Good morning! Here’s how Cascadia’s Members of Congress voted on major issues during the legislative week ending Friday, July 30th, 2021.
In the United States House of Representatives
AFGHANISTAN AND CAPITOL ATTACK/FAILED COUP RESPONSE: On July 29th, the House passed the Emergency Security Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 3237), sponsored by Representative Rosa DeLauro, D‑Connecticut.
The bill would spend about $2 billion in fiscal 2021 on various measures to increase security at the Capitol building following the January 6th attack by Donald Trump’s mob, as well as actions related to the U.S. military leaving Afghanistan. DeLauro said: “In those harrowing moments of January 6th, the men and women of the Capitol Police protected us. They said yes. Now, we must protect them.” The vote was 416 ayes to 11 nays.
 | Voting Aye (2): Republican Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson |
 | Voting Aye (5): Democratic Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio, and Kurt Schrader; Republican Representative Cliff Bentz |
 | Voting Aye (10): Democratic Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Derek Kilmer, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland; Republican Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler, Dan Newhouse, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers |
Cascadia total: 17 aye votes
FUNDING CONGRESS’ OPERATIONS: On July 28th, the House passed the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act (H.R. 4346), sponsored by Representative Tim Ryan, D‑Ohio, to fund operations of the House, Library of Congress, and other parts of the legislative branch other than the Senate in fiscal 2022.
Ryan said it “makes a substantial investment to expand recruitment and retention of staff, prioritizes funding to expand diversity and inclusion campus-wide, and funds needed investments to support the day-to-day operations of the House.”
An opponent, Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler, R‑Washington, said the bill’s nearly thirteen percent increase in spending was problematic, and “at a time of record high deficits and debt, we need, I believe, a more measured fiscal response.” The vote was 215 ayes to 207 nays.
| Voting Nay (2): Republican Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson |
| Voting Aye (3): Democratic Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Peter DeFazio, and Kurt Schrader Voting Nay (1): Republican Representative Cliff Bentz Not Voting (1): Democratic Representative Earl Blumenauer |
| Voting Aye (7): Democratic Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Derek Kilmer, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland Voting Nay (2): Republican Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler and Dan Newhouse Not Voting (1): Republican Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers |
Cascadia total: 10 aye votes, 5 nay votes, 2 not voting
FUNDING FOR THE STATE DEPARTMENT: On July 28th, the House passed the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act (H.R. 4373), sponsored by Representative Barbara Lee, D‑California, to fund the State Department and other diplomatic and foreign relations programs for fiscal 2022. Lee said the bill aimed at “eliminating extreme poverty, achieving an AIDS-free generation, and supporting efforts to build inclusive, equitable, and accountable societies for everyone.”
A bill opponent, Rep. Harold Rogers, R‑Kentucky, said its twelve percent increase in spending over 2021 levels was excessive, and Rogers also criticized policy provisions such as funding for abortion and not conditioning funding of the United Nations and World Health Organization on reforms at those places.
The vote was 217 ayes to 212 nays.
| Voting Nay (2): Republican Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson |
| Voting Aye (4): Democratic Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio, and Kurt Schrader Voting Nay (1): Republican Representative Cliff Bentz |
| Voting Aye (7): Democratic Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Derek Kilmer, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland Voting Nay (3): Republican Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler, Dan Newhouse, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers |
Cascadia total: 11 aye votes, 6 nay votes
FUNDING FOR LABOR, HEALTH, EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS: On July 29th, the House passed the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 4502), sponsored by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D‑Connecticut. The bill would provide fiscal 2022 funding for the Health and Human Services, Labor, and Education Departments.
DeLauro said: “With investments in education, nutrition assistance, and rural and underserved communities, we are providing every American the resources they need.” An opponent, Representative Kay Granger, R‑Texas, criticized the bill’s funding of abortion, reversal of recent gains in U.S. energy independence, and generally excessive increase in spending.
The vote was 219 ayes to 208 nays.
| Voting Nay (2): Republican Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson |
| Voting Aye (4): Democratic Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio, and Kurt Schrader Voting Nay (1): Republican Representative Cliff Bentz |
| Voting Aye (7): Democratic Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Derek Kilmer, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland Voting Nay (3): Republican Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler, Dan Newhouse, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers |
Cascadia total: 11 aye votes, 6 nay votes
HONORING MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS: On July 26th, the House passed a bill (H.R. 1664), sponsored by Representative Marc Veasey, D‑Texas, to authorize the building of a monument in Washington, D.C., to commemorate recipients of the military’s Medal of Honor.
The vote in favor was unanimous with 416 ayes.
| Voting Nay (1): Republican Representative Russ Fulcher Not Voting (1): Republican Representative Mike Simpson |
| Voting Aye (4): Democratic Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Earl Blumenauer, and Peter DeFazio; Republican Representative Cliff Bentz Not Voting (1): Democratic Representative Kurt Schrader |
| Voting Aye (10): Democratic Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Derek Kilmer, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland; Republican Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler, Dan Newhouse, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers |
Cascadia total: 15 aye votes, 2 not voting
GOLD STAR MOTHERS MONUMENT: On July 26th, the House passed the Gold Star Mothers Family Monument Extension Act (H.R. 2365), sponsored by Rep. Andy Kim, D‑New Jersey, to extend until early 2027 authorization for the building of a monument at the Arlington National Cemetery to mothers of military members who died in battle. The vote was unanimous with 412 yeas.
| Voting Nay (1): Republican Representative Russ Fulcher Not Voting (1): Republican Representative Mike Simpson |
| Voting Aye (4): Democratic Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Earl Blumenauer, and Peter DeFazio; Republican Representative Cliff Bentz Not Voting (1): Democratic Representative Kurt Schrader |
| Voting Aye (10): Democratic Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Derek Kilmer, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland; Republican Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler, Dan Newhouse, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers |
Cascadia total: 15 aye votes, 2 not voting
DISPOSING OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS: On July 27th, the House passed the Dispose Unused Medications and Prescription Opioids Act (S. 957), sponsored by Sen. John Kennedy, R‑Louisiana, to require Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities to accept controlled substances medications for disposal either on-site or by law enforcement.
A supporter, Rep. Mike Bost, R‑Illinois, said the bill would make it easier to dispose of opioids and other potentially misused prescription drugs that enable dangerous addictions. The vote was unanimous with 424 yeas.
| Voting Aye (2): Republican Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson |
| Voting Aye (5): Democratic Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio, and Kurt Schrader; Republican Representative Cliff Bentz |
| Voting Aye (10): Democratic Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Derek Kilmer, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland; Republican Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler, Dan Newhouse, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers |
Cascadia total: 17 aye votes
NATIONWIDE FUNDING FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: On July 27th, the House passed the Major Medical Facility Authorization Act (S. 1910), sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester, D‑Montana, to authorize fiscal 2021 spending on certain large Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.
A supporter, Rep. Mark Takano, D‑California, called the bill “a down payment in ensuring veterans have access to the most advanced healthcare and most robust infrastructure that we can provide.” The vote was 413 ayes to 7 nays.
| Voting Aye (2): Republican Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson |
| Voting Aye (4): Democratic Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio, and Kurt Schrader; Republican Representative Cliff Bentz Not Voting (1): Democratic Representative Peter DeFazio |
| Voting Aye (10): Democratic Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Derek Kilmer, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland; Republican Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler and Dan Newhouse Not Voting (1): Republican Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers |
Cascadia total: 15 aye votes, 2 not voting
MEMORIALIZING SEPTEMBER 11TH ATTACKS: On July 29th, the House passed a bill (H.R. 2278), sponsored by Rep. Gerald Connolly, D‑Virginia, to designate the September 11th National Memorial Trail Route, which would be a National Park Service tour route linking the three sites of the September 11th, 2001 attacks, in Pennsylvania, New York City, and Arlington, Virginia.
Connolly said: “The trail provides trail-goers with a chance to reflect and learn about our nation’s resilience and perseverance following that dreadful day.”
The vote was unanimous with 423 ayes.
| Voting Aye (2): Republican Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson |
| Voting Aye (5): Democratic Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio, and Kurt Schrader; Republican Representative Cliff Bentz |
| Voting Aye (10): Democratic Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Derek Kilmer, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland; Republican Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler, Dan Newhouse, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers |
Cascadia total: 17 aye votes
In the United States Senate
BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSAL ADVANCES: On July 28th, the Senate adopted a motion to begin consideration of the Invest in America Act (H.R. 3684), sponsored by Representative Peter DeFazio, D‑Oregon.
The Senate’s version of the bill would authorize through fiscal 2026 $715 billion of spending on drinking water and wastewater programs and transportation initiatives, including new mass transit and climate change programs at the agency. The vote to proceed with consideration was 67 ayes to 32 nays.
| Voting Aye (2): |
| Voting Aye (2): |
| Voting Aye (2): |
Cascadia total: 6 aye votes
AFGHANISTAN AND CAPITOL ATTACK/FAILED COUP RESPONSE: On July 29th, the Senate passed the Emergency Security Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 3237, above). A supporter, Senator Richard Shelby, R‑Alabama, called the bill a response “to immediate security needs, the urgently needed funding to safeguard the Capitol, ensure National Guard readiness, and protect our allies in Afghanistan.” The vote was unanimous with ninety-eight ayes.
| Voting Aye (2): |
| Voting Aye (2): |
| Voting Aye (2): |
Cascadia total: 6 aye votes
TODD KIM, ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL: The Senate on July 27th confirmed the nomination of Todd Kim to serve as an assistant attorney general, heading the Environment and Natural Resources Division at the Justice Department. Kim has been a lawyer in the Division, a private practice attorney, and solicitor general for Washington, D.C. A supporter, Senator Dick Durbin, D‑Illinois, said he “will bring back integrity, expertise, and a renewed commitment to enforcing our nation’s environmental and natural resources law.”
The vote was 58 ayes to 41 nays.
| Voting Nay (2): |
| Voting Aye (2): |
| Voting Aye (2): |
Cascadia total: 4 aye votes, 2 nay votes
GWYNNE WILCOX, NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD: The Senate on July 28th confirmed the nomination of Gwynne Wilcox to serve on the National Labor Relations Board for a five-year term ending in summer 2023.
A supporter, our own Senator Patty Murray, D‑Washington, said Wilcox’s “experience as a field attorney for the NLRB, as a lawyer representing workers before the Board, and defending healthcare workers and protecting their rights makes clear that she has the right qualifications and values for this job.”
The vote was 52 ayes to 47 nays.
| Voting Nay (2): |
| Voting Aye (2): |
| Voting Aye (2): |
Cascadia total: 4 aye votes, 2 nay votes
DAVID PROUTY, NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD: The Senate on July 28th confirmed the nomination of David Prouty to serve on the National Labor Relations Board for a five-year term ending in summer 2026.
Prouty, currently general counsel for a branch of the Service Employee International Union, was previously a main lawyer for the Major League Baseball Players Association. A supporter, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D‑New York, said Prouty had “spent a lifetime defending the rights of organized labor across the country.” The vote was 53 ayes to 46 nays.
| Voting Nay (2): |
| Voting Aye (2): |
| Voting Aye (2): |
Cascadia total: 4 aye votes, 2 nay votes
Key votes ahead
The House of Representatives has begun a multi-week recess. The Senate remains in our nation’s capitol working on infrastructure legislation and will continue that work this week, with several key votes expected.
Editor’s Note: The information in NPI’s weekly How Cascadia’s U.S. lawmakers voted feature is provided by Targeted News Service. All rights are reserved. Reproduction of this post is not permitted, not even with attribution. Use the permanent link to this post to share it… thanks!
© 2021 Targeted News Service, LLC.