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Congressional Votes
Here's a look at summary stories written about each key vote in the House and Senate
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Illinois Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-03-20
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Illinois members of Congress voted over the previous week.HOUSE VOTES:
House Vote 1:
CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressively ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Illinois members of Congress voted over the previous week. HOUSE VOTES: House Vote 1: CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressivelyexpanding population of the species. An opponent, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, cited criticism from a group of blue catfish processors, which stated that the bill risks undermining sales for human consumption "by shifting public messaging toward the use of blue catfish primarily for pet food or similar byproducts." The vote, on March 17, was 320 yeas to 66 nays.
YEAS: Quigley D-IL (5th), Bost R-IL (12th), Casten D-IL (6th), Schneider D-IL (10th), LaHood R-IL (16th), Foster D-IL (11th), Underwood D-IL (14th), Budzinski D-IL (13th), Sorensen D-IL (17th)
NOT VOTING: Krishnamoorthi D-IL (8th), Davis (IL) D-IL (7th), Garcia (IL) D-IL (4th), Kelly (IL) D-IL (2nd), Schakowsky D-IL (9th), Ramirez D-IL (3rd), Jackson (IL) D-IL (1st)
NAYS: Miller (IL) R-IL (15th)
House Vote 2:
SMALL BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY: The House has passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971), sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, to extend through fiscal 2031 the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, and modify the programs, which give research and development awards to businesses. A supporter, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, said the bill "contains several bipartisan reforms that restore stability and strengthen the programs by safeguarding American technology, reducing administrative burdens, and accelerating the development of emerging technologies." The vote, on March 17, was 345 yeas to 41 nays.
YEAS: Quigley D-IL (5th), Bost R-IL (12th), Casten D-IL (6th), Schneider D-IL (10th), LaHood R-IL (16th), Foster D-IL (11th), Underwood D-IL (14th), Budzinski D-IL (13th), Sorensen D-IL (17th)
NOT VOTING: Krishnamoorthi D-IL (8th), Davis (IL) D-IL (7th), Garcia (IL) D-IL (4th), Kelly (IL) D-IL (2nd), Schakowsky D-IL (9th), Ramirez D-IL (3rd), Jackson (IL) D-IL (1st)
NAYS: Miller (IL) R-IL (15th)
House Vote 3:
LEAD AND HUNTING AND FISHING: House has passed the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act (H.R. 556), sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., to bar bans on the use of lead ammunition or tackle equipment on federal lands and waterways, unless the lead has been found to have caused declines in local wildlife populations. Wittman said the bill "ensures that any future restrictions on lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters must be supported by sound science and aligned with state law." An opponent, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said it "would block federal land managers from using common sense, science-based safeguards, when necessary, to protect wildlife from lead poisoning on federal lands and waters." The vote, on March 18, was 215 yeas to 202 nays.
NAYS: Quigley D-IL (5th), Davis (IL) D-IL (7th), Garcia (IL) D-IL (4th), Casten D-IL (6th), Schneider D-IL (10th), Schakowsky D-IL (9th), Foster D-IL (11th), Underwood D-IL (14th), Budzinski D-IL (13th), Sorensen D-IL (17th), Ramirez D-IL (3rd), Jackson (IL) D-IL (1st)
YEAS: Bost R-IL (12th), LaHood R-IL (16th), Miller (IL) R-IL (15th)
NOT VOTING: Krishnamoorthi D-IL (8th), Kelly (IL) D-IL (2nd)
House Vote 4:
BENEFITS FRAUD AND IMMIGRATION: The House has passed the Deporting Fraudsters Act (H.R. 1958), sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, to make conviction of or admission of public benefits fraud grounds for denying legal residence in the U.S. to an individual. Taylor said: "If a person is not an American citizen while defrauding the American people, they should not be able to walk freely in this country." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said it was not needed, because "section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act specifies fraud as an aggravated felony, which is by definition a deportable offense." The vote, on March 18, was 231 yeas to 186 nays.
NAYS: Quigley D-IL (5th), Davis (IL) D-IL (7th), Garcia (IL) D-IL (4th), Casten D-IL (6th), Schneider D-IL (10th), Schakowsky D-IL (9th), Foster D-IL (11th), Underwood D-IL (14th), Budzinski D-IL (13th), Jackson (IL) D-IL (1st)
YEAS: Bost R-IL (12th), LaHood R-IL (16th), Miller (IL) R-IL (15th), Sorensen D-IL (17th)
NOT VOTING: Krishnamoorthi D-IL (8th), Kelly (IL) D-IL (2nd), Ramirez D-IL (3rd)
House Vote 5:
BALANCED BUDGET: The House has rejected a bill (H.J. Res. 139), sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., that proposed a Constitutional amendment that would set out a federal government balanced budget requirement, with exceptions for wartime spending or a two-thirds majority vote in Congress. Biggs said the amendment "will not merely beat back a future fiscal crisis. It will also reduce the cost of living here and now. The enormous federal debt is currently driving up borrowing costs for all Americans." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a feeble attempt by the president's budget-busting, blank-check enablers in Congress to distract America from their own staggering and historic fiscal irresponsibility." The vote, on March 18, was 211 yeas to 207 nays, with a two-thirds majority required.
NAYS: Quigley D-IL (5th), Davis (IL) D-IL (7th), Garcia (IL) D-IL (4th), Casten D-IL (6th), Schneider D-IL (10th), Schakowsky D-IL (9th), Foster D-IL (11th), Underwood D-IL (14th), Budzinski D-IL (13th), Sorensen D-IL (17th), Ramirez D-IL (3rd), Jackson (IL) D-IL (1st)
YEAS: Bost R-IL (12th), LaHood R-IL (16th), Miller (IL) R-IL (15th)
NOT VOTING: Krishnamoorthi D-IL (8th), Kelly (IL) D-IL (2nd)
House Vote 6:
IMMIGRANTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ANIMALS: The House has passed the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act (H.R. 4638), sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., to make a conviction or admission to having committed a criminal offense against animals used by law enforcement grounds for denying an immigrant legal residence in the U.S. Calvert said "these animals work to protect us from threats both at home and abroad, and they should be given protection while they are performing their duties to keep us all safe." An opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a redundant, unnecessary, superfluous bill to score meaningless political points." The vote, on March 19, was 228 yeas to 190 nays.
NAYS: Quigley D-IL (5th), Davis (IL) D-IL (7th), Garcia (IL) D-IL (4th), Casten D-IL (6th), Schneider D-IL (10th), Schakowsky D-IL (9th), Foster D-IL (11th), Underwood D-IL (14th), Budzinski D-IL (13th), Ramirez D-IL (3rd), Jackson (IL) D-IL (1st)
YEAS: Bost R-IL (12th), LaHood R-IL (16th), Miller (IL) R-IL (15th), Sorensen D-IL (17th)
NOT VOTING: Krishnamoorthi D-IL (8th), Kelly (IL) D-IL (2nd)
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
LOUISIANA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Anna St. John to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. St. John had been an attorney at the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute in New Orleans for the past decade, specializing in settlements of class action lawsuits, after nearly a decade at a Washington, D.C., law firm. An opponent, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said "St. John's record reflects her partisan ideology and raises serious questions about her ability to impartially administer justice." The vote, on March 17, was 51 yeas to 45 nays.
NAYS: Durbin D-IL, Duckworth D-IL
Senate Vote 2:
IRAN WAR: The Senate has rejected a motion to discharge from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee a bill (S.J. Res. 118), sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., that would require the cessation of U.S. military action against Iran, other than as self-defense or direct defensive aid to countries attacked by Iran, barring a declaration of war or specific authorization from Congress. Booker cited the Senate's "solemn responsibility to assert itself along the Constitutional mandate in matters of war and peace." A bill opponent, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said: "Operation Epic Fury was well within the president's constitutional authority and duty as the commander in chief to defend Americans." The vote, on March 18, was 47 yeas to 53 nays.
YEAS: Durbin D-IL, Duckworth D-IL
For more information about Targeted News Service, please contact Myron Struck, editor, 703/304-1897, editor@targetednews.com; for technical questions about transmission or for retransmissions, please contact Kevin Meek, kevin@targetednews.com.
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Hawaii Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-03-20
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Hawaii members of Congress voted over the previous week.HOUSE VOTES:
House Vote 1:
CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressively ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Hawaii members of Congress voted over the previous week. HOUSE VOTES: House Vote 1: CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressivelyexpanding population of the species. An opponent, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, cited criticism from a group of blue catfish processors, which stated that the bill risks undermining sales for human consumption "by shifting public messaging toward the use of blue catfish primarily for pet food or similar byproducts." The vote, on March 17, was 320 yeas to 66 nays.
YEAS: Case D-HI (1st), Tokuda D-HI (2nd)
House Vote 2:
SMALL BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY: The House has passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971), sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, to extend through fiscal 2031 the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, and modify the programs, which give research and development awards to businesses. A supporter, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, said the bill "contains several bipartisan reforms that restore stability and strengthen the programs by safeguarding American technology, reducing administrative burdens, and accelerating the development of emerging technologies." The vote, on March 17, was 345 yeas to 41 nays.
YEAS: Case D-HI (1st), Tokuda D-HI (2nd)
House Vote 3:
LEAD AND HUNTING AND FISHING: House has passed the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act (H.R. 556), sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., to bar bans on the use of lead ammunition or tackle equipment on federal lands and waterways, unless the lead has been found to have caused declines in local wildlife populations. Wittman said the bill "ensures that any future restrictions on lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters must be supported by sound science and aligned with state law." An opponent, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said it "would block federal land managers from using common sense, science-based safeguards, when necessary, to protect wildlife from lead poisoning on federal lands and waters." The vote, on March 18, was 215 yeas to 202 nays.
NAYS: Case D-HI (1st), Tokuda D-HI (2nd)
House Vote 4:
BENEFITS FRAUD AND IMMIGRATION: The House has passed the Deporting Fraudsters Act (H.R. 1958), sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, to make conviction of or admission of public benefits fraud grounds for denying legal residence in the U.S. to an individual. Taylor said: "If a person is not an American citizen while defrauding the American people, they should not be able to walk freely in this country." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said it was not needed, because "section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act specifies fraud as an aggravated felony, which is by definition a deportable offense." The vote, on March 18, was 231 yeas to 186 nays.
NAYS: Case D-HI (1st), Tokuda D-HI (2nd)
House Vote 5:
BALANCED BUDGET: The House has rejected a bill (H.J. Res. 139), sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., that proposed a Constitutional amendment that would set out a federal government balanced budget requirement, with exceptions for wartime spending or a two-thirds majority vote in Congress. Biggs said the amendment "will not merely beat back a future fiscal crisis. It will also reduce the cost of living here and now. The enormous federal debt is currently driving up borrowing costs for all Americans." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a feeble attempt by the president's budget-busting, blank-check enablers in Congress to distract America from their own staggering and historic fiscal irresponsibility." The vote, on March 18, was 211 yeas to 207 nays, with a two-thirds majority required.
NAYS: Case D-HI (1st), Tokuda D-HI (2nd)
House Vote 6:
IMMIGRANTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ANIMALS: The House has passed the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act (H.R. 4638), sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., to make a conviction or admission to having committed a criminal offense against animals used by law enforcement grounds for denying an immigrant legal residence in the U.S. Calvert said "these animals work to protect us from threats both at home and abroad, and they should be given protection while they are performing their duties to keep us all safe." An opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a redundant, unnecessary, superfluous bill to score meaningless political points." The vote, on March 19, was 228 yeas to 190 nays.
NAYS: Case D-HI (1st), Tokuda D-HI (2nd)
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
LOUISIANA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Anna St. John to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. St. John had been an attorney at the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute in New Orleans for the past decade, specializing in settlements of class action lawsuits, after nearly a decade at a Washington, D.C., law firm. An opponent, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said "St. John's record reflects her partisan ideology and raises serious questions about her ability to impartially administer justice." The vote, on March 17, was 51 yeas to 45 nays.
NAYS: Schatz D-HI, Hirono D-HI
Senate Vote 2:
IRAN WAR: The Senate has rejected a motion to discharge from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee a bill (S.J. Res. 118), sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., that would require the cessation of U.S. military action against Iran, other than as self-defense or direct defensive aid to countries attacked by Iran, barring a declaration of war or specific authorization from Congress. Booker cited the Senate's "solemn responsibility to assert itself along the Constitutional mandate in matters of war and peace." A bill opponent, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said: "Operation Epic Fury was well within the president's constitutional authority and duty as the commander in chief to defend Americans." The vote, on March 18, was 47 yeas to 53 nays.
YEAS: Schatz D-HI, Hirono D-HI
For more information about Targeted News Service, please contact Myron Struck, editor, 703/304-1897, editor@targetednews.com; for technical questions about transmission or for retransmissions, please contact Kevin Meek, kevin@targetednews.com.
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Florida Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-03-20
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Florida members of Congress voted over the previous week.HOUSE VOTES:
House Vote 1:
CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressively ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Florida members of Congress voted over the previous week. HOUSE VOTES: House Vote 1: CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressivelyexpanding population of the species. An opponent, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, cited criticism from a group of blue catfish processors, which stated that the bill risks undermining sales for human consumption "by shifting public messaging toward the use of blue catfish primarily for pet food or similar byproducts." The vote, on March 17, was 320 yeas to 66 nays.
YEAS: Bilirakis R-FL (12th), Rutherford R-FL (5th), Castor (FL) D-FL (14th), Gimenez R-FL (28th), Buchanan R-FL (16th), Webster (FL) R-FL (11th), Fine R-FL (6th), Soto D-FL (9th), Haridopolos R-FL (8th), Frankel, Lois D-FL (22nd), Dunn (FL) R-FL (2nd), Cherfilus-McCormick D-FL (20th), Frost D-FL (10th), Moskowitz D-FL (23rd), Lee (FL) R-FL (15th), Patronis R-FL (1st)
NOT VOTING: Wasserman Schultz D-FL (25th), Diaz-Balart R-FL (26th), Steube R-FL (17th), Mast R-FL (21st), Wilson (FL) D-FL (24th), Salazar R-FL (27th)
NAYS: Cammack R-FL (3rd), Donalds R-FL (19th), Franklin, Scott R-FL (18th), Bean (FL) R-FL (4th), Mills R-FL (7th), Luna R-FL (13th)
House Vote 2:
SMALL BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY: The House has passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971), sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, to extend through fiscal 2031 the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, and modify the programs, which give research and development awards to businesses. A supporter, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, said the bill "contains several bipartisan reforms that restore stability and strengthen the programs by safeguarding American technology, reducing administrative burdens, and accelerating the development of emerging technologies." The vote, on March 17, was 345 yeas to 41 nays.
YEAS: Bilirakis R-FL (12th), Rutherford R-FL (5th), Castor (FL) D-FL (14th), Cammack R-FL (3rd), Mast R-FL (21st), Buchanan R-FL (16th), Webster (FL) R-FL (11th), Soto D-FL (9th), Haridopolos R-FL (8th), Frankel, Lois D-FL (22nd), Dunn (FL) R-FL (2nd), Franklin, Scott R-FL (18th), Cherfilus-McCormick D-FL (20th), Frost D-FL (10th), Moskowitz D-FL (23rd), Lee (FL) R-FL (15th), Patronis R-FL (1st)
NOT VOTING: Wasserman Schultz D-FL (25th), Diaz-Balart R-FL (26th), Steube R-FL (17th), Gimenez R-FL (28th), Wilson (FL) D-FL (24th), Salazar R-FL (27th)
NAYS: Donalds R-FL (19th), Fine R-FL (6th), Bean (FL) R-FL (4th), Mills R-FL (7th), Luna R-FL (13th)
House Vote 3:
LEAD AND HUNTING AND FISHING: House has passed the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act (H.R. 556), sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., to bar bans on the use of lead ammunition or tackle equipment on federal lands and waterways, unless the lead has been found to have caused declines in local wildlife populations. Wittman said the bill "ensures that any future restrictions on lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters must be supported by sound science and aligned with state law." An opponent, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said it "would block federal land managers from using common sense, science-based safeguards, when necessary, to protect wildlife from lead poisoning on federal lands and waters." The vote, on March 18, was 215 yeas to 202 nays.
YEAS: Bilirakis R-FL (12th), Rutherford R-FL (5th), Diaz-Balart R-FL (26th), Steube R-FL (17th), Gimenez R-FL (28th), Cammack R-FL (3rd), Mast R-FL (21st), Buchanan R-FL (16th), Webster (FL) R-FL (11th), Donalds R-FL (19th), Fine R-FL (6th), Haridopolos R-FL (8th), Dunn (FL) R-FL (2nd), Franklin, Scott R-FL (18th), Salazar R-FL (27th), Bean (FL) R-FL (4th), Mills R-FL (7th), Lee (FL) R-FL (15th), Patronis R-FL (1st)
NAYS: Castor (FL) D-FL (14th), Wasserman Schultz D-FL (25th), Wilson (FL) D-FL (24th), Soto D-FL (9th), Frankel, Lois D-FL (22nd), Cherfilus-McCormick D-FL (20th), Frost D-FL (10th), Moskowitz D-FL (23rd)
NOT VOTING: Luna R-FL (13th)
House Vote 4:
BENEFITS FRAUD AND IMMIGRATION: The House has passed the Deporting Fraudsters Act (H.R. 1958), sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, to make conviction of or admission of public benefits fraud grounds for denying legal residence in the U.S. to an individual. Taylor said: "If a person is not an American citizen while defrauding the American people, they should not be able to walk freely in this country." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said it was not needed, because "section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act specifies fraud as an aggravated felony, which is by definition a deportable offense." The vote, on March 18, was 231 yeas to 186 nays.
YEAS: Bilirakis R-FL (12th), Rutherford R-FL (5th), Diaz-Balart R-FL (26th), Steube R-FL (17th), Gimenez R-FL (28th), Cammack R-FL (3rd), Mast R-FL (21st), Buchanan R-FL (16th), Webster (FL) R-FL (11th), Donalds R-FL (19th), Fine R-FL (6th), Haridopolos R-FL (8th), Dunn (FL) R-FL (2nd), Franklin, Scott R-FL (18th), Salazar R-FL (27th), Bean (FL) R-FL (4th), Mills R-FL (7th), Lee (FL) R-FL (15th), Patronis R-FL (1st)
NAYS: Castor (FL) D-FL (14th), Wasserman Schultz D-FL (25th), Wilson (FL) D-FL (24th), Soto D-FL (9th), Frankel, Lois D-FL (22nd), Cherfilus-McCormick D-FL (20th), Frost D-FL (10th), Moskowitz D-FL (23rd)
NOT VOTING: Luna R-FL (13th)
House Vote 5:
BALANCED BUDGET: The House has rejected a bill (H.J. Res. 139), sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., that proposed a Constitutional amendment that would set out a federal government balanced budget requirement, with exceptions for wartime spending or a two-thirds majority vote in Congress. Biggs said the amendment "will not merely beat back a future fiscal crisis. It will also reduce the cost of living here and now. The enormous federal debt is currently driving up borrowing costs for all Americans." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a feeble attempt by the president's budget-busting, blank-check enablers in Congress to distract America from their own staggering and historic fiscal irresponsibility." The vote, on March 18, was 211 yeas to 207 nays, with a two-thirds majority required.
YEAS: Bilirakis R-FL (12th), Rutherford R-FL (5th), Diaz-Balart R-FL (26th), Steube R-FL (17th), Gimenez R-FL (28th), Cammack R-FL (3rd), Mast R-FL (21st), Buchanan R-FL (16th), Webster (FL) R-FL (11th), Donalds R-FL (19th), Fine R-FL (6th), Haridopolos R-FL (8th), Dunn (FL) R-FL (2nd), Franklin, Scott R-FL (18th), Salazar R-FL (27th), Bean (FL) R-FL (4th), Mills R-FL (7th), Lee (FL) R-FL (15th), Patronis R-FL (1st)
NAYS: Castor (FL) D-FL (14th), Wasserman Schultz D-FL (25th), Wilson (FL) D-FL (24th), Soto D-FL (9th), Frankel, Lois D-FL (22nd), Cherfilus-McCormick D-FL (20th), Frost D-FL (10th), Moskowitz D-FL (23rd)
NOT VOTING: Luna R-FL (13th)
House Vote 6:
IMMIGRANTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ANIMALS: The House has passed the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act (H.R. 4638), sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., to make a conviction or admission to having committed a criminal offense against animals used by law enforcement grounds for denying an immigrant legal residence in the U.S. Calvert said "these animals work to protect us from threats both at home and abroad, and they should be given protection while they are performing their duties to keep us all safe." An opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a redundant, unnecessary, superfluous bill to score meaningless political points." The vote, on March 19, was 228 yeas to 190 nays.
YEAS: Bilirakis R-FL (12th), Rutherford R-FL (5th), Diaz-Balart R-FL (26th), Steube R-FL (17th), Gimenez R-FL (28th), Cammack R-FL (3rd), Mast R-FL (21st), Buchanan R-FL (16th), Webster (FL) R-FL (11th), Donalds R-FL (19th), Fine R-FL (6th), Haridopolos R-FL (8th), Dunn (FL) R-FL (2nd), Franklin, Scott R-FL (18th), Salazar R-FL (27th), Bean (FL) R-FL (4th), Mills R-FL (7th), Lee (FL) R-FL (15th), Patronis R-FL (1st)
NAYS: Castor (FL) D-FL (14th), Wasserman Schultz D-FL (25th), Wilson (FL) D-FL (24th), Soto D-FL (9th), Frankel, Lois D-FL (22nd), Cherfilus-McCormick D-FL (20th), Frost D-FL (10th)
NOT VOTING: Luna R-FL (13th), Moskowitz D-FL (23rd)
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
LOUISIANA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Anna St. John to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. St. John had been an attorney at the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute in New Orleans for the past decade, specializing in settlements of class action lawsuits, after nearly a decade at a Washington, D.C., law firm. An opponent, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said "St. John's record reflects her partisan ideology and raises serious questions about her ability to impartially administer justice." The vote, on March 17, was 51 yeas to 45 nays.
YEAS: Scott R-FL, Moody R-FL
Senate Vote 2:
IRAN WAR: The Senate has rejected a motion to discharge from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee a bill (S.J. Res. 118), sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., that would require the cessation of U.S. military action against Iran, other than as self-defense or direct defensive aid to countries attacked by Iran, barring a declaration of war or specific authorization from Congress. Booker cited the Senate's "solemn responsibility to assert itself along the Constitutional mandate in matters of war and peace." A bill opponent, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said: "Operation Epic Fury was well within the president's constitutional authority and duty as the commander in chief to defend Americans." The vote, on March 18, was 47 yeas to 53 nays.
NAYS: Scott R-FL, Moody R-FL
For more information about Targeted News Service, please contact Myron Struck, editor, 703/304-1897, editor@targetednews.com; for technical questions about transmission or for retransmissions, please contact Kevin Meek, kevin@targetednews.com.
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Delaware Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-03-20
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Delaware members of Congress voted over the previous week.HOUSE VOTES:
House Vote 1:
CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressively ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Delaware members of Congress voted over the previous week. HOUSE VOTES: House Vote 1: CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressivelyexpanding population of the species. An opponent, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, cited criticism from a group of blue catfish processors, which stated that the bill risks undermining sales for human consumption "by shifting public messaging toward the use of blue catfish primarily for pet food or similar byproducts." The vote, on March 17, was 320 yeas to 66 nays.
YEAS: McBride D-DE (AL)
House Vote 2:
SMALL BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY: The House has passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971), sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, to extend through fiscal 2031 the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, and modify the programs, which give research and development awards to businesses. A supporter, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, said the bill "contains several bipartisan reforms that restore stability and strengthen the programs by safeguarding American technology, reducing administrative burdens, and accelerating the development of emerging technologies." The vote, on March 17, was 345 yeas to 41 nays.
YEAS: McBride D-DE (AL)
House Vote 3:
LEAD AND HUNTING AND FISHING: House has passed the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act (H.R. 556), sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., to bar bans on the use of lead ammunition or tackle equipment on federal lands and waterways, unless the lead has been found to have caused declines in local wildlife populations. Wittman said the bill "ensures that any future restrictions on lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters must be supported by sound science and aligned with state law." An opponent, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said it "would block federal land managers from using common sense, science-based safeguards, when necessary, to protect wildlife from lead poisoning on federal lands and waters." The vote, on March 18, was 215 yeas to 202 nays.
NAYS: McBride D-DE (AL)
House Vote 4:
BENEFITS FRAUD AND IMMIGRATION: The House has passed the Deporting Fraudsters Act (H.R. 1958), sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, to make conviction of or admission of public benefits fraud grounds for denying legal residence in the U.S. to an individual. Taylor said: "If a person is not an American citizen while defrauding the American people, they should not be able to walk freely in this country." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said it was not needed, because "section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act specifies fraud as an aggravated felony, which is by definition a deportable offense." The vote, on March 18, was 231 yeas to 186 nays.
NAYS: McBride D-DE (AL)
House Vote 5:
BALANCED BUDGET: The House has rejected a bill (H.J. Res. 139), sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., that proposed a Constitutional amendment that would set out a federal government balanced budget requirement, with exceptions for wartime spending or a two-thirds majority vote in Congress. Biggs said the amendment "will not merely beat back a future fiscal crisis. It will also reduce the cost of living here and now. The enormous federal debt is currently driving up borrowing costs for all Americans." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a feeble attempt by the president's budget-busting, blank-check enablers in Congress to distract America from their own staggering and historic fiscal irresponsibility." The vote, on March 18, was 211 yeas to 207 nays, with a two-thirds majority required.
NAYS: McBride D-DE (AL)
House Vote 6:
IMMIGRANTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ANIMALS: The House has passed the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act (H.R. 4638), sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., to make a conviction or admission to having committed a criminal offense against animals used by law enforcement grounds for denying an immigrant legal residence in the U.S. Calvert said "these animals work to protect us from threats both at home and abroad, and they should be given protection while they are performing their duties to keep us all safe." An opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a redundant, unnecessary, superfluous bill to score meaningless political points." The vote, on March 19, was 228 yeas to 190 nays.
NAYS: McBride D-DE (AL)
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
LOUISIANA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Anna St. John to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. St. John had been an attorney at the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute in New Orleans for the past decade, specializing in settlements of class action lawsuits, after nearly a decade at a Washington, D.C., law firm. An opponent, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said "St. John's record reflects her partisan ideology and raises serious questions about her ability to impartially administer justice." The vote, on March 17, was 51 yeas to 45 nays.
NAYS: Coons D-DE, Blunt Rochester D-DE
Senate Vote 2:
IRAN WAR: The Senate has rejected a motion to discharge from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee a bill (S.J. Res. 118), sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., that would require the cessation of U.S. military action against Iran, other than as self-defense or direct defensive aid to countries attacked by Iran, barring a declaration of war or specific authorization from Congress. Booker cited the Senate's "solemn responsibility to assert itself along the Constitutional mandate in matters of war and peace." A bill opponent, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said: "Operation Epic Fury was well within the president's constitutional authority and duty as the commander in chief to defend Americans." The vote, on March 18, was 47 yeas to 53 nays.
YEAS: Coons D-DE, Blunt Rochester D-DE
For more information about Targeted News Service, please contact Myron Struck, editor, 703/304-1897, editor@targetednews.com; for technical questions about transmission or for retransmissions, please contact Kevin Meek, kevin@targetednews.com.
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Michigan Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-03-20
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Michigan members of Congress voted over the previous week.HOUSE VOTES:
House Vote 1:
CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressively ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Michigan members of Congress voted over the previous week. HOUSE VOTES: House Vote 1: CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressivelyexpanding population of the species. An opponent, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, cited criticism from a group of blue catfish processors, which stated that the bill risks undermining sales for human consumption "by shifting public messaging toward the use of blue catfish primarily for pet food or similar byproducts." The vote, on March 17, was 320 yeas to 66 nays.
YEAS: Stevens D-MI (11th), Tlaib D-MI (12th), Dingell D-MI (6th), McDonald Rivet D-MI (8th), Walberg R-MI (5th), Bergman R-MI (1st), Moolenaar R-MI (2nd), McClain R-MI (9th), Scholten D-MI (3rd), James R-MI (10th), Thanedar D-MI (13th)
NAYS: Huizenga R-MI (4th), Barrett R-MI (7th)
House Vote 2:
SMALL BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY: The House has passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971), sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, to extend through fiscal 2031 the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, and modify the programs, which give research and development awards to businesses. A supporter, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, said the bill "contains several bipartisan reforms that restore stability and strengthen the programs by safeguarding American technology, reducing administrative burdens, and accelerating the development of emerging technologies." The vote, on March 17, was 345 yeas to 41 nays.
YEAS: Stevens D-MI (11th), Tlaib D-MI (12th), Dingell D-MI (6th), Huizenga R-MI (4th), McDonald Rivet D-MI (8th), Barrett R-MI (7th), Walberg R-MI (5th), Bergman R-MI (1st), Moolenaar R-MI (2nd), McClain R-MI (9th), Scholten D-MI (3rd), James R-MI (10th), Thanedar D-MI (13th)
House Vote 3:
LEAD AND HUNTING AND FISHING: House has passed the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act (H.R. 556), sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., to bar bans on the use of lead ammunition or tackle equipment on federal lands and waterways, unless the lead has been found to have caused declines in local wildlife populations. Wittman said the bill "ensures that any future restrictions on lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters must be supported by sound science and aligned with state law." An opponent, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said it "would block federal land managers from using common sense, science-based safeguards, when necessary, to protect wildlife from lead poisoning on federal lands and waters." The vote, on March 18, was 215 yeas to 202 nays.
NAYS: Stevens D-MI (11th), Tlaib D-MI (12th), Dingell D-MI (6th), McDonald Rivet D-MI (8th), Scholten D-MI (3rd), Thanedar D-MI (13th)
YEAS: Huizenga R-MI (4th), Barrett R-MI (7th), Walberg R-MI (5th), Bergman R-MI (1st), Moolenaar R-MI (2nd), McClain R-MI (9th), James R-MI (10th)
House Vote 4:
BENEFITS FRAUD AND IMMIGRATION: The House has passed the Deporting Fraudsters Act (H.R. 1958), sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, to make conviction of or admission of public benefits fraud grounds for denying legal residence in the U.S. to an individual. Taylor said: "If a person is not an American citizen while defrauding the American people, they should not be able to walk freely in this country." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said it was not needed, because "section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act specifies fraud as an aggravated felony, which is by definition a deportable offense." The vote, on March 18, was 231 yeas to 186 nays.
NAYS: Stevens D-MI (11th), Tlaib D-MI (12th), Dingell D-MI (6th), Scholten D-MI (3rd), Thanedar D-MI (13th)
YEAS: Huizenga R-MI (4th), McDonald Rivet D-MI (8th), Barrett R-MI (7th), Walberg R-MI (5th), Bergman R-MI (1st), Moolenaar R-MI (2nd), McClain R-MI (9th), James R-MI (10th)
House Vote 5:
BALANCED BUDGET: The House has rejected a bill (H.J. Res. 139), sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., that proposed a Constitutional amendment that would set out a federal government balanced budget requirement, with exceptions for wartime spending or a two-thirds majority vote in Congress. Biggs said the amendment "will not merely beat back a future fiscal crisis. It will also reduce the cost of living here and now. The enormous federal debt is currently driving up borrowing costs for all Americans." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a feeble attempt by the president's budget-busting, blank-check enablers in Congress to distract America from their own staggering and historic fiscal irresponsibility." The vote, on March 18, was 211 yeas to 207 nays, with a two-thirds majority required.
NAYS: Stevens D-MI (11th), Tlaib D-MI (12th), Dingell D-MI (6th), McDonald Rivet D-MI (8th), Scholten D-MI (3rd), Thanedar D-MI (13th)
YEAS: Huizenga R-MI (4th), Barrett R-MI (7th), Walberg R-MI (5th), Bergman R-MI (1st), Moolenaar R-MI (2nd), McClain R-MI (9th), James R-MI (10th)
House Vote 6:
IMMIGRANTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ANIMALS: The House has passed the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act (H.R. 4638), sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., to make a conviction or admission to having committed a criminal offense against animals used by law enforcement grounds for denying an immigrant legal residence in the U.S. Calvert said "these animals work to protect us from threats both at home and abroad, and they should be given protection while they are performing their duties to keep us all safe." An opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a redundant, unnecessary, superfluous bill to score meaningless political points." The vote, on March 19, was 228 yeas to 190 nays.
NAYS: Stevens D-MI (11th), Tlaib D-MI (12th), Dingell D-MI (6th), McDonald Rivet D-MI (8th), Scholten D-MI (3rd), Thanedar D-MI (13th)
YEAS: Huizenga R-MI (4th), Barrett R-MI (7th), Walberg R-MI (5th), Bergman R-MI (1st), Moolenaar R-MI (2nd), McClain R-MI (9th), James R-MI (10th)
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
LOUISIANA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Anna St. John to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. St. John had been an attorney at the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute in New Orleans for the past decade, specializing in settlements of class action lawsuits, after nearly a decade at a Washington, D.C., law firm. An opponent, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said "St. John's record reflects her partisan ideology and raises serious questions about her ability to impartially administer justice." The vote, on March 17, was 51 yeas to 45 nays.
NAYS: Peters D-MI, Slotkin D-MI
Senate Vote 2:
IRAN WAR: The Senate has rejected a motion to discharge from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee a bill (S.J. Res. 118), sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., that would require the cessation of U.S. military action against Iran, other than as self-defense or direct defensive aid to countries attacked by Iran, barring a declaration of war or specific authorization from Congress. Booker cited the Senate's "solemn responsibility to assert itself along the Constitutional mandate in matters of war and peace." A bill opponent, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said: "Operation Epic Fury was well within the president's constitutional authority and duty as the commander in chief to defend Americans." The vote, on March 18, was 47 yeas to 53 nays.
YEAS: Peters D-MI, Slotkin D-MI
For more information about Targeted News Service, please contact Myron Struck, editor, 703/304-1897, editor@targetednews.com; for technical questions about transmission or for retransmissions, please contact Kevin Meek, kevin@targetednews.com.
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California Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-03-20
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how California members of Congress voted over the previous week.HOUSE VOTES:
House Vote 1:
CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressively ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how California members of Congress voted over the previous week. HOUSE VOTES: House Vote 1: CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressivelyexpanding population of the species. An opponent, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, cited criticism from a group of blue catfish processors, which stated that the bill risks undermining sales for human consumption "by shifting public messaging toward the use of blue catfish primarily for pet food or similar byproducts." The vote, on March 17, was 320 yeas to 66 nays.
YEAS: Gomez D-CA (34th), Sanchez D-CA (38th), Torres (CA) D-CA (35th), Calvert R-CA (41st), Carbajal D-CA (24th), Min D-CA (47th), Costa D-CA (21st), Brownley D-CA (26th), Liccardo D-CA (16th), Panetta D-CA (19th), Vargas D-CA (52nd), Barragan D-CA (44th), Huffman D-CA (2nd), Khanna D-CA (17th), Levin D-CA (49th), Simon D-CA (12th), Takano D-CA (39th), Lofgren D-CA (18th), Thompson (CA) D-CA (4th), Aguilar D-CA (33rd), DeSaulnier D-CA (10th), Cisneros D-CA (31st), Ruiz D-CA (25th), Harder (CA) D-CA (9th), Rivas D-CA (29th), Friedman D-CA (30th), Sherman D-CA (32nd), Chu D-CA (28th), Garamendi D-CA (8th), Bera D-CA (6th), Waters D-CA (43rd), Lieu D-CA (36th), Peters D-CA (50th), Matsui D-CA (7th), Whitesides D-CA (27th), Issa R-CA (48th), Kim R-CA (40th), Obernolte R-CA (23rd), Tran D-CA (45th), Valadao R-CA (22nd), Jacobs D-CA (51st), Gray D-CA (13th), Mullin D-CA (15th), Kiley (CA) I-CA (3rd), Kamlager-Dove D-CA (37th), Fong R-CA (20th)
NAYS: McClintock R-CA (5th)
NOT VOTING: Pelosi D-CA (11th), Correa D-CA (46th), Swalwell D-CA (14th), Garcia (CA) D-CA (42nd)
House Vote 2:
SMALL BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY: The House has passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971), sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, to extend through fiscal 2031 the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, and modify the programs, which give research and development awards to businesses. A supporter, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, said the bill "contains several bipartisan reforms that restore stability and strengthen the programs by safeguarding American technology, reducing administrative burdens, and accelerating the development of emerging technologies." The vote, on March 17, was 345 yeas to 41 nays.
YEAS: Gomez D-CA (34th), Sanchez D-CA (38th), Torres (CA) D-CA (35th), Calvert R-CA (41st), Carbajal D-CA (24th), Min D-CA (47th), Costa D-CA (21st), Brownley D-CA (26th), Liccardo D-CA (16th), Panetta D-CA (19th), Vargas D-CA (52nd), Barragan D-CA (44th), Huffman D-CA (2nd), Khanna D-CA (17th), Levin D-CA (49th), Simon D-CA (12th), Takano D-CA (39th), Lofgren D-CA (18th), Thompson (CA) D-CA (4th), Aguilar D-CA (33rd), DeSaulnier D-CA (10th), Cisneros D-CA (31st), Ruiz D-CA (25th), Harder (CA) D-CA (9th), Rivas D-CA (29th), Friedman D-CA (30th), Sherman D-CA (32nd), Chu D-CA (28th), Garamendi D-CA (8th), Bera D-CA (6th), Waters D-CA (43rd), Lieu D-CA (36th), Peters D-CA (50th), Matsui D-CA (7th), Whitesides D-CA (27th), Issa R-CA (48th), Kim R-CA (40th), Obernolte R-CA (23rd), Tran D-CA (45th), Valadao R-CA (22nd), Jacobs D-CA (51st), Gray D-CA (13th), Mullin D-CA (15th), Kiley (CA) I-CA (3rd), Kamlager-Dove D-CA (37th), Fong R-CA (20th)
NAYS: McClintock R-CA (5th)
NOT VOTING: Pelosi D-CA (11th), Correa D-CA (46th), Swalwell D-CA (14th), Garcia (CA) D-CA (42nd)
House Vote 3:
LEAD AND HUNTING AND FISHING: House has passed the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act (H.R. 556), sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., to bar bans on the use of lead ammunition or tackle equipment on federal lands and waterways, unless the lead has been found to have caused declines in local wildlife populations. Wittman said the bill "ensures that any future restrictions on lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters must be supported by sound science and aligned with state law." An opponent, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said it "would block federal land managers from using common sense, science-based safeguards, when necessary, to protect wildlife from lead poisoning on federal lands and waters." The vote, on March 18, was 215 yeas to 202 nays.
NAYS: Gomez D-CA (34th), Sanchez D-CA (38th), Torres (CA) D-CA (35th), Carbajal D-CA (24th), Min D-CA (47th), Costa D-CA (21st), Brownley D-CA (26th), Liccardo D-CA (16th), Panetta D-CA (19th), Vargas D-CA (52nd), Barragan D-CA (44th), Huffman D-CA (2nd), Khanna D-CA (17th), Levin D-CA (49th), Simon D-CA (12th), Takano D-CA (39th), Lofgren D-CA (18th), Thompson (CA) D-CA (4th), Aguilar D-CA (33rd), DeSaulnier D-CA (10th), Cisneros D-CA (31st), Pelosi D-CA (11th), Ruiz D-CA (25th), Harder (CA) D-CA (9th), Rivas D-CA (29th), Correa D-CA (46th), Friedman D-CA (30th), Sherman D-CA (32nd), Chu D-CA (28th), Garamendi D-CA (8th), Bera D-CA (6th), Waters D-CA (43rd), Lieu D-CA (36th), Peters D-CA (50th), Matsui D-CA (7th), Whitesides D-CA (27th), Tran D-CA (45th), Jacobs D-CA (51st), Mullin D-CA (15th), Kamlager-Dove D-CA (37th), Garcia (CA) D-CA (42nd)
YEAS: Calvert R-CA (41st), McClintock R-CA (5th), Issa R-CA (48th), Kim R-CA (40th), Obernolte R-CA (23rd), Valadao R-CA (22nd), Gray D-CA (13th), Kiley (CA) I-CA (3rd), Fong R-CA (20th)
NOT VOTING: Swalwell D-CA (14th)
House Vote 4:
BENEFITS FRAUD AND IMMIGRATION: The House has passed the Deporting Fraudsters Act (H.R. 1958), sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, to make conviction of or admission of public benefits fraud grounds for denying legal residence in the U.S. to an individual. Taylor said: "If a person is not an American citizen while defrauding the American people, they should not be able to walk freely in this country." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said it was not needed, because "section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act specifies fraud as an aggravated felony, which is by definition a deportable offense." The vote, on March 18, was 231 yeas to 186 nays.
NAYS: Gomez D-CA (34th), Sanchez D-CA (38th), Torres (CA) D-CA (35th), Carbajal D-CA (24th), Min D-CA (47th), Costa D-CA (21st), Brownley D-CA (26th), Liccardo D-CA (16th), Panetta D-CA (19th), Vargas D-CA (52nd), Barragan D-CA (44th), Huffman D-CA (2nd), Khanna D-CA (17th), Levin D-CA (49th), Simon D-CA (12th), Takano D-CA (39th), Lofgren D-CA (18th), Thompson (CA) D-CA (4th), Aguilar D-CA (33rd), DeSaulnier D-CA (10th), Cisneros D-CA (31st), Pelosi D-CA (11th), Ruiz D-CA (25th), Harder (CA) D-CA (9th), Rivas D-CA (29th), Correa D-CA (46th), Friedman D-CA (30th), Sherman D-CA (32nd), Chu D-CA (28th), Garamendi D-CA (8th), Bera D-CA (6th), Waters D-CA (43rd), Lieu D-CA (36th), Peters D-CA (50th), Matsui D-CA (7th), Whitesides D-CA (27th), Jacobs D-CA (51st), Mullin D-CA (15th), Kamlager-Dove D-CA (37th), Garcia (CA) D-CA (42nd)
YEAS: Calvert R-CA (41st), McClintock R-CA (5th), Issa R-CA (48th), Kim R-CA (40th), Obernolte R-CA (23rd), Tran D-CA (45th), Valadao R-CA (22nd), Gray D-CA (13th), Kiley (CA) I-CA (3rd), Fong R-CA (20th)
NOT VOTING: Swalwell D-CA (14th)
House Vote 5:
BALANCED BUDGET: The House has rejected a bill (H.J. Res. 139), sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., that proposed a Constitutional amendment that would set out a federal government balanced budget requirement, with exceptions for wartime spending or a two-thirds majority vote in Congress. Biggs said the amendment "will not merely beat back a future fiscal crisis. It will also reduce the cost of living here and now. The enormous federal debt is currently driving up borrowing costs for all Americans." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a feeble attempt by the president's budget-busting, blank-check enablers in Congress to distract America from their own staggering and historic fiscal irresponsibility." The vote, on March 18, was 211 yeas to 207 nays, with a two-thirds majority required.
NAYS: Gomez D-CA (34th), Sanchez D-CA (38th), Torres (CA) D-CA (35th), Carbajal D-CA (24th), Min D-CA (47th), Costa D-CA (21st), Brownley D-CA (26th), Liccardo D-CA (16th), Panetta D-CA (19th), Vargas D-CA (52nd), Barragan D-CA (44th), Huffman D-CA (2nd), Khanna D-CA (17th), Levin D-CA (49th), Simon D-CA (12th), Takano D-CA (39th), Lofgren D-CA (18th), Thompson (CA) D-CA (4th), Aguilar D-CA (33rd), DeSaulnier D-CA (10th), Cisneros D-CA (31st), Pelosi D-CA (11th), Ruiz D-CA (25th), Harder (CA) D-CA (9th), Rivas D-CA (29th), Correa D-CA (46th), Friedman D-CA (30th), Sherman D-CA (32nd), Chu D-CA (28th), Garamendi D-CA (8th), Bera D-CA (6th), Waters D-CA (43rd), Lieu D-CA (36th), Peters D-CA (50th), Matsui D-CA (7th), Whitesides D-CA (27th), Tran D-CA (45th), Jacobs D-CA (51st), Gray D-CA (13th), Mullin D-CA (15th), Kamlager-Dove D-CA (37th), Garcia (CA) D-CA (42nd)
YEAS: Calvert R-CA (41st), McClintock R-CA (5th), Issa R-CA (48th), Kim R-CA (40th), Obernolte R-CA (23rd), Valadao R-CA (22nd), Kiley (CA) I-CA (3rd), Fong R-CA (20th)
NOT VOTING: Swalwell D-CA (14th)
House Vote 6:
IMMIGRANTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ANIMALS: The House has passed the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act (H.R. 4638), sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., to make a conviction or admission to having committed a criminal offense against animals used by law enforcement grounds for denying an immigrant legal residence in the U.S. Calvert said "these animals work to protect us from threats both at home and abroad, and they should be given protection while they are performing their duties to keep us all safe." An opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a redundant, unnecessary, superfluous bill to score meaningless political points." The vote, on March 19, was 228 yeas to 190 nays.
NAYS: Gomez D-CA (34th), Sanchez D-CA (38th), Torres (CA) D-CA (35th), Carbajal D-CA (24th), Min D-CA (47th), Costa D-CA (21st), Brownley D-CA (26th), Liccardo D-CA (16th), Panetta D-CA (19th), Vargas D-CA (52nd), Barragan D-CA (44th), Huffman D-CA (2nd), Khanna D-CA (17th), Levin D-CA (49th), Simon D-CA (12th), Takano D-CA (39th), Lofgren D-CA (18th), Thompson (CA) D-CA (4th), Aguilar D-CA (33rd), DeSaulnier D-CA (10th), Cisneros D-CA (31st), Pelosi D-CA (11th), Ruiz D-CA (25th), Harder (CA) D-CA (9th), Rivas D-CA (29th), Correa D-CA (46th), Friedman D-CA (30th), Sherman D-CA (32nd), Chu D-CA (28th), Bera D-CA (6th), Waters D-CA (43rd), Lieu D-CA (36th), Peters D-CA (50th), Matsui D-CA (7th), Whitesides D-CA (27th), Tran D-CA (45th), Jacobs D-CA (51st), Mullin D-CA (15th), Kamlager-Dove D-CA (37th), Garcia (CA) D-CA (42nd)
YEAS: Calvert R-CA (41st), McClintock R-CA (5th), Garamendi D-CA (8th), Issa R-CA (48th), Kim R-CA (40th), Obernolte R-CA (23rd), Valadao R-CA (22nd), Gray D-CA (13th), Kiley (CA) I-CA (3rd), Fong R-CA (20th)
NOT VOTING: Swalwell D-CA (14th)
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
LOUISIANA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Anna St. John to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. St. John had been an attorney at the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute in New Orleans for the past decade, specializing in settlements of class action lawsuits, after nearly a decade at a Washington, D.C., law firm. An opponent, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said "St. John's record reflects her partisan ideology and raises serious questions about her ability to impartially administer justice." The vote, on March 17, was 51 yeas to 45 nays.
NAYS: Padilla D-CA, Schiff D-CA
Senate Vote 2:
IRAN WAR: The Senate has rejected a motion to discharge from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee a bill (S.J. Res. 118), sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., that would require the cessation of U.S. military action against Iran, other than as self-defense or direct defensive aid to countries attacked by Iran, barring a declaration of war or specific authorization from Congress. Booker cited the Senate's "solemn responsibility to assert itself along the Constitutional mandate in matters of war and peace." A bill opponent, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said: "Operation Epic Fury was well within the president's constitutional authority and duty as the commander in chief to defend Americans." The vote, on March 18, was 47 yeas to 53 nays.
YEAS: Padilla D-CA, Schiff D-CA
For more information about Targeted News Service, please contact Myron Struck, editor, 703/304-1897, editor@targetednews.com; for technical questions about transmission or for retransmissions, please contact Kevin Meek, kevin@targetednews.com.
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Maryland Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-03-20
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Maryland members of Congress voted over the previous week.HOUSE VOTES:
House Vote 1:
CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressively ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Maryland members of Congress voted over the previous week. HOUSE VOTES: House Vote 1: CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressivelyexpanding population of the species. An opponent, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, cited criticism from a group of blue catfish processors, which stated that the bill risks undermining sales for human consumption "by shifting public messaging toward the use of blue catfish primarily for pet food or similar byproducts." The vote, on March 17, was 320 yeas to 66 nays.
YEAS: McClain Delaney D-MD (6th), Elfreth D-MD (3rd), Olszewski D-MD (2nd), Hoyer D-MD (5th), Raskin D-MD (8th), Mfume D-MD (7th), Ivey D-MD (4th)
NAYS: Harris (MD) R-MD (1st)
House Vote 2:
SMALL BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY: The House has passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971), sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, to extend through fiscal 2031 the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, and modify the programs, which give research and development awards to businesses. A supporter, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, said the bill "contains several bipartisan reforms that restore stability and strengthen the programs by safeguarding American technology, reducing administrative burdens, and accelerating the development of emerging technologies." The vote, on March 17, was 345 yeas to 41 nays.
YEAS: McClain Delaney D-MD (6th), Elfreth D-MD (3rd), Olszewski D-MD (2nd), Hoyer D-MD (5th), Raskin D-MD (8th), Mfume D-MD (7th), Ivey D-MD (4th)
NAYS: Harris (MD) R-MD (1st)
House Vote 3:
LEAD AND HUNTING AND FISHING: House has passed the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act (H.R. 556), sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., to bar bans on the use of lead ammunition or tackle equipment on federal lands and waterways, unless the lead has been found to have caused declines in local wildlife populations. Wittman said the bill "ensures that any future restrictions on lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters must be supported by sound science and aligned with state law." An opponent, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said it "would block federal land managers from using common sense, science-based safeguards, when necessary, to protect wildlife from lead poisoning on federal lands and waters." The vote, on March 18, was 215 yeas to 202 nays.
NAYS: McClain Delaney D-MD (6th), Elfreth D-MD (3rd), Olszewski D-MD (2nd), Hoyer D-MD (5th), Raskin D-MD (8th), Mfume D-MD (7th), Ivey D-MD (4th)
YEAS: Harris (MD) R-MD (1st)
House Vote 4:
BENEFITS FRAUD AND IMMIGRATION: The House has passed the Deporting Fraudsters Act (H.R. 1958), sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, to make conviction of or admission of public benefits fraud grounds for denying legal residence in the U.S. to an individual. Taylor said: "If a person is not an American citizen while defrauding the American people, they should not be able to walk freely in this country." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said it was not needed, because "section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act specifies fraud as an aggravated felony, which is by definition a deportable offense." The vote, on March 18, was 231 yeas to 186 nays.
NAYS: McClain Delaney D-MD (6th), Elfreth D-MD (3rd), Olszewski D-MD (2nd), Hoyer D-MD (5th), Raskin D-MD (8th), Mfume D-MD (7th), Ivey D-MD (4th)
YEAS: Harris (MD) R-MD (1st)
House Vote 5:
BALANCED BUDGET: The House has rejected a bill (H.J. Res. 139), sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., that proposed a Constitutional amendment that would set out a federal government balanced budget requirement, with exceptions for wartime spending or a two-thirds majority vote in Congress. Biggs said the amendment "will not merely beat back a future fiscal crisis. It will also reduce the cost of living here and now. The enormous federal debt is currently driving up borrowing costs for all Americans." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a feeble attempt by the president's budget-busting, blank-check enablers in Congress to distract America from their own staggering and historic fiscal irresponsibility." The vote, on March 18, was 211 yeas to 207 nays, with a two-thirds majority required.
NAYS: McClain Delaney D-MD (6th), Elfreth D-MD (3rd), Olszewski D-MD (2nd), Hoyer D-MD (5th), Raskin D-MD (8th), Mfume D-MD (7th), Ivey D-MD (4th)
YEAS: Harris (MD) R-MD (1st)
House Vote 6:
IMMIGRANTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ANIMALS: The House has passed the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act (H.R. 4638), sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., to make a conviction or admission to having committed a criminal offense against animals used by law enforcement grounds for denying an immigrant legal residence in the U.S. Calvert said "these animals work to protect us from threats both at home and abroad, and they should be given protection while they are performing their duties to keep us all safe." An opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a redundant, unnecessary, superfluous bill to score meaningless political points." The vote, on March 19, was 228 yeas to 190 nays.
NAYS: McClain Delaney D-MD (6th), Elfreth D-MD (3rd), Olszewski D-MD (2nd), Hoyer D-MD (5th), Raskin D-MD (8th), Mfume D-MD (7th), Ivey D-MD (4th)
YEAS: Harris (MD) R-MD (1st)
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
LOUISIANA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Anna St. John to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. St. John had been an attorney at the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute in New Orleans for the past decade, specializing in settlements of class action lawsuits, after nearly a decade at a Washington, D.C., law firm. An opponent, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said "St. John's record reflects her partisan ideology and raises serious questions about her ability to impartially administer justice." The vote, on March 17, was 51 yeas to 45 nays.
NAYS: Van Hollen D-MD, Alsobrooks D-MD
Senate Vote 2:
IRAN WAR: The Senate has rejected a motion to discharge from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee a bill (S.J. Res. 118), sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., that would require the cessation of U.S. military action against Iran, other than as self-defense or direct defensive aid to countries attacked by Iran, barring a declaration of war or specific authorization from Congress. Booker cited the Senate's "solemn responsibility to assert itself along the Constitutional mandate in matters of war and peace." A bill opponent, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said: "Operation Epic Fury was well within the president's constitutional authority and duty as the commander in chief to defend Americans." The vote, on March 18, was 47 yeas to 53 nays.
YEAS: Van Hollen D-MD, Alsobrooks D-MD
For more information about Targeted News Service, please contact Myron Struck, editor, 703/304-1897, editor@targetednews.com; for technical questions about transmission or for retransmissions, please contact Kevin Meek, kevin@targetednews.com.
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Alabama Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-03-20
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Alabama members of Congress voted over the previous week.HOUSE VOTES:
House Vote 1:
CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressively ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Alabama members of Congress voted over the previous week. HOUSE VOTES: House Vote 1: CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressivelyexpanding population of the species. An opponent, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, cited criticism from a group of blue catfish processors, which stated that the bill risks undermining sales for human consumption "by shifting public messaging toward the use of blue catfish primarily for pet food or similar byproducts." The vote, on March 17, was 320 yeas to 66 nays.
YEAS: Aderholt R-AL (4th), Sewell D-AL (7th), Rogers (AL) R-AL (3rd), Figures D-AL (2nd)
NAYS: Palmer R-AL (6th), Moore (AL) R-AL (1st)
NOT VOTING: Strong R-AL (5th)
House Vote 2:
SMALL BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY: The House has passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971), sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, to extend through fiscal 2031 the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, and modify the programs, which give research and development awards to businesses. A supporter, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, said the bill "contains several bipartisan reforms that restore stability and strengthen the programs by safeguarding American technology, reducing administrative burdens, and accelerating the development of emerging technologies." The vote, on March 17, was 345 yeas to 41 nays.
YEAS: Aderholt R-AL (4th), Palmer R-AL (6th), Sewell D-AL (7th), Rogers (AL) R-AL (3rd), Figures D-AL (2nd)
NAYS: Moore (AL) R-AL (1st)
NOT VOTING: Strong R-AL (5th)
House Vote 3:
LEAD AND HUNTING AND FISHING: House has passed the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act (H.R. 556), sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., to bar bans on the use of lead ammunition or tackle equipment on federal lands and waterways, unless the lead has been found to have caused declines in local wildlife populations. Wittman said the bill "ensures that any future restrictions on lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters must be supported by sound science and aligned with state law." An opponent, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said it "would block federal land managers from using common sense, science-based safeguards, when necessary, to protect wildlife from lead poisoning on federal lands and waters." The vote, on March 18, was 215 yeas to 202 nays.
YEAS: Aderholt R-AL (4th), Palmer R-AL (6th), Moore (AL) R-AL (1st), Rogers (AL) R-AL (3rd), Strong R-AL (5th)
NAYS: Sewell D-AL (7th), Figures D-AL (2nd)
House Vote 4:
BENEFITS FRAUD AND IMMIGRATION: The House has passed the Deporting Fraudsters Act (H.R. 1958), sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, to make conviction of or admission of public benefits fraud grounds for denying legal residence in the U.S. to an individual. Taylor said: "If a person is not an American citizen while defrauding the American people, they should not be able to walk freely in this country." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said it was not needed, because "section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act specifies fraud as an aggravated felony, which is by definition a deportable offense." The vote, on March 18, was 231 yeas to 186 nays.
YEAS: Aderholt R-AL (4th), Palmer R-AL (6th), Moore (AL) R-AL (1st), Rogers (AL) R-AL (3rd), Strong R-AL (5th)
NAYS: Sewell D-AL (7th), Figures D-AL (2nd)
House Vote 5:
BALANCED BUDGET: The House has rejected a bill (H.J. Res. 139), sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., that proposed a Constitutional amendment that would set out a federal government balanced budget requirement, with exceptions for wartime spending or a two-thirds majority vote in Congress. Biggs said the amendment "will not merely beat back a future fiscal crisis. It will also reduce the cost of living here and now. The enormous federal debt is currently driving up borrowing costs for all Americans." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a feeble attempt by the president's budget-busting, blank-check enablers in Congress to distract America from their own staggering and historic fiscal irresponsibility." The vote, on March 18, was 211 yeas to 207 nays, with a two-thirds majority required.
YEAS: Aderholt R-AL (4th), Palmer R-AL (6th), Moore (AL) R-AL (1st), Rogers (AL) R-AL (3rd), Strong R-AL (5th)
NAYS: Sewell D-AL (7th), Figures D-AL (2nd)
House Vote 6:
IMMIGRANTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ANIMALS: The House has passed the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act (H.R. 4638), sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., to make a conviction or admission to having committed a criminal offense against animals used by law enforcement grounds for denying an immigrant legal residence in the U.S. Calvert said "these animals work to protect us from threats both at home and abroad, and they should be given protection while they are performing their duties to keep us all safe." An opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a redundant, unnecessary, superfluous bill to score meaningless political points." The vote, on March 19, was 228 yeas to 190 nays.
YEAS: Aderholt R-AL (4th), Palmer R-AL (6th), Moore (AL) R-AL (1st), Rogers (AL) R-AL (3rd), Strong R-AL (5th)
NAYS: Sewell D-AL (7th), Figures D-AL (2nd)
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
LOUISIANA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Anna St. John to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. St. John had been an attorney at the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute in New Orleans for the past decade, specializing in settlements of class action lawsuits, after nearly a decade at a Washington, D.C., law firm. An opponent, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said "St. John's record reflects her partisan ideology and raises serious questions about her ability to impartially administer justice." The vote, on March 17, was 51 yeas to 45 nays.
YEAS: Tuberville R-AL, Britt R-AL
Senate Vote 2:
IRAN WAR: The Senate has rejected a motion to discharge from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee a bill (S.J. Res. 118), sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., that would require the cessation of U.S. military action against Iran, other than as self-defense or direct defensive aid to countries attacked by Iran, barring a declaration of war or specific authorization from Congress. Booker cited the Senate's "solemn responsibility to assert itself along the Constitutional mandate in matters of war and peace." A bill opponent, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said: "Operation Epic Fury was well within the president's constitutional authority and duty as the commander in chief to defend Americans." The vote, on March 18, was 47 yeas to 53 nays.
NAYS: Tuberville R-AL, Britt R-AL
For more information about Targeted News Service, please contact Myron Struck, editor, 703/304-1897, editor@targetednews.com; for technical questions about transmission or for retransmissions, please contact Kevin Meek, kevin@targetednews.com.
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Kansas Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-03-20
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Kansas members of Congress voted over the previous week.HOUSE VOTES:
House Vote 1:
CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressively ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Here's a look at how Kansas members of Congress voted over the previous week. HOUSE VOTES: House Vote 1: CHESAPEAKE BAY ECOLOGY: The House has passed the Mitigation and Watermen Support Act (H.R. 4294), sponsored by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to initiate a pilot program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to purchase blue catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, caught by seafood businesses. Elfreth said the program, by creating a consistent, reliable level of customers for the blue catfish catch, would help contain the aggressivelyexpanding population of the species. An opponent, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, cited criticism from a group of blue catfish processors, which stated that the bill risks undermining sales for human consumption "by shifting public messaging toward the use of blue catfish primarily for pet food or similar byproducts." The vote, on March 17, was 320 yeas to 66 nays.
NOT VOTING: Davids (KS) D-KS (3rd)
NAYS: Estes R-KS (4th)
YEAS: Schmidt R-KS (2nd), Mann R-KS (1st)
House Vote 2:
SMALL BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY: The House has passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971), sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, to extend through fiscal 2031 the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, and modify the programs, which give research and development awards to businesses. A supporter, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, said the bill "contains several bipartisan reforms that restore stability and strengthen the programs by safeguarding American technology, reducing administrative burdens, and accelerating the development of emerging technologies." The vote, on March 17, was 345 yeas to 41 nays.
NOT VOTING: Davids (KS) D-KS (3rd)
YEAS: Estes R-KS (4th), Schmidt R-KS (2nd), Mann R-KS (1st)
House Vote 3:
LEAD AND HUNTING AND FISHING: House has passed the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act (H.R. 556), sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., to bar bans on the use of lead ammunition or tackle equipment on federal lands and waterways, unless the lead has been found to have caused declines in local wildlife populations. Wittman said the bill "ensures that any future restrictions on lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters must be supported by sound science and aligned with state law." An opponent, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said it "would block federal land managers from using common sense, science-based safeguards, when necessary, to protect wildlife from lead poisoning on federal lands and waters." The vote, on March 18, was 215 yeas to 202 nays.
NAYS: Davids (KS) D-KS (3rd)
YEAS: Estes R-KS (4th), Schmidt R-KS (2nd), Mann R-KS (1st)
House Vote 4:
BENEFITS FRAUD AND IMMIGRATION: The House has passed the Deporting Fraudsters Act (H.R. 1958), sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, to make conviction of or admission of public benefits fraud grounds for denying legal residence in the U.S. to an individual. Taylor said: "If a person is not an American citizen while defrauding the American people, they should not be able to walk freely in this country." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said it was not needed, because "section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act specifies fraud as an aggravated felony, which is by definition a deportable offense." The vote, on March 18, was 231 yeas to 186 nays.
YEAS: Davids (KS) D-KS (3rd), Estes R-KS (4th), Schmidt R-KS (2nd), Mann R-KS (1st)
House Vote 5:
BALANCED BUDGET: The House has rejected a bill (H.J. Res. 139), sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., that proposed a Constitutional amendment that would set out a federal government balanced budget requirement, with exceptions for wartime spending or a two-thirds majority vote in Congress. Biggs said the amendment "will not merely beat back a future fiscal crisis. It will also reduce the cost of living here and now. The enormous federal debt is currently driving up borrowing costs for all Americans." A bill opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a feeble attempt by the president's budget-busting, blank-check enablers in Congress to distract America from their own staggering and historic fiscal irresponsibility." The vote, on March 18, was 211 yeas to 207 nays, with a two-thirds majority required.
NAYS: Davids (KS) D-KS (3rd)
YEAS: Estes R-KS (4th), Schmidt R-KS (2nd), Mann R-KS (1st)
House Vote 6:
IMMIGRANTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ANIMALS: The House has passed the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act (H.R. 4638), sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., to make a conviction or admission to having committed a criminal offense against animals used by law enforcement grounds for denying an immigrant legal residence in the U.S. Calvert said "these animals work to protect us from threats both at home and abroad, and they should be given protection while they are performing their duties to keep us all safe." An opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called it "a redundant, unnecessary, superfluous bill to score meaningless political points." The vote, on March 19, was 228 yeas to 190 nays.
YEAS: Davids (KS) D-KS (3rd), Estes R-KS (4th), Schmidt R-KS (2nd), Mann R-KS (1st)
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
LOUISIANA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Anna St. John to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. St. John had been an attorney at the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute in New Orleans for the past decade, specializing in settlements of class action lawsuits, after nearly a decade at a Washington, D.C., law firm. An opponent, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said "St. John's record reflects her partisan ideology and raises serious questions about her ability to impartially administer justice." The vote, on March 17, was 51 yeas to 45 nays.
YEAS: Moran R-KS, Marshall R-KS
Senate Vote 2:
IRAN WAR: The Senate has rejected a motion to discharge from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee a bill (S.J. Res. 118), sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., that would require the cessation of U.S. military action against Iran, other than as self-defense or direct defensive aid to countries attacked by Iran, barring a declaration of war or specific authorization from Congress. Booker cited the Senate's "solemn responsibility to assert itself along the Constitutional mandate in matters of war and peace." A bill opponent, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said: "Operation Epic Fury was well within the president's constitutional authority and duty as the commander in chief to defend Americans." The vote, on March 18, was 47 yeas to 53 nays.
NAYS: Moran R-KS, Marshall R-KS
For more information about Targeted News Service, please contact Myron Struck, editor, 703/304-1897, editor@targetednews.com; for technical questions about transmission or for retransmissions, please contact Kevin Meek, kevin@targetednews.com.
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