What follows is the next in a series of diaries which will provide a year-by-year record of John Kerry's voting record in the US Senate, which has been summarized and excerpted from the
Project Vote Smart - Key Votes listing for Senator Kerry. This entry covers Sen. Kerry's voting record for the year,
2000.
Other Year's entries:
1988,
1989,
1990,
1991,
1992,
1993,
1994,
1995,
1996,
1997,
1998,
1999,
2000,
2001,
2002
2003,
2004.
Note that, due to story size limitations, the voting record is continued in comments to this diary
Summary for 2000
Category: Trade Issues
- Permanent NTR with China-Weapons Sanctions
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would require sanctions against China or other countries if they were found to be selling illicit weapons of mass destruction.
HR 4444: A bill to authorize extension of nondiscriminatory treatment [normal trade relations treatment] to the People's Republic of China.
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would require sanctions against China or other countries if they were found to be selling illicit weapons of mass destruction. The measure would establish an annual review process to monitor the actions of each key supplier country as identified by the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] and subsequently require the president to impose non-trade related sanctions on individuals, companies and groups if they are found to be spreading weapons of mass destruction. In addition, the president would be given the authority to impose additional sanctions on key supplier countries. The underlying bill that the amendment was attached to would remove China from the list of countries whose trade status is reviewed annually, thus granting the nation Permanent Normal Trade Relations [PNTR].
(Tabling Motion sponsored by Roth, R-DE; Amendment sponsored by Thompson, R-TN; Bill sponsored by Archer, R-TX)
Tabling motion agreed to 65-32: R 30-23; D 35-9 on 09/13/2000
- African/Central American/Caribbean Trade-Conf. Report
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to adopt the conference report that would expand trade with more than 70 countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. The countries would be required to meet certain eligibility requirements in protecting freedoms of expression and association and eliminating child labor.
HR 434: African Growth and Opportunity Act
Vote to adopt the conference report that would expand trade with more than 70 countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. The measure would require the countries to meet certain eligibility requirements in protecting freedoms of expression and association and eliminating child labor. It allows duty-free, quota-free benefits for several textile products. The conference report does includes non-binding language encouraging African businesses to make AIDS drugs more available, but does propose any programs to do so.
(Bill sponsored by Crane, R-IL)
Conference Report adopted 77-19:R 47-6; D 30-13 on 05/11/2000
- Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to give permanent Normal Trade Relations [NTR] status to China. Currently, NTR status for China is debated and voted on annually.
HR 4444: A bill to authorize extension of nondiscriminatory treatment [normal trade relations treatment] to the People's Republic of China.
Vote to give permanent Normal Trade Relations [NTR] status to China. Currently, NTR status for China is debated and voted on annually. The measure contains provisions designed to protect the United States from Chinese import surges and the administration would have to report annually on China's compliance with the trade agreement. The agreement will go into effect when China joins the World Trade Organization [WTO], and the nation has agreed to lower import tariffs on a wide range of American-produced goods. The bill establishes a commission to monitor human rights, labor standards and religious freedom in China.
(Bill sponsored by Archer, R-TX)
Bill passed 83-15: R 46-8; D 37-7 on 09/19/2000.
Category: Family and Children Issues
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Pell Grants
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on an amendment that would raise the basic Pell Grant from $3,300 to $3,700. This increase would be offset by reducing the level of tax cuts in the budget framework.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote on an amendment that would raise the basic Pell Grant from $3,300 to $3,700. Pell Grants are given to students going to college based on financial need. The increase would be offset by reducing the tax cut provision by $2.7 billion [1.8 percent] over five years. The resolution called for a $150 billion tax cut over five years.
(Amendment sponsored by Kennedy, D-MA; Resolution sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Amendment adopted 51-49: R 6-49; D 45-0 on 04/07/2000
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Special Education Funding
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to preserve language in the budget framework to increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provides federal funds to states for special education programs.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote to preserve language in the budget framework to increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provides federal funds to states for special education programs. The motion being voted on would table [kill] an amendment that would replace a proposed increase in IDEA funding with language expressing the sense of the Senate that the first priority with regards to special education funding is funding the programs described under part B of IDEA.
(Tabling motion sponsored by Jeffords, R-VT; Striking amendment sponsored by Voinovich, R-OH; Amendment sponsored by Jeffords, R-VT; Resolution sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Tabling motion rejected 47-53: R 4-51; D 43-2 on 04/07/2000. Subsequently, the Voinovich amendment was agreed to by voice vote. Then, the Jeffords amendment as amended was also agreed to by voice vote.
Category: Business and Consumers
- Bankruptcy Reform-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on passage of a bill that would revise current bankruptcy law to make it easier for courts to change debtors from a system that allows most debts to be dismissed, to a system that requires a repayment plan. Other provisions in the bill specifically cite the debts of those convicted of violence against abortion clinics as well as increasing the minimum wage, giving $18.5 billion in tax cuts for small businesses over 5 years, and increasing penalties for certain drug offenses.
HR 833: Bankruptcy Overhaul
Vote on passage of a bill that would revise current bankruptcy law to make it easier for courts to change debtors from Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which allows most debts to be dismissed, to Chapter 13, which requires a repayment plan. Among other provisions, the bill increases the minimum wage by $1 an hour [from $5.15 to $6.15] over three years. This was offset by $18.5 billion in tax cuts for small businesses. In addition, the bill includes measures to reduce the manufacturing and selling of methamphetamines, or 'speed.' It authorizes $55 million for enforcement and addiction treatment and increases minimum sentences associated with the drug. Other narcotics enforcement measures include reducing the necessary amount of powder cocaine that a person must be convicted of distributing in order to receive a mandatory sentence from 500 grams to 50 grams, which puts it at a closer level to that of crack cocaine. In addition, the measure would bar people convicted of violence, or potential violence, at abortion clinics, from discharging debts that were directly brought about by those actions. The Senate replaced the language from HR 833 with the language, as amended of S 625 before passage.
(Bill sponsored by Grassley, R-IA)
Bill passed 83-14: R 50-2; D 33-12 on 02/02/2000
Category: Foreign Aid and Policy Issues
- FY 2001 Military Construction Appropriations-Kosovo Aid
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to strike language that would limit the use of funds for operations in Kosovo after July 1, 2001, unless Congress authorizes the deployment. The amendment seeks to remove a provision that would force the president to certify that European allies are paying their commitments to reconstruction and humanitarian efforts, as well as administrative costs.
S 2521: Fiscal 2001 Military Construction Appropriations Act
Vote to strike language that would limit the use of funds for operations in Kosovo after July 1, 2001, unless Congress authorizes the deployment. The amendment seeks to remove a provision that would force the president to certify that European allies are paying their commitments to reconstruction and humanitarian efforts, as well as administrative costs and civilian police forces. The European nations are committed to paying for 33 percent of the reconstruction costs, 75 percent of the humanitarian effort, 75 percent of the administrative costs and 75 percent of the costs for a civilian police force. If the administration could not verify that the allies were meeting those requirements, funds devoted to Kosovo could only be used to withdraw U.S. troops from the region.
(Amendment sponsored by Levin, D-MI; Bill sponsored by Burns, R-MT)
Amendment adopted 53-47: R 15-40; D 38-7 on 05/18/2000
Category: Budget%2C Spending and Taxes
- Bankruptcy Reform-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on passage of a bill that would revise current bankruptcy law to make it easier for courts to change debtors from a system that allows most debts to be dismissed, to a system that requires a repayment plan. Other provisions in the bill specifically cite the debts of those convicted of violence against abortion clinics as well as increasing the minimum wage, giving $18.5 billion in tax cuts for small businesses over 5 years, and increasing penalties for certain drug offenses.
HR 833: Bankruptcy Overhaul
Vote on passage of a bill that would revise current bankruptcy law to make it easier for courts to change debtors from Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which allows most debts to be dismissed, to Chapter 13, which requires a repayment plan. Among other provisions, the bill increases the minimum wage by $1 an hour [from $5.15 to $6.15] over three years. This was offset by $18.5 billion in tax cuts for small businesses. In addition, the bill includes measures to reduce the manufacturing and selling of methamphetamines, or 'speed.' It authorizes $55 million for enforcement and addiction treatment and increases minimum sentences associated with the drug. Other narcotics enforcement measures include reducing the necessary amount of powder cocaine that a person must be convicted of distributing in order to receive a mandatory sentence from 500 grams to 50 grams, which puts it at a closer level to that of crack cocaine. In addition, the measure would bar people convicted of violence, or potential violence, at abortion clinics, from discharging debts that were directly brought about by those actions. The Senate replaced the language from HR 833 with the language, as amended of S 625 before passage.
(Bill sponsored by Grassley, R-IA)
Bill passed 83-14: R 50-2; D 33-12 on 02/02/2000
- Social Security Earnings Cap
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would allow senior citizens ages 65 through 69 to continue to earn money without a reduction in their Social Security benefits.
HR 5: Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act of 2000
Vote to pass a bill that would allow senior citizens ages 65 through 69 to continue to earn money without a reduction in their Social Security benefits. Currently, anyone in that age group who earns over $17,000 loses $1 of every $3 of the Social Security benefits, but does not apply to anyone 70 or older. The earnings limit was scheduled to rise to $30,000 by 2002.
(Bill sponsored by Johnson, R-TX)
Bill passed 100-0: R 55-0; D 45-0 on 03/22/2000
- Estate Tax Repeal-Democratic Substitute
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on a substitute amendment that would raise the amount of income that is exempt from the tax on estates for a married couple from $675,000 to $4 million, as well as increase the exemption for a family-owned business to $8 million by 2010. The measure would replace language that would eliminate the estate tax altogether by 2010 at an estimated cost of $75 billion annually when the fully phased in.
HR 8: Death Tax Elimination Act
Vote on a substitute amendment that would raise the amount of income that is exempt from the tax on estates for a married couple from $675,000 to $4 million, as well as increase the exemption for a family-owned business to $8 million by 2010. The exemption was scheduled to be raised to $1 million by 2006. The substitute amendment would replace language that would eliminate the estate tax altogether by 2010 at an estimated cost of $75 billion annually when fully phased in.
(Amendment sponsored by Moynihan, D-NY; Bill sponsored by Dunn, R-WA)
Amendment rejected 46-53: R 3-52; D 43-1 on 07/13/2000
- 'Marriage Penalty' Tax Elimination-Democr. Substitute
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on an amendment that would reduce taxes on married couples by allow couples to file their income taxes as two single filers or as a married couple. The plan would be capped at $100,000 per couple and would replace language that would reduce taxes on married couples by increasing the standard deduction for married couples to twice that of single taxpayers among other provisions.
HR 4810: A bill to provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 103(a)(1) of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2001.
Vote on an amendment that would reduce taxes on married couples by allow couples to file their income taxes as two single filers or as a married couple. The plan would be capped at $100,000 per couple and would gradually be phased-out for couples with an income of more than $150,000. The amendment would replace language that would reduce taxes on married couples by increasing the standard deduction for married couples to twice that of single taxpayers among other provisions.
(Amendment sponsored by Moynihan, D-NY; Bill sponsored by Archer, R-TX)
Amendment rejected 46-50: R 1-50; D 45-0 on 07/17/2000
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Pell Grants
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on an amendment that would raise the basic Pell Grant from $3,300 to $3,700. This increase would be offset by reducing the level of tax cuts in the budget framework.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote on an amendment that would raise the basic Pell Grant from $3,300 to $3,700. Pell Grants are given to students going to college based on financial need. The increase would be offset by reducing the tax cut provision by $2.7 billion [1.8 percent] over five years. The resolution called for a $150 billion tax cut over five years.
(Amendment sponsored by Kennedy, D-MA; Resolution sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Amendment adopted 51-49: R 6-49; D 45-0 on 04/07/2000
- Estate Tax Repeal-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote on a bill that would eventually eliminate the tax imposed on estates and gifts by 2010 at an estimated cost of $75 billion annually when fully phased in.
HR 8: Death Tax Elimination Act
Vote on a bill that would eventually eliminate the tax imposed on estates and gifts by 2010 at an estimated cost of $75 billion annually when fully phased in. The changes in the estate tax law for the 10 years before the provision is fully phased in are estimated to cost $104 billion. Currently, the first $675,000 of a married couple's estate is exempt from the estate tax. The Senate rejected a substitute amendment that would have raised the exemption to $4 million for couples and $8 million for family-owned businesses by 2010.
(Bill sponsored by Dunn, R-WA)
Bill passed 59-39: R 50-4; D 9-35 on 07/14/2000
- Bankruptcy Reform-Gun Manufacturers
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on an amendment to bar gun manufacturers from being released from their debts that were brought about by lawsuits charging fraud, negligence, recklessness or product liability.
S 625: Bankruptcy Overhaul
Vote on an amendment that would bar gun manufacturers and distributors from being released from their debts that were brought about by lawsuits charging fraud, negligence, recklessness or product liability, including lawsuits filed by the government. The debtors would be required to file under Chapter 13 provisions which mandate repayment of some debt as opposed to Chapter 7 bankruptcy which allows the debtors to erase their debt after liquidation of assets.
(Amendment sponsored by Levin, D-MI; Bill sponsored by Grassley, R-IA)
Amendment rejected 29-68: R 1-51; D 28-17 on 02/02/2000
- Fiscal 2001 Defense Auth.-Expanding Hate Crimes
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on an amendment that would expand the definition of hate crimes to include gender, sexual orientation and disability. The previous definition included only racial, religious or ethnic bias.
S 2549: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001
Vote on an amendment that would expand the definition of hate crimes to include gender, sexual orientation and disability. The previous definition included only racial, religious or ethnic bias. Among other provisions, the amendment would authorize $5 million per year for two years to assist state and local authorities is investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. In addition, the amendment would require the Justice Department to certify that hate was a motivating factor in a crime before it can be prosecuted as a federal hate crime.
(Amendment sponsored by Kennedy, D-MA; Bill sponsored by Warner, R-VA)
Amendment adopted 57-42: R 13-41; D 44-1 on 06/20/2000
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Education Spending
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would redirect $28.33 billion from tax cut provisions to education programs. The amendment would increase the amount of funding for education to $34.7 billion over five years.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would redirect $28.33 billion from tax cut provisions to education programs. The amendment would increase the amount of funding for education to $34.7 billion over five years. The measure is part of a resolution that sets the levels of spending for the Fiscal Year 2001 budget.
(Tabling motion sponsored by Domenici, R-NM; Amendment sponsored by Bingaman, D-NM; Bill sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Tabling motion agreed to 54-46: R 54-1; D 0-45 on 04/05/2000.
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Democratic Alternative
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on an amendment that would change the levels of spending and tax cuts in the resolution that sets the framework for the Fiscal Year 2001 budget. The amendment would include $65 billion more in discretionary spending and $115 billion less in tax cuts over five years.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote on an amendment to change the levels of spending and tax cuts in the resolution that sets the framework for the Fiscal Year 2001 budget. The resolution includes $596.5 billion in funds called discretionary funding, the use of which will be determined in the 13 annual appropriations bills. The resolution also includes a $150 billion tax cut over five years. The amendment would increase the level of discretionary funding by $7 billion for fiscal 2001, and $65 billion more over five years. In addition, it would call for $35 billion in tax cuts over five years.
(Amendment sponsored by Lautenberg, D-NJ; Resolution sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Amendment rejected 45-55: R 1-54; D 44-1 on 04/07/2000
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Conference Report
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to adopt the conference report of a resolution that sets the framework for the Congressional fiscal 2001 budget. The measure calls for $1.5 trillion in revenue for fiscal 2001 and $600.2 billion in discretionary spending, the use of which will be determined in the 13 annual appropriations bills. The resolution would cut taxes $150 billion over five years, with a reserve fund of $25 billion that could also be used for tax cuts.
H Con Res 290: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote to adopt the conference report of a resolution that sets the framework for the Congressional fiscal 2001 budget. The measure calls for $1.5 trillion in revenue for fiscal 2001 and $600.2 billion in discretionary spending, the use of which will be determined in the 13 annual appropriations bills. The $600.2 billion in discretionary spending represents a 2 percent increase over fiscal 2000. The resolution would cut taxes $150 billion over five years, with a reserve fund of $25 billion that could also be used for tax cuts. In addition, it would establish a $40 billion reserve fund for Medicare or prescription drug coverage. Defense appropriations will split up $310.8 billion, a 7 percent increase over fiscal 2000, and non-defense spending would be cut 2 percent to $289.4 billion.
(Resolution sponsored by Kasich, R-OH)
Resolution adopted 50-48: R 50-4; D 0-44 on 04/13/2000
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Adoption
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote on a resolution to set the framework for the fiscal 2001 federal budget. The plan calls for $147.1 billion in tax cuts over five years, beginning in fiscal 2001. The measure includes $600.5 billion in discretionary funding, the use of which will be determined in the 13 annual appropriations bills.
H Con Res 290: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote on a resolution to set the framework for the fiscal 2001 federal budget. The plan calls for $147.1 billion in tax cuts over five years, beginning in fiscal 2001, with a reserve fund of $50 billion more that could also be used for tax cuts. The measure includes $600.5 billion in discretionary funding, the use of which will be determined in the 13 annual appropriations bills. The framework recommends $310.9 billion for defense and $289.7 billion for non-defense programs. Spending provisions that exceed those recommendations would need 60 votes in the Senate to proceed. Before passage of the resolution, the Senate struck all the language of H Con Res 290, and inserted the text of S Con Res 101 as amended.
(Resolution sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Resolution adopted 51-45: R 51-2; D 0-43 on 04/07/2000
- Bankruptcy Reform-Abortion Clinic Violence
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on an amendment to bar people convicted of violence, or potential violence, at abortion clinics, from being released from their debts that were directly brought about by those actions.
S 625: Bankruptcy Overhaul
Vote on an amendment to bar people convicted of violence, or potential violence, at abortion clinics or their workers, from being released from their debts that were directly brought about by those actions. Those debts could stem from lawsuit damages, court fines and attorney fees.
(Amendment sponsored by Schumer, D-NY; Bill sponsored by Grassley, R-IA)
Amendment adopted 80-17: R 35-17; D 45-0 on 02/02/2000
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Special Education Funding
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to preserve language in the budget framework to increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provides federal funds to states for special education programs.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote to preserve language in the budget framework to increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provides federal funds to states for special education programs. The motion being voted on would table [kill] an amendment that would replace a proposed increase in IDEA funding with language expressing the sense of the Senate that the first priority with regards to special education funding is funding the programs described under part B of IDEA.
(Tabling motion sponsored by Jeffords, R-VT; Striking amendment sponsored by Voinovich, R-OH; Amendment sponsored by Jeffords, R-VT; Resolution sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Tabling motion rejected 47-53: R 4-51; D 43-2 on 04/07/2000. Subsequently, the Voinovich amendment was agreed to by voice vote. Then, the Jeffords amendment as amended was also agreed to by voice vote.
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Alaska Oil Exploration
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to preserve language in the Fiscal Year 2001 Budget Framework that assumes $1.2 billion in revenue from oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge [ANWR] in Alaska.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote to preserve language in the Fiscal Year 2001 Budget Framework that assumes $1.2 billion in revenue from oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge [ANWR] in Alaska. The amendment being voted on would table [kill] an amendment that would strike language from the resolution that would make the assumption of revenue. The ANWR is not currently open for drilling, and the language in the resolution would not be binding in opening it for such activities.
(Tabling motion sponsored by Murkowski, R-AK; Amendment sponsored by Roth, R-DE; Resolution sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Tabling motion agreed to 51-49: R 47-8; D 4-41 on 04/06/2000
- 'Marriage Penalty' Tax Elimination-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote on a bill that would reduce taxes on married couples by increasing their standard deduction to twice that of single taxpayers and raise the income limits on both the 15 percent and 28 percent tax brackets for married couples to twice that of singles, among other provisions.
HR 4810: A bill to provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 103(a)(1) of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2001.
Vote on a bill that would reduce taxes on married couples by increasing their standard deduction to twice that of single taxpayers and raise the income limits on both the 15 percent and 28 percent tax brackets for married couples to twice that of singles, among other provisions. The tax cut is estimated to cost the federal government $56 billion over the next five years.
(Bill sponsored by Archer, R-TX)
Bill passed 61-38: R 53-1; D 8-37 on 07/18/2000
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Debt Reduction
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would increase the amount of the budget that would be used to reduce the national debt by $75 billion over 5 year. The debt reduction would be offset by reducing the tax cut in the budget framework from $150 billion to $75 billion.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote to table [kill] an amendment sponsored by Sen. Conrad, D-ND, that would increase the amount of the budget that would be used to reduce the national debt by $75 billion over 5 year. The debt reduction would be offset by reducing the tax cut in the budget framework from $150 billion to $75 billion. The Conrad amendment would replace the language of an amendment sponsored by Sen. Allard, R-CO that would require the budget surplus to be large enough to reduce the debt by $15 billion each year, starting in 2001, and increasing the amount by $15 billion each year, until the entire debt has been paid off.
(Tabling motion sponsored by Domenici, R-NM; Striking Amendment sponsored by Conrad, D-ND; Amendment sponsored by Allard, R-CO; Bill sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Tabling motion agreed to 52-48: R 51-4; D 1-44 on 04/05/2000
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Tax/Debt Reduction
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on an amendment that would strike the $150 billion in tax cuts the measure would allow over the next five years, instead putting the money towards reducing the national debt.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote on an amendment that would strike the $150 billion in tax cuts the measure would allow over the next five years, instead putting the money towards reducing the national debt. The measure would amend a resolution that sets the framework for the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2001.
(Amendment sponsored by Voinovich, R-OH; Resolution sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Amendment rejected 44-56: R 5-50; D 39-6 on 04/07/2000
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-School Modernization
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would put $5.9 billion in revenue towards school modernization projects instead of tax cuts.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would put $5.9 billion in revenue towards school modernization projects instead of tax cuts. The measure would amend a resolution that sets the framework for the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2001.
(Tabling motion sponsored by Domenici, R-NM; Amendment sponsored by Robb, D-VA; Resolution sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Tabling motion agreed to 54-45: R 54-0; D 0-45 on 04/06/2000
Category: Environmental Issues
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Alaska Oil Exploration
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to preserve language in the Fiscal Year 2001 Budget Framework that assumes $1.2 billion in revenue from oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge [ANWR] in Alaska.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote to preserve language in the Fiscal Year 2001 Budget Framework that assumes $1.2 billion in revenue from oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge [ANWR] in Alaska. The amendment being voted on would table [kill] an amendment that would strike language from the resolution that would make the assumption of revenue. The ANWR is not currently open for drilling, and the language in the resolution would not be binding in opening it for such activities.
(Tabling motion sponsored by Murkowski, R-AK; Amendment sponsored by Roth, R-DE; Resolution sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Tabling motion agreed to 51-49: R 47-8; D 4-41 on 04/06/2000
- Nuclear Waste Storage-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to allow the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] to continue to set radiation protection standards for the transportation and storage of nuclear waste at a proposed national disposal site.
S 1287: Nuclear Waste Storage Act
Vote to allow the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] to continue to set radiation protection standards for the transportation and storage of nuclear waste at a proposed national disposal site under Yucca Mountain in Nevada. While the EPA would maintain control of setting radiation standards, the agency would be required to issue a written, detailed report of its proposal to be compared to those of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission [NRC] and the National Academy of Sciences [NAS]. Also, the EPA would be barred from implementing its proposed standards until June 1, 2001. Among other provisions, the measure would allows states to determine the route that the nuclear waste will travel to the proposed national disposal site.
(Bill sponsored by Murkowski, R-AK)
Bill passed 64-34: R 52-2; D 12-32 on 02/10/2000
Category: Education
- Education Savings Accounts-School Construction Bonds
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to table [or kill] an amendment that would provide tax credits for public school modernization bonds.
S 1134: Affordable Education Act of 1999
Vote to table [or kill] an amendment that would provide approximately $25 billion tax credits for public school modernization bonds. In addition, it would authorize approximately $1.3 billion for each of the next five years for immediate school repairs.
(Tabling motion sponsored by Roth, R-DE; Amendment sponsored by Robb, D-VA; Bill sponsored by Coverdell, R-GA)
Tabling motion agreed to 57-42: R 53-1; D 4-41 on 03/01/2000
- Education Savings Accounts-Improving Schools
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to table [or kill] an amendment that would strike a proposal to permit tax-free savings accounts to be used for public or private school tuition or other education expenses. The amendment would instead provide money to states to turn around poor-performing schools.
S 1134: Affordable Education Act of 1999
Vote to table [or kill] an amendment that would strike a proposal to permit tax-free savings accounts to be used for public or private school tuition or other education expenses. The amendment would instead provide money to states to turn around poor-performing schools. States would divide up $275 million in fiscal year 2001, and such sums as may be necessary in subsequent years. The measure would require that 70 percent of the money go directly to local districts.
(Tabling motion sponsored by Coverdell, R-GA; Amendment sponsored by Bingaman, D-NM; Bill sponsored by Coverdell, R-GA)
Tabling motion agreed to 58-40: R 52-1; D 6-39 on 03/01/2000
- Education Funding Reauthorization-Democratic Substitute
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on a substitute amendment that would provide funds for recruiting, hiring and training new teachers, as well as making school repairs. In addition, the amendment would require states that receive federal funds through the bill to develop an accountability plan for increasing performance of disadvantaged students.
S 2: Elementary and Secondary Education Act Reauthorization
Vote on a substitute amendment to the bill that is reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act [ESEA]. The measure would provide $2 billion to help schools recruit and train teachers and $1.75 billion for President Clinton's proposal to hire 100,000 new teachers. Also, the amendment would provide $1.3 billion in grants and loans for repairs and renovations to school buildings. In addition, the measure would require the states that receive funding under ESEA to create an accountability plan for increasing performance and achievement among disadvantaged students. Schools would be required to ensure that all students meet or exceed state proficiency standards within 10 years.
(Amendment sponsored by Daschle, D-SD; Bill sponsored by Jeffords, R-VT)
Amendment rejected 45-54: R 0-54; D 45-0 on 05/03/2000.
- FY 2001 Labor/HHS/Education Approp.-Teacher Training
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on a procedural motion that would have allowed consideration of an amendment to provide an additional $202 million for teacher training.
HR 4577: Departments of Labor, Heath and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001
Vote on a procedural motion that would have allowed consideration of an amendment to provide an additional $202 million for teacher training. The motion would waive the Budget Act point of order raised by Sen. Specter, R-PA that prohibits consideration of amendments that may move spending levels beyond pre-ordained limits for the fiscal year. The amendment would provide additional funds for the implementation of Title II of the Higher Education Act of 1965 which would provide grants to state and local educational agencies to encourage teacher recruitment, professional development and testing requirements for teachers.
(Motion sponsored by Kennedy, D-MA; Point of Order raised by Specter, R-PA; Amendment sponsored by Kennedy, D-MA; Bill sponsored by Porter, R-IL)
Motion rejected 51-48: R 4-51; D 44-0 on 06/28/2000
- FY 2001 Labor/HHS/Education Approps.-Special Education
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on a procedural motion that would have allowed consideration of an amendment to increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA] by $15.8 billion.
HR 4577: Departments of Labor, Heath and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001
Vote on a procedural motion that would have allowed consideration of an amendment to increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA] by $15.8 billion. The motion would waive the Budget Act point of order raised by Sen. Specter, R-PA that prohibits consideration of amendments that may move spending levels beyond pre-ordained limits for the fiscal year. IDEA seeks to improve access to public education for students with disabilities. The Senate previously tabled [killed] an amendment sponsored by Sen. Jeffords, R-VT to increase IDEA funding by $1.3 billion.
(Motion sponsored by Harkin; Point of Order raised by Specter, R-PA; Amendment sponsored by Harkin; Bill sponsored by Porter, R-IL)
Motion rejected 40-55: R 4-50; D 36-5 on 06/30/2000
- Education Savings Accounts-Teacher Training Programs
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on an amendment that would strike a proposal to permit tax-free savings accounts to be used for public or private school tuition or other education expenses. The amendment would instead provide $1.2 billion [the estimated cost of the savings account plan] over five years for teacher training programs.
S 1134: Affordable Education Act of 1999
Vote on an amendment that would strike a proposal to permit tax-free savings accounts to be used for public or private school tuition or other education expenses. The amendment would instead provide $1.2 billion [the estimated cost of the savings account plan] over five years for teacher training programs. The measure would include national and local recruitment programs, local professional development programs, incentives for becoming a teacher, and teacher mentoring programs.
(Amendment sponsored by Kennedy, D-MA; Bill sponsored by Coverdell, R-GA)
Amendment rejected 39-60: R 0-54; D 39-6 on 03/02/2000
- Education Savings Accounts-Reducing Class Size
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on an amendment that would strike a proposal to permit tax-free savings accounts to be used for public or private school tuition or other education expenses. The amendment would instead provide $1.2 billion [the estimated cost of the savings account plan] for reducing class sizes in public schools.
S 1134: Affordable Education Act of 1999
Vote on an amendment that would strike a proposal to permit tax-free savings accounts to be used for public or private school tuition or other education expenses. The amendment would instead provide $1.2 billion [the estimated cost of the savings account plan] for reducing class sizes in public schools. Of the overall amount, $3.6 million would go to the Secretary of the Interior for distribution, and the rest would go to states in the same percentage as the Department of Education Appropriations Act of 1999 to be distributed to local agencies. Money would be divided up to local agencies based 80 percent on child poverty levels and 20 percent on school enrollment. The amendment would seek to reduce class size by paying for measures such as recruiting, testing and hiring new teachers, as well as professional development for current teachers.
(Amendment sponsored by Murray, D-WA; Bill sponsored by Coverdell, R-GA)
Amendment rejected 42-56: R 0-53; D 42-3 on 03/01/2000
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Pell Grants
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on an amendment that would raise the basic Pell Grant from $3,300 to $3,700. This increase would be offset by reducing the level of tax cuts in the budget framework.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote on an amendment that would raise the basic Pell Grant from $3,300 to $3,700. Pell Grants are given to students going to college based on financial need. The increase would be offset by reducing the tax cut provision by $2.7 billion [1.8 percent] over five years. The resolution called for a $150 billion tax cut over five years.
(Amendment sponsored by Kennedy, D-MA; Resolution sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Amendment adopted 51-49: R 6-49; D 45-0 on 04/07/2000
- FY 2001 Labor/HHS/Education Approp.-Special Education
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA] by $1.3 billion.
HR 4577: Departments of Labor, Heath and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by $1.3 billion. IDEA seeks to improve access to public education for students with disabilities.
(Tabling motion sponsored by Harkin, D-IA; Amendment sponsored by Jeffords, R-VT; Bill sponsored by Porter, R-IL)
Tabling motion agreed to 51-47: R 8-46; D 43-1 on 06/28/2000
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Special Education Funding
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to preserve language in the budget framework to increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provides federal funds to states for special education programs.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote to preserve language in the budget framework to increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provides federal funds to states for special education programs. The motion being voted on would table [kill] an amendment that would replace a proposed increase in IDEA funding with language expressing the sense of the Senate that the first priority with regards to special education funding is funding the programs described under part B of IDEA.
(Tabling motion sponsored by Jeffords, R-VT; Striking amendment sponsored by Voinovich, R-OH; Amendment sponsored by Jeffords, R-VT; Resolution sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Tabling motion rejected 47-53: R 4-51; D 43-2 on 04/07/2000. Subsequently, the Voinovich amendment was agreed to by voice vote. Then, the Jeffords amendment as amended was also agreed to by voice vote.
- Education Funding Reauthorization-Class Size Reduction
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on an amendment that would provide $1.75 billion in fiscal 2001 for measures aimed at reducing class size.
S 2: Elementary and Secondary Education Act Reauthorization
Vote on an amendment that would provide $1.75 billion in fiscal 2001 for programs aimed at reducing class size. The measure would put funds towards recruiting, training and testing new teachers, and providing professional development for current teachers. The funds from the measure would go to local school districts based 80 percent on child poverty levels and 20 percent on school enrollment.
(Amendment sponsored by Murray, D-WA; Bill sponsored by Jeffords, R-VT)
Amendment rejected 44-53: R 0-53; D 44-0 on 05/04/2000.
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-Education Spending
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would redirect $28.33 billion from tax cut provisions to education programs. The amendment would increase the amount of funding for education to $34.7 billion over five years.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would redirect $28.33 billion from tax cut provisions to education programs. The amendment would increase the amount of funding for education to $34.7 billion over five years. The measure is part of a resolution that sets the levels of spending for the Fiscal Year 2001 budget.
(Tabling motion sponsored by Domenici, R-NM; Amendment sponsored by Bingaman, D-NM; Bill sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Tabling motion agreed to 54-46: R 54-1; D 0-45 on 04/05/2000.
- Fiscal 2001 Budget Framework-School Modernization
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would put $5.9 billion in revenue towards school modernization projects instead of tax cuts.
S Con Res 101: Fiscal 2001 Budget Resolution
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would put $5.9 billion in revenue towards school modernization projects instead of tax cuts. The measure would amend a resolution that sets the framework for the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2001.
(Tabling motion sponsored by Domenici, R-NM; Amendment sponsored by Robb, D-VA; Resolution sponsored by Domenici, R-NM)
Tabling motion agreed to 54-45: R 54-0; D 0-45 on 04/06/2000
- Education Savings Accounts-Social Promotion
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote on an amendment that includes several provisions regarding 'social promotion' in elementary and secondary schools. 'Social promotion' is the term used to describe students moving up from grade to grade each year without having to meet specific standards of achievement.
S 1134: Affordable Education Act of 1999
Vote on an amendment that includes several provisions regarding 'social promotion' in elementary and secondary schools. 'Social promotion' is the term used to describe students moving up from grade to grade each year without having to meet specific standards of achievement. Local and state education agencies that receive funding through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act would be required to hold elementary and secondary school students to state achievement standards. The agencies would be required to measure student performances at key grade levels before the students could be promoted to the next grade. In addition, local agencies would have to demonstrate to the Secretary of Education that it has a policy for ending social promotion. Earlier, the Senate rejected an amendment sponsored by Wellstone, D-MN that would have excluded students who were not given the opportunity to learn the material covered in state achievement tests from being subject to the achievement standards.
(Amendment sponsored by Feinstein, D-CA; Bill sponsored by Coverdell, R-GA)
Amendment rejected 30-68: R 9-45; D 21-23 on 03/02/2000
- Education Savings Accounts-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to pass a bill that would permit tax-free savings accounts of up to $2000 per child annually to be used for public or private school tuition or other education expenses.
S 1134: Affordable Education Act of 1999
Vote to pass a bill that would permit tax-free savings accounts of up to $2000 per child annually to be used for public or private school tuition or other education expenses, at an estimated cost of $1.2 billion. The measure would raise the annual limit on such accounts from $500 to $2000 and allows the money to be used for educational expenses for students ranging from pre-kindergarten through high school. The bill would set the maximum combined income level for the eligibility of married couples at $220,000, approximately twice that of a single parent. Among other provisions, the Senate overwhelmingly approved amendments that would give a tax break to teachers for professional expenses, make it easier to get a tax break for donating computers to schools or senior centers, and requires the Health and Human Services secretary to submit a report on the effect of changes to the federal welfare program on child poverty. In addition, the Senate passed amendments that encourage local schools to insist on zero-tolerance policies for violence and illegal drug use and grant money to schools for gun violence prevention programs. On procedural votes, amendments were rejected that would have redirected the $1.2 billion estimated cost of the savings accounts to pay for special education programs and Pell grants instead.
(Bill sponsored by Coverdell, R-GA)
Bill passed 61-37: R 52-2; D 9-35 on 03/02/2000
- FY 2001 Labor/HHS/Education Approp.-Title I Grants
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on a procedural motion that would allow consideration of an amendment that would provide $10 billion for Title I education grants.
HR 4577: Departments of Labor, Heath and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001
Vote on a procedural motion that would allow consideration of an amendment that would provide $10 billion for Title I education grants. The motion would waive the Budget Act point of order raised by Sen. Gregg, R-NH that prohibits consideration of amendments that may move spending levels beyond pre-ordained limits for the fiscal year. Title I grants are designed to improve failing schools, particularly in low-income districts. The Senate also rejected a procedural motion that would have allowed for consideration of an amendment sponsored by Sen. Bingaman, D-NM that would provide $250 for the an accountability program for Title I programs.
(Motion sponsored by Wellstone, D-MN; Point of Order raised by Gregg, R-NH; Amendment sponsored by Wellstone, D-MN; Bill sponsored by Porter, R-IL)
Motion rejected 47-52: R 3-52; D 44-0 on 06/27/2000