As usual, during the extensive debates on amendments, Adrian Smith showed his true colors over and over again. He continued to play the highly partisan political games with a minority of his own party. He voted against Amtrak over and over again, which some were direct votes against the route that goes directly through the Third District, and in turn, votes against the benefits brought to the communities served. He voted against housing programs that help Native populations in this country. He continued his steady set of votes against Davis-Bacon labor standards. He also continued to vote for the continuation of public-private competition for federal jobs. And while he did vote for increases in fund for the FBI and the Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution Program, he turned right around voted for broad cuts in the overall funds - which, if passed, would have resulted in cutting many, if not all, of the increases he had voted for.
But let’s take a closer look at those votes.
ROLL CALL VOTES
H.R.1 - To provide for the implementation of the recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.
This bill, which implements many of the 9/11 Commission recommendations.
When the bill first came before the House in January for a vote, it passed with 128 of the Republicans opposing it. Adrian Smith voted against it.
This time, the bill PASSED on a vote of 371-40-22.
Only 39 Republicans and 1 Democrat voted against it.
Smith wised up and voted FOR it.
It now goes to the President for his signature.
H.RES.558 - Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3074) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.
This is another one of those resolutions we see on a regular basis that lays out the rules for consideration of the primary bill. It passed on yet another party line vote, with all the Republicans voting against it.
H.R.3074 - Making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.
On this appropriations bill, there were a total of 46 amendments submitted for consideration and debate. Of those, 11 passed and 4 failed by voice vote, 8 were withdrawn, and the remaining 23 had recorded votes.
H.AMDT.598 - To strike the proviso pertaining to the Highway Trust Fund account.
Supports of this amendment stated that the proviso was a “cookie cutter approach” and forced State departments of transportation to apply a rescission in the bill equally, thereby affecting projects. This amendment would restore flexibility.
Opponents of this amendment stated that the rescission is much smaller than previous ones. Also, when the flexibility was in place, states were found to be disproportionately focusing funds. For example, the were cuts in Congestion Mitigation, Air Quality Improvement, bridge, or transportation enhancement programs. The proviso wouldn’t restrict states from meeting priorities, but would restrict the practice of targeting specific programs for disproportionate cuts.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 201-217-18.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.599 - To reduce funding (by transfer) for Operating Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation account by $106,000,000.
Supports of this amendment said this would drop the amount to the 2007 levels, and they would put it in the Homeless Assistance Grants. The amount appropriated was over the President’s request and Amtrak has ran in deficits. The lose came mainly from the long distance routes and are used by a small population of Americans.
(One such route is the California Zephyr that goes from Chicago to San Francisco, and is the only route that goes through Nebraska. Hastings and North Platte benefit from this relationship.)
Opponents of this amendment pointed out this part of the bill passed out of committee with unanimous consent. Also, necessary programs can’t be enhanced at the expense of other necessary programs. They also pointed out there was already an 8% increase in the Homeless Assistance Grant program. No more was needed. It was pointed out that every industrialized nation has high-speed rail travel. We should support Amtrak in building up to become a high-speed rail system. It was also pointed out that Amtrak become essential after 9/11 and the planes were grounded.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 110-308-18
Smith voted FOR it, and in doing so, he was voting against some of his constituents.
H.AMDT.600 - To strike the $475 million appropriation for the Operating Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation account.
Supporters of this amendment said this would do as the President requested, which would eliminate operating subsidy grants to Amtrak. They claim that since it’s start in the 1970’s, Amtrak has been a failure, so funds should be eliminated.
Opponents called this amendment a “shut down amendment”. It would shut down Amtrak once and for all, and strand millions that do use it on a regular basis, and force them onto already congested roadways. It would have a negative ripple affect through the entire economy. The GAO reported that an abrupt cessation “would result in major disruptions or shutdowns of commuter rail service throughout the country, stranding and straining regional transportation systems as hundreds of thousands of regular commuter rail passengers would have to look for alternative transportation.” It would also increase costs for freight rails.
I personally found out how essential it was to have when I was on the East coast traveling for a couple weeks between Connecticut, New York, and Washington DC. I never drove a car, I only took Amtrak, and then local transportation.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 94-328-14.
Smith initially voted FOR it, but at the end he changed his vote to NO.
H.AMDT.601 - To reduce the Capital and Debt Service Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation account by $425 million.
This, again, would change back to the President’s requested level. And Supporters used the same arguments as above.
Opponents of this amendment said the money is being used to bring the fleet into good repair, which should be at 70-85% of all cars and locomotives by the end of the year. Cutting this money will prevent Amtrak from any improvements. The result would, ultimately, be the same as the previous amendment.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 104-312-20.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.603 - To reduce by $330 million the appropriation for Public and Indian Housing account.
Supporters of this amendment claim this reduction is necessary because the increase in funding doesn’t come if the right reforms. They feel the Section 8 program has failed.
Opponents say this would cut 40-80,000 families, and could make them homeless. It would also negatively affect disabled adults, homeless veterans, and highly impoverish native communities.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 121-300-15.
Smith voted FOR it.
There he goes again voting against Native Americans and the poor.
H.AMDT.605 - To strike the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program.
Supports of this amendment would not even bring funding to the President’s requested level, but actually eliminate the program altogether. They argued it only went to one racial group located in one state - Hawaii.
Opponents of this amendment pointed out the funding level, while more than the President’s request, was actually less than the previous years. It was also pointed out that this was one of several HUD programs that provide assistance to the Native populations. Furthermore, this provides housing assistance to those Native Hawaiian families eligible to reside in their homelands, which were established in trust by the US in 1921. Basically, this is a treaty obligation.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 116-307-13.
Smith voted FOR it.
Yet another vote against Native Americans.
H.AMDT.612 - To limit the use of funds to support Amtrak's route with the highest loss, measured by passenger per mile cost as based on the National Railroad Passenger Corporation's September 2006 Financial Performance of Routes Report.
Supporters of this would eliminate the Sunset Limited, that runs from New Orleans to Los Angeles, and all points in between.
Opponents to this point out that the bill already requires the Secretary of Transportation to review and ultimately approve or deny grant requests for each train route as part of the grant agreement. The line singled out was also used to remove thousands from the gulf region before Hurricane Katrina hit.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 139-283-14.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.613 - To strike the $300,000 appropriation in the bill for the Belmont Complex in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.
Here’s another earmark being put on the chopping block. Supports of this amendment say it’s a “recreational center” using funds to renovate. Therefore it should go. They also say there are too many earmarks.
Opponents of this amendment report that the complex is in a small county. The buildings are used not only for recreation, but for Chamber of Commerce meetings, banquets, business meetings, seminars, training and testing for displaced workers, local union meetings and negotiations, emergency rescue training, voter registration drives, and local business-to-business job fairs. This would help complete renovation due to damage from fire in 2003. They also say that earmarks were reduced 50% from the last budget.
The entire argument boils down to this: Some Republicans are trying to pick out earmarks to make a point that there are too many, and that they feel Democrat are fiscally irresponsible. However, the earmarks have only exploded since the Republicans were in control. They approved record numbers with Bush signing off over the last several years. Now, the Democrats are starting to cut them down, but Republicans are trying to deny history and create a new impression in the minds of the public. They fail to take responsibility for their very own excesses that got us here.
Rep. David Obey, Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, did make a statement at the start of this latest round of amendments to remove earmarks:
Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I had not intended to speak on this issue either, but I feel required to respond to one thing that the gentleman from Arizona said.
He indicated that it was too bad that he had only had 2 or 3 days during which time he could review the earmarks in this bill. I simply want to say if he feels badly about that and wants to know why that is the case, all he has to do is look in the mirror along with a number of his other colleagues.
Why do I say that? Because I tried about a month ago to make clear to the House that I thought the Appropriations Committee staff had had insufficient time to take a look at and screen a number of these earmarks, especially those that came early in the process. So I offered up another option, and what I proposed is that the committee simply be given more time to screen those earmarks, and that before the Congress adjourned in August, we would then publish all of them, and any persons who had doubts about them would have more than 30 days over the August recess, and our staffs could have reviewed each and every one of them for a much longer period of time.
The gentleman and others on that side of the aisle chose to belittle that proposal, suggesting that we were trying to, quote, ``hide earmarks until conference.'' Not so. All we were trying to do was to give the staff and any Members who were interested additional time in which to review those earmarks. Our friends on the other side decided that they would rather criticize than agree to that, and so we acquiesced in their desires to have earmarks in each bill as they came to the floor.
We felt that there would be ample protection for Members because we also included a reform that would have required persons in the conference to be present and voting on every single item rather than having to endure what has happened in the past when large amounts of legislation were slipped into conference reports without a vote of the conference after the conference is over. But our judgment was not followed, and so as a result, we have this very limited time for Members to review projects as they come through in regular order. I'm sorry about that. But I would say to the gentleman, no one in this House can have it both ways. We've tried to accommodate the wishes of the House. Either way, we're doing the best we can. And if the gentleman doesn't like it, I think, as I say, all he has to do is look in the mirror because it was comments from people like him that required us to follow this procedure in this manner.
This amendment FAILED on a vote of 87-335-14.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.615 - To strike the $400,000 appropriation in the bill for the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Supporters said this earmark wasn’t necessary because it was for establishing the Technology Revolving Loan Fund, and acknowledged that the commission is a public agency dedicated to providing professional services to local governments. They said it was only being created for one part of Wisconsin.
Opponents advised that this earmark provides small low-interest loans for small business start-ups or expansions in a 10-county area that is economically challenged. Similar programs are in the state.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 68-356-12.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.616 - To strike the $50,000 appropriation in the bill for the National Forest Recreation Association in Woodlake, California.
Supporters of removing this earmark said it would be put toward the construction of the National Mule and Packer Museum, to preserve the role of mule teams and mule packers in opening and developing the West. Since the amount was too small to do much, there much be a partnership and they don’t have all the information on that. Plus there’s already a museum with mules in California.
Opponents of this amendment reported the museum would be in Bishop, California, a small town where 95% of the land is already owned by the government, and there is little there for economic development. They have annual Mule Days celebrations each year, and they depend totally on tourism, restaurants, motels, packers that take people up into the mountains. Mules have been an important part of this, and they want to establish a museum. The sponsor of the earmark also did a smart thing, and put up a picture of Ronald Reagan on a mule during the 1974 Mule Days parade.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 69-352-15.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.618 - To prohibit the use of funds to be used to implement or enforce the requirement under section 12(c) of the United States Housing Act of 1937.
Supporters said this amendment would suspend the requirement for community service (among other things) for one year.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 207-220-9.
Smith voted AGAINST it.
H.AMDT.620 - To limit the use of funds for the Friends of the Cheat Rails to Trails Program.
Supporters said this earmark should be eliminated because it’s aimed only at one trail. Plus they should be able to find funding elsewhere.
Opponents explained this earmark goes to further economic tourism development in the area.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 81-342-13.
Smith voted AGAINST it.
H.AMDT.621 - To limit the use of funds for the Houston Zoo, in Houston, Texas.
Supporters of eliminating this earmark acknowledged it would be used to develop an educational broadcast program to provide interactive distance learning, first to the Texas Medical Center, and the ultimately to regional school districts. It would enable children and students to ask questions of and converse with zoo experts in real time. However they say if you fund this one, “when will it end”, and that enough is enough.
Opponents pointed out what was already acknowledged as the benefit of this program.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 77-347-12.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.622 - To prohibit the use of funds by the Federal Aviation Administration to eliminate, consolidate, de-consolidate, co-locate, execute inter-facility reorganization, or plan for the consolidation/deconsolidation, inter-facility reorganization, or co-location of any FAA air traffic control facility or service, with exception of the reversal of the transfer of the radar functions from the Palm Springs Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) to the Southern California TRACON.
Supports said this amendment would prevent the consolidation by the FAA, which has a plan to consolidate 50 TRACON‘s in over 30 states. They feel this would limit air traffic capacities in the future, and that the plan risks leaving the system vulnerable during critical times.
Opponents of this amendment say the process is modernizing air traffic control facilities. They also state that the FAA reauthorization process will eliminate the problems the supporters are concerned about.
The amendment PASSED on a vote of 268-158-10.
Smith voted AGAINST it.
H.AMDT.623 - To prohibit the use of funds by the Federal Aviation Administration to implement its preferred alternative of the New York/New Jersey/ Philadelphia Airspace Redesign project.
The supporters are concerned about the impact on the quality of life of residents in the area, specifically due to air and noise pollution.
Opponents said the amendment would prevent the ongoing progress to improve and modernize the system.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 65-360-11.
Smith voted AGAINST it.
H.AMDT.626 - To prohibit use of funds in the bill for the Edmunds Center for the Arts, City of Edmunds, WA.
Supporters for removing this earmark said they wanted it removed because we should spend less money.
Opponents to removing it stated the earmark would be used for a community center that is involved in youth projects, including the Edmonds Boys and Girls Club, the Sno-King County Youth Club, the Triple Threat Basketball Club, the Brighton School, the Cascade Symphony Orchestra, the Edmonds High School Multi-Class Reunion, the Olympic Ballet Theater, the Sno-King Community Chorale, and Edmonds Community College.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 97-327-12.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.627 - To prohibit use of funds in the bill for parking facilities.
Supports say there are 15 earmarks for parking facilities and this would not include any federal lands or facilities needs. They said the others don’t need funded with federal tax dollars.
Opponents said the amendment was broad in scoop and careless. Legitimate plans, such as parking facilities in elder housing projects, could be affected.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 86-338-12.
Smith actually voted AGAINST this one.
H.AMDT.630 - Prohibiting the use of funds to participate in a working group pursuant to the Security and Prosperity Partnership.
This amendment PASSED on a vote of 362-63-11.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.631 - To reduce the total amount appropriated in this Act by $3.2 billion.
Here starts the regular submissions to do general cuts to the bills, as we’ve seen with each appropriations bill. This the one that takes the funds down to the same level as last years numbers, always offered by Rep. Jim Jordan. Republicans argue the same lines each time about fiscal responsibility and Democrats supporting “the biggest tax increase in history”, even though these bills have not had any tax increases.
Rep. Israel made a statement:
Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Chairman, this is like a soap opera. It doesn't matter when the American people tune it in, turn it on, it's the same script, the same characters, the same plot, the dialogue.
Every week this small group of Members tries to offer these amendments, and every week they're defeated, defeated by the members of their own caucus.
This appropriations bill was passed by the Appropriations Committee on a bipartisan basis. Democrats and Republicans supported this bill because it has the right investments for the American family.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 133-292-11.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.632 - To reduce appropriations in this Act by $507,767,000.
This is the 1% decrease Rep. Tom Price always puts in. Same lame arguments again claim a tax increase that doesn’t exist. But I like the line that Rep. Ryan of Ohio had:
Getting lectures on fiscal responsibility from the Republican Party is like getting lectures on animal welfare from Michael Vick. It really doesn't have any credibility.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 177-250-9.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.633 - To reduce the total amount appropriated in this Act by $253,690,000.
This the the 0.5% reduction offered each time by Rep. Marilyn Musgrave.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 198-229-9.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.634 - To prohibit the use of funds for the mortgage insurance programs under title II of the National Housing Act may be used for any housing trust fund established under title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.
Supporters said this was a slush fund essentially for political purposes that allows government built housing to expand and does so through political paybacks (Actually that was Rep. Tom Price, who is getting REALLY irritating!).
Opponents of this amendment didn’t even dane Price with his rediculus argument and said this funds something that has already passed - affordable housing for middle class families.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 142-283-11.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.638 - To prohibit the use of funds be used to implement the provisions of subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (relating to wage rate requirements; commonly known as the Davis-Bacon Act).
Steve King submits this amendment because he doesn’t feel the is fair to him as a construction business owner.
The Davis-Bacon law was enacted about 75 years ago by a Republican Congress and a Republican administration. The law sets minimum labor standards for workers employed in Federal contract construction and ensures that workers are paid at least the locally prevailing wage.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 148-278-10.
Smith voted FOR it.
FINALLY - after all the amendments were debated, Republicans made a motion to recommit (stall tactic), which failed on a party-line vote.
H.R.3074 then PASSED on a vote of 268-153-10.
FOR: 225 Democrats, 43 Republicans
AGAINST: 1 Democrat, 152 Republicans
NO VOTE: 4 Democrats, 6 Republicans
Smith, in a rare appropriations move, voted FOR this bill. However, when it goes to the President, and if the President veto’s it as he has vowed to do with all the appropriations bills, Smith has signed a letter of intent to support those vetos.
H.RES.562 - Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3093) making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.
This sets for the rules for consideration of the primary bill. It passed on a party-line vote.
H.R.3093 - Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.
This covers the law enforcement, scientific and commerce areas of our federal government.
There were 57 amendments submitted for consideration and debate. Of those, 20 were withdrawn, 2 failed and 12 passed by voice vote, and the remaining 23 were voted on by recorded vote.
H.AMDT.643 - To increase appropriations for the International Trade Administration (by transfer) by $6 million, and reduce appropriations for the Bureau of the Census.
Supporters said the census could be more efficient, and that more money should go to the ITA because of goods that have come China that have been counterfeited, adulterated, or contaminated.
Opponents state that an Office of China Compliance has been formed, and they funded it at the level the President requested. This would double that amount. Also, the census fund is a poor choice to pull from due to the fact the money would be pulled from the work being done to collect economic statistics.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 200-228-8.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.644 - To reduce appropriations for the Economic Development Assistance Programs by $100,000,000, and increase appropriations for the Federal Bureau of Investigation by $6,000,000.
Apparently, the amount for this fund last year was $250 Million. The President wanted only $170 Million. The Budget set forth $270 Million for it. This amendment would take it down to the President’s requested level. It would also cut down investment into economic development, which is used mainly to help set up industrial parks, where thousands of jobs have been created, and local economies have benefited. The FBI received $148 Million more than the President requested, so another $6 million wouldn’t be necessary.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 125-294-17.
All the Democrats were joined by 69 Republicans to defeat it.
Smith voted AGAINST it.
H.AMDT.645 - To reduce appropriations (by transfer) for the Periodic Censuses and Programs by $10 million, and increase appropriations for the Office of Justice Programs.
Supporters say this amendment will increase America’s ability to detain and prosecute illegal aliens on our southern border. They argue the Census got too big of an increase.
Opponents of this amendment say they funded the border prosecutors with $30 Million, while the President requested ZERO dollars for it. The census offset indicated would eliminate the current Industrial Reports Program used by the Federal Reserve Board for the index of industrial production and also used in trade negotiations. It would also eliminate the quarterly financial reports which tracks corporate profits.
The amendment PASSED on a vote of 229-196-11.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.646 - To increase appropriations (by transfer) for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration by $5 million, and reduce appropriations for General Administration.
Pretty straight forward.
The amendment PASSED on a vote of 340-87-9.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.647 - To reduce appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by $2 million, and increase appropriations for the International Trade Commission by $1 million.
Thankfully, this amendment FAILED on a vote of 83-342-11.
Smith voted AGAINST it.
H.AMDT.652 - To reduce appropriations for Departmental Management of the Department of Commerce and General Administration of the Department of Justice, and increase appropriations for State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance programs, and the State Criminal Alien Asstistance Program (SCAAP).
This amendment PASSED on a vote of 388-39-9.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.656 - To redirect appropriations for the FBI by $1 million.
Rep. Steve King just wanted to make a point, although what it was sure wasn’t clear.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 19-389-16-13.
Smith voted AGAINST it.
H.AMDT.659 - To increase appropriations (by transfer) for the Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution Programs, and reduce appropriations for the National Science Foundation operations and award management program by $10 million.
Supporters wanted to provide further funding for the VAWPPP. Opponents had concerns that money was being removed from the most important science foundation in the country.
The amendment PASSED on a vote of 243-186-8.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.661 - To increase appropriations for the Office of Justice Programs by $1,747,111.
This amendment PASSED on a vote of 421-2-14.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.663 - To strike section 213.
This would eliminate the language that limits or prevents funds from being spent to go through a public-private competition. This amendment would allow the private industry to continue competing for contracts to run some of the federal prisons. Supports say the affect of not adopting this amendment would benefit unions. They claim this amendment would save taxpayer money.
Opponents say that this would prevent further contracting out of federal employees in the Bureau of Prisons. They also accommodated concerns from the private industry already involved. It does not affect the ability to contract with regards to capacity needs. Also, when this has been challenged in other appropriations bills, it’s been pointed out that no tax savings has really been seen.
The amendment FAILED 162-267-8.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.664 - To revise amounts appropriated for the "General Administration--Salaries and Expenses" account, and increasing the amount made available for the "Office on Violence Against Women--Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution Programs".
This amendment PASSED on a vote of 412-18-7.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.668 - To strike "$625 million" and insert, "$635 million" on page 75, line 24.
It would move more money into the Victims of Crime Account.
The amendment PASSED on a vote of 395-34-8.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.669 - To add a new section pertaining to reducing the amount available for Departmental Management-Salaries and Expenses and increasing the amount made available for Office on Violence Against Women-Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution Programs.
This amendment PASSED on a vote of 405-25-7.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.674 - To prohibit the use of funds made available in this Act to the Department of Justice may be used, with respect to certain states, to prevent such States from implementing their own State laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana.
Medical Marijuana. Do you believe in it being allowed or not? Those that believe it should have a chance in the states voted for this amendment.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 165-262-10.
Smith voted AGAINST it.
H.AMDT.678 - To prohibit use of funds for the EEOC may be used for litigation expenses incurred in connection with cases commenced after the date of the enactment of this Act against employers on the grounds that such employers require employees to speak English.
A vote for this amendment would prevent cases from even being filed in the first place, in instances where the claim is the employer discriminated against an employee by requiring them to speak English. Opponents had no problem with people being told to speak English, but at the same time, didn’t agree with preventing an cases from being filed, and therefore predetermining any court decisions. The felt it was overreaching.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 202-212-23.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.679 - To strike the $200,000 appropriation in the bill for the Lobster Institute at the University of Maine in Orono, Maine.
Here we go with the targeted earmarks again.
Supports of this amendment said it would subsidizing the lobster industry.
Opponents stated the earmark would remove funding for the University of Maine’s Lobster Institute CORE Initiative, which provides for conservation, outreach, research and education in order to sustain the lobster. It’s a managed fishery. It’s a support of primarily a small-business industry.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 87-328-22.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.682 - To prohibit use of funds in the bill to enforce the amendments made by subtitle A of title II of Public Law 107-155.
Supports of this would cut off funds to enforce criminal penalties provisions of the McCain-Feingold Campaign Report Act against organizations that make electioneering communcations under that law. That section prohibits corporate or labor union funds from being used to finance broadcast advertisements that include the name or depiction of a Federal candidate within 30 days of a primary election and 60 days before a general election. There was a Supreme Court ruling that called that section unconstitutional. This amendment was broader than that ruling.
The amendment PASSED on a vote of 215-205-17.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.685 - To limit the use of funds to be used for the East Coast Shellfish Research Institute at the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Toms River, New Jersey.
It’s a $250,000 earmark. Supporters of removing this earmark say the shellfish industry is doing well and doesn’t need this. Also, the usual spending comments.
Opponents of this amendment state the institute is non-profit. This among others in the country provide vital research and work to continue protecting and growing the industry. They point out 80% of seafood comes from imports, and we should work to build up the industry here in the US.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 77-337-23.
Smith actually voted AGAINST this one.
H.AMDT.692 - To prohibit funds to be used to purchase light bulbs unless the light bulb have the "ENERGY STAR" or "Federal Energy Management Program" designation.
The amendment PASSED on a vote of 404-16-17.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.693 - To provide that each amount appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act that is not required to be appropriated or otherwise made available by a provision of law is reduced by 3.0 percent.
Here we go again. As Rep. Jim Jordan says: “Mr. Chairman, we have offered this amendment for the eighth time.”
Those opposed to this point out all the money being lost to offshore accounts, and the failure of the bills supporters to vote to eliminate those loopholes. Also, the key point with this bill, as Rep. Israel states, is what is being cut:
Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Chairman, violent crimes increased 3.6 percent in the past 2 years for the first time in 15 years. The gentleman's response is to cut spending for police officers, child abuse programs, domestic violence programs and antidrug programs by 3 percent.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 138-282-17.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.694 - To make the total appropriations made in this Act (other than appropriations required to be made by a provision of law) are hereby reduced by $750,000,000.
This is Rep. Tom Prices 1% amendment he offers on each bill. The arguments are the same as above.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 159-261-17.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.696 - To reduce funds in the bill by 0.5 percent.
This is Rep. Marilyn Musgrave’s amendment she offers with each bill.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 186-235-16.
Smith voted FOR it.
H.AMDT.697 - To reduce the total amount appropriated in this Act by 0.05 percent.
The amendment FAILED on a vote of 192-228-17.
Smith voted FOR It.
At this point, the usual motion to recommit was made by the Republicans. The motion failed on a vote of 209-215-8, with Smith voting for it.
H.R.3093 was then passed on a vote of 281-142-9.
FOR: 226 Democrats, 55 Republicans
AGAINST: 142 Republicans
NO VOTE: 4 Democrats, 5 Republicans
Smith voted AGAINST this bill. That's a vote against law enforcment and safety concerns of this nation.
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The remaining bills were all passed, after a motion was made to suspend the rules and vote. This requires a two-thirds vote to pass. The first two, 24 and 26 Republicans (respectively) voted against them. Otherwise, the rest passed unanimously.
H.R.2929 - To limit the use of funds to establish any military installation or base for the purpose of providing for the permanent stationing of United States Armed Forces in Iraq or to exercise United States economic control of the oil resources of Iraq.
H.CON.RES.187 - Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the dumping of industrial waste into the Great Lakes.
H.R.404 - To require the establishment of customer service standards for Federal agencies.
H.RES.553 - Mourning the passing of former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, and celebrating her life and contributions to the people of the United States.
H.RES.519 - Honoring the life and accomplishments of renowned artist Tom Lea on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
H.RES.345 - Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Archdiocese of New York.
STATEMENTS FOR THE RECORD
With the exception of other statements submitted for the record that I highlighted throughout this post, Smith also submitted “Extensions of Remarks” for another fallen Nebraska soldier.
TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT JACOB S. SCHMUECKER
SPEECH OF
HON. ADRIAN SMITH
OF NEBRASKA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2007
Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of SGT Jacob S. Schmuecker, an Atkinson, Nebraska, native who lost his life on July 21 in Balad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sergeant Schmuecker, assigned to Nebraska's National Guard's 755th Chemical Reconnaissance/Decontamination Company, died when his military vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb.
This young man represented some of the best qualities of Nebraska, and our State mourns his loss.
Sergeant Schmuecker has been described as ``calm, cool, and collected''--a man who answered the call of duty and served honorably. His loss will be felt not only by the men in his unit, but in Nebraska where he leaves behind his wife and three young children.
My prayers and condolences go out to Sergeant Schmuecker's family and friends who feel the loss of this brave man. He will be missed.
SPONSOR/COSPONSOR
This week, one of the bills supported by the full Nebraska Delegation was considered
H.R.761 was debated. It does not appear Smith made a floor statement, as the record indicates his statement was an insert instead.
LEWIS AND CLARK NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL LAND CONVEYANCE
[Begin Insert]
Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, along with my colleagues from Nebraska, I am pleased to offer my support for H.R. 761, a bill that would authorize the conveyance of certain federal lands by the Secretary of Interior to the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center Foundation, Inc. and authorize the appropriation of annual funds to operate the Center.
The journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark does not belong to Nebraska, but to all of America.
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center features descriptions of 178 plants and 122 animals recorded by Lewis and Clark during their explorations.
This center should be a destination for any person who is interested in American history, in the species of flora and fauna then found in the unexplored regions of our country, or in the spirit of expansion that helped form our country.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill authorizing the transfer of Federal lands associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in Nebraska to the private nonprofit foundation. It is a valuable resource for every American.
H.R.761 passed on a voice vote, and now goes to the Senate.
Smith submitted one bill this week as a sponsor.
H.R.3143 - To eliminate methamphetamine kingpins.
It was introduced on 7/24/2007, and was submitted to the House Judiciary, and the Energy and Commerce committees “for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.”
There were no cosponsors attached to the bill.
Smith made a one minute statement during the debate of H.R.3093 (the 2nd Appropriations Bill above), and then inserted further remarks about his bill:
(Mr. SMITH of Nebraska asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we consider the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. According to the DEA, 33.3 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized in my home State of Nebraska in 2006. For this reason, I would like to commend the leadership and Appropriations Committee for including $85 million in funding for grant projects to address the manufacture, sale and use of methamphetamine. However, we must send a stronger message to those who are smuggling and distributing the drug, which is why I have introduced the Methamphetamine Kingpin Elimination Act of 2007.
The number of methamphetamine labs in the U.S. has declined since Congress enacted the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act last year to restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient in methamphetamine. Unfortunately, a reverse trend has occurred south of our border.
Mexico is the largest foreign supplier of methamphetamine destined for the U.S. It is estimated that as much as 80 percent of the methamphetamine on U.S. streets comes from Mexico. Unlike the small U.S. kitchen labs, Mexican drug cartels are creating superlabs, which produce huge quantities of cheap methamphetamine and then smuggle it north to U.S. users.
Mr. Speaker, it is time we stop this flood of methamphetamine coming across our border.
[Begin Insert]
The ``Meth Kingpin Elimination Act of 2007,'' increases penalties for meth kingpins. The bill also authorizes $20 million for multi-jurisdictional methamphetamine task forces.
Meth devastates not only those who abuse the drug, but their families and their communities as well. The drug has a phenomenal rate of addiction, with some experts saying users often get hooked after just one use. Recent studies have demonstrated that methamphetamine causes more damage to the brain than heroin, alcohol, or cocaine.
Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in keeping this destructive drug off America's streets and ensuring that meth kingpins and traffickers receive harsher penalties.
[End Insert]
Mr. Speaker, we must work together to address this severe problem.
He also put out a press release about it:
Smith Introduces Meth Kingpin Elimination Act
After all that, he voted AGAINST the very appropriations bill that funded the departments that would deal with his bill if it passed. I’m sure he’ll say the “fiscal responsibility” line, but then he asks for $20 Million for his bill. He’s contradicting himself.
Smith then signed up as a cosponsor on 3 more bills:
H.RES.568 - Honoring and expressing gratitude to the 1st Battalion of the 133rd Infantry ("Ironman Battalion") of the Iowa National Guard.
It was introduced on 7/25/2005, with Smith being one of the original cosponsors.
H.R.1584 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and modify the railroad track maintenance credit.
Adrian loves his targeted tax cuts, you’d have to admit.
This one was introduced clear back on 3/20/2007 and has not advanced beyond the initial referral to the House Ways and Means Committee.
Smith just now added his name on 7/26/2007.
H.R.2927 - To increase the corporate average fuel economy standards for automobiles, to promote the domestic development and production of advanced technology vehicles, and for other purposes.
This could probably be stronger in it’s standards, but it’s only an initial bill and it’s a start. But I say it could be stronger because it says:
Not later than 18 months before the beginning of each model year, the Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe by regulation average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles manufactured by a manufacturer in that model year. Each standard prescribed under this paragraph shall be the maximum feasible average fuel economy level that the Secretary determines the manufacturers can achieve in that model year.
It then says:
(1) the projected combined fuel economy average for model year 2022 shall not be greater than 35 miles per gallon; and
(2) the projected combined fuel economy average for model year 2022 and subsequent model years shall be not less than 32 miles per gallon,
for the total fleet of automobiles manufactured for sale in the United States.
The bill was introduced on 6/28/2007. Smith added his name on 7/25/2007.
WEBSITE UPDATE
I'd encourage you to check out Smith's website. They've updated it to focus on what he considers important. It's the first update of anything since February, so it's probably about time.
I'll withhold comments for now, but I did have to start chuckling at some of the stuff. Judge for yourself.
UPDATE ON REQUEST
Almost 2 months ago, I began making a request of Smith's office. I've been getting more tenacious lately, as I've gotten not one single response. Everytime I've tried a call, I've also gotten the response no one is available to speak with me, so they take messages or put me through to voice mail. This is the most recent email letter I sent, which is the same request I've been making:
Per my previous 4 written requests, and 3 phone calls since the beginning of June 2007, I am once again writing to make some requests for information.
Due to the fact that, as a voting constituent, I asked to receive some of the reports you are required to submit, and that the Clerk's office stated I should request them from my Representative, I request the following reports:
- Financial Disclosure for 2006
- Franked Materials (Mass Mailings)
- Gift and Travel Filings
- Foreign Travel Reports and Expenditures
Next, per Congressman Smith's statement that he always tries to be available for his constituents, I am requesting a time when I can sit down and have a conversation with him. I can be available day or night, and can adjust my schedule as needed.
If these requests cannot be accommodated, I would appreciate an explanation.
Also, if as a constituent you choose to not provide responses to me, then I would request formal notification of all phone conferences so that, if there are questions, they can be asked with the Nebraska Press.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
I'll keep you updated as this developes......
1 comments:
I checked out Smith's website.
What is with all the fallic symbols at the top of the page?
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