House votes

Democratic Reps. Michael Michaud (2nd District) and Tom Allen (1st District)

Vote 1: Extending the Mental Health Parity Act (HR 4848): The House on Feb. 7 passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., that extends for one year a law that requires group health insurance plans to subject mental illness coverage to the same coverage spending caps as those for physical heath and surgical coverage. Proponents said the bill is an important start to ensure that treatment is available for mental illness and addiction recovery. The vote was 384 yeas to 23 nays.

YEAS: Allen, Michaud

Vote 2: Studying Privatization of College Assistance Programs: The House on Feb. 7 accepted an amendment sponsored by Rep. Thomas Petri, R-Wis., to the College Opportunity and Affordability Act (HR 4137) that requires the Education-Treasury Study Group to examine the possibility of a market-based solution for the Federal Family Education Loan Program. The amendment also stipulates that any savings from a market-based solution should be used for increased aid to students. Proponents said that a study could provide alternatives that would save money. Opponents said that, as written, the study area was too broad. The vote was 260 yeas to 153 nays.

YEAS: Allen, Michaud

Vote 3: College Opportunity and Affordability Act (HR 4137): The House on Feb. 7 passed a bill sponsored by Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., that amends the Higher Education Act and reauthorizes certain programs. The bill increases the maximum students can borrow under the Perkins Loan Program; increases the number of Pell Grants; streamlines the federal loan application process and allows for information sharing with the Internal Revenue Service; authorizes up to $10,000 in loan forgiveness for college graduates for certain public-sector jobs; creates a scholarship program for the military and their families; devotes the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship to graduate and postgraduate programs in math and science and for grants to improve foreign language study; requires colleges and universities to divulge the reasons for cost increases; requires the Department of Education to clarify regulations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act to allow notification of families when students are in danger of committing suicide or violent acts; and increases campus safety. The vote was 354 yeas to 58 nays.

YEAS: Allen, Michaud

Vote 4: Economic Stimulus Package (HR 5140): The House on Feb. 7 agreed to the Senate amendments to a bill that will provide rebates for taxpayers and business incentives. In addition to the $600 rebate for single taxpayers ($1,200 for those filing joint returns) and a $300 rebate per child 16 or under, the Senate amendment added a $300 rebate for certain taxpayers collecting Social Security and certain disabled veterans. The bill also increases the limit on equipment purchased that can be expensed in 2008 and allows for accelerated depreciation of some purchases. Proponents said the bipartisan bill would provide relief for taxpayers and a boost to the economy. Opponents said the bill was passed too late to stimulate the economy; encourages people who have too much debt to spend rather than save; and increases the federal deficit. The vote was 380 yeas to 34 nays.

YEAS: Allen, Michaud

Senate votes

Republican Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins

Vote 1: Extending Unemployment Benefits: The Senate on Feb. 6 failed to invoke cloture, a parliamentary procedure to prevent a filibuster, on an economic stimulus bill (HR 5140) that included an additional $1 billion in energy assistance and extended unemployment insurance benefits for 13 weeks. Proponents said that the extension of unemployment benefits would aid those unable to find jobs during the economic downturn. They argued that every $1 spent on unemployment benefits yields $1.84 in economic activity. Opponents said the additional unemployment benefits added billions to the bill and the national debt created by it would pass onto future generations. They said the additional cost would delay passage of the bill and the needed stimulus for the economy. The vote was 58 yeas to 41 nays. (Three-fifths required for passage.)

YEAS: Collins, Snowe

Vote 2: Rebates Checks for Disabled Veterans and Social Security Recipients: The Senate on Feb. 7 accepted an amendment sponsored by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., to the economic stimulus package (HR 5140) that adds disabled veterans and Social Security recipients to those eligible for rebate checks. Proponents said veterans on disability benefits had served the country and should receive benefits. They said that an additional 21 million senior citizens would receive checks. The vote was 91 yeas to 6 nays.

YEAS: Collins, Snowe

Vote 3: Economic Stimulus Package (HR 5140): The Senate on Feb. 7 passed a bill geared to spur economic activity. The bill includes $106 billion rebates for taxpayers and $45 billion in business tax incentives. The Senate added rebates for certain Social Security recipients and disabled veterans to the bill. Proponents said the bill would provide needed stimulus for the economy. Opponents said the bill should address the slowing economy by decreases in corporate taxes and regulation. The vote was 81 yeas to 16 nays.

YEAS: Collins, Snowe

Compiled by Targeted News Service for the Bangor Daily News.