How your U.S. lawmaker voted

WASHINGTON — Here's how state members of Congress voted in the week ended Friday.

House

U.S. water policy

By a vote of 413-10, the House on Thursday sent the Senate a bill (HR 1145) to improve the performance of the 20-plus federal agencies concerned with providing the nation with adequate water supplies and clean drinking water. The bill would establish a White House office charged with adding focus to federal water policy and eliminating duplicative research-and-development programs. The bill is projected to cost $8 million over five years, including $2 million in additional funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). About 36 states will experience serious water shortages in the next five years, according to debate.

A yes vote was to pass the bill.

Voting yes: Jay Inslee, D-1; Rick Larsen, D-2; Doc Hastings, R-4; Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-5; Norm Dicks, D-6; Jim McDermott, D-7; Dave Reichert, R-8; Adam Smith, D-9.

Voting no: None.

Not voting: Brian Baird, D-3.

Community-police grants

By a vote of 342-78, the House on Thursday voted to expand a Clinton administration program, COPS, which provides federal grants for the hiring of local police officers and other law-enforcement personnel. The bill (HR 1139) would authorize grants for purposes such as hiring prosecutors, fighting terrorism and helping schools combat drugs and gangs. President Obama's budget includes $1.8 billion annually over five years for the COPS program. The bill awaits Senate action.

A yes vote was to pass the bill.

Voting yes: Inslee, Larsen, Baird, McMorris Rodgers, Dicks, McDermott, Reichert, Smith.

Voting no: Hastings.

Senate

Christopher Hill confirmation

By a vote of 73-23, the Senate on Tuesday confirmed career diplomat Christopher Hill as U.S. ambassador to Iraq. A yes vote was to confirm Hill.

Voting yes: Maria Cantwell, D; Patty Murray, D.

Whistle-blower rewards

By a vote of 31-61, the Senate on Thursday refused to cap at $50 million the reward for whistle-blowers who use the False Claims Act to help the government recover funds lost through fraud. The act authorizes private citizens to file fraud suits on behalf of the government and receive up to 30 percent of any recovery. It has led to the Treasury recovering about $22 billion in the past 20 years. This amendment was offered to a bill (S 386) still in debate that would toughen federal laws against financial crimes, such as mortgage and securities fraud.

A yes vote was to adopt the amendment.

Voting no: Cantwell, Murray.

Roll Call Report Syndicate