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Thursday 02 September

Details on federal legislation, laws, maps showing the status of sovereignty bills, marriage amendments, and abortion laws in each state, and links to pages with information on state legislation.

Federal Legislation

Call 202-224-3121 to reach any member of the Congress

Call 202-456-1414 to reach the White House / President

Link to an updated listing of National Leaders

111th Congress (2009-2010)

Watch here for information on bills and roll call votes as they develop in the new Congress. More details on all bills can be found at the Library of Congress website.

DISCLOSE Act
The U.S. House voted June 24 to approve the DISCLOSE Act 219-206. The bill seeks to restore the campaign finance reform that was overturned by the federal courts. It now moves to the U.S. Senate for approval there.

Health Care Reform
In November, the U.S. House approved a socialized medicine bill consisting of 1,990 pages and weighing 19 pounds when printed on standard 8 1/2" x 11" paper. See how your Congressman voted in November on this bill

The U.S. Senate approved, 60-39, a different version of health care reform on December 24, 2009. Here is their roll call vote -- and the text of the Senate version (H.R. 3590)

The U.S. House approved the Senate bill, 218 to 211, on Sunday, March 21, 2010 and it was signed into law by President Obama on March 23.
Votes cast by each Congressman on H.R. 3590.

H.R. 3400 is one of the Republican health care reform alternative plans - read it here

Waxman-Markey Energy Tax Bill. (H.R. 2454) A "cap and trade" bill that seeks to reduce global warming by reducing carbon emissions. The Heritage Foundation estimates that if passed, this bill would increase the energy bill for a typical family of four by $1,500 each year, raise the cost of gasoline by 74 percent, and increase unemployment by an average of 1.1 million jobs each year for the next 25 years. With all of this cost, climatologists calculate that the most it would reduce temperature is two-tenths of one degree by the end of the century. The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the bill 33-25 on May 21.
Read much more in the Heritage report.

Approved by the U.S. House, 219-212 on June 26 See how your Congressman voted

The U.S. Senate has been conducting on-again, off-again meetings on cap-and-trade in spring 2010.

Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009 (H.R. 2517) Bill that would provide certain domestic partnership benefits, including those in same-sex relationships, to federal employees. The bill was approved out of committee in the House on Nov. 18 and may now come up for a full vote in the House.

Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 (H.R. 1913) Expands federal hate crimes laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It will punish not only actions, but the thoughts of those committing crimes and when combined with existing criminal code, could be used to silence almost all dissent against homosexuality. Approved by the U.S. House on April 29. See how your Congressman voted.

Thought Crimes Bill / Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act (S. 909) is the Senate version of H.R. 1913. Many are also referring to it as the Pedophile Protection Act. The Senate voted late on July 16 to include this bill as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1390) An amendment that offers some protection for free speech, introduced by Senator Sam Brownback, was also approved. The bill was approved by the Conference Committee with hate crimes intact.

The House voted to approve the Conference Committte's defense bill (H.R. 2647), that includes hate crimes, on October 8 by a vote of 281-146. The Senate is expected to vote next week. See how your Congressman voted.

The Senate voted 68-29 to approve it on October 22. See how your Senators voted.

Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 2981, H.R. 3017, S. 1584.). As expected, ENDA is back. Homosexual activist Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) has re-introduced his favorite legislation. This bill is a serious danger to Christians, religious institutions, faith-based groups, and Christian-owned businesses. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) is the sponsor of the Senate version of the bill. A major push to pass this legislation is expected in summer 2010. Here are some steps you can take to stop it.

The National Defense Authorization bill also includes a provision that enables the Attorney General to have the ability to determine who is called a "terrorist." Read more about this.

National Emergency Centers Establishment Act (H.R. 645) that could set up detention-like centers for political dissidents inside the U.S.

Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2749) Read this article to learn about the dangers - including conditions for imposing martial law - that are associated with this bill.

Federal Reserve Transparency Act (H.R. 1207) Would require an audit to be conducted of the federal reserve system and the federal reserve banks by the end of 2010 with a full report to Congress. Introduced by Ron Paul (R-TX) and now has 245 co-sponsors.

Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009 (H.R. 45) This bill would add numerous restrictions and regulations for anyone to own a firearm. Currently in the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. Text of the bill as introduced in the House

The "Stimulus" Bill (Public Law 111-5)
Read it for yourself and get all the details here

Record of All U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes in 2009
Record of All U.S. House Roll Call Votes in 2009

110th Congress (2007-2008)

More details on all bills can be found at thomas.loc.gov

Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations (S. 2521, H.R. 4838) Provides health insurance and other benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees.

Sponsors: Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I/D-Connecticut) and Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) Status: Introduced and referred to Senate committee 12/19/07; in the House and sent to a House subcommittee on 1/16/2008.

"Police / Fire Monopoly Bargaining" Bill (S. 2123)
Officially titled "The Public Safety Employer/Employment Cooperation Act" this bill would force taxpayers to foot the bill for health insurance and other benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees Status: Referred to committee on 10/1/07

Importance of Christmas and Christian Faith (H RES 847)
Resolution recognizing the importance of Christmas and Christians Sponsor: Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa)

House Roll Call Vote: 12/11/07 372 Y 9 N 10 Present 40 Not Voting

SAVE Act (H.R. 4088)
The Secure America with Verification and Enforcement Act (SAVE Act) would add 8,000 border patrol agents and target employers with stiff penalties for hiring illegal immigrants. Sponsor: Rep. Heath Shuler (D-North Carolina) with 112 co-sponsors, including Duncan Hunter (R-California), Trent Franks (R-Arizona) and Tom Tancredo (R-Colorado) Status: Introduced 11/6/07 and sent to various committees for consideration. Motion to discharge it from the commitees filed on 3/11/08

Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007 (H.R. 3685)
ENDA would place federal prohibition on employment discrimination based on one's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Sponsor: Rep. Barney Frank (D-Massachusetts-4) and has 169 co-sponsors. Status: Approved by the U.S. House, 235-184, on September 7. The bill now moves to the Senate.

House Roll Call Vote: 11/7/07 235 Y 184 N 14 NV

Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 (H.R. 1592, S. 1105)
Originally passed in the House in 2005, this version of hate crimes legislation is worse than H.R. 254. It would broaden the definition of hate crimes to include gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, gender, and disability.. Sponsors: Rep. John Conyers (D-Michigan-14); and Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) Status: U.S. House vote to approve it on 5/3/07, the National Day of Prayer. The Senate approved a slightly different version on 9/28, attaching it as an amendment to the defense appropriation bill

House Roll Call Vote: 5/3/07 237 Y 180 N 16 NV

Senate Roll Call Vote: 9/28/07 60 Y 39 N 1 NV

David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 254)
This resolution hasn't been formally posted yet. It would expand hate crimes laws to include sexual orientation. Sponsor: Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas). Status: Introduced 1/5 and under consideration at the House Committee on the Judiciary

Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2007 (H.R. 2905)
To prevent the FCC from reinstating the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" on radio or the internet. Sponsor: Rep. Mike Pence (R-Indiana) with around 100 co-sponsors. Status: Introduced in the House 6/28/07

Judicial Conduct Act of 2007 (H.R. 2898)
To amend Title 28 to establish standards for impeachment of justices and judges in the United States. Sponsor: Rep. Todd Akin (R-Missouri-2) Status: Introduced 6/28/07 and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary

Right to Life Act (H.R. 618)
Would give equal protection under the 14th Amendment to each born and preborn human person. Sponsor: Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-California) with 94 co-sponsors Status: Referred to the subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties in March.

Sanctity of Life Act of 2007 (H.R. 2597 and H.R. 1094)
Both of these bills would "provide that human life shall be deemed to exist from conception."

Sponsor: Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) with 4 co-sponsors on each bill. Status: H.R. 1094 was introduced in February and referred to the subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties in March. H.R. 2597 was introduced in June 2007 and sent to the subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and intellectual property.

Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (H.R. 1063)
To amend Title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit taking minors across state lines in circumvention of laws requiring the involvement of parents in abortion decisions. Sponsor: Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Florida-18) and 128 co-sponsors Status: Introduced in Feb. 2007 and referred to the Committee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act (S. 356, H.R. 3442)
A bill to ensure that women seeking an unborn are fully informed regarding the pain experienced by their unborn child. Sponsors: Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey) Status: Senate version was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the House version to the subcommittee on Health.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform (S. 1638)
Officially titled the "Unaccompanied Alien Child Protection Act of 2007" Sponsor: Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) Co-sponsor: Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania) Status: Lost in a cloture vote on 6/28/07

Freedom of Choice Act (S. 1173, H.R. 1964)
A bill to "to protect, consistent with Roe v. Wade, a woman's freedom to choose to bear a child or terminate a pregnancy, and for other purposes." Sponsors: Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-California and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-New York-8) Status: Introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate 4/19/07

Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (H.R. 3, S. 5) This bill would expand federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. A vote was also taken, but failed, that would have blocked the research from any facility, that engages in cloning. Title: To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research. H.R. 3 Sponsor: Diana DeGette (D-Colorado) with 211 co-sponsors H.R. 3 Status: The bill passed the U.S. House S. 5 Sponsors: Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada) and Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). S. 5 Status: Passed by the Senate in May and the House in June. Vetoed by President Bush on 6/10/07

Senate Roll Call Vote on S. 5 4/11/07 63 Y 34 N 3 NV
House Roll Call Vote on S.5 6/7/07 247 Y 176 N 10 NV

House Roll Call on H.R. 3 1/11/07 253 Y 174 N 8 NV
Anti-Cloning Roll Call Vote 1/11/07 189 Y 238 N 8 NV

The HOPE Act (S. 30)
"Hope Offered through Principled and Ethical Stem Cell Research Act" Title: A bill to intensify research to derive human pluripotent stem cell lines. Sponsors: Norm Coleman (R-Minnesota) and Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia) Status: Introduced 3/29/07 and placed under consideration 4/10/07.

Alter. Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act (H.R. 322) Title: To derive human pluripotent stem cell lines using techniques that do not harm human embryos. Sponsor: Roscoe Bartlett (R-Maryland) with 28 co-sponsors (24 Republicans and 4 Democrats) Status: Introduced 1/9 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Reform of Congressional Lobbying (S. 1, H.R. 4682)
Title: A bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process Sponsor: Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada) with 17 co-sponsors Status: Passed 96-2 on Jan. 18 as amended, including one by Robert Bennett (R-Utah) that strikes reporting requirements for grassroots lobbying. H.R. 4682 is the companion bill to be introduced in the U.S. House. In the 96-2 roll call vote, NO votes were cast by Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma). Not voting were Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) and the hospitalized Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota)

Senate Roll Call Vote 1/18/07 96 Y 2 N 2 NV

Bennett Amendment Roll Call 1/18/07 55 Y 43 N 2 NV

Executive Branch Reform Act of 2007 (H.R. 984)
Would require thousands of Executive Branch officials to file quarterly reports listing every letter, e-mail, fax, and verbal communication that they receive from any “private party” in which the communicator “seeks to influence official action by any officer or employee of the executive branch of the United States.” The bill defines “private party” as any person other than another government official or staff person. Sponsors: Harry Waxman (D-California-30) and Tom Davis (R-Virginia-11)

Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2007 (H.R. 1246)
Would replace the current policy concerning homosexuality in the Armed Forces, referred to as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, with a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation Sponsor: Martin Meehan (D-Massachusetts-5) Status: Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary 2/28/07

Marriage Protection Act of 2007 (H.R. 724)
To amend title 28, United States Code, to limit Federal court jurisdiction over questions under the Defense of Marriage Act. Sponsor: Dan Burton (R-Indiana-5). Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary Jan. 30

Public Expressions of Religion Act of 2007 (H.R. 725, S. 415) Veterans' Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals, and Other Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2007 OFFICIAL TITLE AS INTRODUCED: To amend the Revised Statutes of the United States to prevent the use of the legal system in a manner that extorts money from State and local governments, and the Federal Government, and inhibits such governments' constitutional actions under the first, tenth, and fourteenth amendments. Sponsors: Dan Burton (R-Indiana-5) and Sam Brownback (R-Kansas)

Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act (H.R. 4) A bill that could lead to rationing of lifesaving treatment and drugs under Medicare. Sponsor: John Dingell (D-Michigan-15) Status: Passed the House and received in the Senate.

House Roll Call Vote 1/12/2007 255 Y 170 N 10 NV

Pledge Protection Act of 2007 (H.R. 699)
This bill would protect the pledge from any action by federal court to strip the words "under God" or to ban its use completely anywhere. Title: To amend title 28, United States Code, with respect to the jurisdiction of Federal courts over certain cases and controversies involving the Pledge of Allegiance. Sponsor: Todd Akin (R-Missouri-2) with 61 co-sponsors Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary 1/29/07

Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (S. 350)
This bill would prohibit health care providers from being penalized for declining to participate in providing abortions. Sponsor: David Vitter (R-Louisiana) Status: Referred to Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on 1/22/07

Informed Choice Act - Aid for Ultrasound Machines (H.R.223) Title: To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to nonprofit tax-exempt organizations for the purchase of ultrasound equipment to provide free examinations to pregnant women needing such services, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Cliff Stearns (R-Florida) Status: Introduced 1/4 and referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Record of All U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes in 2008 2007
Record of All U.S. House Roll Call Votes in 2008 2007

109th Congress (2005-2006)
Check the roll call votes to see how your Senators & Representatives voted!

Child Custody Protection Act (S. 403) /
Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (H.R. 748)
This bill would require a parent to give consent before a teenage daughter can be taken across state lines to have an abortion performed. Similar bills have passed in the House and Senate, but the Democrats invoked cloture to prevent a conference committee from being formed to resolve the differences.
Senate Roll Call Vote    7/25/06    65 Y   34 N   1 NV
House Roll Call Vote   9/26/06   264 Y 153 N 15 NV (on S. 403)
House Roll Call Vote   4/27/05   270 Y 157 N   7 NV (on H.R. 748)

Marriage Protection Amendment (H.J. Res. 88, S.J. Res. 1)
This bill proposed an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. It received a majority of votes, but amendments require a 2/3rds vote in both the Senate and House. Therefore, it did not pass.
Senate Roll Call Vote 6/7/06 49 Y 48 N 3 not voting
House Roll Call Vote 7/18/06 236 Y 187 N 1 vote of present

Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 810)
This bill would have expanded federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, which requires the destruction of human embryos. After millions of dollars in spending and years of study, no cures or treatments have been found from this form of stem cell research.   The bill passed in Congress and was vetoed by the President.
House Roll Call Vote 5/24/05    238 Y   194 N 2 NV
Senate Roll Call Vote 7/18/06    63 Y 37 N
Vetoed by President Bush 7/19/06
Override in House Failed   7/19/06   235 Y 193 N

Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act (S. 193)
Title: A bill to increase the penalties for violations by television and radio broadcasters of the prohibitions against transmission of obscene, indecent, and profane language. Primary Sponsor: Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas)
Agreed to in Senate by unanimous consent on 5/18/2006
House Roll Call Vote 6/7/06 379 Y 35 N 18 NV
Signed into law by President Bush on June 15, 2006

Record of All U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes in 2006 2005
Record of All U.S. House Roll Call Votes in 2006 2005

State Sovereignty

Passed both Houses

Introduced or Passed One House

Vote Failed

More details from the Tenth Amendment Center

The State of Marriage

MarriageMap1209

Marriage Amendments                 30

State Statutes / DOMAs              11

No Protection for Marriage          3

Civil Unions                                       1

Same-Sex Marriage                       5

New Hampshire became the sixth state to legalize same-sex "marriage" when Governor John Lynch signed a bill into law June 3, after some changes were made to exempt religious institutions. The law will go into effect on January 1, 2010.

The voters of California approved a marriage amendment in November 2008. California's state supreme court upheld the amendment, announcing their decision on May 26. They also declared that the marriages of the 18,000 same-sex couples who received licenses last year are legal.

Maine residents voted in November to overturn the May '09 action by the state legislature and Governor to legalize marriage. The New York State Senate voted against legalizing same-sex "marriage" in December.

Votes are expected in 2009 or 2010 about legalizing same-sex marriage in New Jersey and Rhode Island. The District of Columbia city council voted to recognize same-sex marriages performed in areas where this is legal. There is also a push to legalize same-sex "marriages" in Washington D.C.

Pending Legislation to Protect Marriage: The earliest voters in Iowa, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania could vote on marriage would be 2011, provided that the legislature would approve an amendment in the current session (2009-10) and the next one (2011-2012).

State Abortion Laws

Parental Consent / Notification

Parental Consent Required

Parental Notification Required

Oklahoma and Utah require both Parental Consent and Notification before an abortion is performed on a teenager under the age of 18

Mississippi and North Dakota require consent from both parents; Minnesota requires approval from both parents

Several other states have laws that have been permanently enjoined by the courts and are therefore not in effect

Policy in the Absence of Roe

Abortion Ban if Roe Overturned

Upholding Right to Abortion

More on state abortion laws

Homeschool State Laws

The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) has a map that shows states requiring no notice or contact from parents, as well as those with low, moderate, or high regulation. More detail is available by clicking the state names beneath their map.

Internet Filtering

Public Schools and Libraries

Only Public Libraries

Only Public Schools

More info from the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Jessica's Law

Where does your state stand on dealing with sex offenders?
See the map on Bill O'Reilly's website.

State Legislatures

Daryl Metcalfe, a state representative in Pennsylvania, has started a coalition that now includes legislators from 30 states. It's called State Legislators for Legal Immigration. It aims to protect American lives, personal liberties, property and jobs from the clear and present dangers of Illegal immigration. Encourage your state representative to join the coalition!

Link here to pages on the websites of various state organizations that provide details on bills before state legislatures:

Alabama Citizens for Life

Family Council of Arkansas

The Center for Arizona Policy

Calif. Family Council's Legislative Action Center

Christian Coalition of Colorado

Florida Family Policy Council

Georgia Family Council

Georgia Right to Life

Hawaii Family Forum

Illinois Family Institute

Illinois Right to Life