First Session - 112th Congress: Recent Votes
by Rep. Bill Owens

Updated: December 24, 2011

Index:

  • Most Recent Senate Votes

    The First Session of the 112th Congress has come to a close. The House is scheduled to convene the Second Session on Tuesday, January 17, 2012. The Senate is scheduled to convene on Monday, January 23, 2012.

    Motion to go to conference; Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (229-193, 11 Not Voting) - With this vote, the House rejected the Senate's two-month extension of the Social Security payroll tax reduction and requested a conference to consider a yearlong extension. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) stated he would not call the Senate back into session. The standoff ended later in the week when the House agreed to pass the two-month bill and the Senate agreed to name conferees to work out a yearlong extension.

    Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (234-193, 6 Not Voting) - The House passed this Republican version of the payroll tax extension bill. The bill would extend the Social Security payroll tax cut for one year, prevent Medicare payments to doctors from being cut more than 27 percent, and overhaul the unemployment benefits program. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) called the bill "dead on arrival" in the Senate.

    Iran Sanctions - Vote Passed (410-11, 12 Not Voting) - The House voted to strengthen sanctions against Iran that are intended to deny the regime resources to develop nuclear weapons. The Senate is unlikely to pass the bill.

    Defense Authorization, FY2012 - Vote Passed (283-136, 14 Not Voting) - The House passed this $662 billion measure that authorizes defense policies for the current fiscal year. The Senate cleared the measure for the president the next day.

    Intelligence Authorization, FY2012 - Vote Passed (396-23, 14 Not Voting) - The House gave final approval to this bill authorizing funds for 16 intelligence agencies for the current fiscal year. The amount is classified, but it is estimated to be around $78.6 billion. The Senate passed the bill on December 14 by unanimous consent. The president is expected to sign it.

    Military Construction-VA Appropriations, FY2012 - Vote Passed (296-121, 16 Not Voting) - The House passed the conference report for this $915 billion "megabus" spending bill that provides funds for the rest of the fiscal year for the remaining nine annual appropriations bills. The nine bills are the Military Construction-VA, Defense, Energy-Water, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Interior-Environment, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch and State-Foreign Operations appropriations bills. The Senate gave final approval to the bill the next day. The president is expected to sign it into law.

    Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2012 - Vote Passed (351-67, 15 Not Voting) - The House passed this $8.6 billion bill to provide additional disaster relief funds to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers and to combat Social Security waste. The Senate passed the bill the next day, sending it to the President.

    Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (241-184, 8 Not Voting) - This bill would require congressional approval of federal regulations that are expected to cost the economy $100 million or more or have a significant effect on consumer prices. Currently, regulations take effect unless both Congress and the president approve a resolution disapproving of them. The White House opposes the bill.

    Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (268-150, 15 Not Voting) - This House-passed bill would prevent the EPA from revising air standards concerning dust from farm operations for one year. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill. The White House has also issued a veto threat.

    Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act - Vote Passed (235-188, 10 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill that would build in a waiting period between the time workers file petitions to unionize and the time the vote occurs. The Senate is unlikely to take up the measure.

    To reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions and by terminating the Election Assistance Commission - Vote Passed (235-190, 8 Not Voting) - This House bill would terminate taxpayer funding of presidential campaigns and conventions. Public funding began in 1976. The bill would also eliminate the Election Assistance Commission, which was established in 2002 to help states to update their voting machines. The Senate is unlikely to take up the measure.

    Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (263-159, 11 Not Voting) - This bill would allow the Small Business Administration to intervene in the regulatory process when small businesses are affected. The Senate is unlikely to act on the measure, which is also opposed by the White House.

    Regulatory Accountability Act - Vote Passed (253-167, 13 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill that would require federal agencies to choose the "least costly" option when writing new federal regulations. Agencies would also be required to provide indirect cost estimates and predictions of job gains or losses. The White House opposes the bill.

    National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (272-154, 7 Not Voting) - This House bill would allow citizens with a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun across state lines. The bill's future in the Senate is unclear.

    Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations - Vote Passed (298-121, 14 Not Voting) - The House passed the conference report for this "minibus" spending bill that combines the 2012 fiscal year Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation-HUD appropriations bills. The bill also contains a continuing resolution to keep the rest of the government funded through December 16. The Senate passed the bill later in the day, clearing it for the president. The nine remaining annual appropriations bills may be combined into one bill after the Thanksgiving recess.

    Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States - Vote Failed (261-165, 8 Not Voting) - The House fell 23 votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass this balanced-budget constitutional amendment. Under the terms of the August debt limit law, both chambers are required to consider a balanced-budget amendment by the end of 2011. The Senate is expected to consider the proposal in December.

    Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act - Vote Passed (235-186, 12 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill to transfer a parcel of federal land near Superior, AZ to Resolution Copper Mining. The Senate is unlikely to approve the measure.

    Modify Income Calculation for Eligibility for Certain Health Programs - Vote Passed (262-157, 14 Not Voting) - This House bill would take into account a person’s Social Security benefits when determining eligibility for government health care programs. The 2010 health care law excludes Social Security when calculating eligibility. The bill is intended to pay for revenue lost due to H.R.674. The White House supports this measure.

    Government Contractor Withholding Repeal Act - Vote Passed (405-16, 12 Not Voting) - The House voted to repeal a requirement that government agencies withhold 3 percent of payments to government contractors. The bill will be paired with H.R.2576 and sent to the Senate. The White House has also expressed support for the withholding measure.

    United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act - Vote Passed (262-167, 4 Not Voting) - On Wednesday, the House passed this bill to implement a trade pact with Colombia. The Senate approved the bill later in the day and the president is expected to sign it into law.

    United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act - Vote Passed (300-129, 4 Not Voting) - The House approved this bill to implement a trade pact with Panama. The Senate approved the bill later in the day and the president is expected to sign it into law.

    United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act - Vote Passed (278-151, 4 Not Voting) - The House passed this trade agreement with South Korea. The Senate approved the bill later in the day and the president is expected to sign it into law.

    EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (275-142, 16 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill that would delay EPA emissions rules for boilers, solid-waste incinerators and process heaters, requiring the EPA to re-propose the rules and finalize them exactly 15 months after the bill’s enactment. The Senate is unlikely to vote on the legislation.

    Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 - Vote Passed (352-66, 15 Not Voting) - The House gave final approval to this measure that funds the government through November 18 at the level agreed to in the August debt limit law. The new fiscal year began on October 1 with none of the annual spending bills completed. President Obama signed the bill into law the next day.

    Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (262-161, 10 Not Voting) - The House voted to delay the EPA’s implementation of air pollution rules for cement plants by 15 months. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill. The White House has also threatened to veto the bill.

    Short-Term Continuing Appropriations - Vote Passed (219-203, 11 Not Voting) - This bill would fund the government through the first seven weeks of the 2012 fiscal year, which starts on October 1. The bill offsets an increase in federal disaster aid by reducing funding for two Energy Department loan programs. The Senate subsequently rejected the bill and scheduled a vote on an alternate version this week.

    Cumulative Regulatory Analysis - Vote Passed (249-169, 15 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill that would delay the EPA’s implementation of two air pollution regulations. The bill also requires the president to establish a commission to report on the cost of certain EPA regulations. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill.

    Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act - Vote Passed (365-54, 12 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill to expand successful charter school programs, the first part of an effort to overhaul and reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act. The Senate is likely to consider charter school legislation as part of a broader reauthorization of No Child Left Behind rather than as a stand-alone bill.

    Protecting Jobs From Government Interference Act - Vote Passed (238-186, 9 Not Voting) - The House approved this legislation to limit the authority of the National Labor Relations Board. The bill prohibits the board from ordering an employer to restore, shut down or relocate operations. The Senate is unlikely to take up the measure.

    Intelligence Authorization Act, FY 2012 - Vote Passed (384-14, 33 Not Voting) - This House bill would authorize spending for the 16 intelligence agencies in the upcoming fiscal year. The cost of the bill is classified. The Senate is expected to take up the bill later this year.

    Rep. Bill Owens voted YES

    North American-Made Energy Security Act - Vote Passed (279-147, 1 Present, 5 Not Voting) - This House bill would require the White House to decide by November 1 whether to allow construction of a 1,700 mile oil pipeline running from Canada to U.S. refineries in the Midwest and Gulf Coast. The application to build the pipeline was made nearly three years ago. The White House said the State Department is committed to completing its review by the end of the year and called the bill "unnecessary."

    Budget Control Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (269-161, 3 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill that raises the debt limit, caps discretionary spending for ten years, establishes a bipartisan committee to identify additional spending cuts, and requires a vote on a balanced budget amendment to the constitution. The Senate gave final approval to the bill the next day, clearing it for the president.

    Cut, Cap, and Balance Act - Vote Passed (234-190, 8 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill that would make a debt ceiling increase contingent on passage of a balanced-budget constitutional amendment. The White House indicated the president would veto it. The Senate rejected the bill later in the week.

    Consumer Financial Protection Safety and Soundness Improvement Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (241-173, 18 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill to alter the structure of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a mortgage and credit card watchdog group created by the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial overhaul law. The bill would raise the threshold by which the Financial Stability Oversight Council can overturn CFPB regulations and require Senate confirmation of a director before the CFPB can begin operating. The Senate is unlikely to pass the bill.

    Legislative Branch Appropriations, FY2012 - Vote Passed (252-159, 21 Not Voting) - This $3.3 billion bill would fund the legislative branch in the upcoming fiscal year. It marks a 6.4 percent reduction from the current funding level. It is not clear when the Senate will take up the bill.

    Better Use of Light Bulbs Act - Vote Failed (233-193, 1 Present, 4 Not Voting) - The House rejected this bill that would have repealed energy efficiency standards that are expected to lead to a phaseout of the traditional incandescent light bulb. A two-thirds vote was necessary to pass the bill under suspension of the rules. The bill is likely to come up again under a rule or as part of another bill.

    Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (239-184, 8 Not Voting) - This House bill would limit the EPA’s authority to override a state’s water pollution standards in favor of stricter standards. It is unclear if the Senate will take up the bill. The White House has issued a veto threat.

    Energy-Water Appropriations, FY2012 - Vote Passed (219-196, 16 Not Voting) - The House passed this 2012 fiscal year spending bill that would provide $30.6 billion to the Department of Energy, the Army Corps of Engineers and various water projects. The Senate has not written its version of the bill yet.

    Fiscal 2012 Defense Appropriations - Vote Passed (336-87, 8 Not Voting) - The House passed this $649.2 billion bill to fund the Defense Department in the next fiscal year. The bill marks a $17 billion increase over the 2011 spending level. The Senate is expected to work on its version of the bill later in the summer.

    Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (253-166, 12 Not Voting) - This House bill would require the EPA to complete action within six months on air pollution permit applications for offshore oil and gas drilling. A companion measure has been introduced in the Senate but its future is unclear. The administration opposes the bill.

    America Invents Act - Vote Passed (304-117, 10 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill that would make changes to the patent system. The Senate passed its version of the bill in March 2011. Negotiators will likely meet this summer to work out a compromise bill. The administration has expressed support for the House bill.

    Authorizing the limited use of the United States Armed Forces in support of the NATO mission in Libya - Vote Failed (123-295, 13 Not Voting) - The House rejected a resolution that would have authorized the use of U.S. military force in Libya for one year.

    To limit the use of funds to support NATO Operation Unified Protector with respect to Libya - Vote Failed (180-238, 13 Not Voting) - The House rejected this bill that would have defunded U.S. military involvement in NATO activities in Libya. U.S. participation would have been restricted to support operations such as intelligence, surveillance, and search and rescue.

    Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Appropriations, FY2012 - Vote Passed (411-5, 16 Not Voting) - The House passed this $143.9 billion bill that would fund the Veterans Affairs Department and the Defense Department’s construction activities for the upcoming fiscal year. The bill marks a two percent increase over the current year’s level. The Senate has not yet begun work on its version of the bill.

    Agriculture Appropriations, FY2012 - Vote Passed (217-203, 12 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill that would provide $125.5 billion in the upcoming fiscal year for the Agriculture Department. The bill would cut discretionary spending by thirteen percent over the current amount and increase mandatory spending by three percent. The Senate has not yet begun work on its version of the bill.

    Debt Limit Increase - Vote Failed (97-318, 7 Present, 9 Not Voting) - The House rejected this bill to raise the public debt limit by $2.4 trillion. The government is expected to hit the current $14.3 trillion debt ceiling by August 2, 2011. Negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders are ongoing.

    Homeland Security Appropriations, FY 2012 - Vote Passed (231-188, 13 Not Voting) - This bill would provide the Department of Homeland Security with $42.3 billion in funding for the upcoming fiscal year. The total is 2.6% less than the current fiscal year. The bill includes $1 billion in emergency spending for disaster aid. Senate appropriators have not drafted their version of the bill yet.

    Use of Ground Forces in Libya - Vote Passed (268-145, 1 Present, 18 Not Voting) - The House passed this resolution stating the chamber’s opposition to deploying ground forces in Libya and requiring President Obama to report the strategy for U.S. involvement in combat operations in Libya to Congress within 14 days. The resolution is non-binding.

    Libya Troop Withdrawal - Vote Failed (148-265, 19 Not Voting) - The House failed to pass this resolution that would have forced the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Libya within 15 days.

    National Defense Authorization Act, FY2012 - Vote Passed (322-96, 13 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill authorizing $690.1 billion in defense spending for the upcoming fiscal year. The Senate is expected to take up its version of the bill this summer.

    Patriot Act Extensions - Vote Passed (250-153, 28 Not Voting) - The House gave final approval to this bill extending certain provisions of the Patriot Act until June 1, 2015. The bill, S. 990, originally reauthorized some small business programs but with the Patriot Act provisions due to expire at the end of the day, the Senate used it as the vehicle to pass the extension. President Obama signed the bill into law before the end of the day.

    Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act - Vote Passed (263-163, 5 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill that would expedite the permitting process for lessees seeking to drill for oil and natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico. The Interior Department would be required to review applications within 30 days, with the option of extending the review period to 60 days. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill.

    Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act - Vote Passed (243-179, 9 Not Voting) - This House bill would require the Interior Department to open certain unused areas of the Outer Continental Shelf for oil and natural gas drilling. The bill is unlikely to advance in the Senate.

    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Vote Passed (392-15, 24 Not Voting) - The House approved this bill authorizing intelligence-related programs for the current fiscal year. Funding levels authorized for the 16 intelligence gathering agencies are classified, but it is estimated to be around $80 billion. The Senate version of the bill is currently at a standstill.

    To repeal mandatory funding provided to establish American Health Benefit Exchanges - Vote Passed (238-183, 11 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill to eliminate federal grants to states to set up health insurance exchanges. The grants are part of the 2010 health care bill which requires each state to establish an exchange by 2014. The bill is unlikely to advance in the Senate.

    To repeal mandatory funding for school-based health center construction - Vote Passed (235-191, 6 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill that would repeal a section in the 2010 health care bill providing funding for the construction of school-based health centers. The bill is unlikely to advance in the Senate.

    No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Vote Passed (251-175, 6 Not Voting) - This bill would prohibit federal funds from being used for abortions, except in the cases of rape, incest or danger to the woman's life. A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate, but it is unlikely to gain any traction.

    Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act - Vote Passed (266-149, 17 Not Voting) - This House bill would require the Interior Department to sell oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of Virginia. The bill's future in the Senate is uncertain.

    To repeal the Prevention and Public Health Fund - Vote Passed (236-183, 13 Not Voting) - This House bill would eliminate funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which was established by the health care law. Supporters of the bill say there is no accountability to determine where the money is spent. Opponents of the bill say it would defund important prevention programs. The Senate is unlikely to take up the measure.

    Fiscal 2011 Spending Agreement - Vote Passed (260-167, 6 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill to fund the government through the end of the current fiscal year. Based on the agreement negotiated to prevent a government shutdown, the bill provides $1.055 trillion in federal spending. The Senate passed the bill later in the day, clearing it for the president.

    Fiscal 2011 Health Care Overhaul Funding - Vote Passed (240-185, 7 Not Voting) - Following passage of the 2011 spending bill, the House adopted this enrollment correction resolution that would have blocked funding for the implementation of the health care law. The Senate rejected the resolution so it will not be part of the final spending bill.

    Fiscal 2011 Planned Parenthood Funding - Vote Passed (241-185, 1 Present, 5 Not Voting) - Following passage of the 2011 spending bill, the House adopted this enrollment correction resolution that would have blocked funding for Planned Parenthood. The Senate rejected the resolution so it will not be part of the final spending bill.

    Fiscal 2012 House Budget Resolution - Vote Passed (235-193, 4 Not Voting) - The House passed a budget resolution that calls for $1.019 trillion in discretionary spending in the 2012 fiscal year. The budget resolution would allow for $2.859 trillion in overall spending. The resolution is non-binding but is used as a guideline for appropriators. The Senate is expected to work on its budget after the recess.

    Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (255-172, 5 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill that would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases for the purpose of addressing climate change. A similar measure failed in the Senate earlier in the week.

    Net Neutrality Disapproval - Vote Passed (240-179, 13 Not Voting) - This resolution would nullify a Federal Communications Commission rule prohibiting broadband Internet service providers from blocking content or traffic. Supporters of the resolution say the FCC does not have the authority to regulate the Internet, while opponents contend the regulations are necessary to provide unfettered access to the Internet. A companion resolution has been introduced in the Senate but its future is unclear.

    Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Amendments, 2011 - Vote Passed (348-70, 14 Not Voting) - The House passed this one-week appropriations measure, giving negotiators time to draft the full-year appropriations measure. The Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent earlier on Friday night. The president signed the measure into law on Saturday.

    The HAMP Termination Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (252-170, 1 Present, 9 Not Voting) - The House voted to end the Home Affordable Modification Program, a home foreclosure prevention program that uses Troubled Asset Relief Program money to help homeowners modify their mortgages. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill.

    Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act - Vote Passed (225-195, 12 Not Voting) - The House voted to revive a voucher program that would help low-income Washington D.C. residents send their children to private schools. The bill faces an uncertain future but could be attached to the 2011 spending bill currently being negotiated between the House and Senate.

    FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (223-196, 13 Not Voting) - The House passed this bill reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration for four-years. The Senate passed a two-year bill in February. The two chambers will now work out a compromise bill.

    Government Shutdown Prevention Act - Vote Passed (221-202, 1 Present, 8 Not Voting) - This bill would declare the House-passed spending bill, H.R.1, to be enacted if the Senate does not pass a FY2011 spending bill by April 6. Supporters say the vote highlights the Senate's inability to pass a budget, while opponents say the bill is unconstitutional.

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