House Floor - H.R. 3162: CHAMP Act

After the House takes up its two final appropriations bills this week, it plans to take up its version of the SCHIP reauthorization, H.R. 3162, the Children's Health And Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act.

This bill would add $50 billion to the program, along with a measure to keep doctors' Medicare fees from dipping in the next two years (citizenJoe).

While this program has helped a lot of families, this legislation has several problems.


Problems on the macro level (big picture):

1. Obvious: Fiscal discipline.
   
   H.R. 3162 would add $50 billion to the program (citizenJoe), $80 billion over the next five years (CWA, 7/27/2007). Considering that we have spent $4 billion per year on SCHIP since it was created in 1997, this proposal doubles a program in which even now two-thirds of those eligible are not enrolled (CWA, 7/27/2007).
   
   Pray that Congress would exercise fiscal restraint.
   
   
2. Obscure: Back door to universal government health care
   
   Basically, the strategy is to sell the program to the public as covering "the poor," and then declare huge chunks of the population poor. The Senate version of the SCHIP bill (S. 1224) stipulates a child is covered "whose family income ... does not exceed 300 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved." 300 percent of the poverty line is more than $60,000 per year for a family of four.
   
   Sources on the Hill tell us that proponents are even flirting with the idea of covering families at 400% of poverty: $80,000/year families would be considered "the working poor."
   
   Pray that Congress would not turn America into a poor country by considering everyone poor.
   

Problems on the micro level (details):

1. H.R. 3162 includes "family planning services," abortion and contraceptives, as required services for which states must pay (CWA, 7/27/2007).
   
   Pray that Congress would not fund evil life-taking activities such as abortion.
   
   
2. H.R. 3162 excludes Title V Abstinence Education Funding.
   
   Congressman Lee Terry (R-Nebraska), a longtime champion of federal abstinence education programs, will offer an amendment to reauthorize the Title V Abstinence Education program (CWA, 7/27/2007).
   
   Pray that Congress would support God-honor proposals that promote marital fidelity, including the Terry Amendment.
   

Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored (Proverbs 13:18).

Senate Votes - H.R. 1: 9/11 Commission Recommendations

H.R. 1: Improving America's Security Act of 2007

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

DeMint Motion to Recommit H.R. 1 to Conference, with Instructions
Failed 26-67

On the Conference Report
Passed 85-8

Senate Votes - H.R. 2638: Homeland Security Appropriations

H.R. 2638: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2008

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Graham Amdt. No. 2412; To ensure control over the United States borders and strengthen enforcement of the immigration laws.

Shall the Decision of the Chair Stand as the Judgement of the Senate
The Decision of the Chair Passed 52-44

Graham Amdt. No. 2480; To ensure control over the United States borders and strengthen enforcement of the immigration laws.
Passed 89-1

Senate Adds $3 Billion for Border Security to Homeland Bill
After a flurry of negotiations, the Senate on Thursday agreed to add $3 billion in emergency border security funding to the fiscal 2008 homeland security spending bill, drawing Congress closer to a confrontation with the president over the level of funding in the bill.

Alexander Amdt. No. 2405, as Modified; To make $300,000,000 available for grants to States to carry out the REAL ID Act of 2005.
Motion to Table Passed 50-44

Sanders Amdt. No. 2498; To prohibit funds made available in this Act from being used to implement a rule or regulation related to certain petitions for aliens to perform temporary labor in the United States.
Passed 51-43

DeMint Amdt. No. 2481; To prohibit the use of funds to remove offenses from the list of criminal offenses disqualifying individuals from receiving TWIC cards.
Passed 93-1

On Passage of the Bill
Passed 89-4

Senate Vote - H. J. Res. 44

H. J. Res. 44; A joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.
Passed 93-1

Having passed in both the House and Senate, this bill now awaits the signature of the President before becoming law.

Senate Votes - S. 1642: Higher Education Amendments

S. 1642: Higher Education Amendments of 2007

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Brown Amdt. No. 2376; To provide for a Federal supplemental loan program.
Failed 38-53

Kennedy Amdt. No. 2381, as Modified; To provide for a demonstration and certification regarding the use of certain Federal funds.
Passed 93-0

On Passage of the Bill
Passed 95-0


Senate Passes Rewrite of Higher Education Act
Demonstrating a rare bipartisan consensus, the Senate by 95-0 passed an overhaul Tuesday of the primary law governing federal aid to colleges and the students who attend them.

Senate Moving Toward Passage of Higher Education Reauthorization
The Senate was moving Monday toward passage of a five-year reauthorization of the primary law governing federal aid to institutions of higher education and the students who attend them. A final vote was possible as early as day’s end.

Senate Votes - H.R. 2669: College Cost Reduction Act

H.R. 2669: College Cost Reduction Act of 2007

On the Motion to Proceed
Passed 49-48

Murkowski Amdt. No. 2329; To increase the amount appropriated for the college access partnership grant program.
Passed 73-24

Kennedy Amdt. No. 2330; To amend the amounts appropriated for Promise Grants for fiscal years 2014 through 2017.
Passed 52-45

Nelson (NE) Amdt. No. 2337; To amend the special allowance payments.
Failed 36-61

Sessions Amdt. No. 2333; To strike the provisions relating to loan forgiveness for public service employees.
Failed 42-55

Coleman Amdt. No. 2334; To prevent the Federal Communications Commission from repromulgating the fairness doctrine.
Motion to Waive CBA Failed 49-48

McConnell Amdt. No. 2351; To express the sense of the Senate on the detainees of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Passed 94-3

DeMint Amdt. No. 2352; To amend the National Labor Relations Act to ensure the right of employees to a secret-ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board.
Motion to Waive CBA Failed 42-54

Collins Amdt. No. 2340; To provide limited immunity for reports of suspicious behavior and response.
Motion to Waive CBA Failed 57-39

Stabenow Amdt. No 2358; Relative to illegal aliens qualifying for Social Security benefits.
Motion to Waive CBA Failed 47-49

Ensign Amdt. No. 2355; To reduce document fraud, prevent identity theft, and preserve the integrity of the Social Security system, by ensuring that individuals are not able to receive Social Security benefits as a result of unlawful activity.
Motion to Waive CBA Failed 57-40

Schumer Amdt. No. 2361; A sense of the Senate relative to tax policy.
Motion to Waive CBA Failed 48-48

Sununu Amdt. No. 2341; To permanently extend certain education-related tax incentives.
Motion to Waive CBA Failed 47-48

Cornyn Amdt No. 2339; To provide interim relief for shortages in employment-based visas for aliens with extraordinary ability and advanced degrees and for nurses.
Motion to Waive CBA Failed 55-40

Landrieu Amdt. No. 2363; A sense of the Senate relative to the adoption tax credit
Motion to Waive CBA Failed 48-48

DeMint Amdt. 2362; To repeal the sunset of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 with respect to the expansion of the adoption credit and adoption assistance programs.
Motion to Waive CBA Failed 48-48

Dole Amdt. No. 2350; To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require individuals voting in person to present photo identification.
Motion to Waive CBA Failed 42-54

Kerry Amdt. No. 2364.; A sense of the Senate relative to the Alternative Minimum Tax.
Motion to Waive CBA Failed 48-48

Kyl Amdt. No. 2353; To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the individual alternative minimum tax.
Motion to Waive C.B.A. Failed 47-49

On Passage of the Bill
Passed 78-18


Senate Approves Overhaul of Student Loan Program
The Senate overwhelmingly approved a wide-ranging overhaul of student loan programs early today that would pay for more than $17 billion in grants and other student aid by slashing subsidies to lending companies.

Senate Cuts Lender Subsidies to Bolster Student Aid
Senators aiming to curtail lender subsidies and use the funds to beef up aid for college students and graduates took a major step Friday toward reversing years of Republican policies.

Partisan Acrimony Reaches Full Boil in Senate
Partisan acrimony has come to a full boil in the Senate, with both parties accusing the other of bad will and abusive parliamentary hijinks.

Senate Votes - H.R. 1585: Defense Authorization (Continued)

H.R. 1585: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Previous Amendment Votes

Cornyn Amdt. No. 2100; To express the sense of the Senate that it is in the national security interest of the United States that Iraq not become a failed state and a safe haven for terrorists.
Passed 94-3

Motion to Instruct the Sgt. At Arms; National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008
Failed 44-47

Motion to Instruct the Sgt. at Arms; National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008
Passed 41-37

Motion to Instruct Sgt. At Arms; National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008
Passed 37-23

Levin Amdt. No. 2087; To provide for a reduction and transition of United States forces in Iraq.
Motion to Invoke Cloture Failed 52-47



With Iraq Amendment Blocked, Reid Sets Aside Defense Bill
After a rare all-night debate whose outcome was never in doubt, Senate Republicans Wednesday blocked a vote on a Democratic measure to require a withdrawal of most U.S. troops from Iraq by next spring. Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., responded by setting aside the fiscal 2008 defense authorization bill for now.

Eyewitness: Senate's all-nighter
Avi Zenilman spent the night in the press gallery for the Senate’s all-night debate. Here are some of his impressions.

Democrats Won't Force War Vote
Senate Democrats halted their quest to change President Bush's war strategy yesterday after Republicans blocked a proposal to begin withdrawing troops from Iraq.

Exasperated Senators Point Fingers at Each Other
After pulling the Defense authorization bill from the floor Wednesday, Senate leaders looked for ways to quickly build on their list of accomplishments for the year.

Reid Unmoved by Calls For Iraq Compromise
Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid offered no apologies yesterday for his decision to reject compromise efforts to alter President Bush's Iraq strategy that had the support of a growing number of Republicans.

Sen. Isakson's Speech on the Iraq War
Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I rise to address the issue before the Senate. I have stayed all night and listened to remarks from my colleagues on both sides. I have tremendous respect for each and every one of them.

The Loyal Republican | Johnny Isakson
From Tuesday evening until the wee hours of Wednesday morning, Johnny Isakson sat at his desk on the Senate floor and listened as Democrats and Republicans alike took turns making speeches during a rare all-night debate on Iraq.

Lieberman's New Party Line
No one was surprised to see Joseph I. Lieberman, the Democrat-turned-independent from Connecticut, siding with the Republican leadership this month during the latest Senate debate over the Iraq War.

FILIBUSTED
Last week’s all-nighter Senate debate was staged by majority Democrats to highlight how minority Republicans were blocking up-or-down votes on proposals to force President Bush to wind down the Iraq War. The last time the metal cots were set up outside the Senate chamber, in November 2003, the marathon session was staged by majority Republicans to highlight how minority Democrats were blocking up-or-down votes on Bush’s judicial nominations. So how did the role reversal go? Flawlessly — and without any apparent sense of shame.

Nothing New, Everything All at Once

Legislative Update

• House: Appropriations, Energy
• Senate: Defense (hate crimes caution)
• Senate: children's health or student debt
• Senate: Appropriations (including coercive abortion)

This week, the House resumes its work on the FY2008 appropriations bills, and the Senate picks up where it left off on the defense authorization.

House Votes - H.R. 1851: Section 8 Voucher Reform Act

H.Res. 534: Providing for consideration of H.R. 1851

On agreeing to the resolution
Agreed to by voice vote


H.R. 1851: Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007
To reform the housing choice voucher program under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937.

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Gary Miller of California Amendment
An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 110-227 to impose a 7-year time limit on participation in the Section 8 program. The amendment excludes the elderly and disabled from this requirement. In addition, the amendment provides for a hardship exception.
Failed 151-267

Chabot of Ohio Amendment
An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 110-227 to strike the authorization of appropriations for the creation of 20,000 new vouchers each year for years FY 2008 through FY 2012.
Failed 144-277

Hensarling of Texas Amendment
An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 110-227 to require that all adults in a household receiving Section 8 tenant assistance for more than 7 consecutive years must perform 20 hours per week of approved `work activities.' Exemptions are provided for senior citizens, the disabled, those already exempt from TANF work requirements, and those who cannot access child care.
Failed 197-222


On Motion to Recommit with Instructions
Passed 233-186

On Passage
Passed 333-83

House Votes - H.R. 2956: Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act

H.Res. 533: Providing for consideration of H.R. 2956

On Ordering the Previous Question
Passed 225-197

On Agreeing to the Resolution
Passed 221-196

On Approving the Journal
Passed 240-178


H.R. 2956: Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Table Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair
Passed 224-197

On Passage
Passed 223-201


RSC: April 2nd
We heard Democrats talk a lot about April 1st--the day that nearly all U.S. troops would have to be withdrawn from Iraq, if their latest Iraq-retreat bill were to go into effect. But we really need to hear more from the Democrats about April 2nd. That is, what happens the day AFTER the U.S. withdrawal?

Senate Votes - H.R. 1585: Defense Authorization (Continued)

H.R. 1585: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Previous Amendment Votes

Sessions Amdt. No. 2024, as Modified; To state the policy of the United States on the protection of the United States and its allies against Iranian ballistic missiles.
Passed 90-5

Levin Amdt. No. 2019, As Amended; To provide for the care and management of wounded warriors.
Passed 94-0

Dorgan Amdt. No. 2135, as Amended; Relative to bringing Osama bin Laden and other leaders of al Qaeda to justice.
Passed 87-1

Senate Amendment 2067 to H.R. 1585: Hate Crimes

H.R. 1585: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

S.Amdt. 2067 by Sen. Kennedy [D-MA]
Hate Crimes

Likely to be similar to S. 1105.


House Votes
H.R. 1592: Hate Crimes
Passed 237-180


Related Resolution:
H.Res. 535: Commending David Ray Ritcheson, a survivor of one of the most horrific hate crimes in the history of Texas, and recognizing his efforts in promoting Federal legislation to combat hate crimes.

Senate Votes - H.R. 1585: Defense Authorization

H.R. 1585: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

House Votes

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Webb Amdt. No. 2012; To specify minimum periods between deployment of units and members of the Armed Forces for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Motion to Invoke Cloture Failed 56-41

Lieberman Amdt. No. 2073, as Modified; To require a report on support provided by the Government of Iran for attacks against coalition forces in Iraq.
Passed 97-0

Hagel Amdt. No. 2032; To limit the length of deployment of members of the Armed Forced for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Failed 52-45

Graham Amdt. No. 2078, as Modified; To express the sense of Congress on length of time between deployments for members of the Armed Forces.
Failed 41-55


Senate in Standoff Over Iraq Amendments to Defense Bill
The Senate refused Wednesday to limit debate on the first amendment to the fiscal 2008 defense authorization bill, digging in along largely partisan lines over whether to tell President Bush how to wage the war in Iraq.

Opposition to War Grows in the Senate
A bipartisan consensus to dramatically alter the U.S. military mission in Iraq began to emerge in the Senate yesterday, but no specific approach has yet attracted the broad support necessary for a veto-proof majority.

House Votes - H.R. 2669: College Cost Reduction Act of 2007

H.Res. 531: Providing for consideration of H.R. 2669

On Ordering the Previous Question
Passed 221-198

On Agreeing to the Resolution
Passed 222-197


H.R. 2669: College Cost Reduction Act of 2007

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

McKeon of California Substitute Amendment
An amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part B of House Report 110-224 to reduce subsidies in the loan programs and invests the majority of the savings in the Pell Grant program by providing increases of $350 in 2008 and $100 each year thereafter. It also provides a plan for improved consumer information and public accountability with respect to college costs.
Failed 189-231


On Motion to Recommit with Instructions
(consideration: CR H7555-7558)
Failed 199-223

On Passage
Passed 273-149

House Suspension Votes - Abstinence, Eminent Domain, Foreign Investment

S. 1701: TMA, Title V Extension
A bill to provide for the extension of transitional medical assistance (TMA) and the abstinence education program through the end of fiscal year 2007, and for other purposes.
Passed 291-126

H.R. 556: Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2007
Passed 370-45

H.R. 986: Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act
Failed 239-173

House Public Lands Legislation Refers Back to 2005 Supreme Court Decision
The House defeated public lands legislation Wednesday that stirred up debate over a 2005 Supreme Court decision on eminent domain.

Appropriations Watch - State, Foreign Operations - Senate Version

This post is an update on the previous post about pro-life policy in State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill.

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed the Senate version of the bill on June 28, 2007. This bill makes two significant changes to long-standing pro-life provisions: the Mexico City Policy and the Kemp-Kasten provision.

Mexico City is undermined in the same manner as it is in the House version. (Note: when voted on in the House, the number of votes against the Lowey Amendment and for the Smith Amendment were more than enough needed to sustain a veto.)

Kemp-Kasten provision is rendered entirely ineffective by:

• removing the President's authority to invoke the provision,
• significantly watering down the standard for prohibited activities, and
• setting an impossible standard for it to be invoked by only applying the provision to direct support for coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.

If the Senate language were enacted, U.S. taxpayer funds would flow to the U.N. Population Fund which helps manage China's one-child policy and forced abortion program which even the Chinese don't want.

If these policies pass, the United States would be supporting the management of coercive abortion programs.

Pray these provisions do not make it into law and would be vetoed if necessary.

Appropriations Continue, Agenda Heating Up

Legislative Update

• House: Appropriations Victories, Defeats
• Senate: Energy Completed, Immigration
• S. 5 Veto Override
• Global Warming
• August Recess Pressure

The House of Representatives did not live up to its own expectations for finishing most of the approprations bills in June. When the majority tried to jack up America with it's secret earmark plan, the minority decided to fight back and jack up the majority's plan instead until the problem was fixed.

This has set the appropriations calendar further back from where it was already behind. Once the appropriations bills got moving, there were three losses in the State, Foreign Operations bill, and three wins in the Financial Services bill.

The Senate finished its work on an energy bill, tried again on immigration, and passed a Title V abstinence extension. Praise the Lord the Senate did not go to conference on troublesome legislation such as S. 1, lobbying reform, and S. 4, the 9/11 Commission bill.

Now that Wyoming once again has two senators, upon its return from the Independence Day recess, the Senate is expected to take up the veto override attempt of S. 5, the embryonic stem cell bill.

Given that the House has only completed work on half the appropriations bills, and none of them have been sent to the President, much less signed into law, all these must-pass bills remain high priority prayer targets.

Congress doesn't go on vacation until August, and even that's not a sure thing. The majority also intends to take up global warming legislation of some time this month.

House Votes - H.R. 2829: Financial Services Appropriations

H.Res. 517: Providing for consideration of H.R. 2829

On Ordering the Previous Question
Passed 244-181

Matsui of California Amendment
An amendment to be in order, any rule of the House to the contrary notwithstanding, to consider concurrent resolutions providing for the adjournment of the House and Senate during the month of July.
Passed 225-198

On Agreeing to the Resolution, As Amended
Passed 213-206


H.R. 2829: Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2008

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Cardoza of California Amendment
An amendment to reduce funding for the General Activites under the General Services Administration by $8 million and increase funding for the Office of Inspector General under the General Services Administration by $6 million.
Passed 281-144

DeFazio of Oregon Amendment No. 8
An amendment numbered 8 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funds for Selective Service System by $10,000,000 and increase funds for the Small Business Administration by $10,000,000.
Failed 95-320

Price of Georgia Amendment No. 15
An amendment numbered 15 printed in the Congressional Record to strike section 738 regarding requirement for Public-Private Competition.
Failed 158-268

Tom Davis of Virginia Amendment
An amendment to decrease funding (by transfer) regarding the Salaries and Expenses of the Office of Special Counsel by $1 million.
Failed 146-279

Garrett of New Jersey Amendment
An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit funds to be used by the SEC to enforce the requirements of section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Passed 267-154

Souder of Indiana Amendment No. 2
An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used for the Prevention Works or Whitman-Walker Clinic needle exchange programs.
Failed 208-216

Flake of Arizona Amendment No.18
An amendment numbered 18 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit funds for the Grace Johnstown Area Regional Industries Incubator and Workforce Development program.
Failed 87-335

Flake of Arizona Amendment
An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used for a project for Barracks Row Main Street, Inc.
Failed 60-361

Flake of Arizona Amendment No. 21
An amendment numbered 21 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds for the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association, SPUR Urban Center.
Failed 102-317

Flake of Arizona Amendment No. 19
An amendment numbered 19 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to be used for the Mitchell County Development Foundation, Inc. for the Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree Project.
Passed 249-174

Flake of Arizona Amendment No. 22
An amendment numbered 22 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds for the West Virginia University Research Corporation for renovations of a small business incubator.
Failed 101-325

Campbell of California Amendment No. 1
An amendment to prohibit use of funds for the Abraham Lincoln National Airport Commission.
Failed 107-318

Emanuel of Illinois Amendment
An amendment to prohibit use of funds in the bill for the Office of the Vice President.
Failed 209-217

Campbell of California Amendment No. 2
An amendment to prohibit use of funds for a list of sundry projects contained in the bill.
Failed 48-372

Wicker of Mississippi Amendment
An amendment to limit the use of funds to implement section 5112 of title 31 United States Code.

Rep. Wicker Speech:

Rep. Roger Wicker [R-MS]: I thank the chairman.

Mr. Chairman, this is a rather straightforward and simple amendment. It would simply restore to the face, or the obverse, of the dollar coin, the new dollar coin that is being minted now, the words "In God We Trust" and "E Pluribus Unum."

Passed 295-127

Pence of Indiana Amendment
An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used by the Federal Communications Commission to implement the Fairness Doctrine, as repealed in General Fairness Doctrine Obligations of Broadcast Licensees or any other regulations having the same substances.
Passed 309-115

Fairness Doctrine is a Liberal Effort to Shut You Up.
The ‘fairness’ doctrine is an antiquated Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulation requiring that all political broadcasts that express opinion on the public airwaves are balanced with equal time for the opposing viewpoint.

Jordan of Ohio Amendment
An amendment numbered 31 printed in the Congressional Record to provide that each amount appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act that is not required to be appropriated or otherwise made available by a provision of law is reduced by 8.9 percent.
Failed 149-276

Price of Georgia Amendment
An amendment to reduce appropriations in the bill by $214,340,000.
Failed 191-233

Musgrave of Colorado Amendment
An amendment to require that each amount appropriated or othewise made avaiable by this Act is hereby reduced by 0.5 percent.
Failed 205-220

Goode of Virginia Amendment
An amendment to prohibit funds to be used to implement or enforce the Health Care Benefits Expansion Act of 1992.
Passed 224-200

The Health Care Benefits Expansion Act of 1992 created a domestic partner registry for unmarried couples and granted many of the same benefits to these domestic partners as legally married spouses.

Stearns of Florida Amendment
An amendment to prohibit funds to be used by the Internal Revenue Service to implement a Spanish-language version of the "Where's my Refund?" service.
Failed 165-257


On Motion to Recommit with Instructions
(consideration: CR H7409-7410; text: CR H7409)
Failed 199-222

On Passage
Passed 240-179


RSC Member Amendments Produce Conservative Victories

House Votes - H.R. 2643: Interior, Environment Appropriations

H.Res. 514: Providing for consideration of H.R. 2643

On agreeing to the resolution
Agreed to by voice vote.


H.R. 2643: Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

King of Iowa Amendment
An amendment to increase funds by $100,000,000 for the operation of the National Park System. And, reduce funds for the EPA by $163,000,000.
Failed 156-274

Peterson of Pennsylvania Amendment
An amendment number 1 by Peterson(PA) to insert language on page 50, line 3, after the period stating "The preceding sentence shall not apply with respect to natural gas offshore preleasing, leasing, and related activities beyond 25 miles from the coastline":.
Failed 196-233

Conaway of Texas Amendment
An amendment to strike sections 104 and 105 regarding the conduct of offshore preleasing, leasing and relative activities and regarding funds to conduct oil and natural gas preleasing, leasing and related activities in the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic.
Failed 167-264

Bishop of Utah Amendment
An amendment to increase funding by $13 million for the Forest and Rangeland Research and decrease funding by $31.588 million for Grants and Adminstration under the National Endowment for the Arts.
Failed 156-270

Barton of Texas Amendment
An amendment to strike section 501 expressing the sense of Congress on Global Climate Change.
Failed 153-274

Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas Amendment
An amendment numbered 7 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit funds to be used to promulgate or implement the Environmental Protection Agency proposed regulations published in the Federal Register on January 3, 2007.
Passed 252-178

Dent of Pennsylvania Amendment
An amendment numbered 13 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to be used to implement, administer, or enfore section 20(b)(1) of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Failed 194-236

Pearce of New Mexico Amendment
An amendment to prohibit use of funds for the continued operation of the Mexican Wolf Recovery program.
Failed 172-258

Hensarling of Texas Amendment No. 34
An amendment numbered 34 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit funds to be used for the Clover Bend Historic Site.
Failed 98-331

Hensarling of Texas Amendment No. 44
An amendment numbered 44 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to be used for the St. Joseph's College Theater.
Failed 97-328

Hensarling of Texas Amendment No. 56
An amendment numbered 56 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit funds to be used for the Maverick Concert Hall.
Failed 114-316

Hensarling of Texas Amendment No. 74
An amendment numbered 74 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit funds to be used for the Bremerton Public Library.
Failed 98-333

Andrews of New Jersey Amendment
An amendment to prohibit funds to be used to plan, design, study, or construct, for the purpose of harvesting timber by private entities or individuals, a forest development road i the Tongass National Forest.
Passed 283-145

Mr. Young (AK) raised a point of order against the Andrews amendment (A035). Mr. Young of Alaska stated that the provisions of the amendment seek to impose new duties and constitute legislating in an appropriations bill. Point of order overruled by the Chair.

Brown-Waite of Florida Amendment
An amendment to reduce funds for the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities (NEA) by $32,000,000.
Failed 137-285

Campbell of California Amendment No. 51
An amendment numbered 51 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit funds to be used for Wetzel County Courthouse, New Martinsville, West Virginia.
Failed 104-323

Campbell of California Amendment
An amendment to prohibit funds to be used for the Conte Anadromous Fish Laboratory.
Failed 97-330

Flake of Arizona Amendment No. 1
An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used for W.A. Young & Sons Foundry Greene County Pennsylvania.
Failed 104-328

Flake of Arizona Amendment No. 2
An amendment to prohibit funds to be used for the Columbus Fire Fighters Union in Columbus, Ohio.
Failed 66-364

Flake of Arizona Amendment No. 5
An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania; the Westsylvania Heritage Corporation in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania; and the Progress Fund in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Failed 86-343

Jordan of Ohio Amendment
An amendment numbered 22 printed in the Congressional Record to provide that each amount appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act that is not required to be appropriated or otherwise made available by a provision of law is reduced by 4.3 percent.
Failed 150-281

Price of Georgia Amendment
An amendment numbered 29 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce appropriations in the bill by $276,330,000 (or 1 percent).
Failed 178-254

Musgrave of Colorado Amendment
An amendment numbered 27 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce each amount appropriated or otherwise made available in the bill that is not required to be appropriated or otherwise made available by a provision of law by 0.5 percent.
Failed 193-238

Inslee of Washington Amendment
An amendment numbered 17 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit use of funds in the bill to issue any permit for, or otherwise approve or allow, importation of any polar bear or polar bear part.
Failed 188-242

Udall of Colorado Amendment No. 2
An amendment numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit use of funds in the bill to prepare or publish final regulations regarding a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public lands or to conduct an oil shale lease sale.
Passed 219-215

Lamborn of Colorado Amendment
An amendment to eliminate funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.
Failed 97-335

Cannon of Utah Amendment
An amendment to prohibit use of funds in the bill relating to oil-shale leasing in the States of Utah or Wyoming.
Failed 204-223

Udall of Colorado Amendment No. 2
Mr. Cannon demanded a separate vote on the Udall (CO) amendment (A054). (consideration: CR H7259-7260)
Passed 216-210


On Motion to Recommit with Instructions
(consideration: CR H7269; text: CR H7269)
Failed 186-233

On Passage
Passed 272-155

House Voice Votes

The following passed the House by voice vote:

• H.R. 2286: Bail Bond Fairness Act of 2007
• H.R. 2139: FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2007
• H.R. 1281: Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007
• H.R. 1065: Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2007

House Votes - H.R. 2771: Legislative Branch Appropriations

H.Res. 502: Providing for consideration of H.R. 2771

On Ordering the Previous Question
Passed 217-179

On Agreeing to the Resolution
Passed 222-179


H.R. 2771: Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2008

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Flake of Arizona Amendment
An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 110-201 to reduce funding for the Government Printing Office--Congressional Printing and Binding by $3,200,000.
Passed 218-191

Jordan of Ohio Amendment
An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 110-201 to reduce appropriations in the bill by 4% across the board.
Failed 177-231


On Motion to Recommit with Instructions
(consideration: CR H6997; text: CR H6997)
Failed 181-217

On Passage
Passed 216-176


Capitol to Become 'Greener' as House Passes Legislative Branch Spending Bill
Funding for Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s initiative to reduce the Capitol complex’s carbon footprint cleared a key hurdle today when the House passed the $3.1 billion legislative branch spending bill.

House-Passed Legislative Branch Bill Means Capitol Hill Would Become 'Greener'
Funding for Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s initiative to reduce the Capitol complex’s carbon emissions cleared a key hurdle June 22 when the House passed the $3.1 billion Legislative Branch spending bill.

House Republicans want to tame Beard
GOP concerned Dems using time-honored majority prerogative to obtain perks.

House Votes - H.R. 2764: State, Foreign Operations Appropriations

See previous Appropriations Watch Life Status Update for details on key amendments highlighted below.


H.Res. 498: Providing for consideration of H.R. 2764

On agreeing to the resolution
Agreed to by voice vote


H.R. 2764: Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida Amendment
An amendment to decrease funding for the Department of State, Administration of Foreign Affairs by $36,700,000, and to increase funding for the Economic Support Fund by the same amount in order to address funding for Cuba Democracy assistance programs.
Passed 254-170

Wolf of Virginia Amendment
An amendment to increase funding (by transfer) for assistance programs for Iraq by $158,000,000.
Failed 205-219

Shays of Connecticut Amendment
An amendment to provide additional funding (by transfer) for the Iraq Study Group in the amount of $1 million.
Passed 355-69

House Votes to Revive Iraq Study Group
The Iraq Study Group, the bipartisan panel that mapped out an alternative U.S. strategy for Iraq last December, may be reconstituted for a sequel.

Garrett of New Jersey Amendment
An amendment to increase funding (by transfer) for anti-terrorism programs by $20 million.
Failed 192-232

Foxx of North Carolina Amendment
An amendment to reduce the appropriation for contributions to international organizations by $203,082,000.
Failed 137-287

Pitts of Pennsylvania Amendment
An amendment to restore the President's emergency plan for AIDS relief authorization provision requiring 33% of HIV/AIDS prevention funding to be spent on abstinence and fidelity promotion program.
Failed 200-226
Pitts Amendment in the 108th Congress
Passed 220-197

Lowey of New York Amendment
An amendment to insert provisions to Section 622 to prevent unintended pregnancies, abortions, and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS; and to provide that no contract or grant for exclusive purpose of providing donated contraceptives in developing countries shall be denied to any nongovernmental organization solely on the basis of the policy contained in the President's March 28, 2001, Memorandum to the Administrator of USAID with respect to providing contraceptives in developing countries, or any comparable administration policy regarding the provision of contraceptives.
Passed 223-201

The end result of this amendment will be that instead of giving cash to pro-abortion organizations, USAID will give items of cash value to pro-abortion organizations. Such a scheme still lends the U.S. stamp of approval to the organizations that promote abortion and freeing up other funds for the promotion or provision of abortion.

Democrats Pass Provision for Contraceptives in House Foreign Aid Bill
Move Is First Challenge To Antiabortion Riders
House Democrats narrowly passed a measure yesterday to provide contraceptives to overseas organizations that had been banned from receiving foreign aid because they provided or promoted abortion.

Smith of New Jersey Amendment
An amendment to strike the last proviso in section 622 of the bill regarding the Mexico City policy on family planning assistance.
Failed 205-218

Boustany of Louisiana Amendment
An amendment to strike section 699 from the bill. Section 699 relates to assistance for Egypt.
Failed 74-343

McGovern of Massachussetts
An amendment to prohibit use of funds for programs at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation located at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Failed 203-214

Jordan of Ohio Amendment
An amendment numbered 26 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce appropriations in the bill by $2,956,000,000.
Failed 152-268

Price of Georgia Amendment
An amendment to reduce appropriations in the bill by $342,430,000 across-the-board.
Failed 168-252

Musgrave of Colorado Amendment
An amendment to reduce the total appropriation in the bill (other than for assistance for Israel) by 0.5 percent across-the-board.
Failed 179-241

Pence of Indiana Amendment
An amendment to prohibit funds to provide direct aid to the Palestinian Authority, except as otherwise provided by existing law.
Passed 390-30

King of Iowa Amendment
An amendment to prohibit the use of funds for travel by the Speaker of the House of Representatives to countries that are State sponsors of terrorism.
Failed 84-337


On Passage
Passed 241-178


Contraceptive Language in Spending Bill Could Be Flash Point for Veto Threat
A House panel approved a fiscal 2008 State-Foreign Operations spending bill that President Bush might veto because under the bill, contraceptives would be provided to family planning groups that had been denied U.S. funding.

House Votes - H.R. 2641: Energy and Water Appropriations

H.Res. 481: Providing for consideration of H.R. 2641

On agreeing to the resolution
Agreed to by voice vote


H.R. 2641: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Westmoreland of Georgia Amendment
An amendment to reduce funding for Investigations including recession of funds by $30 million.
Failed 84-341

Westmoreland of Georgia Amendment No. 26
An amendment numbered 26 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce appropriation for construction including recession of funds by $481,186,000.
Failed 76-351

Westmoreland of Georgia Amendment No. 24
An amendment numbered 24 printed in the Congressional Record to reduced funds for the Mississippi River and Tributaries by $18 million.
Failed 111-315

Westmoreland of Georgia Amendment No. 25
An amendment numbered 25 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funds for the Operation and Maintenance by $184,241,000.
Failed 77-350

Sessions of Texas Amendment
An amendment numbered 23 printed in the Congressionl Record to striking the prohibition of funds under the OMB Circular A-76 or any other administrative regulation, directive, or policy for the Corps of Engineers program, project or activity.
Failed 164-259

Hensarling of Texas Amendment
An amendment numbered 22 printed in the Congressional Record to reduced funds for the Water and Related Resources Account by $55 million.
Failed 121-305

Lamborn of Colorado Amendment
An amendment to reduce funds of the Bureau of Reclamation under the Policy and Administration section by $1,236,000.
Failed 151-274

Campbell of California Amendment
An amendment numbered 21 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the appropriation in the bill for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by $101,550,000.
Failed 107-320

Stearns of Florida Amendment
An amendment to redirect $20 million in funding within the Nuclear Energy account.
Failed 158-269

Kline of Minnesota Amendment
An amendment numbered 19 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funding in the Fossil Energy Research and Development account by $142 million.
Failed 123-303

Porter of Nevada Amendment
An amendment to strike the provisions in the bill for nuclear waste disposal activities.
Failed 80-351

Foxx of North Carolina Amendment
An amendment numbered 18 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funding for Departmental Administration account by $27,950,000.
Failed 134-293

Udall of New Mexico Amendment
An amendment to increase funding (by transfer) for the National Nuclear Security Administration by $192.123 million.
Failed 121-312

Neugebauer of Texas Amendment
An amendment numbered 17 printed in the Congressional Record to strike the $35 million appropriation for the Appalchain Regional Commission.
Failed 133-298

Musgrave of Colorado Amendment
An amendment numbered 9 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the appropriation in the bill by 0.5 percent across-the-board.
Failed 166-267

Bishop of New York Amendment
An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to add a paragraph prohibiting use of funds for review of the application for the Broadwater Energy Proposal.
Failed 146-285

Jordan of Ohio Amendment
An amendment numbered 14 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce total amounts appropriated in the bill by $1.305 million.
Failed 129-301

Shadegg of Arizona Amendment
An amendment to limit the use of funds to breach or remove hydropower dams.
Failed 157-274

Price of Georgia Amendment
An amendment numbered 12 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce amounts appropriated in the bill by 1 percent across-the-board.
Failed 158-275

Wilson of South Carolina Amendment
An amendment numbered 15 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce total amounts appropriated in the bill by $1,130,000,000.
Failed 138-295

Hinchey of New York Amendment
An amendment to assure that no funds be made available to designate any geographic area as a national interest electric transmission corridor under the Federal Power Act by the Secretary of Energy.
Failed 174-257


House Vote Stops Appropriation for New Generation of Nuclear Weapons

The House yesterday approved plans to halt funding for the development of a new generation of nuclear warheads as House leaders called on the Bush administration to provide a post-Cold War nuclear strategy that would detail the future size of the U.S. nuclear stockpile.

While approving most portions of the $32 billion fiscal 2008 appropriations bill for energy and water development, the House put off final passage until later this summer while it works out details of funding for local Army Corps of Engineers flood-control projects.

House Votes - H.R. 2642: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations

H.Res. 480: Providing for consideration of H.R. 2642


H.R. 2642: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2008

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Hayes of North Carolina Amendment
An amendment to reduce appropriation for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program by $30,000,000, and increase the Department of Defense Base Closure Account by $30,000,000.
Failed 110-304

Blumenauer of Oregon Amendment
An amendment regarding funding for BRAC 1990.
Failed 68-347

Price of Georgia Amendment
An amendment numbered 17 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce appropriation for BRAC by $50,000,000, and increase the Veterans Health Administration medical services by $22,000,000.
Failed 154-260

Moran of Kansas Amendment
An amendment to increase (by transfer) for the Medical Administration by $125 million.
Passed 264-152

Garrett of New Jersey Amendment
An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to increase (by transfer) for grants for construction of State Extended Care Facilities by $10 million.
Failed 206-211

Musgrave of Colorado Amendment
An amendment to add a new section prohibiting the use of funds for any action that is related to or promotes the expansion of the boundaries or size of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in southeastern Colorado.
Passed 383-34


On Passage
Passed 409-2

House Voice Vote - Earmark Reform

H.Res. 491: Providing for earmark reform

Resolved, That during the remainder of the 110th Congress it shall not be in order to consider a conference report to accompany a regular general appropriation bill unless the joint explanatory statement prepared by the managers on the part of the House and the managers on the part of the Senate includes a list of congressional earmarks (as that term is used in clause 9(d) of rule XXI) in the conference report or joint statement (and the name of any Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Senator who submitted a request to the respective House or Senate committee for each respective item included on such list) that were not committed to the conference committee by either House, not in a report on such bill, and not in a report of a committee of the Senate on a companion measure.

Sec. 2. It shall not be in order to consider a rule or order that waives the application of the first section of this resolution.

Sec. 3. A point of order under this resolution shall be disposed of by the question of consideration under the same terms as specified in clause 9(b) of rule XXI.

Passed House without objection.


Leaders Ask for Trust in House Earmarks Deal
House leaders reached an uneasy truce Thursday night on how to move forward on spending bills, ending Republican delaying tactics that had blocked substantive progress on appropriations bills for three days.

House Adopts Rules Giving Earmark Foes Tools for Fighting Member Projects
The House gave earmark foes a new tool Monday, adopting rules that allow members to challenge last-minute spending mandates.

Earmark Dispute Puts a Dent in Democrats' Calendar on Spending Bill Work
The House will take up appropriations bills again this week, but on a delayed schedule resulting from the earmarks clash that engulfed the chamber last week.

House Appropriators Find Different Ways to Spread Earmarks Around
House appropriators released their first lists of earmarks Thursday for two spending bills and so far are sticking to a pledge by the chamber’s chief appropriator to reduce earmarks by half in the fiscal 2008 bills.

Boehner Previews Phase II of House GOP Earmark Reform Effort
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today outlined the next phase of the House Republican campaign to force the House Democratic leadership to keep its promise to make the congressional earmark process transparent and accountable to taxpayers.

House Votes - H.R. 2638: Homeland Security Appropriations, Part 2

House H.R. 2638 Votes Part 1


H.R. 2638: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2008

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

McHenry (NC) Amendment to the Foxx (NC) Amendment
An amendment to replace the dollar amount proposed in the Foxx amendment for the Office of the Secretary and Executive Management with "$8,961,000".
Failed 108-300

Foxx of North Carolina Amendment
An amendment numbered 33 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce appropriation for the Office of the Secretary and Executive Management by $1,241.000.
Passed 216-198

Fallin of Oklahoma Amendment
An amendment numbered 31 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce appropriation for the Office of Secretary and Executive Management by $138,000.
Passed 248-168

Drake of Virginia Amendment
An amendment numbered 9 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce appropriation for the Office of the Under Secretary for Management by $10,400,000, and increase appropriation for the Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement by $9,100,000.
Passed 286-127

King of New York Amendment
An amendment to increase funding (by transfer) for the domestic nuclear detection office management and administration account by $40 million.
Passed 282-137

Brown-Waite of Florida Amendment
An amendment numbered 13 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding (by transfer) for the border security fencing, infrastructure, and technology account by $89.125 million.
Passed 241-179

Burgess of Texas Amendment
An amendment to increase funding (by transfer) for the transportation threat assessment and credentialing.
Passed 251-171

Ferguson of New Jersey Amendment
An amendment to increase funding (by transfer) buffer zone protection under the State and local programs account by $50 million.
Passed 239-183

McHenry of North Carolina Amendment
An amendment to increase funding (by transfer) for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services by $30 million.
Failed 207-214

Pearce of New Mexico Amendment
An amendment numbered 128 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funds (by transfer) to the United States Customs and Border Protection Salaries and Expenses by $125 million.
Failed 96-327

Carter of Texas Amendment
An amendment to strike the proviso regarding border fencing requirements under the Border Security, Fencing, Infrastructure, and Technology heading.
Failed 190-233

McCaul of Texas Amendment
An amendment numbered 98 printed in the Congressional Record to strike the proviso for the Commissioner of United States Customs and Border Protection heading.
Failed 192-232

King of Iowa Amendment #105
An amendment numbered 105 printed in the Congressional Record to increase and decrease the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement salaries and expenses account by $5,000,000.
Passed 228-195

Bilbray of California Amendment
An amendment to reduce appropriation for the Coast Gaurd construction by $150,000,000, and increase the State and local terrorism prevention activities by $150,000,000.
Failed 155-268

McCaul of Texas Amendment #99
An amendment to strike section 531 from the bill. Section 531 prohibits use of funds for the MAX HR project.
Failed 184-238

Rogers of Kentucky Amendment
An amendment numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit that none of the funds in this Act be used to recruit or hire more than 45,000 full-time equivalent airport screeners.
Failed 168-255

Poe of Texas Amendment
An amendment numbered 28 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit funds to be used by the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a plan that permits travel into the United States from foreign countries using any document other than a passport.
Failed 89-331

LaTourette of Ohio Amendment
An amendment numbered 113 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit funds to be used by the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop any plan under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 before June 1, 2009.
Passed 379-45

Tancredo of Colorado Amendment
An amendment to prohibit funds of this Act to carry out the visa waiver program.
Failed 76-347

Tancredo of Colorado Amendment #7
An amendment numbered 7 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit funds to be used in contravention of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.
Passed 234-189

Royce of California Amendment
An amendment to prohibit funds made available for customs and border protection fencing, infrastructure, and technology from being used for anything but at least two layers of reinforced fencing and roads.
Failed 149-272

Forbes of Virginia Amendment
An amendment to prohibits funds to be used to extend the designation of any foreign state under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Failed 123-298

Rogers of Kentucky Amendment
An amendment to prohibit use of funds in the bill to implement section 536 relating to Davis-Bacon provisions.
Failed 145-277

Rogers of Kentucky Amendment #1
An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funding for the Department of Homeland Security by 5.7 percent over the next year.
Failed 178-243


On Motion to Recommit with Instructions
(consideration: CR H6516-6517; text: CR H6516)
Failed 200-217

On Passage
Passed 268-150


House Passes Homeland Security Spending After Earmarks Deal Ends GOP Protest
The House today passed the fiscal 2008 Homeland Security spending bill after three days of delay while leaders bickered over the handling of earmarks. The bill still faces a potential White House veto over funding levels and wages for federal contractors.