My Votes – Week of September 28th
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.
Result and Date | Bill # | Bill Title | My Vote | What it means for you and your family |
9/30/2020
Passed |
H.R. 925 | Heroes Act 2.0 | NO | This recycles the wish list that was offered in the Heroes Act, which House Republicans overwhelmingly rejected. Costing approximately $2.2 trillion, this is nothing more than a messaging exercise intended to appease the far-left base by including progressive policies that have nothing to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation includes a repeal of SALT for the rich in blue states, stimulus payments for illegal immigrants, nationalizing the elections, and no liability protections among many others. |
9/30/2020
Passed |
H.R. 6270 | Uyghur Forced Labor Disclosure Act of 2020 | NO | The bill creates an impossible burden for U.S. companies by “naming and shaming” companies for the actions of manufacturers overseas. Unwitting companies would easily be punished for the crimes of their suppliers. Last week, the House voted overwhelmingly to pass legislation that would prohibit the importation of goods from the Xinjiang province of China and sanction Chinese officials. This thoughtful and bipartisan legislation would actually hold Chinese officials accountable for the atrocities they are committing against their own people. |
10/2/2020
Passed |
H. Res. 1153 | Condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent. | NO | This resolution condemns “unwanted medical procedures” in response to reports of forced hysterectomies by ICE. While this is unacceptable (if true), the resolution also broadly affirms “reproductive choices” while ignoring the rights of the unborn. |
10/2/2020
Passed |
H. Res 1154 | Condemning QAnon and rejecting the conspiracy theories it promotes. | YES | This bipartisan resolutions calls for the condemnation of QAnon and related conspiracy theories it promotes. This resolution would broadly condemn any group or ideology on the far-left or right that promotes conspiracy theories and encourage attacks on property and law enforcement. It encourages the FBI to work to prevent violence inspired by conspiracy theories. |
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.
Result and Date | Bill # | Bill Title | My Vote | What it means for you and your family |
9/29/2020
PASSED |
H.R. 4764 | TRANSPLANT Act of 2020 | YES | This bill, which I cosponsored, modifies and reauthorizes the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program, which provides support to patients who need a potentially life-saving bone marrow transplant or umbilical cord blood transplant. The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a periodic review of the science of using adult stem cells and birthing tissues in therapeutic treatments. |
9/29/2020
PASSED |
H. Res. 1155 | Reaffirming the House of Representatives’ commitment to the orderly and peaceful transfer of power called for in the Constitution of the United States | YES | Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to the orderly and peaceful transfer of power called for in the Constitution and expresses the intention of the House that there be no disruptions by the President or any person in power to overturn the will of the people. |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 7718 | Protecting the Health and Wellness of Babies and Pregnant Women in Custody Act | YES | This bill, which I cosponsored, addresses the unique health needs of incarcerated pregnant women and ensures they and their babies are healthy and well cared for. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 362 | Energy Emergency Leadership Act | YES | This legislation requires the Secretary of Energy to assign energy emergency and energy security functions to an Assistant Secretary, including responsibilities with respect to infrastructure and cybersecurity. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 360 | Cyber Sense Act of 2020 | YES | Requires the Department of Energy to establish a voluntary Cyber Sense program to test the cybersecurity of products and technologies intended for use in the bulk-power system. The bulk-power system includes facilities and control systems necessary for operating an interconnected electric energy transmission network. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 359 | Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act | YES | This bill directs the Department of Energy to facilitate and encourage public-private partnerships in order to address and mitigate the physical security and cybersecurity risks of electric utilities. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 1289 | PHONE Act of 2020 | YES | This bill restricts the reassignment of telephone numbers during a declared major disaster. Specifically, a number may not be reassigned except at the request of the subscriber during a period in which a major disaster has been declared. The bill also allows a subscriber to cancel service without a cancellation fee and to subscribe again with the same number with no fee if the subscriber is located in a disaster area and the disaster resulted in certain types of damage to the subscriber’s residence. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 1754 | Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 | YES | This bill establishes the Horseracing Anti-Doping and Medication Control Authority as an independent, private non-profit corporation with responsibility for developing and administering an anti-doping and medication control program for Thoroughbred, Quarter, and Standardbred horses that participate in horse races and the personnel engaged in the care, training, or racing of such horses. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 8134 | Consumer Product Safety Inspection Enhancement Act | YES | This bill modifies the screening procedures for consumer products moving through ports of entry. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 8128 | Consumer Safety Technology Act | YES | Requires various agencies to explore the use of emerging technologies in the context of consumer products and safety. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 8132 | American COMPETE Act | YES | This legislation, which I introduced, requires the Federal Trade Commission and the Secretary of Commerce to conduct studies and submit reports on the impact of artificial intelligence and other technologies on United States businesses conducting interstate commerce |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5373 | United States Anti-Doping Reauthorization Act | YES | This bill authorizes appropriations for the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) through 2029. It also directs USADA to promote a positive youth sport experience by using a portion of its funding to provide educational materials on sportsmanship, character building, and healthy performance for those participating in youth sports; and the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Food and Drug Administration to coordinate with USADA efforts to prevent the use of performance-enhancing drugs or prohibit performance-enhancing methods by sharing all information in their possession that may be relevant to preventing the use of such drugs or prohibiting such methods. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 4078 | EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2020 | YES | This bill reauthorizes through 2025 programs that raise public awareness about breast health, educate health care providers to encourage early detection of breast cancer, and provide support for young women diagnosed with breast cancer. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 4996 | Helping MOMS Act of 2020 | YES | This bill allows states to provide one year of postpartum coverage under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). (Current law requires 60 days of postpartum coverage.) |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 3131 | South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act of 2020 | YES | Establishes a program that supports heart-disease research and awareness among the South Asian population of the United States. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 1289 | School-Based Allergies and Asthma Management Program Act | YES | Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the preference given in awarding certain allergies and asthma-related grants to States that require certain public schools to have allergies and asthma management programs. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5572 | Family Support Services for Addiction Act of 2020 | YES | Directs the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to award grants to certain nonprofits to develop or expand services for individuals with substance use disorders and their families. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 2075 | School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act of 2020 | YES | This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 the School-based Health Centers program and removes specified limitations on the receipt of additional or multiple funds under the program. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 7948 | Tribal Health Data Improvement Act of 2020 | YES | This bill expands tribal access to public health care data and public health surveillance programs. It also reauthorizes through FY2025 the National Center for Health Statistics, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and requires the CDC to take certain actions to address the collection and availability of health data for American Indians and Alaska Natives. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5469 | Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act | YES | Addresses mental health issues for youth, particularly youth of color. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 2519 | Improving Mental Health Access from the Emergency Department Act of 2020 | YES | Authorizes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to award grants to qualifying emergency departments for the purpose of supporting mental-health services |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 1289 | Recognizing the Planetary Society | YES | Recognizes the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Planetary Society |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 4861 | Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act of 2020 | YES | Establishes a competitive grant program for up to 40 hospitals with emergency departments and certain on-site professionals to help connect patients in emergency departments who are at risk of suicide with treatment and mental health services. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 7293 | STANDUP Act of 2020 | YES | Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide best practices on student suicide awareness and prevention training and condition State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and tribal educational agencies receiving funds under section 520A of such Act to establish and implement a school-based student suicide awareness and prevention training policy. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 3539 | Behavioral Intervention Guidelines Act of 2020 | YES | This bill requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop best practices for schools to establish behavioral intervention teams (i.e., experts who are responsible for identifying individuals of concern and addressing associated behavioral health issues so as to prevent harm to the individual or others). SAMHSA must also develop a list of providers with threat-assessment training to help school personnel implement the best practices. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 4439 | Creating Hope Reauthorization Act | YES | Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to extend the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue priority review vouchers to encourage treatments for rare pediatric diseases. |
9/29/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5760 | Grid Security Research and Development Act | YES | This bill provides for a comprehensive interdisciplinary research, development, and demonstration initiative to strengthen the capacity of the energy sector to prepare for and withstand cyber and physical attacks. |
9/30/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5901 | Information Technology Modernization Centers of Excellence Program Act | YES | Requires the General Services Administration’s Technology Transformation Services to establish a Modernization Centers of Excellence Program to facilitate the adoption of modern technology by executive agencies. |
9/30/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 7340 | Chai Suthammanont Remembrance Act of 2020 | YES | This bill requires federal agencies to develop and disclose reopening plans that incorporate certain information before sending employees back to work during a public health emergency, such as the emergency relating to COVID-19. |
9/30/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 7496 | COVID PREPARE Act of 2020 | YES | This bill requires federal agencies to submit to Congress plans for responding to any resurgence of COVID-19. |
9/30/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5736 | Transnational White Supremacist Extremism Review Act | YES | Directs the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security to develop and disseminate a threat assessment regarding threats to the United States associated with foreign violent white supremacist extremist organizations. |
9/30/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5780 | Safe Communities Act of 2020 | YES | This bill requires the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to increase outreach and engagement with owners and operators of critical infrastructure. |
9/30/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5823 | State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act | YES | Establishes a program to make grants to States to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information systems of State, local, Tribal, or territorial governments.. |
9/30/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5822 | Homeland Security Acquisition Professional Career Program Act | YES | This bill establishes in the Department of Homeland Security an acquisition professional career program to develop a cadre of acquisition professionals. |
9/30/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5811 | TSA Personnel Workplace Improvement Act of 2020 | YES | This bill makes it so that the TSA must ensure that its personnel have adequate access to facilities designated for use by nursing mothers in the workplace, and are provided at least 12 weeks of paid parental leave. |
9/30/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5804 | DHS Blue Campaign Enhancement Act | YES | This amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance the Blue Campaign of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 8124 | Criminal Judicial Administration Act of 2020 | YES | Amends title 18 of the United States Code to provide for transportation and subsistence for criminal justice defendants. |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 8825 | Fight Notario Fraud Act of 2020 | YES | This bill prohibits certain types of fraud in the provision of immigration services. |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 6813 | Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act | YES | Amends the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act to improve the prevention of elder abuse and exploitation of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
S. 3051 | America’s Conservation Enhancement Act | YES | This bill improves Federal protections for wildlife. |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5126 | DESCEND Act of 2020 | YES | This bill addresses the use of descending devices to release reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5068 | Women Who Worked on the Home Front World War II Memorial Act | YES | Authorizes the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia in commemoration of the commitment and service represented by women who worked on the home front during World War II. |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
S. 3758 | A bill to amend the Klamath Basin Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2000 to make certain technical corrections | YES | This bill specifies types of programs the Bureau of Reclamation may participate in, such as land idling (i.e., refraining from cultivating crops on certain land), for the purpose of aligning water supply and demand for users of irrigation water associated with the Klamath Project in Oregon and California. Additionally, the bill provides for the continued use of power from the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program by the Kinsey Irrigation Company and the Sidney Water Users Irrigation District in Montana. |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5139 | Stop Sexual Assault and Harassment in Transportation Act | YES | This bill establishes formal sexual assault and harassment policies for the transportation industry. |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
S. 2638 | Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act | YES | This bill requires small hub airports to maintain a lactation area for nursing mothers and a baby changing table in at least one men’s and one women’s restroom in each passenger terminal building of the airport. |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
S. 4075 | RLF Act | YES | Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide for the release of certain Federal interests in connection with certain grants under that Act |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 5912 | Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2020 | YES | Makes incentive payments incurred for expedited completion of certain federally financed airport development projects an allowable project cost standard. |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
H.R. 4470 | To rename the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation | YES | This bill renames the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation as the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation |
10/1/2020
PASSED VOICE |
S. 1982 | Save our Seas 2.0 Act | YES | This bipartisan legislation would help address the significant challenges associated with plastic marine debris. |