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Illinois Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-08-14
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Illinois members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Illinois members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch thepower to raise nearly $500 billion in revenue--in taxes," harming Americans. An amendment opponent, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said: "The authority in this bill to impose tariffs is very narrowly scoped, and it contains clear guardrails." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 32 yeas to 64 nays.
NAYS: Durbin D-IL, Duckworth D-IL
Senate Vote 2:
SANCTIONING RUSSIA AND IRAN: The Senate has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (H.R. 5334), sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif. To authorize imposing secondary tariffs on imports from countries that import fossil fuels from Russia, adopt a variety of sanctions against Russia, and extend expiring sanctions on Iran. A supporter, Sen. Dick Blumenthal, D-Conn., said "it provides a powerful pressure point in stopping buyers of Russian oil and gas from continuing to provide the essential fuel for that war machine." An opponent, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said: "This bill gives Trump so much discretion that he can ultimately decide what countries to tariff or what countries to exempt. He can modify tariffs at his will." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 86 yeas to 11 nays.
YEAS: Durbin D-IL, Duckworth D-IL
Senate Vote 3:
EN BLOC NOMINEES: The Senate has confirmed the presidential nomination of 74 people for various government posts, including ambassadors to Australia, Brazil, Norway, and Tanzania, and six judges on the Washington, D.C., Superior Court. The vote, on Aug. 7, was 51 yeas to 47 nays.
NAYS: Durbin D-IL, Duckworth D-IL
Senate Vote 4:
REGULATING HEMP PRODUCTS: The Senate has tabled an amendment sponsored by Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., to the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), that would have eliminated a bill provision extending current policy for regulating hemp products. Budd said what he called a dangerous loophole was allowing intoxicating hemp products to be marketed and sold to children, with a resulting 461 percent increase in instances of pediatric cannabis poisoning. An amendment opponent, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said rejection would give Congress "four more weeks to work toward legislation that supports a thriving hemp industry, ensures proper regulation, and protects kids from dangerous products." The vote to table, on Aug. 8, was 61 yeas to 32 nays.
NAYS: Durbin D-IL
YEAS: Duckworth D-IL
Senate Vote 5:
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS: The Senate has passed the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., to provide funding through December 11 for federal government programs. A supporter, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, cited the need to avert "a damaging shutdown that could harm vital programs and throw the lives of federal workers into disarray." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 90 yeas to 6 nays, with 1 voting present.
YEAS: Durbin D-IL, Duckworth D-IL
Senate Vote 6:
ATTORNEY GENERAL: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Todd Blanche to be the Attorney General. Blanche had been in the post on an acting basis in recent months while also being Deputy Attorney General; he worked for President Trump as a defense lawyer in 2023 and 2024, after more than a decade at the Justice Department. A supporter, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., praised Blanche's managerial performance at Justice and said he "knows the law and is a hands-on administrator." An opponent, Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., said: "We need an attorney general who is loyal to the Constitution, not to President Trump. Mr. Blanche does not seem to be that person." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 50 yeas to 49 nays.
NAYS: Durbin D-IL, Duckworth D-IL
Senate Vote 7:
VOTING AND PHOTO ID: The Senate has rejected a cloture motion to end debate on the motion to proceed to the Help America Vote Act (S. 5271), sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio. The bill would require voters in federal government elections to show photo identification (photo ID). Husted said the requirement would "give Americans better-run and honest and fair elections." An opponent, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said the bill, by forcing mail-in voters to include a copy of their photo ID with their ballots, "would do away with secret ballots as we know it." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 52 yeas to 46 nays, with a three-fifths majority needed.
NAYS: 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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Georgia Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-08-14
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Georgia members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Georgia members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch thepower to raise nearly $500 billion in revenue--in taxes," harming Americans. An amendment opponent, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said: "The authority in this bill to impose tariffs is very narrowly scoped, and it contains clear guardrails." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 32 yeas to 64 nays.
YEAS: Ossoff D-GA, Warnock D-GA
Senate Vote 2:
SANCTIONING RUSSIA AND IRAN: The Senate has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (H.R. 5334), sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif. To authorize imposing secondary tariffs on imports from countries that import fossil fuels from Russia, adopt a variety of sanctions against Russia, and extend expiring sanctions on Iran. A supporter, Sen. Dick Blumenthal, D-Conn., said "it provides a powerful pressure point in stopping buyers of Russian oil and gas from continuing to provide the essential fuel for that war machine." An opponent, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said: "This bill gives Trump so much discretion that he can ultimately decide what countries to tariff or what countries to exempt. He can modify tariffs at his will." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 86 yeas to 11 nays.
NAYS: Ossoff D-GA
YEAS: Warnock D-GA
Senate Vote 3:
EN BLOC NOMINEES: The Senate has confirmed the presidential nomination of 74 people for various government posts, including ambassadors to Australia, Brazil, Norway, and Tanzania, and six judges on the Washington, D.C., Superior Court. The vote, on Aug. 7, was 51 yeas to 47 nays.
NAYS: Ossoff D-GA, Warnock D-GA
Senate Vote 4:
REGULATING HEMP PRODUCTS: The Senate has tabled an amendment sponsored by Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., to the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), that would have eliminated a bill provision extending current policy for regulating hemp products. Budd said what he called a dangerous loophole was allowing intoxicating hemp products to be marketed and sold to children, with a resulting 461 percent increase in instances of pediatric cannabis poisoning. An amendment opponent, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said rejection would give Congress "four more weeks to work toward legislation that supports a thriving hemp industry, ensures proper regulation, and protects kids from dangerous products." The vote to table, on Aug. 8, was 61 yeas to 32 nays.
YEAS: Ossoff D-GA, Warnock D-GA
Senate Vote 5:
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS: The Senate has passed the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., to provide funding through December 11 for federal government programs. A supporter, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, cited the need to avert "a damaging shutdown that could harm vital programs and throw the lives of federal workers into disarray." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 90 yeas to 6 nays, with 1 voting present.
YEAS: Ossoff D-GA, Warnock D-GA
Senate Vote 6:
ATTORNEY GENERAL: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Todd Blanche to be the Attorney General. Blanche had been in the post on an acting basis in recent months while also being Deputy Attorney General; he worked for President Trump as a defense lawyer in 2023 and 2024, after more than a decade at the Justice Department. A supporter, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., praised Blanche's managerial performance at Justice and said he "knows the law and is a hands-on administrator." An opponent, Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., said: "We need an attorney general who is loyal to the Constitution, not to President Trump. Mr. Blanche does not seem to be that person." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 50 yeas to 49 nays.
NAYS: Ossoff D-GA, Warnock D-GA
Senate Vote 7:
VOTING AND PHOTO ID: The Senate has rejected a cloture motion to end debate on the motion to proceed to the Help America Vote Act (S. 5271), sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio. The bill would require voters in federal government elections to show photo identification (photo ID). Husted said the requirement would "give Americans better-run and honest and fair elections." An opponent, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said the bill, by forcing mail-in voters to include a copy of their photo ID with their ballots, "would do away with secret ballots as we know it." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 52 yeas to 46 nays, with a three-fifths majority needed.
NAYS: Ossoff D-GA, Warnock D-GA
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 2026-08-14
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Florida members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Florida members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch thepower to raise nearly $500 billion in revenue--in taxes," harming Americans. An amendment opponent, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said: "The authority in this bill to impose tariffs is very narrowly scoped, and it contains clear guardrails." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 32 yeas to 64 nays.
NAYS: Scott R-FL, Moody R-FL
Senate Vote 2:
SANCTIONING RUSSIA AND IRAN: The Senate has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (H.R. 5334), sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif. To authorize imposing secondary tariffs on imports from countries that import fossil fuels from Russia, adopt a variety of sanctions against Russia, and extend expiring sanctions on Iran. A supporter, Sen. Dick Blumenthal, D-Conn., said "it provides a powerful pressure point in stopping buyers of Russian oil and gas from continuing to provide the essential fuel for that war machine." An opponent, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said: "This bill gives Trump so much discretion that he can ultimately decide what countries to tariff or what countries to exempt. He can modify tariffs at his will." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 86 yeas to 11 nays.
YEAS: Scott R-FL, Moody R-FL
Senate Vote 3:
EN BLOC NOMINEES: The Senate has confirmed the presidential nomination of 74 people for various government posts, including ambassadors to Australia, Brazil, Norway, and Tanzania, and six judges on the Washington, D.C., Superior Court. The vote, on Aug. 7, was 51 yeas to 47 nays.
YEAS: Scott R-FL, Moody R-FL
Senate Vote 4:
REGULATING HEMP PRODUCTS: The Senate has tabled an amendment sponsored by Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., to the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), that would have eliminated a bill provision extending current policy for regulating hemp products. Budd said what he called a dangerous loophole was allowing intoxicating hemp products to be marketed and sold to children, with a resulting 461 percent increase in instances of pediatric cannabis poisoning. An amendment opponent, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said rejection would give Congress "four more weeks to work toward legislation that supports a thriving hemp industry, ensures proper regulation, and protects kids from dangerous products." The vote to table, on Aug. 8, was 61 yeas to 32 nays.
YEAS: Scott R-FL, Moody R-FL
Senate Vote 5:
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS: The Senate has passed the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., to provide funding through December 11 for federal government programs. A supporter, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, cited the need to avert "a damaging shutdown that could harm vital programs and throw the lives of federal workers into disarray." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 90 yeas to 6 nays, with 1 voting present.
YEAS: Scott R-FL, Moody R-FL
Senate Vote 6:
ATTORNEY GENERAL: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Todd Blanche to be the Attorney General. Blanche had been in the post on an acting basis in recent months while also being Deputy Attorney General; he worked for President Trump as a defense lawyer in 2023 and 2024, after more than a decade at the Justice Department. A supporter, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., praised Blanche's managerial performance at Justice and said he "knows the law and is a hands-on administrator." An opponent, Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., said: "We need an attorney general who is loyal to the Constitution, not to President Trump. Mr. Blanche does not seem to be that person." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 50 yeas to 49 nays.
YEAS: Scott R-FL, Moody R-FL
Senate Vote 7:
VOTING AND PHOTO ID: The Senate has rejected a cloture motion to end debate on the motion to proceed to the Help America Vote Act (S. 5271), sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio. The bill would require voters in federal government elections to show photo identification (photo ID). Husted said the requirement would "give Americans better-run and honest and fair elections." An opponent, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said the bill, by forcing mail-in voters to include a copy of their photo ID with their ballots, "would do away with secret ballots as we know it." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 52 yeas to 46 nays, with a three-fifths majority needed.
YEAS: 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 2026-08-14
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Delaware members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Delaware members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch thepower to raise nearly $500 billion in revenue--in taxes," harming Americans. An amendment opponent, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said: "The authority in this bill to impose tariffs is very narrowly scoped, and it contains clear guardrails." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 32 yeas to 64 nays.
NAYS: Coons D-DE
YEAS: Blunt Rochester D-DE
Senate Vote 2:
SANCTIONING RUSSIA AND IRAN: The Senate has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (H.R. 5334), sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif. To authorize imposing secondary tariffs on imports from countries that import fossil fuels from Russia, adopt a variety of sanctions against Russia, and extend expiring sanctions on Iran. A supporter, Sen. Dick Blumenthal, D-Conn., said "it provides a powerful pressure point in stopping buyers of Russian oil and gas from continuing to provide the essential fuel for that war machine." An opponent, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said: "This bill gives Trump so much discretion that he can ultimately decide what countries to tariff or what countries to exempt. He can modify tariffs at his will." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 86 yeas to 11 nays.
YEAS: Coons D-DE
NAYS: Blunt Rochester D-DE
Senate Vote 3:
EN BLOC NOMINEES: The Senate has confirmed the presidential nomination of 74 people for various government posts, including ambassadors to Australia, Brazil, Norway, and Tanzania, and six judges on the Washington, D.C., Superior Court. The vote, on Aug. 7, was 51 yeas to 47 nays.
NAYS: Coons D-DE, Blunt Rochester D-DE
Senate Vote 4:
REGULATING HEMP PRODUCTS: The Senate has tabled an amendment sponsored by Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., to the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), that would have eliminated a bill provision extending current policy for regulating hemp products. Budd said what he called a dangerous loophole was allowing intoxicating hemp products to be marketed and sold to children, with a resulting 461 percent increase in instances of pediatric cannabis poisoning. An amendment opponent, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said rejection would give Congress "four more weeks to work toward legislation that supports a thriving hemp industry, ensures proper regulation, and protects kids from dangerous products." The vote to table, on Aug. 8, was 61 yeas to 32 nays.
YEAS: Coons D-DE
NAYS: Blunt Rochester D-DE
Senate Vote 5:
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS: The Senate has passed the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., to provide funding through December 11 for federal government programs. A supporter, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, cited the need to avert "a damaging shutdown that could harm vital programs and throw the lives of federal workers into disarray." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 90 yeas to 6 nays, with 1 voting present.
YEAS: Coons D-DE, Blunt Rochester D-DE
Senate Vote 6:
ATTORNEY GENERAL: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Todd Blanche to be the Attorney General. Blanche had been in the post on an acting basis in recent months while also being Deputy Attorney General; he worked for President Trump as a defense lawyer in 2023 and 2024, after more than a decade at the Justice Department. A supporter, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., praised Blanche's managerial performance at Justice and said he "knows the law and is a hands-on administrator." An opponent, Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., said: "We need an attorney general who is loyal to the Constitution, not to President Trump. Mr. Blanche does not seem to be that person." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 50 yeas to 49 nays.
NAYS: Coons D-DE, Blunt Rochester D-DE
Senate Vote 7:
VOTING AND PHOTO ID: The Senate has rejected a cloture motion to end debate on the motion to proceed to the Help America Vote Act (S. 5271), sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio. The bill would require voters in federal government elections to show photo identification (photo ID). Husted said the requirement would "give Americans better-run and honest and fair elections." An opponent, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said the bill, by forcing mail-in voters to include a copy of their photo ID with their ballots, "would do away with secret ballots as we know it." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 52 yeas to 46 nays, with a three-fifths majority needed.
NAYS: 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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Colorado Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-08-14
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Colorado members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Colorado members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch thepower to raise nearly $500 billion in revenue--in taxes," harming Americans. An amendment opponent, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said: "The authority in this bill to impose tariffs is very narrowly scoped, and it contains clear guardrails." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 32 yeas to 64 nays.
YEAS: Bennet D-CO, Hickenlooper D-CO
Senate Vote 2:
SANCTIONING RUSSIA AND IRAN: The Senate has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (H.R. 5334), sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif. To authorize imposing secondary tariffs on imports from countries that import fossil fuels from Russia, adopt a variety of sanctions against Russia, and extend expiring sanctions on Iran. A supporter, Sen. Dick Blumenthal, D-Conn., said "it provides a powerful pressure point in stopping buyers of Russian oil and gas from continuing to provide the essential fuel for that war machine." An opponent, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said: "This bill gives Trump so much discretion that he can ultimately decide what countries to tariff or what countries to exempt. He can modify tariffs at his will." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 86 yeas to 11 nays.
YEAS: Bennet D-CO, Hickenlooper D-CO
Senate Vote 3:
EN BLOC NOMINEES: The Senate has confirmed the presidential nomination of 74 people for various government posts, including ambassadors to Australia, Brazil, Norway, and Tanzania, and six judges on the Washington, D.C., Superior Court. The vote, on Aug. 7, was 51 yeas to 47 nays.
NAYS: Bennet D-CO, Hickenlooper D-CO
Senate Vote 4:
REGULATING HEMP PRODUCTS: The Senate has tabled an amendment sponsored by Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., to the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), that would have eliminated a bill provision extending current policy for regulating hemp products. Budd said what he called a dangerous loophole was allowing intoxicating hemp products to be marketed and sold to children, with a resulting 461 percent increase in instances of pediatric cannabis poisoning. An amendment opponent, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said rejection would give Congress "four more weeks to work toward legislation that supports a thriving hemp industry, ensures proper regulation, and protects kids from dangerous products." The vote to table, on Aug. 8, was 61 yeas to 32 nays.
YEAS: Bennet D-CO, Hickenlooper D-CO
Senate Vote 5:
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS: The Senate has passed the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., to provide funding through December 11 for federal government programs. A supporter, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, cited the need to avert "a damaging shutdown that could harm vital programs and throw the lives of federal workers into disarray." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 90 yeas to 6 nays, with 1 voting present.
YEAS: Bennet D-CO, Hickenlooper D-CO
Senate Vote 6:
ATTORNEY GENERAL: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Todd Blanche to be the Attorney General. Blanche had been in the post on an acting basis in recent months while also being Deputy Attorney General; he worked for President Trump as a defense lawyer in 2023 and 2024, after more than a decade at the Justice Department. A supporter, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., praised Blanche's managerial performance at Justice and said he "knows the law and is a hands-on administrator." An opponent, Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., said: "We need an attorney general who is loyal to the Constitution, not to President Trump. Mr. Blanche does not seem to be that person." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 50 yeas to 49 nays.
NAYS: Bennet D-CO, Hickenlooper D-CO
Senate Vote 7:
VOTING AND PHOTO ID: The Senate has rejected a cloture motion to end debate on the motion to proceed to the Help America Vote Act (S. 5271), sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio. The bill would require voters in federal government elections to show photo identification (photo ID). Husted said the requirement would "give Americans better-run and honest and fair elections." An opponent, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said the bill, by forcing mail-in voters to include a copy of their photo ID with their ballots, "would do away with secret ballots as we know it." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 52 yeas to 46 nays, with a three-fifths majority needed.
NAYS: Bennet D-CO, Hickenlooper D-CO
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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Arkansas Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-08-14
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Arkansas members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Arkansas members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch thepower to raise nearly $500 billion in revenue--in taxes," harming Americans. An amendment opponent, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said: "The authority in this bill to impose tariffs is very narrowly scoped, and it contains clear guardrails." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 32 yeas to 64 nays.
NAYS: Cotton R-AR, Boozman R-AR
Senate Vote 2:
SANCTIONING RUSSIA AND IRAN: The Senate has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (H.R. 5334), sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif. To authorize imposing secondary tariffs on imports from countries that import fossil fuels from Russia, adopt a variety of sanctions against Russia, and extend expiring sanctions on Iran. A supporter, Sen. Dick Blumenthal, D-Conn., said "it provides a powerful pressure point in stopping buyers of Russian oil and gas from continuing to provide the essential fuel for that war machine." An opponent, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said: "This bill gives Trump so much discretion that he can ultimately decide what countries to tariff or what countries to exempt. He can modify tariffs at his will." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 86 yeas to 11 nays.
YEAS: Cotton R-AR, Boozman R-AR
Senate Vote 3:
EN BLOC NOMINEES: The Senate has confirmed the presidential nomination of 74 people for various government posts, including ambassadors to Australia, Brazil, Norway, and Tanzania, and six judges on the Washington, D.C., Superior Court. The vote, on Aug. 7, was 51 yeas to 47 nays.
YEAS: Cotton R-AR, Boozman R-AR
Senate Vote 4:
REGULATING HEMP PRODUCTS: The Senate has tabled an amendment sponsored by Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., to the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), that would have eliminated a bill provision extending current policy for regulating hemp products. Budd said what he called a dangerous loophole was allowing intoxicating hemp products to be marketed and sold to children, with a resulting 461 percent increase in instances of pediatric cannabis poisoning. An amendment opponent, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said rejection would give Congress "four more weeks to work toward legislation that supports a thriving hemp industry, ensures proper regulation, and protects kids from dangerous products." The vote to table, on Aug. 8, was 61 yeas to 32 nays.
NOT VOTING: Cotton R-AR, Boozman R-AR
Senate Vote 5:
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS: The Senate has passed the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., to provide funding through December 11 for federal government programs. A supporter, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, cited the need to avert "a damaging shutdown that could harm vital programs and throw the lives of federal workers into disarray." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 90 yeas to 6 nays, with 1 voting present.
YEAS: Cotton R-AR, Boozman R-AR
Senate Vote 6:
ATTORNEY GENERAL: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Todd Blanche to be the Attorney General. Blanche had been in the post on an acting basis in recent months while also being Deputy Attorney General; he worked for President Trump as a defense lawyer in 2023 and 2024, after more than a decade at the Justice Department. A supporter, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., praised Blanche's managerial performance at Justice and said he "knows the law and is a hands-on administrator." An opponent, Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., said: "We need an attorney general who is loyal to the Constitution, not to President Trump. Mr. Blanche does not seem to be that person." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 50 yeas to 49 nays.
YEAS: Cotton R-AR, Boozman R-AR
Senate Vote 7:
VOTING AND PHOTO ID: The Senate has rejected a cloture motion to end debate on the motion to proceed to the Help America Vote Act (S. 5271), sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio. The bill would require voters in federal government elections to show photo identification (photo ID). Husted said the requirement would "give Americans better-run and honest and fair elections." An opponent, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said the bill, by forcing mail-in voters to include a copy of their photo ID with their ballots, "would do away with secret ballots as we know it." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 52 yeas to 46 nays, with a three-fifths majority needed.
YEAS: Cotton R-AR, Boozman R-AR
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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Arizona Congressional Votes for the Week ending 2026-08-14
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Arizona members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Arizona members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch thepower to raise nearly $500 billion in revenue--in taxes," harming Americans. An amendment opponent, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said: "The authority in this bill to impose tariffs is very narrowly scoped, and it contains clear guardrails." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 32 yeas to 64 nays.
YEAS: Gallego D-AZ
NOT VOTING: Kelly D-AZ
Senate Vote 2:
SANCTIONING RUSSIA AND IRAN: The Senate has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (H.R. 5334), sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif. To authorize imposing secondary tariffs on imports from countries that import fossil fuels from Russia, adopt a variety of sanctions against Russia, and extend expiring sanctions on Iran. A supporter, Sen. Dick Blumenthal, D-Conn., said "it provides a powerful pressure point in stopping buyers of Russian oil and gas from continuing to provide the essential fuel for that war machine." An opponent, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said: "This bill gives Trump so much discretion that he can ultimately decide what countries to tariff or what countries to exempt. He can modify tariffs at his will." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 86 yeas to 11 nays.
YEAS: Gallego D-AZ, Kelly D-AZ
Senate Vote 3:
EN BLOC NOMINEES: The Senate has confirmed the presidential nomination of 74 people for various government posts, including ambassadors to Australia, Brazil, Norway, and Tanzania, and six judges on the Washington, D.C., Superior Court. The vote, on Aug. 7, was 51 yeas to 47 nays.
NAYS: Gallego D-AZ, Kelly D-AZ
Senate Vote 4:
REGULATING HEMP PRODUCTS: The Senate has tabled an amendment sponsored by Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., to the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), that would have eliminated a bill provision extending current policy for regulating hemp products. Budd said what he called a dangerous loophole was allowing intoxicating hemp products to be marketed and sold to children, with a resulting 461 percent increase in instances of pediatric cannabis poisoning. An amendment opponent, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said rejection would give Congress "four more weeks to work toward legislation that supports a thriving hemp industry, ensures proper regulation, and protects kids from dangerous products." The vote to table, on Aug. 8, was 61 yeas to 32 nays.
YEAS: Gallego D-AZ, Kelly D-AZ
Senate Vote 5:
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS: The Senate has passed the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., to provide funding through December 11 for federal government programs. A supporter, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, cited the need to avert "a damaging shutdown that could harm vital programs and throw the lives of federal workers into disarray." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 90 yeas to 6 nays, with 1 voting present.
YEAS: Gallego D-AZ, Kelly D-AZ
Senate Vote 6:
ATTORNEY GENERAL: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Todd Blanche to be the Attorney General. Blanche had been in the post on an acting basis in recent months while also being Deputy Attorney General; he worked for President Trump as a defense lawyer in 2023 and 2024, after more than a decade at the Justice Department. A supporter, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., praised Blanche's managerial performance at Justice and said he "knows the law and is a hands-on administrator." An opponent, Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., said: "We need an attorney general who is loyal to the Constitution, not to President Trump. Mr. Blanche does not seem to be that person." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 50 yeas to 49 nays.
NAYS: Gallego D-AZ, Kelly D-AZ
Senate Vote 7:
VOTING AND PHOTO ID: The Senate has rejected a cloture motion to end debate on the motion to proceed to the Help America Vote Act (S. 5271), sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio. The bill would require voters in federal government elections to show photo identification (photo ID). Husted said the requirement would "give Americans better-run and honest and fair elections." An opponent, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said the bill, by forcing mail-in voters to include a copy of their photo ID with their ballots, "would do away with secret ballots as we know it." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 52 yeas to 46 nays, with a three-fifths majority needed.
NAYS: Gallego D-AZ, Kelly D-AZ
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 2026-08-14
by Arne Christensen
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Alabama members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- Here's a look at how Alabama members of Congress voted over the previous week.
There were no key votes in the House this week.
SENATE VOTES:
Senate Vote 1:
RUSSIAN FOSSIL FUELS: The Senate has rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act (H.R. 5334). The amendment would have cut from the bill a provision authorizing imposing tariff duties on countries that either purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia or help Russia avoid sanctions. Paul said the tariff authorization "grants the executive branch thepower to raise nearly $500 billion in revenue--in taxes," harming Americans. An amendment opponent, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said: "The authority in this bill to impose tariffs is very narrowly scoped, and it contains clear guardrails." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 32 yeas to 64 nays.
NAYS: Tuberville R-AL, Britt R-AL
Senate Vote 2:
SANCTIONING RUSSIA AND IRAN: The Senate has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (H.R. 5334), sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif. To authorize imposing secondary tariffs on imports from countries that import fossil fuels from Russia, adopt a variety of sanctions against Russia, and extend expiring sanctions on Iran. A supporter, Sen. Dick Blumenthal, D-Conn., said "it provides a powerful pressure point in stopping buyers of Russian oil and gas from continuing to provide the essential fuel for that war machine." An opponent, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said: "This bill gives Trump so much discretion that he can ultimately decide what countries to tariff or what countries to exempt. He can modify tariffs at his will." The vote, on Aug. 7, was 86 yeas to 11 nays.
YEAS: Tuberville R-AL, Britt R-AL
Senate Vote 3:
EN BLOC NOMINEES: The Senate has confirmed the presidential nomination of 74 people for various government posts, including ambassadors to Australia, Brazil, Norway, and Tanzania, and six judges on the Washington, D.C., Superior Court. The vote, on Aug. 7, was 51 yeas to 47 nays.
YEAS: Tuberville R-AL, Britt R-AL
Senate Vote 4:
REGULATING HEMP PRODUCTS: The Senate has tabled an amendment sponsored by Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., to the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), that would have eliminated a bill provision extending current policy for regulating hemp products. Budd said what he called a dangerous loophole was allowing intoxicating hemp products to be marketed and sold to children, with a resulting 461 percent increase in instances of pediatric cannabis poisoning. An amendment opponent, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said rejection would give Congress "four more weeks to work toward legislation that supports a thriving hemp industry, ensures proper regulation, and protects kids from dangerous products." The vote to table, on Aug. 8, was 61 yeas to 32 nays.
YEAS: Tuberville R-AL
NAYS: Britt R-AL
Senate Vote 5:
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS: The Senate has passed the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 6500), sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., to provide funding through December 11 for federal government programs. A supporter, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, cited the need to avert "a damaging shutdown that could harm vital programs and throw the lives of federal workers into disarray." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 90 yeas to 6 nays, with 1 voting present.
YEAS: Tuberville R-AL, Britt R-AL
Senate Vote 6:
ATTORNEY GENERAL: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Todd Blanche to be the Attorney General. Blanche had been in the post on an acting basis in recent months while also being Deputy Attorney General; he worked for President Trump as a defense lawyer in 2023 and 2024, after more than a decade at the Justice Department. A supporter, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., praised Blanche's managerial performance at Justice and said he "knows the law and is a hands-on administrator." An opponent, Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., said: "We need an attorney general who is loyal to the Constitution, not to President Trump. Mr. Blanche does not seem to be that person." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 50 yeas to 49 nays.
YEAS: Tuberville R-AL, Britt R-AL
Senate Vote 7:
VOTING AND PHOTO ID: The Senate has rejected a cloture motion to end debate on the motion to proceed to the Help America Vote Act (S. 5271), sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio. The bill would require voters in federal government elections to show photo identification (photo ID). Husted said the requirement would "give Americans better-run and honest and fair elections." An opponent, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said the bill, by forcing mail-in voters to include a copy of their photo ID with their ballots, "would do away with secret ballots as we know it." The vote, on Aug. 8, was 52 yeas to 46 nays, with a three-fifths majority needed.
YEAS: 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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