RULE BILLS

A rule bill is a bill passed through a full House vote under a rule that has been voted and agreed upon by the Rules Committee. Rule bills require a simple majority of the House to pass (218 votes) through a recorded vote.

1/20/2022

H.R. 4673

EVEST Act

Passed  |  265-163
My Vote  |  NO (the Congressional record reflects my opposition to this bill)

The VA healthcare system is facing several serious challenges right now. The last thing Congress should be doing is throwing another challenge VA’s way. This bill is a well-intentioned but deeply flawed attempt to enroll separating servicemembers in VA care without their knowledge or consent. This bill, which VA wasn’t given the opportunity to comment on, could disrupt services to veterans nationwide with minimal veteran benefit.

---

SUSPENSION BILLS

A suspension bill is a bill passed by the House through suspending the rules to move quickly, circumventing the House Rules Committee. Suspension bills are typically less controversial pieces of legislation, and as the rules are being suspended, they require a higher threshold, two-thirds of those voting in the House, to pass. Additionally, these bills are often passed by a voice vote, without a formal roll call vote.

1/18/2022

S. 2959

Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act

Passed  |  414-6
My Vote  |  YES (the Congressional record reflects my support to this bill)

This bipartisan legislation ensures school districts participating in the Impact Aid Program maintain stable funding levels by allowing them to use previously reported student headcounts on their Impact Aid applications for the 2022-2023 school year due to ongoing, yet temporary, enrollment fluctuations stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

---

1/19/2022

S. 452

Willie O’Ree Congressional Gold Medal Act

Passed  |  426-0
My Vote  |  YES (the Congressional record reflects my support to this bill)

This bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Willie O’Ree, known as the “Jackie Robinson of Hockey.” In 1958, O’Ree was called-up from the minors to play for the Boston Bruins, becoming the first black player in NHL history. As the sole black player in the NHL, O’Ree endured racism, bigotry, and prejudice from players and fans on and off the ice. Despite this, he spent more than twenty-four seasons as a professional player in both the NHL and minor leagues. In 1998, O’Ree was named the National Hockey League’s first-ever Diversity Ambassador, championing positive social change through hockey. In that role, O’Ree built the Hockey Is For Everyone youth hockey program, which has supported more than 30 organizations across North America, including in Detroit, Michigan, providing boys and girls from minority and underserved communities the opportunity to play hockey, build character, and develop important life skills. In November 2018, O’Ree was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in recognition of his efforts to grow the game.