Updated: December 23, 2010
Congratulations to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for receiving a 100 percent score in the newly-released AAUW Action Fund Congressional Voting Record for the 111th Congress, Second Session. The AAUW Action Fund Congressional Voting Record provides information about elected federal legislators through the votes they cast on critical issues.
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 - Vote Agreed to (79-16, 5 Not Voting) - Congress agreed to this short-term spending bill that funds government operations at 2010 levels through March 4, 2011. The president signed the bill into law on December 22, 2010.
START Treaty Ratification - Vote Agreed to (71-26, 3 Not Voting) - The Senate ratified this treaty with Russia that would reduce the size of each country’s nuclear arsenal by 30 percent.
Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010 - Vote Agreed to (81-19) - The Senate approved this bill extending the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts that were due to expire at the end of 2010 for another two years. The bill also extends unemployment benefits for 13 months. The House gave final approval to the measure several days later. The president signed the bill into law shortly after House passage.
Cloture Motion; DREAM Act - Vote Rejected (55-41, 4 Not Voting) - The Senate fell short of the votes needed to move forward on this bill that would provide a path to legal status for certain undocumented children brought into the U.S. illegally by their parents. The measure is unlikely to be brought up again in the 111th Congress.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 - Vote Agreed to (65-31, 4 Not Voting) - The Senate gave final approval to this bill repealing a 1993 law prohibiting homosexuals from serving openly in the military. The president lobbied for repeal and is expected to sign the bill into law.
Cloture Motion, Defense Authorization Act - Vote Rejected (57-40, 3 Not Voting) - The Senate fell short of the 60 votes needed to move forward on this bill authorizing defense expenditures for the 2011 fiscal year. The bill included a provision that would have repealed the "don’t ask, don’t tell" law. The bill is unlikely to move forward if it includes the "don’t ask" provision. This will be the first time in 49 years a defense authorization bill has not been cleared.
FDA Food Safety Modernization Act - Vote Passed (73-25, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this bill to overhaul the nation's food safety rules. Shortly after passage, it was pointed out the bill contains revenue raising provisions and the constitution requires bills that raise revenue to originate in the House. At this time, the strategy to move the bill forward was unclear.
Cloture Motion; Paycheck Fairness Act - Vote Rejected (58-41, 1 Not Voting) - The Senate fell short of the 60 votes needed to move forward on this bill that would require employers to demonstrate that any pay disparity between men and women is job-related and not gender-related. The future of the measure is unknown at this time.
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Reconciliation - Vote Passed (56-43, 1 Not Voting) - The Senate passed the final version of a bill to overhaul the nation’s health care system in March using a procedure known as reconciliation, which allows the Senate to bypass a filibuster with a simple majority. The bill mandates that individuals buy health insurance with exceptions for certain religious groups and those who cannot afford coverage. Those who do not buy insurance will be subject to a tax. Under the bill, beginning in 2014 insurance companies cannot deny coverage based on pre-existing medical conditions, and cannot drop coverage of people who become ill. In addition, a section of the bill makes the federal government the sole originator of student loa ns.
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act - Vote Agreed to (60-39) - The Senate passed the final version of the financial regulation reform legislation in July. The bill creates new regulatory procedures to assess risks posed by large financial institutions and facilitate the orderly dissolution of failing firms that pose a threat to the economy. It will also create a new federal agency to oversee consumer financial products, bring the derivatives market under significant federal regulation and give shareholders and regulators greater say on executive pay.
Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act - Vote Agreed to (61-39) - The Senate passed this bill in August to provide $16.1 billion to extend increased Medicaid assistance to states and $10 billion in funding for states to create or retain teachers' jobs. The cost of the programs will be offset by changing foreign tax provisions, ending increased food stamp benefits beginning in April 2014 and rescinding previously enacted spending.
Nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court - Vote Confirmed (63-37) - The Senate confirmed Elena Kagan to be an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court in August. The former dean of Harvard Law School, Kagan had served as Obama’s solicitor general since March of 2009 and was the first woman to hold the position. She replaced Justice John Paul Stevens, who had been appointed by President Gerald Ford in 1975.
2011 Defense Authorization, Cloture - Vote Rejected (56-43, 1 Not Voting) - The Senate rejected this attempt to end debate on the 2011 Defense spending bill, which would authorize $725.7 billion in discretionary funding for defense programs. The bill would have also repealed a 1993 law that codified the "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy banning military service by openly gay men and women.
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 - Vote Passed (69-30, 1 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this measure funding government operations through December 3, 2010. The 2011 fiscal year began on October 1, 2010 with none of the annual spending bills completed. The House passed the measure a short time later and President Obama signed it into law on September 30.
Cloture Motion; National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Vote Rejected (56-43, 1 Not Voting) - The Senate rejected a cloture motion to move forward on this bill authorizing $726 billion for defense programs in fiscal year 2011. The bill contains provisions repealing a 1993 ban on homosexuals serving openly in the armed forces. The legislation is expected to be considered again in a "lame duck" session after November’s election.
Cloture Motion; Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act - Vote Rejected (59-39, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate again rejected a motion to end debate on campaign finance disclosure legislation. The bill’s future is not clear.
Confirmation of Jane Branstetter Stranch, of Tennessee, to be US Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit - Vote Confirmed (71-21, 8 Not Voting) - The Senate voted to confirm the nomination of Jane Branstetter Stranch, a Nashville attorney, to the federal bench.
Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010 - Vote Passed (61-38, 1 Not Voting) - The Senate passed a bill that would provide for a variety of small-business tax provisions, including a revival of an expired bonus depreciation provision to allow companies to write off assets more quickly. The bill now returns to the House, which is expected to agree to Senate amendments and clear the bill for the President's signature.
Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act - Vote Agreed to (61-39) - The Senate passed this bill to provide $16.1 billion to extend increased Medicaid assistance to states and $10 billion in funding for states to create or retain teachers’ jobs. The House must vote on the bill next.
Nomination of Elena Kagan, of Massachusetts, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States - Vote Confirmed (63-37) - The Senate confirmed Elena Kagan to be a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. She was sworn in on Saturday.
Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act - Vote Rejected (57-41, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate rejected ending debate on this campaign finance disclosure legislation. The bill will likely not return to the Senate floor until September.
Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010 - Vote Rejected (58-42) - The Senate rejected ending debate on this bill that aims to expand the availability of credit to small businesses. The Senate may work more on the bill this week.
Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2010 - Vote Agreed to (59-39, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this bill to extend unemployment benefits through November 30, making the extension retroactive to June 2 when the last extension expired. Because it was amended by the Senate, it was sent back to the House for final approval.
Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010 - Vote Rejected (46-51, 3 Not Voting) - The Senate rejected the House’s amendment to this legislation funding the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and providing for additional funding for foreign aid and disaster assistance. The amendment would have added $22.8 billion in additional domestic spending. The House is expected to approve the bill without the amendment.
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act - Vote Agreed to (60-39) - The Senate passed the final version of the financial regulation reform legislation. The president is expected to sign the bill into law this week.
Confirmation of Gen. David H. Petraeus to be General - Vote Confirmed (99-0) - The Senate unanimously confirmed Gen. Petraeus for reappointment to the grade of general and to be commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
Motion to Invoke Cloture on Reid Amendment; American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 - Vote Rejected (58-38, 3 Not Voting) - The Senate once again rejected the motion to end debate on this latest version of a bill to extend several expired tax provisions and unemployment benefits due to concerns about the federal deficit. The bill’s future still remains unclear.
Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act - Vote Passed (99-0, 1 Not Voting) - On Thursday, the Senate unanimously approved the conference report to this bill that would impose new sanctions on companies doing business with Iran. The House voted on the conference report later that day.
Motion to Invoke Cloture on Reid Amendment; American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 - Vote Rejected (57-41, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate rejected the motion to end debate on this latest version of a bill to extend several expired tax provisions and unemployment benefits due to concerns about the federal deficit. After failing to agree on how to pay for the bill, Senate Democratic leaders have decided to move on to other legislation, and the bill’s future is unclear.
Motion to Invoke Cloture on Baucus Substitute Amendment; American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 - Vote Rejected (56-40, 4 Not Voting) - The Senate rejected the motion to end debate and vote on this $118 billion version of the bill to extend tax cuts and unemployment benefits due to concerns about the federal deficit. The Senate is likely to continue its work on the bill this week.
Motion to Proceed to Resolution; To overturn an EPA finding on greenhouse gas emissions. - Vote Rejected (47-53) - The Senate rejected this resolution that would have stripped the EPA of its authority to regulate greenhouse gases.
Supplemental Appropriations Act - Vote Passed (67-28, 5 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this $58.8 billion bill providing additional funds for disaster relief and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The House will begin work on its version of the bill after the Memorial Day recess.
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act - Vote Passed (59-39, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this bill that would overhaul the nation's financial regulatory system. The bill must now be reconciled with the House version.
McCain Amendment; Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 - Vote Rejected (43-56, 1 Not Voting) - The Senate rejected this amendment to the financial reform bill that would have established a time frame for ending the government’s support of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Senate continues work on the bill this week.
Durbin Amendment; Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 - Vote Agreed to (64-33, 3 Not Voting) - The Senate adopted this amendment to the financial reform bill that would require the Federal Reserve to establish rules for "reasonable and proportional" fees that credit card networks, such as Visa and Mastercard, charge to merchants. The Senate continues work on the bill this week.
Shelby-Dodd Amendment; Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 - Vote Agreed to (93-5, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate voted to remove a part of the financial reform bill that would have created a $50 billion fund for the FDIC to cover the cost of liquidating failing financial companies. The Senate voted on several other amendments, and will continue its work on the bill this week.
Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 - Vote Rejected (56-42, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate failed for a third time last week to approve this procedural motion and begin floor debate on this legislation to overhaul financial regulations. However, it appears the Senate will proceed to floor debate this week and begin voting on amendments to the bill.
Lael Brainard to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury - Vote Confirmed (78-19, 3 Not Voting) - The Senate confirmed Lael Brainard as the Treasury Department’s under secretary for international affairs. Her nomination had been held up over concerns that she allegedly failed to pay property taxes on time.
Continuing Extension Act of 2010 - Vote Passed (59-38, 3 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this measure that would extend for two months federal unemployment benefits, flood insurance programs, increased payment rates to Medicare providers and COBRA health care premium assistance. It was then sent to the House.
Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 - Vote Passed (56-43, 1 Not Voting) - The Senate approved this bill that would make changes to the 2010 health care overhaul law and revise student loan procedures. The Senate made minor changes to the bill, sending it back to the House.
FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act - Vote Passed (93-0, 7 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this measure to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration through FY 2011 and expedite the transition to a new air traffic control system. The bill was sent to the House.
Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act - Vote Agreed to (68-29, 3 Not Voting) - On Wednesday the Senate passed this job creation bill, which would provide tax relief to businesses hiring unemployed workers. The President signed it into law the next day.
Tax Extenders Act of 2009 - Vote Passed (62-36, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this bill that would extend unemployment insurance and COBRA health care subsidies through December 31 and would prevent a cut in physicians’ Medicare reimbursement rates. The bill now goes to the House.
Temporary Extension Act of 2010 - Vote Passed (78-19, 3 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this bill that provides short-term extensions of a number of programs that expired February 28, including unemployment benefits and federal health care subsidies for jobless workers. The bill was quickly signed by the President.
Jobs for Main Street Act - Vote Agreed to (70-28, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this $15 billion jobs bill, which includes payroll tax breaks, bond-financing for state and local infrastructure projects, and an extension of federal highway programs. The bill now goes to the House.
Cloture Motion, Nomination of Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board - Vote Rejected (52-33, 15 Not Voting) - The Senate rejected this motion to move forward on the nomination of Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board.
M. Patricia Smith, of New York, to be Solicitor for the Department of Labor - Vote Confirmed (60-37, 3 Not Voting) - The Senate confirmed Patricia Smith to be the Labor Department's solicitor, despite concerns that she gave contradictory statements during her confirmation hearing.
Debt Limit Extension - Vote Agreed to (60-39, 1 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this resolution that would raise the federal debt limit to $13.029 trillion. It now goes to the House for approval.
Confirmation of Ben S. Bernanke to be Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System - Vote Confirmed (70-30) - The Senate confirmed Ben Bernanke for a second four year term as the Fed Chairman.
Debt Limit Extension; Thune Amdt. to terminate TARP - Vote Rejected (53-45, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate rejected this amendment to end the Troubled Asset Relief Program. The bill itself would raise the federal debt limit to $13.029 trillion. It is still being debated on the Senate floor.