In many states, the two United States Senators are viewed similarly, with both enjoying similar approval ratings. Ohio is not currently one of those states.Senior Senator George Voinovich, in positive approval rating territory in four of the past twelve months, is today in negative territory once more, with a 42% approval and 48% disapproval rating. Ohio’s junior senator, Sherrod Brown, today has a 49% approval and 37% disapproval rating, and his Plus 12 Net Job approval is his highest since taking office last January.
Research conducted for WKYC-TV Cleveland, WCPO-TV Cincinnati, WCMH-TV Columbus, and WHIO-TV Dayton. Full results here.
CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 - Vote Agreed to (86-8, 6 Not Voting)
The Senate passed a pared-down version of the energy bill that the House passed last week. Sen. George Voinovich voted YES……send e-mailor see bio Sen. Sherrod Brown voted YES……send e-mailor see bio FHA Modernization Act of 2007 - Vote Passed (93-1, 6 Not Voting)
The Senate passed legislation to ease the burden of mushrooming interest rates on homeowners by allowing them to transfer their finances into federally insured loans. Sen. George Voinovich voted YES……send e-mailor see bio Sen. Sherrod Brown voted YES……send e-mailor see bio National Defense Authorization Act, FY2008 - Vote Agreed to (90-3, 7 Not Voting)
On Friday, the Senate gave final approval to this bill authorizing defense spending for fiscal year 2008. Sen. George Voinovich voted YES……send e-mailor see bio Sen. Sherrod Brown voted YES……send e-mailor see bio Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 - Vote Passed (79-14, 7 Not Voting)
The Senate approved this $288 billion, five-year bill that sets agricultural policy and authorizes funding for agricultural related programs such as commodity support, conservation, and nutrition. Sen. George Voinovich voted NO……send e-mailor see bio Sen. Sherrod Brown voted YES……send e-mailor see bio
Recent House Votes
Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act - Vote Passed (303-116, 12 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill that would help the insurance industry cover costs in the event of a terrorist attack, after making slight revisions to the Senate version that passed last month. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mailor see bio National Defense Authorization Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (370-49, 12 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill to authorize defense appropriations. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mailor see bio AMT Relief Act - Vote Passed (226-193, 13 Not Voting)
The House passed this measure to patch the alternative minimum tax that would be financed by a pay-as-you-go plan. Rep. Michael Turner voted NO……send e-mailor see bio Intelligence Authorization Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (222-199, 10 Not Voting)
This bill authorizing intelligence spending would also ban waterboarding, mock executions, and other severe methods of interrogation. Rep. Michael Turner voted NO……send e-mailor see bio Making further continuing appropriations for FY2008 - Vote Passed (385-27, 21 Not Voting)
On Thursday the House passed this continuing resolution to fund government programs through Friday, December 21. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mailor see bio
As I asserted in an earlier post, a prime pastime in Washington DC these days seems to be to find ways to circumscribe, emasculate and otherwise render our Constitution’s Bill of Rights inoperative. Now comes Senate bill 1959, introduced by US Senator Susan Collins of Maine.[ http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s110-1959 ].
If you believe, as I do, that the two Patriot Acts and the Military Commission Act of 2006 were serious attacks on our basic Constitutional rights, then SB 1959 ought to scare the living bejeezus out of you. This bill is the Senate version of a bill, sponsored by California Democratic Representative Jane Harman, that was passed in the House by an overwhelming 405 to 6 vote on October 24th and is now awaiting approval by the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
“Harman’s bill contends that the United States will soon have to deal with home grown terrorists and that something must be done to anticipate and neutralize the problem. The act deals with the issue through the creation of a congressional commission that will be empowered to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and designate various groups as “homegrown terrorists.”" [Huffington Post] [btw: Congressman Dennis Kucinich voted AGAINST the Bill]
Following is a sample letter to your Senator that can be used as is, or, as a template for your own.
Dear Senator
It has come to my attention, that The U.S. House of Representatives has recently passed HR 1955 titled the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007. This is now up for review in the Senate Judiciary committee, listed as S.1959.Read the rest of this entry »
And in the US Senate, debate continues about shredding what’s left of the 4th Amendment, oh, excuse me, I meant debate about the new Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, [FISA....] silly me! The ACLU’s Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office had this to say on Firedoglake.com {http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/11/29/}
Hello everybody!
As you all probably know, recently the, the House passed the “RESTORE Act” on partisan lines. The bill made some improvements in the “Protect America Act” that was rushed through Congress in August. Most importantly, it reasserted the intelligence court’s role in approving surveillance before it takes place — a lot of the improvement was due to the concerted efforts of the Progressive Caucus, and Congressman Rush Holt, bolstered by grassroots and netroots pressure.
The Senate is in pro forma sessions until Monday, December 3. The House is in recess until Tuesday, December 4.
Recent Senate Votes
Improving Head Start Act - Vote Agreed to (95-0, 5 Not Voting)
The Senate unanimously passed this bill boosting funding for the Head Start program. Sen. George Voinovich voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Sherrod Brown voted YES……send e-mail or see bioMotion to Invoke Cloture: Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act, FY2008 - Vote Rejected (53-45, 2 Not Voting)
Before embarking on its Thanksgiving recess, the Senate failed to invoke cloture on this bill that would provide $50 billion of funding for the War in Iraq while setting a troop withdrawal plan. Sen. George Voinovich voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Sherrod Brown voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Recent House Votes
Improving Head Start Act - Vote Passed (381-36, 15 Not Voting)
This House bill boosts funding for the Head Start program. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bioConference Report on Transportation/HUD Appropriations, FY2008 - Vote Passed (270-147, 15 Not Voting)
On Wednesday the House passed this $51.2 billion bill to fund the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development for the 2008 fiscal year. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bioOrderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (218-203, 1 Present, 11 Not Voting)
The House approved legislation to grant the Department of Defense four months’ worth of emergency funding for the War in Iraq, under the condition that troop redeployment begins 30 days following the bill’s enactment. Rep. Michael Turner voted NO……send e-mail or see bioMortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act - Vote Passed (291-127, 14 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill that would reform consumer mortgage practices. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bioResponsible Electronic Surveillance That is Overseen, Reviewed, and Effective (RESTORE) Act - Vote Passed (227-189, 16 Not Voting)
This House bill would update the intelligence surveillance bill passed earlier this year. Rep. Michael Turner voted NO……send e-mail or see bioOverriding the Veto of the Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations Act, FY2008 - Vote Failed (277-141, 15 Not Voting)
The House failed to override the veto of this $150.7 billion bill that would fund the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Overriding the Veto of the Water Resources Development Act - Vote Passed (361-54, 17 Not Voting)
The House voted on Tuesday to override President Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bioEmployment Non-Discrimination Act - Vote Passed (235-184, 14 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill that would bar employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating against potential workers based on their real or supposed sexual orientation. Rep. Michael Turner voted NO……send e-mail or see bioUnited States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement - Vote Passed (285-132, 16 Not Voting)
This bill is intended to strengthen trade ties with Peru. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bioDefense Appropriations Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (400-15, 17 Not Voting)
The House overwhelmingly passed the conference report for this $471 billion bill funding the Department of Defense for the 2008 fiscal year. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bioLabor/HHS/Education Appropriations Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (274-141, 17 Not Voting)
With this vote the House sent the appropriations bill funding the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education to the President’s desk. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bioTemporary Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Vote Passed (216-193, 24 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill to provide tax relief for the 2007 filing year. Rep. Michael Turner voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Upcoming Votes
Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 - H.R.2419
The Senate will continue to work on this bill that provides aid for farmers and funds for low-income nutrition programs. Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 - H.R.3915
The House is scheduled to vote on this legislation intended to reform consumer mortgage practices. Head Start for School Readiness Act - H.R.1429
The House will vote on the conference report of this bill to reauthorize the Head Start Act.
November 5, 2007 In this MegaVote for Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District: Upcoming Congressional Bills - Senate: Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 Senate: Conference Report on Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations Act, FY2008 Senate: Veto Override on Water Resources Development Act of 2007 House: Conference Report on Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations Act, FY2008 House: Veto Override on Water Resources Development Act of 2007 House: United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act House: Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007 Read the rest of this entry »
October 29, 2007 In this MegaVote for Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes - Senate: Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations Act, FY2008 Senate: Nomination of Leslie Southwick to be U.S. Circuit Judge House: Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act House: Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act Upcoming Congressional Bills - Senate: Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007 Senate: Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act House: Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act House: Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007 House: Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007
Recent Senate Votes
Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (75-19, 6 Not Voting)
The Senate voted in favor of this $605.5 billion bill funding the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education for the 2008 fiscal year. Sen. George Voinovich voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Sherrod Brown voted YES……send e-mail or see bioNomination of Leslie Southwick to be U.S. Circuit Judge - Vote Confirmed (59-38, 3 Not Voting)
The Senate confirmed Mississippi Appeals Court Judge Leslie Southwick to sit on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. Sen. George Voinovich voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Sherrod Brown voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Recent House Votes
Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act - Vote Passed (261-153, 18 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill that would allow Native Hawaiians to form an Interim Governing Council which would have the power to negotiate with the federal government. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bioChildren’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act - Vote Passed (265-142, 26 Not Voting)
A new bill to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program was passed by the House, a week after the chamber failed to override President Bush’s veto of the previous version of the bill. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Upcoming Votes
Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007 - S.294
The Senate is scheduled to vote on this bill to reauthorize Amtrak. Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act - H.R.3963
The Senate is also expected to work on this bill to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act - H.R.3867
The House is scheduled to vote on this bill that would update and expand the Small Business Administration’s procurement programs. Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007 - H.R.2262
This bill is intended to modify the requirements for mining on public domain lands. Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007 - H.R.3920
The House will also take up this bill to amend the Trade Act of 1974 to reauthorize trade adjustment assistance and to extend trade adjustment assistance to service workers and firms.
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.12/1098 - Release Date: 10/29/2007 9:28 AM
October 22, 2007 In this MegaVote for Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes - Senate: Commerce/Justice/Science Appropriations Act, FY2008 House: Internet Tax Freedom Act House: Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act House: Overriding the Veto of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act Upcoming Congressional Bills - Senate: Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations Act, FY2008 House: Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007 House: Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007 House: Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act
Recent Senate Votes
Commerce/Justice/Science Appropriations Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (75-19, 6 Not Voting)
The Senate approved this $55.4 billion bill that would fund the Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, NASA and other science agencies. Sen. George Voinovich voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Sherrod Brown voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Recent House Votes
Internet Tax Freedom Act - Vote Passed (405-2, 25 Not Voting)
The House passed legislation that would extend the moratorium on Internet access taxes through November 2011. Rep. Michael Turner voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act - Vote Passed (377-38, 16 Not Voting)
This House bill would require rail carriers transporting hazardous substances to pass inspection and to provide their workers with supplementary safety equipment. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Overriding the Veto of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act - Vote Failed (273-156, 4 Not Voting)
The House came thirteen votes short of overriding the President’s veto of H.R. 976, a bill that would reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Upcoming Votes
Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations Act, FY2008 - H.R.3043
The Senate is expected to complete this $600 billion bill funding the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education for the 2008 fiscal year. Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007 - H.R.3685
The House is scheduled to take up this bill on Wednesday that would make it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees based on sexual orientation. Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007 - H.R.505
Under this bill, Native Hawaiians would be permitted to organize into a governing entity that could negotiate with the federal government. Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act - H.R.3867
This bill is intended to improve the government’s small business contracting programs.
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.15.5/1085 - Release Date: 10/22/2007 10:35 AM
October 15, 2007 In this MegaVote for Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes - House: War Profiteering Prevention Act House: National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 House: Tax Collection Responsibility Act Upcoming Congressional Bills - Senate: Commerce/Justice/Science Appropriations Act, FY2008 Senate: Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations Act, FY2008 House: Internet Tax Freedom Act House: Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007 House: RESTORE Act House: Vote on Overriding the President’s Veto of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act
Recent House Votes
War Profiteering Prevention Act - Vote Passed (375-3, 53 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill that would criminalize “war profiteering.” Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bio National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Vote Passed (264-148, 19 Not Voting)
The House passed legislation founding the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund within the United States Treasury to assist in the building of affordable housing for low-income families. Rep. Michael Turner voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Tax Collection Responsibility Act - Vote Passed (232-173, 26 Not Voting)
Despite a veto threat from the President, the House passed a bill that intends to stop the Internal Revenue Service’s private debt collection program. Rep. Michael Turner voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Upcoming Votes
Commerce/Justice/Science Appropriations Act, FY2008 - H.R.3093
The Senate is set to begin the week working on this $55 billion measure funding the departments of Commerce and Justice and various science-related agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, for the 2008 fiscal year. Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations Act, FY2008 - H.R.3043
Following completion of the CJS spending bill, the Senate is expected to turn to this $150 billion bill funding the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education for the 2008 fiscal year. Internet Tax Freedom Act - H.R.3678
This House bill would extend the moratorium on certain electronic commerce and Internet taxes though November 1, 2011. Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007 - H.R.2095
This bill would update the Federal Railroad Administration’s rail safety regulations. RESTORE Act - H.R.3773
This bill would make changes to the electronic surveillance programs authorized by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Vote on Overriding the President’s Veto of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act - H.R.976
The House is currently scheduled to attempt to override the president’s veto of this bill that would expand the SCHIP program on Thursday.
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.11/1071 - Release Date: 10/15/2007 6:48 AM
Senate: Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007
