Despite Republican control of the Senate, Democrats have
continued the fight to make a difference for all our families.
Highlights of Democratic measures that passed the Senate in the
108th Congress include:
- increased combat pay and other support for the National Guard and Reserves;
- full concurrent receipt of disability compensation and retirement pension for all
disabled veterans;
- tax fairness for military and foreign service personnel;
- disapproval of the Federal Communications Commission decision to relax media
ownership rules;
- a fair extension of the child tax credit; and
- a moratorium on Bush Administration plan to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge.
On a number of issues, Democrats and Republicans have worked
together to pass important, common-sense legislation. On other
significant issues, however, Democrats have had to overcome
Republican opposition to secure passage of legislation.
ECONOMIC SECURITY
Partial Concurrent Receipt For Veterans
On June 4, 2003, the Senate agreed to a Fiscal Year 2004 Defense Authorization
amendment introduced by Senator Reid to authorize full concurrent receipt of
disability compensation and retirement pension for all disabled veterans. In
conference committee, Senate and House conferees brokered a
compromise agreement that phases in concurrent receipt over ten years for all
disabled veterans with a 50 percent or higher service connection, and expands
Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) to include all veterans with a
combat disability, regardless of service connection rating. The agreement also
makes qualifying members of the National Guard and Reserve eligible for CRSC
for the first time. In total, an estimated 200,000 veterans nationwide will see
significant increases in their monthly VA compensation.
Veterans Administration Funding
Democrats have fought to ensure that Congress provides the VA with adequate
resources to provide quality health care and other services to all veterans. During
the Senate's consideration of the Fiscal Year 2004 Emergency Supplemental
Appropriations bill, Senator Mikulski championed the passage of an amendment
to the same bill guaranteeing an additional $1.3 billion in funding for veterans'
health care programs. The Senate agreed to the amendment on October 17,
2003. While this amendment was removed in conference, Democratic support for
this funding led Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Stevens to promise
that the funding would be included in the Fiscal Year 2003 VA-HUD
Appropriations bill. Senator Stevens fulfilled his promise and the Senate passed a
VA-HUD appropriations package on November 18, 2003 that includes an
additional $1.3 billion in funding for veterans health care.
Overtime Pay Protection
On September 10, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Departments of
Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations amendment
introduced by Senator Harkin that prohibits the use of any funds to implement any
regulation that exempts the payment of overtime. The proposed Department of
Labor regulation would have stripped overtime pay for 8 million American workers.
Six Republicans joined Democrats in a 54-45 vote for the amendment.
Unemployment Insurance Extension
On January 7, 2003, the Senate agreed to extend jobless benefits to 2.8 million
unemployed workers through the end of May 2003. The bill, introduced by
Senator Clinton and Senator Nickles, provided unemployed Americans an
additional 20 weeks of benefits and the economy $7.25 billion in stimulus.
On May 23, 2003, the Senate agreed to provide an additional 13 weeks of
unemployment benefits and allow workers in high unemployment states a total of
26 weeks of additional benefits.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
On January 21, 2003, the Senate passed a 2003 Omnibus Appropriations bill
amendment introduced by Senator Reed that directs the President to release
$300 million for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Forty-six
Republicans joined Democrats in an 88-4 vote for the amendment.
Child Tax Credit
The tax bill passed earlier this year included an expansion of the child tax credit,
but did not move forward a scheduled future increase in the portion of the credit
that is refundable, leaving parents of 12 million children without the full benefit of
the increased credit. Senator Lincoln had fought to include a provision for such
an increase in the Senate Finance bill, but it was dropped in conference. On
June 5, 2003, the Senate did pass legislation sponsored by Senator Lincoln that
corrects the ommision. House Republicans, however, continue to refuse to fix the
problem. The President, whose original proposal did not cover these 12 million
children, reversed his position and announced his support for the legislation, but
neither he nor Senate Republicans have insisted that House Republicans drop
their opposition.
The Charity Aid, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act
On April 9, 2003, the Senate passed S. 476, the Charity, Aid, Recovery, and
Empowerment (CARE) Act, on a bipartisan vote of 95-5. The CARE Act provides
tax incentives to encourage charitable giving, and largely reflects the plan
requested by President Bush in his Fiscal Year 2004 budget. Notably, the
legislation allows for a standard deduction of up to $500 for cash donations to
charities, tax-free roll overs of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) to qualified
organizations, and enhanced deductions for farmers making food donations. The
bill is paid for by cracking down on corporate tax shelters. Similar legislation
passed the House on September 17, 2003. Differences between the Senate- and
House-passed bills will need to be resolved in conference before the legislation
can be sent to the President.
Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act
Democrats strongly supported passage of H.R. 1307, the Armed Forces Tax
Fairness Act, in a 97-0 vote on March 27, 2003. The bill allows military and
foreign service personnel to choose not to count time stationed overseas against
the time limits for tax-free sales of their homes, provides National Guard and
Reserve members with a deduction for overnight travel expenses related to
military service, permits the exclusion of military death gratuity payments and of
amounts received under the military housing assistance program, among other
benefits. Passage of the bill represents a victory for Democrats, who included it
among their legislative priorities at the beginning of the 108th Congress. The bill
passed the House and awaits conference.
Support For Rural Counties To Reduce Out-Migration
On March 25, 2003, the Senate agreed to a Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Resolution
sense of the Senate introduced by Senator Dorgan to help rural communities fight
the economic devastation caused by chronic out-migration by giving them the
tools they need to attract individuals to live and work, or to start and grow a
business.
Fair Credit Reporting Act
On November 5, 2003, the Senate passed S. 1753, the National Consumer Credit
Reporting System Improvement Act of 2003, on a bipartisan vote of 95-2.
S. 1753, which amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, includes provisions
to address identity theft, improve access to credit report information, and give
consumers more control over marketing solicitations they receive. S. 1753 also
restricts the use and transfer of consumers' medical information. The bill is
currently in conference.
COMMUNICATIONS
FCC Media Ownership
On September 16, 2003, the Senate passed S.J. Res. 17, the Federal
Communications Media Ownership bill, which was sponsored by Senator Dorgan.
The resolution disapproves the Federal Communications Commission rule that
relaxes media ownership rules. Twelve Republicans joined Democrats in a 55-40
vote for the resolution, which has been sent to the House.
Do-Not-Call Registry
Democrats strongly supported passage of H.R. 3161 in a 95-0 vote on September
25, 2003. The bill ratifies the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to
establish a "do-not-call" registry. The President signed the bill into law on
September 29, 2003.
DEFENSE AND FIGHTING TERRORISM
Commitment to Iraq
On July 10, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 State Department
Authorization amendment introduced by Senator Biden that expresses the sense
of Congress that: 1) it is in the national security interests of the United States to
remain engaged in Iraq in order to ensure a peaceful, stable, unified Iraq with a
representative government; 2) the President should consider requesting formally
and expeditiously that NATO raise a force for deployment in post-war Iraq similar
to what it has done in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo and the Congress urges
NATO allies and other nations to provide troops and police to Coalition efforts in
Iraq; and 3) the President should consider calling on the United Nations to urge its
member states to provide military forces and civilian police to promote stability and
security in Iraq and resources to help rebuild and administer Iraq. The
amendment passed on a unanimous 97-0 vote.
Humanitarian Food Assistance For Iraq
On April 3, 2003, the Senate passed a 2003 Supplemental Appropriations bill
amendment introduced by Senators Kohl and Leahy that provides $600 million
for international food aid programs and specifies that $155 million be used to
restore funding for previously approved Fiscal Year 2003 programs. Twenty-two
Republicans joined Democrats in a 67-26 vote for the amendment.
Iraq Reconstruction
On May 22, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Department of Defense
Authorization amendment introduced by Senator Warner and Senators Boxer and
Lautenberg that requires the Department of Defense to comply with the
Competition in Contracting Act for any contract awarded for reconstruction
activities in Iraq. The amendment also requires the Department to conduct full
and open competition for work needed for the reconstruction of the Iraqi oil
industry and requires a report to Congress if the Department does not have a fully
competitive contract in place to replace the March 8, 2003 contract for the
reconstruction of the Iraqi oil industry by August 31, 2003. All fifty-one
Republicans joined Democrats in a passing this amendment.
Overseas Operations Appropriations
On July 17, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Department of Defense
Appropriations amendment introduced by Senator Byrd that expresses the sense
of the Senate that: 1) any request for funds for a fiscal year for an ongoing
overseas military operation, including operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, should
be included in the annual budget of the President for the same fiscal year as
submitted to Congress; and 2) that any funds provided for such fiscal year for
military operation should be provided in appropriations bills for the same fiscal
year through appropriations to specific accounts set forth in those appropriations
bills. Thirty-six Republicans joined Democrats in an 81-15 vote for this
amendment.
Department of Homeland Security Oversight
On July 23, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Department of
Homeland Security Appropriations amendment introduced by Senator Boxer that
requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a classified report to
Congress detailing the costs incurred by the state and local law enforcement
personnel of each state in complying with requests and requirements of the Secret
Service to provide protective services and transportation for foreign and domestic
officials. Thirty-two Republicans joined Democrats in a 79-19 vote for the
amendment.
A Budget Set-Aside To Pay For War In Iraq
On March 21, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Resolution
amendment introduced by Senator Feingold that reduces the tax cuts in the
budget resolution in order to set aside a reserve fund of $100 billion to cover costs
of war and reconstruction. Four Republicans joined Democrats in a 52-47 vote to
support the amendment.
First Responders
Senator Feinstein offered an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2003 Emergency
Supplemental Appropriations bill that would have provided $200 million for
interoperable communications equipment for police through the COPS program,
and $200 million for communications equipment for firefighters and emergency
departments through FEMA. The Senate approved the amendment on April 3,
2003, but Republicans reduced the levels to $109.5 million for each account.
Nuclear Security
Senator Reid offered an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2003 Emergency
Supplemental Appropriations bill that would have provided $400 million for nuclear
security, including $300 million to track and account for fissile nuclear material
overseas, and $100 million to enhance security at federal nuclear facilities in the
United States. After the Administration included no money for these programs in
its request, the Appropriations Committee added $55 million for international
programs and $43 million for security at domestic facilities. Democratic pressure
then resulted in the Senate approving on April 3, 2003 an additional $95 million for
the international programs and an additional $42 million for domestic nuclear
security.
Port Security
Senator Hollings offered an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2004 Budget
Resolution that provides $1 billion per year for two years for port security was
accepted. Senate Republicans refused, however, to pay for port security out of
the tax cut (which a bipartisan majority of the Senate determined was too large)
and insisted on cuts in other discretionary programs before agreeing to the
amendment on March 21, 2003.
Military Personnel
Senator Durbin offered an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2003 Emergency
Supplemental Appropriations bill that would have raised combat pay for military
personnel from $150 per month (an amount that had not been changed since
1991) to $400 per month, and raised the family separation allowance from $100
per month (a level that has failed to keep up with the increasing number of military
families with two working spouses and costly child care needs) to $400 per month.
On April 2, 2003, the Senate agreed to the Durbin amendment, but only after
reducing the increase in combat pay to $225 per month and reducing the increase
in the family separation allowance to $250 per month.
Enhanced Support For The National Guard And Reserves
On March 26, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Resolution
amendment introduced by Senators Landrieu and Durbin that provides $3 billion
to the Department of Defense in Fiscal Year 2003: $2 billion for an increase in
combat pay and family separation allowance, and $1 billion for immediate Guard
and Reserves equipment needs. The amendment passed unanimously, 100-0.
Low-Yield Nuclear Weapons Restriction
On May 21, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Department of Defense
Authorization amendment introduced by Senator Reed that prevents the start of
the engineering development phase or any subsequent phase of developing a
low-yield nuclear weapon, unless specifically authorized by Congress. All
fifty-one Republicans joined Democrats in passing this amendment unanimously.
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance
Democrats strongly supported passage of S. 113, a bill to amend the Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, in a 90-4 vote on May 8, 2003. The bill
extends the coverage of FISA to non-United States persons who engage in
international terrorism or activities in preparation for international terrorism, without
a showing of membership in or affiliation with an international terrorist group. The
measure was referred to the House on June 25, 2003.
HEALTH CARE
Veterans Health Care
Senator Graham offered an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2003 Emergency
Supplemental Appropriations bill that would have provided $375 million to the
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Care Account for the purposes of caring for
returning service members who are separated or released from the military.
Current law requires that the VA provide such care for two years. The level
provided for in the Graham amendment was based on the percentage of veterans
who sought VA health care and benefits following the 1991 Gulf War, multiplied by
VA's average per patient cost of care. The Senate accepted the amendment on
April 3, 2003, but Republicans reduced the amount to $155 million and prohibited
the money from being available after the end of Fiscal Year 2003.
National Guard Health Care
On May 20, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Department of Defense
Authorization amendment introduced by Senator Graham (SC) and Senator
Daschle that allows members of the Selected Reserve to enroll in TRICARE.
Thirty-nine Republicans joined Democrats in an 85-1 vote for the amendment.
On July 16, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Department of Defense
Appropriations amendment introduced by Senator Daschle that: 1) expresses the
sense of the Senate that National Guard and Reserve play a critical and
increasingly demanding role in protecting our national security; and 2) affirms the
Senate's support for providing Guard and Reserve personnel access to TRICARE.
Forty-eight Republicans joined Democrats in a 93-2 vote for the amendment.
On October 2, 2003, the Senate passed, by voice vote, a Fiscal Year 2004
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations amendment introduced by Senator
Graham and Senator Daschle that provides TRICARE access to members of the
National Guard and Reserve who either are unemployed or have no
employer-based health insurance. Further, the amendment directs the
Department of Defense to reimburse activated reservists for the costs of health
insurance, should they wish to retain their private insurance plan, for the duration
of the reservists' active-duty service. The conference report to the Fiscal Year
2004 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations, which included this provision, was
passed by the Senate on November 3, 2003, and signed into law by the president
on November 6, 2003.
Expanding Access to Generic Drugs
For the second year in a row, the Senate passed an amendment to close
loopholes that brand-name drug companies use to block lower-priced generic
drugs from entering the market. Last year, the Senate overwhelmingly passed
this legislation, but House Republican leaders and the White House opposed it.
This year, to forge an even broader bipartisan consensus, Senate Democrats
worked with Republicans on a revised version. The Gregg-Schumer-McCain-
Kennedy bill was offered as an amendment to the Prescription Drug and
Medicare Improvement Act and was approved 94 to 1 on June 19, 2003.
State Fiscal Relief
On May 15, 2003, Senate Democrats strongly supported an amendment by
Senators Collins, Rockefeller and Ben Nelson to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief
Reconciliation Act that provides $20 billion in temporary fiscal relief to states, who
are experiencing the worst financial problems since World War II. Half of the
$20 billion would go to state Medicaid programs to help prevent benefit cuts and
eligibility restrictions. The Bush Administration initially opposed providing fiscal
relief to states before signing the legislation into law.
Genetic Non-Discrimination
On October 14, 2003, the Senate approved a bipartisan bill that would impose
new restrictions on the use, disclosure and collection of genetic information in
order to prevent discrimination in health insurance and employment. S. 1053, the
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, was sponsored by Senators Snowe,
Frist, Daschle, Gregg, Kennedy, Jeffords, Enzi, Dodd, DeWine, Harkin and
Collins. The bill was sent to the House on October 15, 2003.
Extending Funds for Children's Health Insurance
On July 31, 2003, the Senate approved by unanimous consent an extension of
funds for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) for fiscal years
1998 through 2001. Without the extention, these funds would have expired and
reverted back to the U.S. Treasury. The extension was signed into law on August
15, 2003. Last year, House Republicans blocked a similar extension.
Smallpox Vaccine Compensation
The Senate approved the Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act by
unanimous consent on April 11, 2003 and it was signed into law on April 30. At
the insistence of Senate Democrats, the bill included a more generous
compensation package to health professionals injured by the smallpox vaccine
than the one originally proposed by the Bush Administration. Adequate
compensation is needed to encourage health professionals to participate in the
federal government's inoculation program for first responders.
Smallpox Vaccine Funding
Senator Bayh offered an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2003 Emergency
Supplemental Appropriations bill that would have provided $340 million to help
state and local public health officials with the cost of administering smallpox
vaccines. To receive Republican support, the amount was reduced to
$105 million and was approved by the Senate on April 3, 2003.
Funding to Address the Nursing Shortage
The Senate agreed to accept an amendment by Senators Mikulski and Collins
that added $50 million to fund last year's Nurse Reinvestment Act and other
nursing workforce development programs. The funding is needed to address the
nation's growing shortage of nurses. The amendment is part of the Fiscal Year
2004 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education
Appropriations bill, which the Senate approved on September 10, 2003. As of
presstime, negotiations in conference were still underway.
EDUCATION
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), School Construction
and Modernization, and After-School Programs
On September 10, 2003, the Senate agreed to a Fiscal Year 2004 Departments of
Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations amendment
introduce by Senators Dodd, Hagel, and Jeffords. This amendment would
provide additional funding for grants to states under part B of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Specifically, this amendment would increase
IDEA funding levels by $1.2 billon, for a total increase of $2.2 billion.
American History and Civics Education
Democrats strongly supported passage of S. 504, the American History and
Civics Education Act of 2003, in a 90-0 vote on June 20, 2003. The bill directs
the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities to award
competitive grants for educational institutions to establish: 1) Presidential
Academies for Teaching of American History and Civics to offer workshops for
teachers of American history and civics; and 2) Congressional Academies for
Students of American History and Civics to offer workshops for outstanding
students of American history and civics. The measure was received in the House
on June 23, 2003.
Digital and Wireless Network Technology Program
Democrats strongly supported passage of S. 196, the Digital and Wireless
Network Technology Program Act of 2003, in a 97-0 vote on April 30, 2003. The
bill establishes a $250 million per year grant program for Fiscal Years 2004-08 to
help minority-serving institutions provide instruction in digital and wireless network
technologies. It also creates an Office of Digital and Wireless Technology within
the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award grants, contracts and
cooperative agreements to eligible minority serving institutions to strengthen their
digital and wireless infrastructure. The measure was sent to the House on May 1,
2003.
Student Aid
On September 10, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations amendment introduced by Senator Corzine and others that prohibits the use of any funds to implement the recent Education Department change in the formula for establishing the level of Pell grants and other loans and student financial assistance, thereby reducing aid to students in 49 states, including eliminating 84,000 Pell grants and reducing Pell grants overall by $70 million. Five Republicans joined Democrats in a 50-45 vote for the amendment. The measure has been incorporated into the Fiscal Year 2004 Omnibus Appropriations bill and awaits final action.
NOMINATIONS
Federal Judges
Democrats worked with Republicans this year to confirm 68 of President Bush's
nominees to the federal judiciary. Today, 95 percent of federal judicial seats are
filled, and there are more federal judges serving today that at any other time in
U.S. history.
CHILD PROTECTION
PROTECT Act (Enhanced AMBER Alert)
Democrats strongly supported passage of S. 151, the Prosecuting Remedies and
Tools Against the Exploitation of Children Today Act of 2003, in an 84-0 vote on
February 24, 2003. The bill amends the federal criminal code provisions
regarding child pornography. On April 10, 2003, the Senate passed the
conference report for the bill by a vote of 98-0, and on April 30, 2003 the
president signed the bill into law.
ENERGY and ENVIRONMENT
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
On March 19, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Resolution
amendment introduced by Senator Boxer that stops the Republican effort to put
oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on a fast track by allowing it to be
considered in a budget reconciliation bill. Eight Republicans joined Democrats in
a 52-48 vote for the amendment.
Hydrogen-powered Vehicles
On June 10, 2003, the Senate passed an Energy Policy Act amendment
introduced by Senator Dorgan that increases funding for hydrogen fuel research
and development, establishes demonstrations projects, and establishes targets
and timetables for the Department of Energy to support the production of 100,000
hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010 and 2.5 million hydrogen-fueled fuel cell
vehicles by 2020. Twenty Republicans joined Democrats in a 67-32 vote for the
amendment.
Renewable Fuel Standards
On June 5, 2003, the Senate passed an Energy Policy Act amendment introduced
by Senator Daschle and Senator Frist that establishes a renewable fuel standard
and a credit trading program. The amendment bans methyl tertiary butyl ether
(MTBE) in four years. Thirty-two Republicans joined Democrats in a 68-28 vote
for the amendment.
Oil Savings
On June 10, 2003, the Senate passed an Energy Policy Act amendment
introduced by Senator Landrieu that requires the President to develop and
implement measures to conserve enough petroleum to reduce the nation's
dependence on imported oil and to reduce total demand for petroleum by 1 million
barrels per day by 2013. The amendment also requires the President, beginning
no later than February 1, 2004, to submit an annual report assessing the progress
made by the United States toward the goal of reducing dependence on imported
petroleum. Fifty Republicans joined Democrats in a 99-1 vote for the
amendment.
Endangered Species Protection
On May 21, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Department of Defense
Authorization amendment introduced by Senator Lautenberg that requires the
Secretary of the Interior to determine whether the management of natural
resources activities on Department of Defense land will effectively preserve
threatened and endangered species on these lands or in areas covered by a
natural resources management plan, and requires the plan to provide assurances
that adequate funding will be provided for such management activities. Four
Republicans joined Democrats in a 51-48 vote for the amendment. Unfortunately,
the DOD authorization conference report failed to include the amendment passed
by the Senate.
National Mall Advertising Restrictions
On September 23, 2003, the Senate passed an amendment introduced by
Senators Bingaman, Dorgan and Reid to the Department of Interior and Related
Agencies Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2004 that protects the special nature
of the National Mall by restricting the placement of commercial advertising.
Forty-seven Republicans joined Democrats in a 92-4 vote for the amendment.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation Reauthorization
On March 21, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Resolution
amendment introduced by Senator Bond and Senator Reid that provides
increased transportation funding for highways and mass transit. The amendment
increases budget authority for transportation funding by $59.6 billion in Fiscal
Years 2004-2009. Thirty-two Republicans joined Democrats in a 79-21 vote for
the amendment.
Amtrak
On March 21, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Resolution
amendment introduced by Senator Byrd that increases spending for Amtrak by
$912 million, offsetting the amount with a reduction in the budget resolution's tax
cuts. Three Republicans joined Democrats in a 51-49 vote for the amendment.
FAA Reauthorization
Democrats strongly supported passage of S. 824 the Aviation Investment and
Revitalization Vision Act, in a 94-0 vote on June 12, 2003. The bill authorizes
appropriations for Fiscal Year 2004 through 2006 for the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), including the Airport Improvement Program, the Airway
Facilities Improvement Program, and the Essential Air Service Program. The FAA
reauthorization conference report passed by voice vote on November 21, 2003.
The Administration sent a letter to the conferees, dated November 21, 2003,
stating that "no employees directly related to our air traffic control system" would
be privatized. The conference report passed the House on October 30, 2003, and
will be sent to the White House for the president's signature.
Air Traffic Control Privatization
On June 12, 2003, the Senate passed an Aviation Investment and Revitalization
Vision Act amendment introduced by Senator Lautenberg that prohibits the
Secretary of Transportation from privatizing core air traffic control functions
operated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Eleven Republicans joined
Democrats in a 56-41 vote for the amendment. The Administration promised in a
letter dated November 21, 2003 that "no employees directly related to our air
traffic control system" would be privatized.
TRADE AND FOREIGN POLICY
Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Act of 2003
Democrats strongly supported passage of H.R. 1828, the Syria Accountability and
Lebanese Sovereignty Act of 2003, in a 89-4 on November 11, 2003. This
legislation places a series of sanctions on the Syrian government in order to halt
Syrian support for terrorism, end its occupation of Lebanon, stop its development
of weapons of mass destruction, cease its illegal importation of Iraqi oil and illegal
shipments of weapons and other military items to Iraq, and by so doing hold Syria
accountable for the serious international security problems it has caused in the
Middle East. It is modeled on legislation introduced by Senator Boxer and
Senator Santorum earlier this year. After passing in the House on November 20,
2003, the bill was sent to the President.
Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003
Democrats strongly supported passage of S. 1215, the Burmese Freedom and
Democracy Act of 2003, in a 97-1 vote on June 11, 2003. The bill places
sanctions on the ruling Burmese military junta in order to strengthen Burma's
democratic forces and support and recognize the National League of Democracy
as the legitimate representative of the Burmese people. On July 16, 2003, the
Senate passed the conference report to H.R. 2330 by a vote of 94-1, and the
President signed the bill into law on July 28, 2003.
Support for Mexico
On July 10, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 State Department
Authorization amendment introduced by Senator Reid that authorizes $100 million
in Fiscal Year 2004 for programs in Mexico that promote micro-credit lending,
small business and entrepreneurial development, small farms and farmers that
have been impacted by the collapse of coffee prices, and a system of private
property ownership in rural communities. The amendment also expresses the
sense of Congress that: 1) the United States should continue working closely with
the government of Mexico to help minimize the impact of the current rural
development crisis in Mexico; and 2) the crisis creates a humanitarian, economic
and security imperative for the United States government to support additional
programs focused on under-funded rural communities of Mexico. Eight
Republicans joined Democrats in a 54-43 vote for the amendment.
AIDS in Africa
On July 10, 2003, the Senate passed a Fiscal Year 2004 State Department
Authorization amendment introduced by Senator Bingaman that expresses the
sense of Congress that Congress, when considering appropriations Acts for fiscal
year 2004, should fully appropriate the amounts authorized for appropriation in the
United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of
2003, even to the extent that appropriating such amounts will require Congress to
appropriate amounts over and above the funding levels contained in the
Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2004. Thirty-three
Republicans joined Democrats in a 78-18 vote for the amendment.
