Legislative Roundup for the Week of August 3, 2012

Carolyn McCarthy

U.S. Representative, New York’s 4^th District

Voted YES on H.R. 1905 Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 which places virtually all of Iran’s energy, financial, and transportation sectors under U.S. sanction and imposes sanctions designed to prevent Iran from repatriating any proceeds from its oil sales, thus depriving Iran of 80 percent of its hard currency earnings and half of the funds to support its national budget. Passed by a vote of 421 to 6 with 3 abstentions.

Voted NO on H.Res 747 On Agreeing to the Resolution to provide for expedited consideration of a bill providing for comprehensive tax reform; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8) to extend certain tax relief provisions enacted in 2001 and 2003. Passed by a vote of 240 to 184 with 7 abstentions.

Voted YES on S.679 to pass the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011. Eliminates the requirement of Senate approval (advice and consent) of specified presidentially appointed positions in federal agencies and departments. Passed by a vote of 261 to 116 with 55 abstentions.

Voted YES on H.R. 828 to pass the Federal Employee Tax Accountability Act of 2011. Makes any person who has a seriously delinquent tax debt ineligible for federal employment or to continue serving as a federal employee. Defines “seriously delinquent tax debt” as an outstanding tax debt for which a notice of lien has been filed in public records. Passed by a vote of 263 to 114 with 55 abstentions.

Voted NO on H.R. 3803 to pass the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit any person from performing or attempting to perform an abortion within the District of Columbia except in conformity with this Act’s requirements. Requires the physician to first make a determination of the probable post-fertilization age of the unborn child, or reasonably rely upon such a determination made by another physician, by making inquiries of the pregnant woman and performing such medical examinations and tests as a reasonably prudent physician would consider necessary. Failed by a vote of 220 to 154 with 56 abstentions.