YOUR VOTES IN WASHINGTON
How members of Congress from Hampton Roads voted on major bills for the week ending May 24. NV means Not Voting.
HOUSE VOTES
Worker retirement plans
For, 417; Against, 3
The House on May 23 passed a bill (HR 1994) that would expand tax-favored retirement plans and benefits. The bill would remove annual contribution limits from Individual Retirement Accounts and raise from 701⁄ to 72 the age at which individuals
2 must start receiving . A yes vote was to send the bill to the Senate.
Boycotts, divestiture
For, 200; Against, 222
The House on May 23 defeated a Republican bid to include a rebuke of the so-called “BDS” movement in HR 1994 (above). BDS is a global campaign to boycott, divest from and sanction Israel and Israeli-owned firms in response to Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. A yes vote was to adopt the motion.
Consumer Protections
For, 231; Against, 19
The House on May 22 voted to restore Consumer Financial Protection Bureau powers that the Trump administration has scaled back or abandoned. A yes vote was to send HR 1500 to the Senate.
Consumer Bureau Budget
For, 192; Against, 235
The House defeated a bid by Republicans to include the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau budget in the congressional appropriations process, thus giving the House and Senate more control over the independent agency.
Consumer Lawsuits
For, 235; Against, 193
The House on May 22 voted to reinstate a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule that would prohibit financial-services firms including credit cards from using mandatory arbitration clauses in their contracts as a means of preventing customers from filing class-action lawsuits. A yes vote was to restore the rule as part of HR 1500 (above).
SENATE VOTES
Federal Judge Daniel Collins
For, 53; Against, 46
The Senate on May 21 confirmed Daniel P. Collins, an attorney in private practice in Los Angeles, to sit on the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He held Department of Justice positions in Washington under President George W. Bush and spent four years as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California.
Disaster Aid
For, 85; Against, 8
The Senate on May 23 approved $19.1 billion in emergency aid to homeowners, farmers, businesses, local governments and other entities struck by natural disasters such as wildfires, flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes in recent years.
Key Votes Ahead
Congress will be in Memorial Day recess in the week of May 27.
Representatives are:
Rep. Robert J. Wittman (R-Westmoreland), Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia Beach), Rep. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) and Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Newport News).
Senators are:
Sen. Mark R. Warner (D) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D).