Maine lawmakers’ votes on legislation this week

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WASHINGTON — Here are the votes of Maine’s senators and representatives on major legislation in Congress this week. A “Y” means the member voted for the measure; an “N” means the member voted against the measure; an “A” means the member did not vote. Senate votes:…
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WASHINGTON — Here are the votes of Maine’s senators and representatives on major legislation in Congress this week. A “Y” means the member voted for the measure; an “N” means the member voted against the measure; an “A” means the member did not vote. Senate votes:

1) Increased toxic emission supervision by EPA

The Senate rejected, 47-50, an amendment that would have allowed states to issue routine emissions permits to businesses without the need for full review by the Environmental Protection Agency. The amendment was attached to major clean air legislation. Sen. William S. Cohen, Y; Sen. George J. Mitchell, Y.

2) Tax incentives for the installation of coal scrubers

The Senate rejected, 71-26, an amendment that would have given utilities a 20 percent tax credit if they used “scrubber” technology to remove pollutants from coal burning utilities rather than switching to cleaner fuels to curb acid rain. Cohen, Y; Mitchell, Y.

3) Incentives for solar energy

The Senate rejected, 40-57, a move to table an amendment providing incentives to companies that use solar and renewable energy. The amendment is attached to major clean air legislation. Cohen, N; Mitchell, Y.

4) Compensation for coal miners dislocated by the Clean Air Act

The Senate rejected, 49-50, an amendment that would have provided $500 million in severance pay and retraining benefits for up to 36 months to coal miners who lose their jobs as a result of the Clean Air Act’s acid rain provisions. President Bush threatened to veto the Clean Air legislation if this amendment was added because of the costs. Cohen, N; Mitchell, N. House votes:

1) Pay as you go child-care program

The House approved, 251-171, a motion prohibiting the introduction of a pay-as-you go amendment to major child-care legislation. The amendment would have made funding for child care dependent on revenue increases or spending reductions in other programs. Brennan, Y; Snowe, N.

2) Provision of child-care programs

The House approved, 265-145, major child care legislation that would expand the Head Start program, provide school-based day care for preschoolers and older children, increase social service grants and make child care more accessible to low-income families. The measure was backed by the Democratic leadership but Bush has threatened to veto it. Brennan, Y; Snowe, Y.

3) Provision of child-care programs with increased flexibility

The House rejected, 195-225, a child-care bill that would have expanded Head Start but not have allowed a separate school-based, day-care program. Backers said the plan gave parents more flexibility in choosing health-care providers, cost less money, and would not be vetoed by the president. Brennan, N; Snowe, N.


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