CRIMINALITY AND DAY CARE STAFF:

Voting 200 for and 214 against, the House on Feb. 8 defeated a Republican motion addressing language in HR 840 (above) that would prohibit Department of Veterans Affairs contracts with child care firms that employ individuals convicted of serious offenses including sex crimes, drug felonies and violent crimes. The motion sought to expand the prohibition to cover contractors with employees who have been charged with but not yet convicted of the specified crimes.

Sponsor Andy Barr, R-Ky., said his measure “does not presuppose the guilt of anyone who charged with one of these crimes. Rather, it acknowledges that we have an obligation to ensure the safety of children who will be cared for under this program.”

Conor Lamb, D-Pa., said the bill “already includes an amendment that does keep children safe. … We have made sure that no one will provide child care to these children who is in serious trouble.”

A yes vote was to adopt the motion.

ARKANSAS

Voting yes: Westerman

TEXAS

Voting yes: Gohmert, Ratcliffe