What follows is the next in a series of entries 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,
2002.
Other Year's entries:
1988,
1989,
1990,
1991,
1992,
1993,
1994,
1995,
1996,
1997,
1998,
1999,
2000,
2001,
2002
2003,
2004.
Summary for 2002- Category: Trade Issues
- Trade Promotion/Andean Trade
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to adopt the conference report on a bill that would provide congress the ability to promote special trade authority on all trade agreements met before June 1, 2005.
HR3009 Fast Track Trade Authority bill
Vote to adopt the conference report on a bill that would provide congress the ability to promote special trade authority on all trade agreements met before June 1, 2005. It could be extended to agreements decided before Oct. 1, 2007. Due to increased imports, benefits would be provided for displaced or financially harmed workers. Displaced workers would receive a tax credit of 65 percent of health insurance premiums. It also would provide benefits to 'secondary' workers. Extending through 2006 the Andean Trade Preference Act, 6,000 products from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru will be granted duty-free status. The Generalized Systems of Preferences, which grants developing countries duty-free treatment to selected U.S. exports, would also be extended. Additional funds would be allocated to the U.S. Customs Service. Special consideration will be given to certain textile imports from the Caribbean and Africa.
(Bill sponsored by Crane, R-Il)
Adopted: 64-34: R 43-5; D 20-29; I 1-0 on 08/01/2002.
House Passage Vote; 11/16/2001-Outcome:Passed
Presidential Action: Signed on 08/06/2002
- Category: Regulatory Issues
- Accounting Industry Overhaul -Conference Report
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to adopt a conference report on a bill that would call for a more comprehensive disclosure of corporate finances and overhaul regulation of the accounting industry
HR3763 Accounting Industry Reform bill
Vote to adopt a conference report on a bill that would call for a more comprehensive disclosure of corporate finances and overhaul regulation of the accounting industry
Through this bill a new oversight board would be instituted, funded through fees on publicly traded companies, to police accounting firms. Accounting firms would be forbidden from providing management consulting, investment banking, and other services for publicly traded companies. Additional corporate reporting and disclosure requirements would also be required. In cases of security fraud, civil monetary penalties would be imposed and force executives engaged in financial misconduct to pay back profits and bonuses. The money would then be placed in a fund for defrauded investors. Executive loans would also be barred. The agreement would develop a criminal penalty for securities fraud and obstruction of justice involving such actions as document shredding. Top corporate executives would be required to confirm company financial statements.
Note: The report is then sent to the President
(Bill sponsored by Oxley, R-OH)
Bill adopted 99-0: R 48-0; D 50-0, I 1-0 on 7/25/2002
Senate Pasage Vote: 07/15/2002-Outcome: Passed
Presidential Action: Signed on 07/30/2002
- Category: Military Issues
- Use of Force-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a joint resolution that would authorize the use of force against Iraq.
H.J.RES.114 Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq
Vote to pass a joint resolution that would authorize the use of force against Iraq. The administration would be required to report to Congress that diplomatic options have been exhausted before, or within 48 hours after military action has started. Every 60 days the president would also be required to submit a progress report to Congress
(Bill sponsored by Hastert,R-IL)
Note: Oct. 11, 2002, in the session that began and the Congressional Record that is dated Oct. 10, 2002.
Passed 77-23: R 48-1; D 29-21; I 0-1 on 10/11/02.
Bill sponsored by Hastert,R-IL
Presidential Action: Signed on 10/16/2002
- Category: Agriculture Issues
- Agriculture Overhaul - Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would replace the Freedom to farm Act and would authorize $45 billion in new spending for federal agriculture programs over five years, including a provision that would allow $2 billion in direct federal subsidies to milk producers.
HR 2646 Farm Security Act of 2001
Vote to pass a bill that would replace the Freedom to farm Act and would authorize $45 billion in new spending for federal agriculture programs over five years, including a provision that would allow $2 billion in direct federal subsidies to milk producers. The bill would also reinstate programs that provide farmers with payments when commodity prices decline below a specific level.
Note: The Senate inserted the text of S 1731, the Senate Farm Aid bill, into HR 2646 before passage.
(House bill, HR 2646 sponsored by Combest, R-TX, Senate bill, S 1731 sponsored by Harkin, D-IA)
Bill passed 58-40: R 9-38; D 48-2; I 1-0 on 02/13/2002.
Presidential Action: Signed on 05/13/2002-Outcome: Passed
- Farm Bill -Conference Report
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to adopt a conference report on a bill that would reauthorize for six years, the federal agriculture programs.
HR 2646 Farm Aid bill
Vote to adopt a conference report on a bill that would reauthorize for six years, the federal agriculture programs. The agreement would restore programs that provide payments to farmers when commodity prices drop below a particular level. It would increase direct and mandatory farm program spending by $73.5 billion over 10 years, provide $243 billion for food stamps and re-establish benefits for legal immigrants, and raise conservation spending to $17.1 billion. After two years, the agreement would call for the labeling of certain goods by country origin. It would also reduce the total limit on payments to individual farmers to $360,000 and approve for three and a half years, a new $1 billion dairy program
(Bill sponsored by Combest , R-TX)
Passed by a vote of 64-35: R 20-28; D 43-7; I 1-0
Presidential Action: Signed on 05/13/2002-Outcome: Passed
- Category: Business and Consumers
- Accounting Industry Overhaul-Conference Report
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
0192 Business/Regulation Accounting Industry Overhaul- Conference Report
Vote to adopt a conference report on a bill that would call for a more comprehensive disclosure of corporate finances and overhaul regulation of the accounting industry
HR3763 Accounting Industry Reform bill
Vote to adopt a conference report on a bill that would call for a more comprehensive disclosure of corporate finances and overhaul regulation of the accounting industry
Through this bill a new oversight board would be instituted, funded through fees on publicly traded companies, to police accounting firms. Accounting firms would be forbidden from providing management consulting, investment banking, and other services for publicly traded companies. Additional corporate reporting and disclosure requirements would also be required. In cases of security fraud, civil monetary penalties would be imposed and force executives engaged in financial misconduct to pay back profits and bonuses. The money would then be placed in a fund for defrauded investors. Executive loans would also be barred. The agreement would develop a criminal penalty for securities fraud and obstruction of justice involving such actions as document shredding. Top corporate executives would be required to confirm company financial statements.
Note: The report is then sent to the President
(Bill sponsored by Oxley, R-OH)
Bill adopted 99-0: R 48-0; D 50-0, I 1-0 on 7/25/2002
Senate Pasage Vote: 07/15/2002-Outcome: Passed
Presidential Action: Signed on 07/30/2002
- Terrorism Insurance - Conference Report
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would authorize through 2005 a federal loan program to help the commercial casualty and property insurance industry cover future terrorist-related losses.
HR 3210 Terrorism Risk Protection Act
Vote to pass a bill that would authorize through 2005 a federal loan program to help the commercial casualty and property insurance industry cover future terrorist-related losses. The federal loans would cover 90 percent of industry-wide losses over $10 billion before the end of 2003, $12.5 billion in 2004, and $15 billion in 2005. Each year the losses covered by the program would have a cap of $100 billion. Also a certain amount of the federal aid would have to be repaid. The measure would also restrict terrorist-related lawsuits by limiting them to federal court.
(Bill sponsored by Oxley, R-OH)
Conference Report adopted 86-11: R 35-11; D 49-0, I 2-0 on 11/19/02.
Presidential Action: Signed on 11/26/2002
- Category: Social Issues
- Hate Crimes-Cloture
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on a motion to invoke cloture on a bill that would expand the definition of hate crimes to incorporate acts committed because of a victim's sex, sexual orientation or disability and permit the federal government to help states prosecute hate crimes even if no federally protected action was implicated.
S625 Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2001
Vote on a motion to invoke cloture, on a bill that would expand the definition of hate crimes to incorporate acts committed because of a victim's sex, sexual orientation or disability and permit the federal government to help states prosecute hate crimes even if no federally protected action was implicated. If the cloture motion is agreed to, debate will be limited and a vote will occur. If the cloture motion is rejected debate could continue indefinitely and instead the bill is usually set aside
Note: Three-fifths of the Senate, or 60 members, is required to invoke cloture.
(Bill sponsored by Kennedy, D-MA)
Motion rejected 54-43: R 4-42; D 49-1; I 1-0 on 06/11/2002.
- Category: Foreign Aid and Policy Issues
- NATO Expansion-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would support further expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, authorize military assistance to several eastern European countries and lift assistance restrictions on Slovakia.
HR3167 Gerald B. H. Solomon Freedom Consolidation Act of 2001
Vote to pass a bill that would support further expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, authorize military assistance to several eastern European countries and lift assistance restrictions on Slovakia.
(Bill sponsored by Bereuter R-NE)
Bill passed 85-6: R 36-6; D 48-0 I 1-0 on 5/17/02
Presidential Action: Signed on 06/10/2002
- Border Security - Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would call for passenger ships and planes traveling from other countries to provide immigration officials list of crew members and passengers before arriving.
HR3525 Border Security - Passage
Vote to pass a bill that would call for passenger ships and planes traveling from other countries to provide immigration officials list of crew members and passengers before arriving. This would create a database of suspected terrorists that federal agencies could use to screen visa applicants. It would also require government officials to be notified if foreign students do not report to class. All passports, visas and other travel documents would be required to include biometric data.
(Bill sponsored by Sensenbrenner R-WI)
Bill passed 97-0: R 48-0; D 48-0;I 1-0
Presidential Action: 05/14/2002-Outcome: Passed
- Use of Force-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a joint resolution that would authorize the use of force against Iraq.
H.J.RES.114 Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq
Vote to pass a joint resolution that would authorize the use of force against Iraq. The administration would be required to report to Congress that diplomatic options have been exhausted before, or within 48 hours after military action has started. Every 60 days the president would also be required to submit a progress report to Congress
(Bill sponsored by Hastert,R-IL)
Note: Oct. 11, 2002, in the session that began and the Congressional Record that is dated Oct. 10, 2002.
Passed 77-23: R 48-1; D 29-21; I 0-1 on 10/10/02.
Presidential Action: Signed on 10/16/2002
- Category: Energy Issues
- Energy Plan Cloture
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Motion to invoke cloture on amendment that would allow gas and oil development in a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge if the president certifies to Congress that production in the area is in the nation's security and economic interests
S517 Energy Plan - Cloture
Motion to invoke cloture on amendment that would allow gas and oil development in a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for gas and oil development if the president certifies to Congress that production in the area is in the nation's security and economic interests It would entail an export ban on the oil produced from the refuge with the exception of Israel, limit the amount of surface disturbances to 2,000 acres, and designate an additional 1.5 million acres as wilderness, in replacement for the opening of the drilling of approximately 1.5 million acres of non-wilderness in the coastal plain region of the refuge. The substitute amendment would restructure the electricity system, overhaul the nation's energy policies, and provide for $16.04 billion in energy-related tax incentives. It also would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to set within 15 months a new CAFE standard.
Note: If the cloture motion is agreed to, debate will be limited and a vote will occur. If the cloture motion is rejected debate could continue indefinitely and instead the bill is usually set aside. A yea vote for this bill was one in favor of drilling in the reserve. Three-fifths of the total Senate (60) is required to invoke cloture.
(Bill sponsored by Murkowski, Frank H.R-AL)
Motion rejected 46-54: R 41-8; D 5-45; I 0-1
- Energy Plan - CAFE Standards
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to pass an amendment that would remove the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard (CAFE) and instead direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish a new automobile efficiency standard in 15 months.
S517 National Laboratories Partnership Improvement Act of 2001
Vote to pass an amendment that would remove the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard (CAFE) and instead direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish a new automobile efficiency standard in 15 months. Congress could veto any CAFE increase issued by the agency and would be allowed to increase the standard if the NHTSA does not make any changes with 15 months. The bill would overhaul the nation's energy policies by restructuring the electricity system and providing for $16.04 billion in energy-related tax incentives.
(Amendment sponsored by Levin, D-MI; bill sponsored by Bingaman, D-NM)
Amendment passed 62-38: R 43-6; D 19-31; I 0-1 on 03/13/2002.
- Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE) Act of 2001
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would reform the electricity system, overhaul the nation's energy policies, and make available approximately $15 billion in energy-related tax incentives.
HR 4 Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE) Act of 2001
Vote to pass a bill that would reform the electricity system, overhaul the nation's energy policies, and make available approximately $15 billion in energy-related tax incentives. It would promote the use of alternative energy and call for utilities to increase their dependence on renewable fuels. It would also regulate that within the next 15 months to two years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish a new CAFE standard.
Note: Before passage, the Senate struck the text of HR 4 and inserted the
text of S 517.
(HR 4 sponsored by Tauzin, R-LA; S 517 sponsored by Bingaman, D-NM )
Bill passed 88-11: R 45-3; D 42-8; I 1-0 on 4/29/02.
- Category: Budget Spending and Taxes
- Estate Tax-Permanent Repeal
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Motion to waive the Budget Act and vote to pass an amendment that would permanently prolong the repealing of the estate and gift tax enclosed in last years $1.35 trillion tax cut law.
HR8 Estate Tax -Permanent Repeal
Motion to waive the Budget Act and vote to pass an amendment that would permanently prolong the repealing of the estate and gift tax enclosed in last year's $1.35 trillion tax cut law. If the motion is adopted the amendment could be considered even though it violates the budget act. If the motion fails, the Budget Act provision would cause the amendment to fall on a point of order. At least sixty votes are required to adopt a Motion to waive the Budget Act.
Note: Subsequently the point of order was sustained and the amendment fell.
(Bill sponsored by Gramm, R-TX)
Motion rejected 54-44: R 45-2; D 9-41; I 0-1on 06/12/2002.
- Economic Stimulus Package - Cloture
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on motion to invoke cloture, if the cloture motion is agreed to, debate will be limited and a vote will occur. If the cloture motion is rejected debate could continue indefinitely and instead the bill is usually set aside. on an amendment that would strike the text of the bill and replace it with a democrat sponsored economic stimulus measure.
HR 622 Hope for Children Act
Vote on motion to invoke cloture (If the cloture motion is agreed to, debate will be limited and a vote will occur. If the cloture motion is rejected debate could continue indefinitely and instead the bill is usually set aside. on an amendment that would strike the text of the bill and replace it with a democrat sponsored economic stimulus measure. This measure would extend unemployment benefits for thirteen weeks to displaced workers, allow for a $300 rebate to taxpayers who did not receive last year's rebate, provide for a tax cut to businesses that buy equipment this year, and provide to states $5 billion in Medicaid.
Note: Three-fifths of the Senate, or 60 members, is required to invoke cloture.
(Bill sponsored by DeMint, R-SC; substitute amendment sponsored by Daschle, D-SD)
Motion rejected 56-39: R 7-38; D 49-1; I 0-0 on 02/06/2002.
- Economic Stimulus Package Final Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would provide temporary business tax breaks and extend for thirteen weeks unemployment benefits that would cost $51.2 billion in fiscal 2002.
HR 3090 Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002
Vote to pass a bill that would provide temporary business tax breaks and extend for thirteen weeks unemployment benefits that would cost $51.2 billion in fiscal 2002. The bill would provide incentives for rebuilding the area around the World Trade Center in New York City and include a 30 percent equipment depreciation deduction for three years. The bill would also reauthorize the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families grant program, prolong several of the expiring tax provisions, and extend for three years the net operating loss carryback period.
Note: Bill signed by president on 03/09/2002.
(Bill sponsored by Thomas, R-CA)
Bill passed 85-9: R 47-1; D 37-8; I 1-0 on 03/08/2002.
Presidential Action: Signed on 03/09/2002
- Category: Environmental Issues
- Energy Plan - CAFE Standards
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote to pass an amendment that would remove the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard (CAFE) and instead direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish a new automobile efficiency standard in 15 months.
S517 National Laboratories Partnership Improvement Act of 2001
Vote to pass an amendment that would remove the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard (CAFE) and instead direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish a new automobile efficiency standard in 15 months. Congress could veto any CAFE increase issued by the agency and would be allowed to increase the standard if the NHTSA does not make any changes with 15 months. The bill would overhaul the nation's energy policies by restructuring the electricity system and providing for $16.04 billion in energy-related tax incentives.
(Amendment sponsored by Levin, D-MI; bill sponsored by Bingaman, D-NM)
Amendment passed 62-38: R 43-6; D 19-31; I 0-1 on 03/13/2002.
- Category: Appropriations
- Supplemental Appropriations-Conference Report
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to adopt the conference report on the bill that would make available approximately $28.9 billion in supplemental appropriations for fiscal 2002
HR4775 Fiscal 2003 Supplemental Appropriations Conference Report
Vote to adopt the conference report on the bill that would make available approximately $28.9 billion in supplemental appropriations for fiscal 2002. The agreement would consist of $14.5 billion for the Defense Department, $6.7 billion for homeland security programs and $5.5 billion for post-Sept. 11 recovery efforts in New York. It also would offer $2.1 billion for foreign aid, including funds to rebuild Afghanistan and fight terrorism in Israel, and U.S. embassy.
(Bill sponsored by Young, R-FL)
Adopted 92-7,R 42-6, D 49-1: I 1-0 on 7/23/2002.
Note: Passed in Senate and then sent to President
Presidential Action: Signed on 08/02/2002
- Fiscal 2003 Legislative Branch Appropriations - Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would appropriate approximately $2.42 billion in fiscal 2003 for legislative activities, including $1.46 billion for congressional operations, $497 million for the Library of Congress, $454.5 million for the General Accounting Office, and $122.4 million for the Government Printing Office
HR5121 Fiscal 2003 Legislative Branch Appropriations - Passage
Vote to pass a bill that would appropriate approximately $2.42 billion in fiscal 2003 for legislative activities, including $1.46 billion for congressional operations, $497 million for the Library of Congress, $454.5 million for the General Accounting Office, and $122.4 million for the Government Printing Office.
Note: Before passage the Senate struck all after the enacting clause and inserted the text of the Senate version of the bill (S 2720).
(Bill sponsored by Taylor D-GA)
Bill Passed 85-14: R 36-12; D 48-2, I 1-0; on 7/25/2002.
House Passage Vote : 07/18/2002-Outcome: Passed
- Fiscal 2003 Supplemental Appropriations-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would provide approximately $31.6 billion in. supplemental appropriations available for fiscal 2002. The bill would also include, $5.8 billion for homeland security programs, $14 billion for the Defense Department, and $5.5 billion for post-Sept. 11 recovery efforts in New York .
HR4775 Fiscal 2003 Supplemental Appropriations Passage
Vote to pass a bill that would provide approximately $31.6 billion in. supplemental appropriations available for fiscal 2002. The bill would also include, $5.8 billion for homeland security programs, $14 billion for the Defense Department, and $5.5 billion for post-Sept. 11 recovery efforts in New York .
(Bill sponsored by Young, R-FL)
Bill passed 71-22 R 26-20; D 44-2, I 1-0; on 6/7/2002.
Presidential Action: Signed on 08/02/2002
- Fiscal 2003 Military Construction Appropirations-Pass
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Senate
Vote to pass a bill that would provide $10.6 billion in fiscal 2003 for military construction projects, including $1.15 billion for the construction and modernization of barracks, $4.23 billion for family housing, and $645.1 million to deal with costs of prior base closures.
HR5011 Fiscal 2003 Interior Department Appropriations - Passage
Vote to pass a bill that would provide $10.6 billion in fiscal 2003 for military construction projects, including $1.15 billion for the construction and modernization of barracks, $4.23 billion for family housing, and $645.1 million to deal with costs of prior base closures. It also contains funds for medical facilities, child care centers, environmental cleaning at closed military facilities and the U.S. contribution to North Atlantic Treaty Organization security efforts.
(Bill sponsored by Hobson R-OH)
Bill Passed 96-3: R 46-2; D 49-1; on 7/18/2002
House Conference Report Vote: 10/10/2002-Outcome: Passed
Presidential Action: Signed on 10/23/2002
- Fiscal 2003 Defense Appropriations - Conference Report
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to adopt the conference report on the bill that would provide $355.1 billion for the Defense Department for fiscal 2003, an increase of $21 billion over fiscal 2002 regular and supplemental funds
HR 5010 Fiscal 2003 Defense Appropriations - Conference Report
Vote to adopt the conference report on the bill that would provide $355.1 billion for the Defense Department for fiscal 2003, an increase of $21 billion over fiscal 2002 regular and supplemental funds. The agreement includes $71.5 billion for procurement programs and $7.4 billion for ballistic missile defense. It includes $4 billion for the Air Force's F-22 fighter jets program. It would also fund a 4.1 percent pay increase for military personnel.
Note: Adopted and then cleared for President.
(Sponsored by Lewis R-CA)
Adopted, 93-1: R 44-0; D 48-1, I 1-0 on 10/16/2002
Presidential Action: Signed on 10/23/2002-Outcome: Passed
- Fiscal 2003 Defense Appropriations-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would provide $355.4 billion for the Defense Department for fiscal 2003, an increase of $34.4 billion over fiscal 2002.
HR5010 Fiscal 2003 Defense Appropriations-Passage
Vote to pass a bill that would provide $355.4 billion for the Defense Department for fiscal 2003, an increase of $34.4 billion over fiscal 2002. The bill would include $71.5 billion for procurement programs and $6.9 billion for ballistic missile defense, with the option of using $814 million of that for counterterrorism programs. Also included would be funding for a 4.1 percent pay increase for military personnel and shift funds for the Crusader howitzer to the Future Combat System.
(Bill sponsored by Lewis R-CA)
Bill Passed 95-3: R 46-2; D 48-1; on 8/1/2002
Presidential Action: Signed on 10/23/2002-Outcome: Passed
- Category: Campaign Finance and Election Issues
- Election Overhaul Voter Identification
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted NO.
Vote on motion to table (kill) an amendment that would replace language requiring voters who register by mail to show photo identification or other proof of residence before being allowed to vote with language permitting a signature or personal mark to identify voters who register by mail.
S 565 Equal Protection of Voting Rights Act of 2001
Vote on motion to table (kill) an amendment that would replace language requiring voters who register by mail to show photo identification or other proof of residence before being allowed to vote, with language permitting a signature or personal mark to identify voters who register by mail.
Note: Amendment continues to be debatable.
(Tabling motion sponsored Bond, R-MO, Amendment sponsored by Schumer, D-NY)
Tabling motion rejected 46-51: R 46-1; D 0-49; I 0-1 on 02/27/2002.
Note: Senate vitiated previous passage on 04/11/2002
- Election Overhaul Cloture
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote on motion to invoke cloture (If the cloture motion is agreed to, debate will be limited and a vote will occur. If the cloture motion is rejected debate could continue indefinitely and instead the bill is usually set aside.) on a bill that would require States to meet uniform and nondiscriminatory election technology and administration requirements for the 2004 Federal elections, and for other purposes.
S 565 Equal Protection of Voting Rights Act of 2001
Vote on motion to invoke cloture (If the cloture motion is agreed to, debate will be limited and a vote will occur. If the cloture motion is rejected debate could continue indefinitely and instead the bill is usually set aside.) on a bill that would require States to meet uniform and nondiscriminatory election technology and administration requirements for the 2004 Federal elections, and for other purposes.
Note: Three-fifths of the Senate, or 60 members, is required to invoke cloture.
(Bill sponsored by Dodd, D-CT)
Cloture motion rejected 51-44: R 1-44; D 49-0; I 1-0 on 03/04/2002.
Note: Senate vitiated previous passage on 04/11/2002
- Shays-Meehan Campaign Finance Overhaul-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would ban soft money contributions to national political parties but permit up to $10,000 in soft money contributions to state and local parties to help with voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives.
HR2356 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2001
Vote to pass a bill that would ban soft money contributions to national political parties but permit up to $10,000 in soft money contributions to state and local parties to help with voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives. The bill would stop issue ads from targeting specific candidates within 30 days of the primary or 60 days of the general election. Additionally, the bill would raise the individual contribution limit from $1,000 to $2,000 per election for House and Senate candidates, both of which would be indexed for inflation.
(Bill sponsored by Shays, R-CT)
Bill passed 60-40: R 11-38; D 48-2; I 1-0 on 03/20/2002.
Presidential Action: Signed on 03/27/2002
- Election Overhaul-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would impose comprehensive voting-procedure requirements to the states.
S 565 Election Overhaul-Passage
Vote to pass a bill that would impose comprehensive voting-procedure requirements to the states. It would call for states to let voters confirm their votes before casting a ballot, permit voters to change their ballots before submitting their vote, give voters replacement ballots if they make a mistake and inform voters if they vote for more than one candidate for an office. When voters register by mail they would be required to include a copy of their utility bill, a driver's license, a government check or some other proof of residence, with the exception of Washington and Oregon, where voters would be allowed to write their driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number on their registration form.
Note: The Senate subsequently struck language of H.R. 3295 and inserted S.565 as an amendment to H.R. 3295 by unanimous consent. The Senate vitiated or negated previous passage of S. 565.by unanimous consent.
(Bill sponsored by Dodd, D-CT)
Passed 99-1: R 48-1; D 50-0;I 1-0
Note: Senate vitiated previous passage on 04/11/2002
- Election Overhaul-Conference Report
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to adopt a conference report on a bill that would overhaul the nation's election procedures including the authorizing of $3.9 billion in federal funds to states over a three year period in order to help states meet nationwide voting standards and also to improve the administration of elections.
HR3295 Help America Vote Act of 2002
Vote to adopt a conference report on a bill that would overhaul the nation's election procedures including the authorizing of $3.9 billion in federal funds to states over a three-year period in order to help states meet nationwide voting standards and improve the administration of elections. The bill would also authorize $325 million in one-time payments to replace or upgrade punch card voting machines. Beginning in 2004, it would call for states to let voters confirm, and if wrong change their votes, before casting a final ballot. The bill would provide for provisional voting when there is a doubt about eligibility. Identification would be required when individuals register to vote. A first time voter who had registered by mail would also have to prove their identity before voting.
Note: Cleared for President
(Bill sponsored by Nay, R-OH)
Passed 92-2: R 44-0; D 47-2, I 1-0 on 10/16/02.
Presidential Action: Signed on 10/29/2002
- Category: Defense
- Border Security - Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would call for passenger ships and planes traveling from other countries to provide immigration officials a list of crew members and passengers before arriving.
HR3525 Border Security - Passage
Vote to pass a bill that would call for passenger ships and planes traveling from other countries to provide immigration officials a list of crew members and passengers before arriving. This would create a database of suspected terrorists that federal agencies could use to screen visa applicants. It would also require government officials to be notified if foreign students do not report to class. All passports, visas and other travel documents would be required to include biometric data.
(Bill sponsored by Sensenbrenner R-WI)
Passed by a vote of 97-0: R 48-0; D 48-0;I 1-0
Presidential Action: Signed on 05/14/2002
- Use of Force-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a joint resolution that would authorize the use of force against Iraq.
H.J.RES.114 Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq
Vote to pass a joint resolution that would authorize the use of force against Iraq. The administration would be required to report to Congress that diplomatic options have been exhausted before, or within 48 hours after military action has started. Every 60 days the president would also be required to submit a progress report to Congress
(Bill sponsored by Hastert,R-IL)
Note: Oct. 11, 2002, in the session that began and the Congressional Record that is dated Oct. 10, 2002.
Passed 77-23: R 48-1; D 29-21; I 0-1 on 10/11/02.
Presidential Action: Signed on 10/16/2002
- Category: National Security Issues
- Terrorism Insurance - Conference Report
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would authorize through 2005 a federal loan program to help the commercial casualty and property insurance industry cover future terrorist-related losses.
HR 3210 Terrorism Risk Protection Act
Vote to pass a bill that would authorize through 2005 a federal loan program to help the commercial casualty and property insurance industry cover future terrorist-related losses. The federal loans would cover 90 percent of industry-wide losses over $10 billion before the end of 2003, $12.5 billion in 2004, and $15 billion in 2005. Each year the losses covered by the program would have a cap of $100 billion. Also a certain amount of the federal aid would have to be repaid. The measure would also restrict terrorist-related lawsuits by limiting them to federal court.
(Bill sponsored by Oxley, R-OH)
Conference Report adopted 86-11: R 35-11; D 49-0, I 2-0 on 11/19/02.
Presidential Action: Signed on 11/26/2002
- Category: Health Issues
- Drug Patents-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would permit for a solitary 30-month stay against Food and Drug Administration approval of a generic drug patent when a brand-name company's patent is challenged.
.
S812 Greater Access to Affordable Pharmaceuticals Act of 2001
Vote to pass a bill that would permit a single 30-month stay against Food and Drug Administration approval of a generic drug patent when a brand-name company's patent is challenged. The secretary of Health and Human Services would be authorized to announce regulations allowing pharmacists and wholesalers to import prescription drugs from Canada into the United States. Canadian pharmacies and wholesalers that provide drugs for importation would be required to register with Health and Human Services. Individuals would be allowed to import prescription drugs from Canada. The medication would have to be for an individual use and a supply of less than 90-days.
(Bill sponsored by Schumer D-NY)
Bill passed 78-21: R 28-20; D 49-1; I 1-0 on 7/31/02
- Category: Government Reform
- Election Overhaul-Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would impose comprehensive voting-procedure requirements to the states.
S 565 Election Overhaul-Passage
Vote to pass a bill that would impose comprehensive voting-procedure requirements to the states. It would call for states to let voters confirm their votes before casting a ballot, permit voters to change their ballots before submitting their vote, give voters replacement ballots if they make a mistake and inform voters if they vote for more than one candidate for an office. When voters register by mail they would be required to include a copy of their utility bill, a driver's license, a government check or some other proof of residence, with the exception of Washington and Oregon, where voters would be allowed to write their driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number on their registration form.
Note: The Senate subsequently struck language of H.R. 3295 and inserted S.565 as an amendment to H.R. 3295 by unanimous consent. The Senate vitiated or negated previous passage of S. 565.by unanimous consent.
(Bill sponsored by Dodd, D-CT)
Passed 99-1: R 48-1; D 50-0;I 1-0
Note: Senate vitiated previous passage on 04/11/2002
- Homeland Security-Democratic Changes
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass an amendment that would strike a number of provisions in the substitute amendment, which would be effective one day after the bill's enactment.
HR 5005 Homeland Security Act of 2002
Vote to pass an amendment that would strike a number of provisions in the substitute amendment, which would be effective one day after the bill's enactment. It would strike the following: a provision that would permit the new department to ignore some contract restrictions against companies that relocate abroad in order to avoid paying U.S. taxes; a provision that would set up a university-based homeland security research system; and provisions limiting liability for manufacturers of certain anti-terrorism technologies, for pharmaceutical companies that manufacture mercury-based vaccine preservatives and for companies that supply airport screening. The Daschle amendment is identical, except an effective date in not included in the amendment. The substitute amendment would create a new cabinet-level Homeland Security Department with the responsibility to protect domestic security. The President would be given the ability to exempt some employees from collective bargaining units for national security reasons. The department would also be given the ability to make changes to personnel rules but would set up a process for unions to make an objection to and negotiate on those changes.
Note: Daschle, D-S.D., Motion on the amendment to the Daschle amendment to the Thompson, R-Tenn., substitute amendment.
(Amendment Sponsored by Daschle, D-SD, Bill Sponsored by Armey, R-TX)
Amendment rejected 47-52: R 1-48; D 45-3, I 1-1 on 11/19/02.
Presidential Action: Signed on 11/25/2002
- Homeland Security - Passage
(Complete Information)
John Kerry voted YES.
Vote to pass a bill that would join 22 agencies into a new cabinet-level Homeland Security Department with the responsibility to protect domestic security.
HR 5005 Homeland Security Act of 2002
Vote to pass a bill that would join 22 agencies into a new cabinet-level Homeland Security Department with the responsibility to protect domestic security. The new Department would include the following agencies: the Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Customs Service, the Secret Service and the Transportation Security Administration. It would split the Immigration and Naturalization Service between immigration enforcement and citizen services, both agencies would be placed under the new The President would be given the ability to exempt some employees from collective bargaining units for national security reasons. The department would also be given the ability to make changes to personnel rules but would set up a process for unions to make an objection to and negotiate on those changes.
(Bill sponsored by Armey, R-TX)
Bill passed 90-9: R 48-0; D 41-8, I 1-1 on 11/19/2002.
Presidential Action: Signed on 11/25/2002