My Votes - Week of May 16th - Cathy McMorris Rodgers

My Votes – Week of May 16th

May 25, 2022

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.

5/17/2022

H.R.7309

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022

Passed | 220-196
My Vote | NO

This bill gives Big Labor and Washington bureaucrats more power over our nation’s workforce development system. Our labor market is not facing a lack of job openings. There are 11.3 million open jobs but too few Americans with the skills needed to fill them. That is why we need a robust workforce development system that will prepare workers for in-demand skills. Republicans offered an amendment to this bill to empower employers to respond to local economic needs, streamline the workforce development system, strengthen outcomes and accountability, and reduce bureaucracy by requiring the Department of Labor to address regulatory bottlenecks. Democrats blocked all of these commonsense proposals. If we want to enhance our nation’s economic competitiveness and train workers for in-demand jobs, we must create a workforce development system that works. I voted against this bill because it fails to do that.

5/18/2022

H.R.6531

Targeting Resources to Communities in Need Act of 2022

Passed | 258-165
My Vote | YES

This bill addresses funding for areas of persistent poverty. Specifically, the bill requires the Census Bureau to publish a list of all areas of persistent poverty and annually update the list. It also requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to implement guidance to increase the share of federal investments targeted to areas of persistent poverty and report annually to Congress. Finally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the effectiveness of the investments made by the OMB under this bill.

5/18/2022

S.2938

Designating the “Joseph Woodrow Hatchett United States Courthouse and Federal Building” and the “Lynn C. Woolsey Post Office Building

Passed | 230-190
My Vote | NO

This bill designates the Federal Building and United States Courthouse located at 111 North Adams Street in Tallahassee, Florida as the Joseph Woodrow Hatchett United States Courthouse and Federal Building. This bill also designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 4th Street in Petaluma, California as the ‘‘Lynn C. Woolsey Post Office Building.” Based on my assessment of the careers of these two individuals, I did not believe it was appropriate to name federal buildings after them.

5/18/2022

H.R.350

Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act

Passed | 222-203
My Vote | NO

I share the goal of addressing domestic terrorism, but this bill would duplicate existing efforts within federal agencies.

5/18/2022

H.R.7790

Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act

Passed | 231-192
My Vote | NO

Parents have told me that the baby formula shortage is the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.Unfortunately, this bill would not treat this crisis with the urgency it deserves. Instead, it simply gives the FDA more money without addressing the current red tape that is preventing new formulas from reaching the shelves. Parents need more than a bureaucratic solution that lacks accountability and fails to address the crisis at hand. That’s why I introduced the Babies Need Formula Now Act to increase formula supply right now. The bill would increase supply, give parents more choices, and hold the Biden administration and the FDA accountable for creating this crisis in the first place. Read more about the Babies Need Formula Now Act by clicking here.

5/19/2022

H.R.7688

Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act

Passed | 217-207
My Vote | NO

This bill was nothing more than an attempt to shift blame for record high gas prices from this administration’s harmful energy agenda and onto fossil fuel companies. I have urged the Biden administration to flip the switch on American energy so we can send the right signals to the market and lower gas prices.

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.

5/16/2022

H.R.6824

President’s Cup Cybersecurity Competition Act

Passed | 31-386
My Vote | YES

This bill authorizes an annual competition to award prizes, including cash prizes, to U.S. government cybersecurity employees and teams. In designing the competition, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) may consult with individuals or entities with expertise in developing or executing cybersecurity competitions. Additionally, CISA may enter into a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement with a nonprofit, a for-profit entity, or a state or local agency to administer the competition.

5/16/2022

S.2520

State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act of 2021

Passed | 14-404
My Vote | YES

This bill provides for collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as corporations, associations, and the general public, regarding cybersecurity. Specifically, the bill expands DHS responsibilities through grants and cooperative agreements, including provision of assistance and education related to cyber threat indicators, proactive and defensive measures and cybersecurity technologies, cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities, incident response and management, analysis, and warnings.

5/16/2022

H.R.6873

Bombing Prevention Act of 2022

Passed | 26-388
My Vote | YES

This bill establishes within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) an Office for Bombing Prevention, which willl advise DHS on matters related to terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the United States, coordinate DHS efforts to counter such threats and attacks, and take other specified steps such as promoting security awareness.

5/16/2022

H.R.6825

Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act of 2022

Passed | 379-37
My Vote | NO

This bill modifies the Nonprofit Security Grant Program of the Department of Homeland Security and reauthorizes appropriations for such programs through FY2028. I voted against this bill because of language that was inserted, which has potential to undermine access to grants.

5/16/2022

H.R.6871

DHS Acquisition Reform Act

Passed | 15-398

My Vote | YES

This bill revises acquisition and procurement programs and activities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Specifically, the bill (1) designates the DHS Under Secretary for Management as the DHS Chief Acquisition Officer and sets forth the Under Secretary’s acquisition-related duties, (2) sets forth new acquisition responsibilities of the DHS Chief Financial Officer and the DHS Chief Information Officer, and (3) establishes within the Management Directorate of DHS a Program Accountability and Risk Management Office and sets forth the responsibilities of its Executive Director.

5/16/2022

H.R.6868

Cybersecurity Grants for Schools Act of 2022

Passed | 30-383
My Vote | YES

This bill allows the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to award grants or other financial assistance for cybersecurity and infrastructure security education and training programs at the elementary and secondary education levels. Entities eligible for the assistance include states, localities, institutions of higher education, and nonprofits. Additionally, CISA must include information about how the grants and assistance enhance cybersecurity education for underserved populations or communities in annual briefings.

5/16/2022

H.R.5658

DHS Roles and Responsibilities in Cyber Space Act

Passed | 105-313
My Vote | NO

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to report on its roles and responsibilities, as well as those of its components, for responding to cyber incidents. The bill requires the DHS to coordinate with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on the report. I voted against this bill because I believe it is important to preserve the Department of Energy’s role in cybersecurity matters related to the nation’s energy infrastructure.

5/17/2022

S.3527

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transfer the name of property of the Department of Veterans Affairs designated by law to other property of the Department

Passed | 412-2
My Vote | YES

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to transfer the name of a facility, structure, real property, or a major part of such properties to another VA facility under certain circumstances.

5/17/2022

S.2514

A bill to rename the Provo Veterans Center in Orem, Utah, as the “Col. Gail S. Halvorsen ‘Candy Bomber’ Veterans Center”

Passed | 410-2
My Vote | YES

This bill designates the Provo Veterans Center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Orem, Utah as the Col. Gail S. Halvorsen “Candy Bomber” Veterans Center.

5/17/2022

H.R.7500

Fiscal Year 2022 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act

Passed | 402-2
My Vote | YES

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out specified major medical facility projects during FY2022. The bill also indicates the maximum amount that can be spent on each project.

5/17/2022

H.R.5754

Patient Advocate Tracker Act

Passed | 411-1

My Vote | YES

This legislation will empower veterans by creating an online portal where they can easily submit a complaint and track its status, giving them more control over their health care. I voted for this bill because too often I hear from veterans across Eastern Washington who wait weeks – or sometimes even months – to hear back from the VA after they submit a complaint. These delays are a direct result of an outdated system that only allows patient advocates, not veterans, to track the claim as it moves through the system. I am a cosponsor of this legislation.

5/17/2022

H.R.6604

Veterans Eligible to Transfer School (VETS) Credit Act

Passed | 412-1
My Vote | YES

This bill addresses eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance for individuals who are transferring credits due to the closure or disapproval of a program of education. Under the bill, the VA must require an individual to certify in writing the transfer of fewer than 12 credits from a program of education that is closed or disapproved. The VA must accept such a certification as proof that the individual is transferring fewer than 12 credits.

5/17/2022

S.2687

Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act of 2021

Passed | 404-6
My Vote | YES

This bill gives the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) the authority to subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses as necessary to carry out the duties of the office. Such authority terminates on May 31, 2025, but subpoenas issued prior to that date shall be unaffected by the termination.

5/17/2022

H.R.6376

Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act

Passed | 370-43
My Vote | YES

This bill expands eligibility for a Department of Veterans Affairs work-study allowance to individuals who are pursuing programs of rehabilitation, education, or training on at least a half-time basis. Currently, an individual must be at least a three-quarter-time student in order to be eligible for a work-study allowance.

5/17/2022

H.R.7153

Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act

Passed | 410-3
My Vote | YES

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a plan for the modernization of the information technology systems of the Veterans Benefits Administration over the next five fiscal years.

5/18/2022

H.R.5738

Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act

Passed | 420-0

My Vote | YES

This bill codifies the requirement to have a lactation space at every medical center in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Under the bill, a lactation space is a hygienic place other than a bathroom that would be easily accessible, shielded from view, free from intrusion, and available for use by veterans.

5/18/2022

H.R.7335

MST Claims Coordination Act

Passed | 417-11
My Vote | YES

This bill modifies the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims process for claims related to military sexual trauma (MST). In a claim for compensation arising from MST experienced by a veteran who is enrolled in the VA health care system and consents to the notification system, the Veterans Benefits Administrationmust automatically notify the VHA before the veteran (1) participates in a medical examination, hearing, or other relevant event; or (2) receives a determination from the VA in connection with the claim for compensation.

5/18/2022

H.R.6961

Dignity for MST Survivors Act

Passed | 405-12
My Vote | YES

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer annual training to members of the Board of Veterans Appeals on military sexual trauma and require the VA use “trauma-informed” language and protocols during such claims.

5/18/2022

H.R.6961

Dignity for MST Survivors Act

Passed | 405-12
My Vote | YES

5/18/2022

H.R.6064

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for a review of examinations, furnished by the Secretary, to individuals who submit claims to the Secretary for compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, for mental and physical conditions linked to military sexual trauma

Passed | 414-2
My Vote | YES

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a comprehensive review of VA medical examinations for mental and physical conditions related to military sexual trauma (MST).

5/18/2022

H.R.2724

VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act

Passed | 420-0
My Vote | YES

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that each individual who files a claim relating to military sexual trauma is assigned a peer support specialist during the claims process, unless the individual elects to not have such support.

5/18/2022

S.4089

Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act

Passed | 401-17

My Vote | YES

This bill restores entitlement to educational assistance under Veterans Rapid Retraining Program in cases of a closure of an educational institution or a disapproval of a program of education, and for other purposes.

5/18/2022

H.R.6052

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Training Act

Passed | 407-11
My Vote | YES

This bill requires employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to undergo training developed by the Inspector General of the VA regarding the reporting of wrongdoing to, responding to requests from, and cooperating with the Office of the Inspector General.

5/18/2022

S.2533

Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options for Veterans Act

Passed | 419-0
My Vote | YES

This bill addresses the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provision of mammograms and breast cancer treatment.

5/18/2022

S.2102

Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act

Passed | 418-0
My Vote | YES

This bill directs the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide mammography screening for veterans who served in locations associated with toxic exposure.

5/18/2022

H.R.2992

TBI and PTSD Law Enforcement Training Act

Passed | 400-21
My Vote | YES

This bill requires the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to consult with relevant agencies to establish crisis intervention training tools for first responders to address individuals with traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The BJA must ensure that at least one police department designated as a Law Enforcement Mental Health Learning Site utilizes the tools and that such tools are part of the Police-Mental Health Collaboration Toolkit.

5/18/2022

H.Res.1125

Condemning Rising Antisemitism

Passed | 420-1

My Vote | YES

This resolution calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn anti-Semitism in all forms. It also calls for renewed efforts to combat anti-Semitism domestically, globally, and online.

5/18/2022

H.R.6943

Public Safety Officer Support Act

Passed | 402-17
My Vote | YES

This legislation expands eligibility for the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program to include stress and trauma-related injuries and death by suicide for law enforcement officers and their families.