All articles tagged with #bipartisan vote
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a patriot and condemning his killing, with all opposition coming from Democrats who also expressed concerns about potential violence and political messaging implications.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed an $895 billion defense policy bill despite significant Democratic opposition due to a provision restricting gender-affirming medical care for transgender children. The bill, which passed with a 281-140 vote, includes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops and other military benefits. The controversial provision, pushed by Speaker Mike Johnson, prohibits the military's Tricare health system from covering certain gender dysphoria treatments for minors. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to pass despite the contentious issue.
The U.S. House has voted for the second consecutive year to block noncitizens from voting in D.C. local elections, with 52 Democrats joining Republicans in a 262 to 143 vote, marking significant congressional intervention in D.C. affairs just before the June 4 primary election.
The House advanced legislation to provide aid to Ukraine and other allies, with Democrats supporting the measure, despite fierce conservative opposition. Speaker Mike Johnson's efforts to pass the aid package have caused internal tensions within the GOP, but his job appears safe for now. Former President Trump's support has muddied Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's path to oust Johnson, and Democrats are likely to step in and save him if a conservative coup is attempted. The bipartisan vote reflects the urgency felt by leaders in both parties as Ukraine faces weapon shortages and Israel is threatened by Iran.
The House approved a two-year extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in a bipartisan vote, declining to attach an amendment requiring a warrant for some searches. The bill reauthorizes warrantless surveillance powers and includes reforms to FISA Section 702, but the failure to include the warrant requirement amendment has sparked debate. Speaker Mike Johnson faced challenges in facilitating compromise on the controversial topic, and the bill's passage marks a win for him. The road ahead remains rocky for Johnson as he navigates a contentious debate over sending aid to Ukraine and faces a threat by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to force a vote on ousting him.
The US Senate narrowly averted a partial government shutdown by approving a $467.5 billion spending package for various government agencies, funding them through the end of the fiscal year. The bipartisan vote of 75-22 sends the package to President Joe Biden for signing into law, resolving a months-long battle over government spending. However, Congress still needs to work out a deal on a larger package of spending bills covering military, homeland security, and health care, with funding set to expire on March 22.
Congress avoided a partial government shutdown by extending the budget deadline by a week or two to consider budget bills. They released six bills as a package to be voted on this week, aiming to meet the Friday night deadline. The bills will fund various government agencies, with compromises made to secure bipartisan support. The overall deal includes a slight boost in funding, with more work remaining to be done on the remaining six bills expiring on March 22nd.
The Oregon House passed House Bill 4002 in a bipartisan 51-7 vote, making minor drug possession a misdemeanor crime and signaling a potential end to the state's experiment with decriminalization. The emotional proceedings reflected a shift in sentiment, with four Democrats and three Republicans voting against the measure, while two lawmakers were excused.
New York's Independent Redistricting Commission has approved new congressional district lines, making minor changes that could impact swing districts and the balance of power in the House. The maps provide a boost to Democrats in some swing districts, with modest changes benefiting both Democratic and Republican incumbents. The bipartisan vote marks a historic moment for the commission, which faced challenges in its first year of existence. The new lines are set to be voted on by the Democratic-dominated Legislature and face decent, but not guaranteed, odds of passage.
The House passed a bill to lift the Biden administration's pause on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals, with bipartisan support and nine House Democrats crossing the aisle. The bill would remove the Department of Energy from the approval process and give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission exclusive discretion. The White House's decision to pause approvals for new export facilities has drawn criticism from Republicans and industry groups, who argue that it will empower foreign gas producers and fail to reduce global emissions. The bill will now head to the Senate for consideration.
The Florida House passed a bill banning children under 16 from creating social media accounts, citing concerns about exposure to bullying, sexual predators, and potential harm to mental health. The bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Tyler Sirois, received bipartisan support and targets platforms with addictive features. Opponents argue that it violates the First Amendment and takes away potential benefits for children, while Meta suggested requiring parental approval instead of a ban. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
In a bipartisan vote, the US Congress has authorized a record Pentagon budget for fiscal year 2024, totaling $883.7 billion, an increase of $145 billion since 2020. The budget includes increased military spending aimed at countering threats from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and terrorist organizations. The bill also extends military aid to Ukraine and authorizes the transfer of weapons systems to Israel. The increase in war spending comes at a time of rising hunger and homelessness, job cuts, and cuts to social benefits, highlighting the prioritization of military interests over the needs of the working class.
Some lawmakers in Maine are hesitant to grant subpoena powers to the commission investigating the mass shootings in Lewiston. Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart and Assistant Senate Minority Leader Lisa Keim expressed concerns about the lack of involvement of the legislative branch in the commission and suggested alternative options for involvement. Governor Janet Mills supports the request for subpoena powers and is working on legislation for lawmakers to consider. It would require a two-thirds bipartisan vote in the Democratic-controlled Legislature for the power to be granted as emergency legislation.
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, striking down the Biden administration's decision to withhold federal funding for school shooting sports courses. The bill received bipartisan support, with 424 representatives voting in favor and only one lawmaker voting against. The legislation aims to ensure that students can participate in hunting and archery programs, which proponents argue promote conservation, nature appreciation, and goal-oriented activities. The Biden administration's interpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act had led to the withholding of funds for these programs, but the House vote seeks to reverse that decision.