay-off civilian employees and cut basic
military quality of life services.
Motion to Recommit the Democrats' FISA Bill:
Ensures that the intelligence community has the tools to conduct
REJECTED surveillance when the U.S. is in danger of imminent attack; adds the al-
11/15/07 1119 H.R. 3773 194-222 Quds Iranian Revolutionary Guard to the list of terrorist organizations that
receive certain exemptions from the FISA process; and adds state sponsors
of terrorism and their agents to the same language Democrats use to
exempt illegal aliens from the FISA process under their revised bill.
Motion to Recommit the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act
(Sub-Prime):
REJECTED Add ID requirements to the bill, protecting the integrity of the lending
process by ensuring that loans are not granted to illegal aliens or other
11/15/07 1117 H.R. 3915 188-231 fradulent applicants. Specifically, the MTR requires the lender to verify the
identity of an individual seeking a residential mortgage loan through 4 forms
of identification: social security card, driver's license, passport, or photo
identification card issued by the DHS.
Motion to Recommit the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization
REJECTED Act:
Republicans offered the Senate-passed TRIA bill as the motion to recommit
12/12/07 1149 H.R. 4299 173-246 giving Members the opportunity to expidite a bill that could ultimately be
signed by the President--rather than delaying the process with Barney
Frank's version (a bill that has no chance of becoming law).
Motion to Recommit the Intelligence Auth Conf Rpt:
REJECTED Would have removed all earmarks from the bill in order to fund human
intelligence at the highest levels possible. This motion passed, 249-160, as
12/13/07 1159 H.R. 2082 205-215 a motion to instruct conferees on December 4
(http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll1125.xml). Over the course of just one
week, 51 Democrats switched their votes from support to opposition.
Motion to Recommit Mine Safety Bill:
REJECTED Requires mandatory, random drug testing of miners. Drug abuse by miners
has increased, creating dangerous work environments. Several states have
1/16/08 9 H.R. 2768 197-217 implemented drug testing policies and have seen a decrease in mine-
related accidents. This amendment would protect law abiding miners and
prevent reckless accidents.
Motion to Recommit HOPE VI Federal Housing Bill:
Revises the selection process for Hope VI grants to give priority to house
ADOPTED veterans instead of convicted felons. The Democrat bill incentivizes public
housing authorities to give convicted felons ("hard-to-house" individuals)
372-28
1/17/08 17 H.R. 3524 preferential treatment in the application process. The motion adds veterans
to the category of those considered "hard-to-house," while removing the
preference for convicted felons from the definition. (*according to the most
recent Veterans Affairs reports there were over 310,000 homeless veterans,
representing roughly a quarter of all homeless people in America)
Motion to Recommit New England Trail Designation Bill:
Provides eminent domain protection to landowners by prohibiting the
REJECTED Secretary of the Interior from using eminent domain to acquire land for
1/29/08 27 H.R. 1528 183-205 inclusion in the New England National Scenic Trail. Even the threat to use
eminent domain is often enough to change a non-seller into a ―willing seller.‖
Private property protection is vital to individual liberty and the Republican
motion will ensures that private landowners' rights are not be infringed upon.
Motion to Recommit Higher Education Reauthorization Act:
Require Pell Grants and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
REJECTED (IDEA) to be fully funded before any earmarks or new programs can be
2/7/08 39 H.R. 4137 194-216 funded. The underlying bill contains multiple earmarks and 21 new
programs that are authorized for funding. However, the bill does not fully
fund Pell Grants or the IDEA. Republicans are prioritizing students over
wasteful spending and new government programs.
Motion to Recommit the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax
Act:
The Republican motion would provide permanent extensions for both the
REJECTED marriage and child tax credits while striking ALL of Democrats' tax increases
2/27/08 83 H.R. 5351 197-222 under the bill. The bill contained roughly $18 Billion in tax increases on
American companies and jobs, but did little to relieve the heavy tax burden
on American families (including the price they pay at the pump). A "yes"
vote provided marriage and child tax credit permanency and rejecting tax
increases on American companies and jobs.
Motion to Recommit the House Mental Health Parity Bill:
Would have amended the bill and replaced it with the bipartisan Senate-
passed Mental Health Parity bill (passed the Seante by UC and is supported
ADOPTED by outside groups). Would have also added language clarifying that the bill
3/5/08 100 H.R. 1424 217-193-1 does not require a group health plan to cover abortion as a treatment.
Based on previous case law, concerns have been raised by "right-to-life"
groups as to whether the coverage of treatment for mental health disorders
could include coverage for abortion. The pro-life position on the motion was
a "yes" vote.
Motion to Recommit PEPFAR:
The Republican proposal would have reduced the bill's authorization level
from $50 billion to the President’s original request of $30 billion. The
REJECTED current levels of funding cannot be disbursed in an efficient and effective
4/2/08 157 H.R. 5501 175-248 manner, according to CBO and other worldwide organizations. Therefore,
adding additional money to the program will not help solve the worldwide
HIV/AIDS epidemic. This fiscally responsible motion would have ensured
that PEPFAR is funded at a level that provides success in fighting the
HIV/AIDS epidemic without leaving the program shortchanged.
Motion to Recommit Fire Administration Reauthorization Act:
The Republican motion would have amended the bill to provide liability
REJECTED protection to firemen that perform inspection services or advice on the use
of child safety seats to their communities. Many departments and
4/3/08 159 H.R. 4847 205-209 communities are unwilling to offer this life-saving service because of the
fear of liability and massive lawsuits. The Republican motion would have
provided firemen with liability protection in order to help them protect the
children of their communities.
Motion to Recommit the National Landscape Conservation System:
The Republican motion would have ensured that nothing in the Act may
REJECTED affect the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment within the
National Landscape Conservation System. In 2006 the National Park
4/9/08 173 H.R. 2016 208-212 Service prevented visitors from protecting themselves and 11 individuals
were murdered, 35 were raped, and 16 were killed. This Republican motion
would have ensured that every American is able to protect themselves and
exercise their Second Amendment rights on Federal lands.
Motion to Recommit the Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act:
Prohibited "sanctuary cities" from receiving financing through federally tax
REJECTED exempt bonds and directed the IRS to increase its efforts to ensure that
4/15/08 189 H.R. 5719 210-210 illegal aliens do not receive benefits under the earned income tax credit.
Applies to cities or localities have policies in effect (statutory or otherwise)
that prohibit their public employees from notifying Federal officials of an
alien who may be unlawfully present in the U.S.
ADOPTED Motion to Recommit the Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded
Debt Collection Act:
4/16/08 198 H.R. 2634 291-130-1 The Republican motion would prohibit countries from eligibility for relief
under this Act if they have business interests with Iran.
Motion to Recommit the Small Business Innovation Research Bill:
The Republican motion would have required the National Academy of
REJECTED Sciences, in its report ―America’s Energy Future,‖ to report on projects that
4/23/08 216 H.R. 5819 195-215 have the potential to lower gasoline and diesel fuel prices. This motion
would have provided guidance from the National Academy of Sciences on
how we can bring relief to Americans that are paying record prices at the
pump.
Motion to Recommit the Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Prevention
Act:
The Republican motion would have ensured that Congress did not further
REJECTED exacerbate skyrocketing food prices for American families. The motion
prohibited the Interim Final Rule (IFR) and the final standards from applying
4/30/08 232 H.R. 5522 187-225 to food grain dust until the Secretary determined that the application of the
standards would not increase the domestic price of food grain. The
Republican motion would have prevented the government from being the
catalyst for increasing food prices further on the American people during a
time when food costs are already rising.
Motion to Recommit the Neighborhood Stabilization Act:
The Republican motion would have given first preference to disabled
veterans, under the program, followed by the preferences for other veterans,
REJECTED teachers, and law enforcement officials. The motion would have also
prohibited individuals convicted under Federal or State law of a drug dealing
5/8/08 298 H.R. 5818 210-216 offense, a sex offense, or mortgage fraud from participating in the program.
A taxpayer subsidized program should not be used to provide housing to the
worst offenders. Instead, Republicans believe taxpayer assistance should
be directed towards those most deserving, like our veterans who have
served our country honorably.
Motion to Recommit the Farm Bill:
The Republican motion would have struck airdropped earmarks that were
inserted into the bill during the conference stage. Specifically, the motion
would strike 3 earmarks that were inserted by Democrats into the bill at the
REJECTED last minute without scrutiny: Sen. Leahy's earmark for the non-competitive
5/14/08 314 H.R. 2419 193-230 sale of portions of the Green Mountain National Forest to a ski resort;
Speaker Pelosi's $170 million earmark for salmon; Sen. Baucus' earmark
authorizing the purchase of 400,000 acres of lands in Montana from a single
owner, the Plum Creek Timber Company (additionally, Baucus' earmark
allows the Nature Conservancy to claim a $250 million ―tax refund‖ even
though, as a non-profit, they don’t actually pay taxes).
Motion to Recommit the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act:
The Republican motion would have extended current popular tax credits for
an additional 5 years, rather than just the one year provided for under the
REJECTED Democrat proposal. Further, the Republican motion would have not
increased taxes, as the Democrat proposal does. The Republican proposal
5/21/08 343 H.R. 6049 201-220 would also have prevented the AMT from raising an additional $61.5 billion
in tax increases on middle-class Americans next year--the Democrat bill
failed to protect such Americans. Finally, the Republican proposal dropped
all extraneous provisions contained in the Democrat proposal, such as $1.6
billion for trial lawyers.
Motion to Recommit DoD Authorization:
In addition to providing veterans with an expanded GI educational benefit,
the Republican motion would have reduced gas prices for our military, as
well as all Americans. For the military, the motion would strike Section 526
of the Energy Independence and Security Act, passed by the Democrat
REJECTED Majority (12/07). Section 526 prohibits the government from purchasing
"alternative" or "synthetic" fuels. To relieve rising costs on our armed forces,
5/22/08 364 H.R. 5658 186-223 the Republican motion repealed Section 526, allowing the military to use oil
shale, tar sands, and coal-to-liquids. Finally, the Republican motion would
require the Administration to identify at least 3 military bases slated for
closure that would be suitable for locating new oil refineries. No new
refineries have been built in the U.S. within the past 30 years, which has
limited the supply of gasoline and increased prices at the pump for all
Americans.
Motion to Recommit the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School
Facilities Act:
The Republican motion would allow funds under the bill to be used for rising
energy costs. The motion would contain a trigger permitting schools to use
REJECTED the bill's authorized funds for energy costs. The trigger would apply if the
school district's energy costs have risen 50% since January 1, 2007 (the
6/4/08 378 H.R. 3021 187-230 day Democrats took control of Congress). Since the Democrats have taken
control of Congress, the national average for gasoline has increased by
70.82%. During that same time period, diesel fuel has increased by 106%.
House Republicans want to offer schools the flexibility to use their federal
funds to pay for energy costs--ensuring that our children are not short-
changed.
Motion to Recommit the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails
Network Continuing Authorization Act:
The Republican motion would require the Secretary of the Interior to
REJECTED educate the public on the effect high gas prices has on recreational
6/5/08 385 H.R. 5540 181-223 activities on the Chesapeake Bay. High gas prices are wreaking havoc on
recreational sporting activities and commercial fishing on our bays and
watertrails. Democrats continue to fail to address this issue. With gas prices
at a national average of $4, Congress ought to take action to help our
constituents with their energy costs and Democrats have voted no on yet
another opportunity to do so.
Motion to Recommit Amtrak Authorization:
The Republican motion would require a study on the impact domestically
available "alternative fuels" could have on freight and passenger rail
operations. ―Alternative fuels‖ refer to fuels that are derived from coal, oil
REJECTED shale, oil sands, natural gas, methane, or butanol and are available within
6/11/08 399 H.R. 6003 194-230 the United States. Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security
Act, enacted by House Democrats, prevents the American government from
investing in and using these American-produced energy resources. This
motion is another Republican proposal to start producing American energy
and using American resources to bring down energy costs throughout all
sectors of the economy.
Motion to Recommit the NASA Authorization Act:
The Republican motion would permit NASA to use "alternative fuels" to
reduce operation expenses, and would require a prize to lower the cost of
aviation fuel. Under this motion, the Administrator of NASA would be
REJECTED permitted to waive Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security
Act, allowing NASA to use alternative fuels like coal-to-liquid, oil shale, and
6/18/08 420 H.R. 6063 196-225 tar sands. The Republican proposal would also have promoted a
competition, and awarded a prize, for using technologies aimed at
converting coal, oil shale, tar sands, and biomass to liquid fuel which will
have the effect of lowering the cost of aviation fuel. The current cost of
aviation fuel--under this Democrat Congress--ranges from $4.45 to over
$8.00 a gallon, depending on the quality of the gas and the type of jet.
Motion to Recommit the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act:
The Republican motion prohibit deadbeat dads from receiving paid leave
REJECTED benefits under the Democrats' bill. Specifically, the proposal would prevent
federal and congressional (male) employees who are not compliant with a
6/19/08 427 H.R. 5781 206-220 court ordered child support arrangement from receiving the new paid
parental leave benefit provided under the bill. This Republican motion would
ensure that taxpayer funds are not used to provide paid leave to deadbeat
dads who are failing to responsibly care for their children.
Motion to Recommit the AMT Relief Act of 2008:
The Republican proposal would have added a new provision to the
Democrats' bill, increasing the mileage deduction for charities to reflect the
recent increase in gas prices. The motion also would have struck the
REJECTED Democrats' $61.5 Billion in tax increases. The Republican motion would
6/25/08 454 H.R. 6275 199-222 provide parity for charities and their volunteer drivers by setting the mileage
tax deduction rate at 27 cents per mile, rather than it's current deduction
rate of 14 cents per mile (the IRS recently increased the mileage deduction
rate for medical and moving expenses to 27 cents because of high gas
prices--absent Congressional action, they may not do the same for
charitable organizations).
Motion to Recommit the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act:
The Republican proposal would have provided relief to economically
distressed rural and suburban schools by requiring that in any area where
REJECTED school bus services are being cut back because of high fuel prices, the
funds under the bill must be used first and foremost by the State’s governor
6/26/08 466 H.R. 6052 199-221 to help restore those school bus services. The motion would have also
required preference for rural and suburban areas where school buses. In
many rural school districts across the country, school bus services are
being cut because of high fuel costs. Some school districts are even
reportedly considering going to four day school weeks.
Motion to Recommit H.R. 5811, Electronic Message Preservation Act: with
instructions to report the bill back to the House forthwith with an amendment
to require the Archivist to prescribe internal procedures to prevent the
ADOPTED unauthorized removal of classified records from the National Archives or the
7/9/08 476 H.R. 5811 destruction or damage of such records. This includes records that are
419-1-2
accessed or searched electronically. The motion also closes a loophole that
allows those previously convicted of unauthorized removal of classified
materials back into the Archives where they could do more damage.
Motion to recommit H.R. 1286: with instruction to report the bill back to the
REJECTED House promptly with an amendment that ensures that Second Amendment
7/10/08 483 H.R. 1286 rights on lands and waters within the Trail are preserved by retaining state
202-211
and local gun laws.
Motion to recommit H.R. 5959 with instructions to report the bill back to the
House promptly with an amendment that requires the Director of National
REJECTED
7/16/08 502 H.R. 5959 Intelligence to submit a national intelligence assessment on national
200-225 security and energy security issues relating to rapidly escalating energy
costs.
Motion to recommit H.R. 415 with instruction to report the bill back to the
House promptly with an amendment to ensure the bill cannot be used to
REJECTED restrict current and future development and management of energy
7/16/08 506 H.R. 415 infrastructure, easements and environmental mitigation related to energy
188-227
infrastructure or business and economic activities or expansion of such
activities.
