Here is how members of Maryland's delegation on Capitol Hill were recorded on important roll-call votes last week: Y: Yes N: No X: Not voting
House: Education
The House approved, 368 for and 57 against, the conference report on a bill (HR 800) waiving a wide range of federal and state regulations for local schools that meet state-approved performance standards. The bill extends to all states a deregulation initiative that has been in force in 12 states for five years. To gain flexibility in spending federal funds, local districts must improve academic performance in ways that can be measured by states. The "ed-flex" bill provides waivers in areas such as vocational education, anti-drug programs, teacher training and immigrant education. It eases many restrictions imposed by Title I of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which funds disadvantaged school districts. The bill provides no waiver of health, safety, civil rights, and disability rules and laws. Federal funds account for about 7 percent of U.S. public education spending.
A yes vote was to pass the bill.
Y N X Member Y N X Member
Y Ehrlich, Robert, R-2nd Y Hoyer, Steny H. D-5th
Y Bartlett, Roscoe G., R-6th Y Wynn, Albert R., D-4th
Y Cardin, Benjamin L., D-3rd N Cummings, Elijah, D-7th
Y Gilchrest, Wayne T., R-1st Y Morella, Constance A., R-8th
House: Earthquakes
Voting 414 for and 3 against, the House passed a bill (HR 1184) authorizing $477 million in fiscal 2000-2004 for the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and other initiatives to help scientifically predict quakes and mitigate their damage. In part, the bill funds new technology for the nation's seismic monitoring network, binds some 30 earthquake engineering research facilities into a tighter network, and supports programs to toughen state and local building codes.
A yes vote was to pass the bill.
Y N X Member Y N X Member
Y Ehrlich, Robert, R-2nd Y Hoyer, Steny H. D-5th
Y Bartlett, Roscoe G., R-6th Y Wynn, Albert R., D-4th
Y Cardin, Benjamin L., D-3rd Y Cummings, Elijah, D-7th
Y Gilchrest, Wayne T., R-1st Y Morella, Constance A., R-8th
Senate: Social Security
The Senate blocked a Republican amendment to create a parliamentary "lock box" for protecting the Social Security surplus. The tally of 54 for and 45 against fell short of a supermajority needed to end a Democratic filibuster. The amendment was offered to S 557, which remained in debate.
A yes vote backed the GOP lock-box plan.
Y N X Member Y N X Member
N Mikulski, Barbara A., D N Sarbanes, Paul S., D
Senate: Education
Voting 98 for and one against, the Senate gave final congressional approval to a bill (HR 800) giving elementary and secondary schools more flexibility in spending federal funds, in exchange for improved academic performance. This followed House passage of the legislation (above) and sent the measure to President Clinton for his signature.
A yes vote was to pass the bill.
Y N X Member Y N X Member
Y Mikulski, Barbara A., D Y Sarbanes, Paul S., D
Pub Date: 4/25/99