This Week in Congress Update

Yesterday, the cloture motion on S. 1, the bill imposing new sanctions on supporters of the Syrian government and authorizing state and local governments to refuse to do business with proponents of the “boycott, sanctions, and divestment” movement against Israel, failed by a vote of 56-44. Sixty votes where required for passage.

Every Democrat, with the exception of Alabama Senator Doug Jones, voted against cloture while every Republican voted yes.

You can see the roll-call vote here.

Here is the roll-call vote on H.R. 269, which expands the federal government and increases federal spending in the name of fighting pandemics. Only seventeen Representatives voted no.

Here is the roll-call vote on H.R. 251, which reauthorized the Department of Homeland Security chemical facility anti-terrorism program.

Only three Representatives voted no: Justin Amash (MI-03) Andy Biggs (AX-05) Thomas Massie (KY-04)

Here are the remaining suspension bills for the week:

1. H.R. 135—Applies federal anti-discrimination laws to federal employees.

2. H.R. 136— Applies federal anti-discrimination and harassment laws to unpaid interns.

3. H.R. 113— Requires the federal government to use American flags made in America.

4. H.R. 150—Creates standards for reporting federal grant information.

5. H.R. 247—Creates a new federal position – chief information officer.

6. H.R. 128- Authorizes the small business advocate to represent the interest of small business before international organizations. The small business advocate works to make sure regulations do not unduly burden small business. When I worked in Dr. Paul’s congressional office, we worked with the small business advocate to oppose some regulations that would have negatively impacted small businesses.

7. H.R. 116— Increases the amount banks and other financial institutions may invest in small business investment companies, as long as they have the approval of federal regulators.