My Votes – Week of May 22nd
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.
05/23/2023
S.J. Res. 11
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards”
Passed | 221-203
My Vote | YES
This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency rule relating to Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards, which inflicted burdensome pollution regulations on Americans everywhere.
05/24/2023
H. J. RES. 45
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to “Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans”
Passed | 218-203
My Vote | YES
This joint resolution nullifies the rule issued by the Department of Education on October 12, 2022, that suspends federal student loan payments and discharges debt.
05/24/2023
H.J. Res 39
Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Commerce relating to “Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord with Presidential Proclamation 10414”
Passed | 214-205
My Vote | YES
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule submitted by the Department of Commerce that relates to duties on certain crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules (i.e., solar panels) that are completed in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam using parts and components manufactured in China that are not already subject to an antidumping or countervailing duty order. This bill helps prevent China from circumventing trade rules.
05/25/2023
H.R. 467
HALT Fentanyl Act
Passed | 289-133
My Vote | YES
This bill places fentanyl-related substances as a class into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. Fentanyl has destroyed too many families in Eastern Washington and this bill is an important step in stopping drugs from reaching our communities.
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.
05/22/2023
H.R. 1076
Preventing the Financing of Illegal Synthetic Drugs Act
Passed | 402-2
My Vote | YES
This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to carry out a study on illicit financing in connection with the trafficking of synthetic drugs, helping our law enforcement officers protect our communities from dangerous substances.
05/22/2023
H.R. 1156
China Financial Threat Mitigation Act of 2023
Passed | 400-5
My Vote | YES
This bill requires the Department of the Treasury, in consultation with specified federal financial agencies, to report on the exposure of the United States to the financial sector of China, keeping us safe from foreign adversaries.
05/24/2023
H.R. 1669
VET-TEC Authorization Act
Passed | 409-9
My Vote | YES
This bill rolls out the red carpet for our nation’s heroes and requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to permanently implement a program under which it provides up to 8,000 covered individuals per year the opportunity to enroll in high technology programs of education.