House votes

Democratic Reps. Michael Michaud and Tom Allen

Vote 1: Congressional Disapproval of Troop Increase in Iraq (H.Con. Res. 63): The House on Feb. 16 passed a resolution sponsored by Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., that expresses congressional displeasure at a proposed increase in the number of troops stationed in Iraq. The resolution expresses support for the troops stationed in Iraq. Proponents said after four years, more than 3,100 military personnel are dead and 25,000 have been wounded, with the U.S. not close to achieving a measurable objective. They argued that an increased U.S. military presence would hamper the new Iraqi national government’s effort to take responsibility for internal affairs as Iraq has become embroiled in a civil war. Opponents said that the resolution advocates a retreat in Iraq that would allow it to emerge as a base for terrorists. They called on opponents of the increased deployment to furnish an alternative and said the resolution could demoralize troops and encourage the enemy. The vote was 246 yeas to 182 nays.

YEAS: Allen, Michaud

Senate votes

Republican Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins

Vote 1: Omnibus Appropriations for Fiscal 2007 (H.J. Res. 20): The Senate on Feb. 14 passed a bill that sets funding for agencies and other entities whose funding under appropriations bills was not completed last year. These include the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Education, Energy, Interior, Health and Human Services, Justice, Labor, State, Transportation and Veterans Affairs. It also includes funding for NASA and military construction and health programs. The $463.5 billion package was a joint effort of House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey, D-Wis., and Senate Appropriations Chairman Robert Byrd, D-W.Va. The bill passed without amendment, clearing it for the president. Proponents said the bill completes action on funding measures left incomplete by Republicans during the last Congress. They noted that 9,300 earmarks had been removed from the bill and spending remains under the $872.8 billion spending cap. Most agencies are funded at the same level as fiscal 2006. Opponents said the funding bills should have been considered individually and deliberated. They argued that amendments should be allowed to correct the bill’s deficiencies. The vote was 81 yeas to 15 nays.

YEAS: Collins

NAYS: Snowe

Vote 2: Confirmation of U.S. District Judge: The Senate on Feb. 15 confirmed Marcia Morales Howard of Jacksonville, Fla., to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Proponents said that Howard, the child of Cuban immigrants, has served as a federal magistrate judge since 2003. The vote was 93 yeas to 0 nays.

YEAS: Collins, Snowe

Compiled by Targeted News Service for the Bangor Daily News.