WASHINGTON – Here’s how area House members voted on major roll calls in the week ending Friday. The Senate was in recess.
Private tax collectors: Members repealed, 232-173, the Internal Revenue Service’s authority to hire private companies to collect overdue income taxes. Backers said tax collection is a government function and cited privacy concerns. Foes said privatization is more efficient. A yes vote backed HR 3056.
Voting yes: Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island; Brian Baird, D-Vancouver; Norm Dicks, D-Belfair; Jim McDermott, D-Seattle; Adam Smith, D-Tacoma.
Voting no: Doc Hastings, R-Pasco; Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Deer Lake.
Not voting: Rick Larsen, D-Lake Stevens; Dave Reichert, R-Auburn.
Estate tax repeal: Members defeated, 196-212, a GOP motion to HR 3056 (above) to repeal the estate tax on Jan. 1, 2011. Democrats said this would add $500 billion to U.S. debt. A yes vote was to permanently repeal a levy that is now being scaled back but that will fully return in 2011.
Voting yes: Hastings, McMorris Rodgers.
Voting no: Inslee, Baird, Dicks, McDermott, Smith.
Not voting: Larsen, Reichert.
Affordable housing: Members voted, 264-148, to establish the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help local and state agencies build or restore 1.5 million units over 10 years for families in need. A yes vote was to pass HR 2895 over arguments that it would duplicate other federal programs.
Voting yes: Inslee, Larsen, Baird, Dicks, McDermott, Smith.
Voting no: Hastings, McMorris Rodgers.
Not voting: Reichert.
Housing work requirement: Members defeated, 199-218, a Republican motion to deny housing financed by HR 2895 (above) to persons not engaged in work, community service or job training at least 20 hours weekly. A yes vote backed the motion over arguments that its true purpose was to kill the bill.
Voting yes: Hastings, McMorris Rodgers.
Voting no: Inslee, Larsen, Baird, Dicks, McDermott, Smith.
Not voting: Reichert.
KEY VOTES AHEAD
The House this week will debate domestic surveillance and vote on President Bush’s veto of a health insurance bill for children.
The Senate will resume work on the fiscal 2008 Department of Justice budget.
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