WASHINGTON — Here’s how the state’s senators voted on major issues between Dec. 19-24. The House was in recess.
U.S. Senate
Health-care passage: Senators passed, 60-39, a bill that would provide affordable medical insurance to an estimated 31 million legal U.S. residents who are now uninsured. A yes vote was to pass a bill (HR 3590) that would cost $871 billion over 10 years and is projected to pay for itself.
Voting yes: Patty Murray, D; Maria Cantwell, D
Health-care filibuster: Senators voted, 60-40, to end a Republican filibuster that had been delaying final action on health-care legislation (HR 3590, above). This vote provided the breakthrough Democrats needed to pass the bill three days later, on Dec. 24. A yes vote was to end GOP delay.
Voting yes: Murray, Cantwell
Health-bill constitutionality: Senators defeated, 39-60, a GOP bid to declare HR 3590 (above) unconstitutional on grounds it usurps powers reserved to the states under the Tenth Amendment. The GOP cited the bill’s fines on those failing to buy subsidized policies in state-based exchanges.
Voting no: Murray, Cantwell
Health-bill earmarks: Senators tabled, 53-46, a GOP bid to bar earmarks in HR 3590 (above). In part, Republicans objected to added benefits and funds that Democrats Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Ben Nelson of Nebraska obtained for their states. A yes vote was to kill the GOP bid.
Voting yes: Murray, Cantwell
2010 military budget: Senators approved, 88-10, the conference report on a bill to appropriate $636.3 billion for the U.S. military in fiscal 2010, including $128.3 billion for war in Iraq and Afghanistan and $28.3 billion for service members’ health care. A yes vote was to pass HR 3326.
Voting yes: Murray, Cantwell
U.S. debt limit: Senators passed, 60-39, a bill that would raise the national debt limit by $290 billion to $12.39 trillion. This extends Treasury borrowing authority until about Feb. 11, at which time the ceiling will have to be raised again. A yes vote was to join House members in passing HR 4314.
Voting yes: Murray, Cantwell
Key votes ahead
Congress has adjourned for the year. The House will begin its 2010 session on Jan. 12 and the Senate on Jan. 19.
Votes in Congress Service
Thomas Voting Reports, Inc.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
