This is a 100% volunteer effort brought to you by a handful of progressive Democrats and Independents who share a vision of an informed electorate. Thank you to the Demcast and Pennsylvania Indivisible organizations who host our report and help us share it with Commonwealth residents!
Indivisible Scorecard
The Indivisible movement is focused on four key principles – equality, justice, compassion and inclusion. Accordingly, we score legislation that reflects those values:
- Ballot access, voting rights, campaign finance and ethics
- Civil rights, equality under the law and addressing systemic inequities
- Reinforcing and strengthening democratic norms, processes, and oversight
- Addressing economic inequality
This week we scored votes on the January 6th Commission and AAPI hate crimes.
| Lawmaker | Score | Change from last score |
| 🔵 Senator Bob Casey | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| 🔴 Senator Pat Toomey | 55.6% | 0.0% |
| 🔴 PA-01’s Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick | 55.8% | +5.8% |
| 🔵 PA-02’s Rep. Brendan Boyle | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| 🔵 PA-03’s Rep. Dwight Evans | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| 🔵 PA-04’s Rep. Madeleine Dean | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| 🔵 PA-05’s Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| 🔵 PA-06’s Rep. Chrissy Houlahan | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| 🔵 PA-07’s Rep. Susan Wild | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| 🔵 PA-08’s Rep. Matt Cartwright | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| 🔴 PA-09’s Rep. Dan Meuser | 4.9% | +4.9% |
| 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| 🔴 PA-11’s Rep. Lloyd Smucker | 11.6% | +3.7% |
| 🔴 PA-12’s Rep. Fred Keller | 4.7% | +4.7% |
| 🔴 PA-13’s Rep. John Joyce | 4.7% | +4.7% |
| 🔴 PA-14’s Rep. Guy Reschenthaler | 4.7% | +4.7% |
| 🔴 PA-15’s Rep. Glenn W. Thompson | 12.2% | +3.9% |
| 🔴 PA-16’s Rep. Mike Kelly | 4.7% | +4.7% |
| 🔵 PA-17’s Rep. Conor Lamb | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| 🔵 PA-18’s Rep. Mike Doyle | 100.0% | 0.0% |
Quick Links
Five out of Six GOP MoCs vote NO on a January 6th Commission (but it passed)
Funding to Secure the Capitol Complex Narrowly Passes
House GOP slapped down for trying to end Mask Rules on the House Floor.
The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 is recognized in a House Resolution
The House Incentivizes Big Pharma to Create Drugs for Rare Conditions
Yet Another Bad Trump-era regulation falls prey to the Congressional Review Act
A FOURTH Motion to Discharge a Stalled Biden Nomination
Votes under Suspension of the Rules
Unanimously passed legislation
Call to Action – Press Toomey on 1/6 Commission
Votes of Interest
Five out of Six GOP MoCs vote NO on a January 6th Commission (but it passed)
House Vote on H.R. 3233: National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act
This measure would create a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6th domestic terrorism attack on the Capitol. In last week’s educational segment we broke down the main points of the bill. The Commission would be made of ten people who are not currently a part of any government entity, and how have expertise/experience in at least two of these nine fields – governmental service; law enforcement; civil rights, civil liberties and privacy; the armed forces; intelligence; counterterrorism; cybersecurity; technology; and the law. Each party will get to choose five commission members, but Democrats get to choose the Chairperson and Republicans choose the Vice-chair.
This Commission will have subpoena power. A subpoena may be issued by agreement of the Chair and Vice-chair or by a majority vote of the 10 members. The Commission may hold hearings and demand the appearance of witnesses. Funds for staffing and administration of the commission will be authorized. The scope of the commission would be to investigate the events of the attack, and per the text of the bill, to:
investigate and report to the President and Congress on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective measures that may include changes in law, policy, procedures, rules, or regulations that could be taken to prevent future acts of targeted violence and domestic terrorism, including to prevent domestic terrorist attacks against American democratic institutions, improve the security posture of the United States Capitol Complex while preserving accessibility of the Capitol Complex for all Americans, and strengthen the security and resilience of the Nation and American democratic institutions against domestic terrorism.
As has been widely reported since this Wednesday, only 35 Republicans broke with party leadership to back the bill that was negotiated by a member of their own party. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy deputized House Homeland Security Ranking Member John Katko to negotiate, and after Katko gained all but one of the GOP’s demands (the one he did not get was to make the commission also investigate Antifa and BLM), McCarthy left Katko out to dry.
Vote date: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Vote Tally: 252-175
Party Breakdown: All Democrats present votes YES and they were joined by 35 Republicans, including 🔴 PA-01’s Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. The remaining 175 Republicans voted NO.
Additional Reading:
- “House approves Jan. 6 commission over GOP objections,” from The Hill
- “Trump hits 35 ‘wayward’ Republicans for voting in favor of Jan. 6 commission,” from NBC News
- “Republicans choose power over truth as hopes for bipartisan January 6 commission dim,” from CNN Politics
Funding to Secure the Capitol Complex Narrowly Passes
House Vote on H.R. 3237: Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act, 2021
This bill is an emergency appropriations package that was designed to:
- Pay for repairs to the Capitol after the January 6th attack
- Pay for the National Guard who are still protecting the Capitol months later
- Upgrade security at the Capitol Complex for the future
No Republicans voted YES on this funding, and they were joined by several Democratic lawmakers who object to pushing more money to law enforcement. The three Democrats who voted NO were Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Cori Bush of Missouri, and theyissued a lengthy statement to explain their opposition, which is available in its entirety in The Intercept. This is an excerpt:
A bill that pours $1.9 billion into increased police surveillance and force without addressing the underlying threats of organized and violent white supremacy, radicalization, and disinformation that led to this attack will not prevent it from happening again. Increasing law enforcement funds does not inherently protect or safeguard the Capitol Hill or surrounding D.C. community. In fact, this bill is being passed before we have any real investigation into the events of January 6th and the failures involved because Republicans have steadfastly obstructed the creation of a January 6th commission…
…This bill prioritizes more money for a broken system that has long upheld and protected the white supremacist violence we saw on display that day.
We look forward to working towards systemic policy solutions that meet the scale and scope of the crises our communities and our nation face.
Vote date: Thursday, May 20, 2021 Vote Tally: 213-212-3
Party Breakdown: All Republicans present voted NO, and they were joined by three Democrats – Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Cori Bush of Missouri. Three other Democrats voted “Present” – Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman, both of New York. The remaining 213 Democrats voted YES.
Additional Reading:
- “Dems approve $1.9B for post-Jan. 6 Capitol security,” from Politico
- “Squad Splits on Capitol Police Funding, Letting Bill Pass by One Vote,” from The Intercept
- “House narrowly passes $1.9 billion Capitol security bill after January 6 insurrection,” from CNN Politics
House GOP slapped down for trying to end Mask Rules on the House Floor
House Vote on the Motion to Table H.Res. 414: Directing the Attending Physician to take timely action to provide updated mask wearing guidance applicable to the Hall of the House of Representatives and committee meeting spaces for Members and staff who are vaccinated against Covid-19, consistent with the public guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on May 13, 2021
In the run-up to the vote on the January 6th Commission, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy attempted to force a vote on his resolution to end mask-wearing requirements on the House floor. This came after several Republican MoCs have been fined for refusing to wear masks. This distraction was swiftly dealt with in a party line vote to “table,” or kill, the resolution.
Vote date: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Vote Tally: 252-175
Party Breakdown: This was a party line vote. All Democrats voted YES (to table means to kill the bill) and all Republicans voted NO.
Additional Reading:
- “Democrats And Republicans Square Off Over House Mask Mandate,” from NPR
- “House Republicans stage rebellion over mask rules,” from Politico
- “McCarthy effort to lift mask rules for the House floor fails,” from CNN Politics
The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 is recognized in a House Resolution
House Vote on H.Res.403, which included text to pass H.Res.398 – Recognizing the forthcoming centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
Survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 appeared before the House Judiciary Committee this week, as the centennial of that horrific event approaches. This is testimony offered by 107 year old Viola Fletcher at that hearing:
I still see Black men being shot, Black bodies lying in the street. I still smell smoke and see fire. I still see Black businesses being burned. I still hear airplanes flying overhead. I hear the screams. I have lived through the massacre every day. Our country may forget this history, but I cannot. I will not, and other survivors do not. And our descendants do not.
The day prior, House Democratic leaders introduced House Resolution 403. That bill laid out the terms of the debate on the coming bills to discuss a January 6th Commission as well as the emergency appropriations for Capitol security, both bills referenced earlier in the report. But tucked into that rules resolution was this line – “Section 3. House Resolution 398 is hereby adopted.” And that resolution 398 is one that recognizes the forthcoming centennial of the Tulsa Massacre.
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 212-206
Party Breakdown: This was a party line vote. All Democrats voted YES and all Republicans voted NO.
Additional Reading:
- “Congress to discuss Tulsa Race Massacre as 100-year anniversary approaches,” from The Oklahoman
- “100 years later, Tulsa Race Massacre survivors appeal to lawmakers: ‘I hear the screams’,” from Connect FM
- “107-year-old survivor of Tulsa race massacre testifies in Congress,” from Yahoo News
The House Incentivizes Big Pharma to Create Drugs for Rare Conditions
House Vote on H.R. 1629: Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclusivity Act
Orphan drugs are those that serve rare conditions, and are not market viable for pharmaceutical corporations to produce. This bill sets rules for which orphan drugs may be granted a market exclusivity period by the FDA. One of the issues it tackles is when pharmaceutical companies reintroduce a nearly identical drug to one already on the market and try to get it to have market exclusivity. This bill enables the FDA to address such situations.
With a vote of 402-23, one might wonder why this bill was forced into the full House process instead of being passed under a suspension of the rules (which limits floor debate and requires a ⅔ super majority to pass). That’s where things got interesting. The Hill describes it best:
House Democratic leaders initially scheduled a vote on the bill, called the Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclusivity Act, under an expedited process last week that would have required a two-thirds supermajority for passage.
But the bill’s primary author, Rep. Madeleine Dean, refused to allow a Republican who was a lead co-sponsor in the last session of Congress to share the same role again because of his vote to challenge the presidential election results in Pennsylvania on Jan. 6…
“I said, I need to take a stand, at least in terms of lead co-sponsorship, that I will not lift up as a leader somebody who voted not to certify the election when that was connected to an insurrection, a lot of disinformation, and sadly, many of our constituents misled,” Dean told reporters last week.
“And so, he was mad at me,” she said.
Republicans made claims about “cancel culture” and fussed and fumed, but they eventually fell in line and supported the bill when it came to the floor for a vote.
Vote date: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Vote Tally: 402-23
Party Breakdown: All Democrats present voted YES, as did 187 Republicans. All 23 NO votes came from Republicans.
Additional Reading:
- “House passes drug bill that stalled over Jan. 6 tensions,” from The Hill
- “Why House Republicans quietly rejected a bipartisan drug bill,” from MSNBC
- “House Passes Bill Targeting Orphan Drug Exclusivity,” from Law 360
Yet Another Bad Trump-era regulation falls prey to the Congressional Review Act
Senate Vote on S.J.Res. 13: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission relating to “Update of Commission’s Conciliation Procedures”
This week the Senate voted on party lines to invalidate a Trump era rule that forces the EEOC to have heavy involvement in the pre-litigation settlement process. They did this by initiating the Congressional Review Act process, the first step to overturn bureaucratic rules instituted by a past administration.
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions explained why this Trump era rule was so bad. “That rule was designed to make it easier for employers to delay or deny justice to workers who have experienced discrimination on the job,” she observed in the floor debate on this resolution. The rule takes limited resources away from the EEOC’s primary mandate of dealing with discrimination and delay cases, and it inserts them into settlement processes earlier than they need to be involved. Employees agree to settlements only 41% of the time, so that means the EEOC would be doubling their workload by bringing them into the process early.
This now will move to the House, where it is likely to pass.
Vote date: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Vote Tally: 50-48
Party Breakdown: This was a party line vote. All Democrats and Independents present voted YES. All Republicans present voted NO, with two members of their caucus absent for the vote.
Senator Bob Casey voted YES
Senator Pat Toomey voted NO
Additional Reading:
- “Senate votes to repeal EEOC settlement rule that ID’ed bias victims,” from Reuters
- “Senate Votes to Roll Back Trump-Era EEOC Conciliation Rule,” from Bloomberg Law
- “The Senate Is Finally Cracking Down on Bad Trump-Era Regulations,” from Slate
A FOURTH Motion to Discharge a Stalled Biden Nomination
Senate Vote on the Motion to Discharge: Kristen M. Clarke to be an Assistant Attorney General
As we have discussed in previous weeks, Motions to Discharge were, prior to the Biden Administration, a fairly rare occurrence. But with the evenly balanced Senate, nominations are getting stuck in committee by tied party-line votes. This situation requires a full Senate vote to discharge, or push out of the committee, into a full Senate vote on the nomination.
This has happened already with Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl, Associate Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice Vinita Gupta, and just two weeks ago with Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service. Now Kristen Clarke’s Justice Department nomination can be added to that list.
The vote of Maine Senator Susan Collins and the absence of two other senators gave us a vote that was close, but not so close that it required the presence of Vice President Harris. The full confirmation vote should come in the next week or two.
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 50-48
Party Breakdown: All of the Democrats and Independents present votes YES alongside a single Republican – Susan Collins of Maine. All of the remaining 48 republicans present voted NO.
Senator Bob Casey voted YES
Senator Pat Toomey voted NO
Additional Reading:
- “Senate narrowly advances Biden civil rights nominee,” from The Hill
- “Black Women Leaders Promoted a Day of Action to Support Department of Justice Nominee Kristen Clarke,” from Black Enterprise
- “Kristen Clarke is the Civil Rights Champion We Need at the Department of Justice,” from People for the American Way
Votes under Suspension of the Rules
Some bills are so uncontroversial that the leadership of both parties coordinate to bring the bills up under a suspension of the rules – that means that debate and amendments are limited, but the bill needs a ⅔ supermajority to pass. These bills were brought up under a suspension of the rules this week.
A selection of the bills were passed en bloc, just like last week. That means that they were voted on all together. So you will see the same date, the same vote tally, the same link to a roll call vote and the same Pennsylvania lawmaker who voted NO (🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry, AGAIN) for a selection of these bills. Any quotes below are from the Library of Congress bill summary, as cited on Congress’s website.
🗳️ House Vote on S. 937: COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act
This is a bill that MoCTrack covered back in late April, when it passed the Senate with a 94-1 vote (Josh Hawley of Missouri was the one contrarian). This bill will enable the Justice Department to expedite the review of hate crimes against Asain American and Pacific Islanders in the wake of the COVID pandemic and help local law enforcement departments in their response to hate crimes.
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 364-62
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R. 2911: VA Transparency & Trust Act of 2021
This bill requires that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs provide to congress a reporting of how the VA has used the coronavirus pandemic funding that was appropriated to their department. This report would be due within 30 days of the bill being enacted into law.
Vote date: Monday, May 17, 2021 Vote Tally: 411-4
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔵 PA-02’s Rep. Brendan Boyle voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.144 – Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act
“This bill authorizes the National Science Foundation to establish a two-year pilot program to award grants to highly qualified early-career investigators to carry out an independent research program at the institution of higher education chosen by such investigator.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.204 – STEM Opportunities Act
“This bill provides for guidance, data collection, and grants for groups historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at institutions of higher education (IHEs) and at federal science agencies.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.210 – Rural STEM Education Research Act
“This bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support research regarding STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including computer science) education in rural schools.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.240 – Homeless Veterans with Children Reintegration Act
“This bill directs the Department of Labor to give homeless veterans with dependents service priority under homeless veterans reintegration programs.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.707 – Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act
“This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Service Company, known as the Ghost Army, in recognition of its service during WWII.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.711 – West Los Angeles VA Campus Improvement Act
“This bill requires that land use revenues received by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in connection with the use of an easement, certain leases, or third-party land use at the VA’s West Los Angeles Campus in Los Angeles, California, be used exclusively for specified purposes on campus.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.1157 – Department of State Authorization Act
“This bill modifies the management and operations of the Department of State through various measures. These include requiring actions to recruit and retain a diverse workforce, establishing offices and roles to carry out designated functions, and providing for certain public diplomacy and anti-corruption measures.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO..
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.1447 – COAST (Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats) Research Act
“This bill addresses the effects of ocean and coastal acidification on marine organisms and ecosystems. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and revises the Ocean Acidification Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the ocean acidification grant program of the National Science Foundation. The bill expands those programs, as well as the ocean acidification activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to include efforts to research and monitor the effects of coastal acidification.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.1510 – To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a report on the use of cameras in medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs
“This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on its policies and procedures relating to the usage and maintenance of video cameras for patient safety and law enforcement at VA medical centers.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.1711 – Financial Inclusion in Banking Act
“This bill expands the duties of the Office of Community Affairs within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding under-banked, un-banked, and underserved consumers. Specifically, the office must (1) report on impeding factors for individuals and families that do not participate in the banking system, and (2) develop strategies to increase such participation.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.2027 – MSI STEM Achievement Act
“This bill supports efforts to increase science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at minority-serving institutions of higher education (IHEs), including by requiring the National Science Foundation to award grants for building the capacity of such IHEs to increase the number and success of their students in the STEM workforce.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.2167 – GI Bill National Emergency Extended Deadline Act
This bill will “provide for extensions of the time limitations for use of entitlement under Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance programs by reason of school closures due to emergency and other situations.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.2441 – Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act
“This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), during FY2022, to establish and maintain three new centers of the Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) Program in areas with interest from personnel and a need for additional mental health care for rural veterans. The RANGE Program serves veterans in rural areas who are experiencing mental illness.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.2494 – To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration
“This bill establishes the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration to administer economic opportunity assistance programs for veterans and their dependents and survivors.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.2533 – NEAR (National Estuaries and Acidification Research) Act
“This bill directs the Department of Commerce to arrange for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study that examines the existing science of ocean acidification in estuarine environments… and identifies pathways for applying science in management and mitigation decisions related to ocean acidification in those environments.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.2655 – Insider Trading Prohibition Act
“This bill generally provides statutory authority for the prohibition against securities trading, as well as related communications to others, by a person aware of material, nonpublic information. The bill further provides, for purposes of establishing a violation of this prohibition, that it is not necessary for such a person to know specifically how such information was obtained or whether a personal benefit was paid or promised.“
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.2695 – Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act
“This bill addresses sexual harassment and gender harassment in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by supporting research regarding such harassment and efforts to prevent and respond to such harassment.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.2704 – Improving VA Accountability To Prevent Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Act
This bill was created “to improve the equal employment opportunity functions of the Department of Veterans Affairs.” The bill outlines updates to be made to the employment discrimination complaint resolution system at the VA.
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.2788 – VA Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor Modernization Act
“This bill eliminates the cap on the number of full-time employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs who provide equal employment opportunity counseling.”
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.2878 – To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program
This bill outlines details for creation of a program that would encourage veterans who are eligible for the VetSuccess program to participate at a participating Tribal college or university
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
🗳️ House Vote on H.R.3008 – To amend the National Housing Act to authorize State-licensed appraisers to conduct appraisals in connection with mortgages insured by the FHA and to require compliance with the existing appraiser education requirement
That title pretty much covers what the bill does.
Vote date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Vote Tally: 350-75
Pennsylvania breakdown: Our delegation voted 17-1, with 🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry voting NO.
Unanimously passed legislation
The following bills were passed through unanimous consent or voice vote (which presumes unanimity, as any member can object to the voice vote and ask for a roll call). This list excludes bills related to post offices, stamps, memorials, awareness weeks and other ceremonial activities.
- H.R.2959 – COVID–19 Fraud Prevention Act
- H.R.3125 – COVID–19 Emergency Medical Supplies Enhancement Act
- H.R.3146 – SAVE (Securing America’s Vaccines for Emergencies) Act
- H.R.941 – TRANSPLANT Act of 2021
- H.R.1318 – Alaska Tourism Recovery Act
- H.J.Res.27 – Providing for the appointment of Barbara Barrett as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution
Quotes of Interest
Senate Tweets
🔵 Senator Bob Casey, @SenBobCasey, 05/21/21:
🔴 Senator Pat Toomey, @SenToomey, 05/17/21:
“When we think about infrastructure, we think roads, bridges, airports, and waterways: the systems used to move people, goods and services. While the president’s list extends beyond that, there is overlap and consensus to be had. I discussed this earlier on
@BloombergTV.” shared with embedded video
House Tweets
🔴 PA-01’s Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, @RepBrianFitz, 05/19/21:
“Great to catch up with my friends at the Bucks County FOP, who are leading the way on the construction of the Bucks Fallen Officers Memorial to honor our 13 hero officers killed in the line of duty. Thanks to FOP for all you do & to all our fine men & women in uniform, God Bless.”
🔵 PA-02’s Rep. Brendan Boyle, @CongBoyle, 05/22/21:
“The #AmericanJobsPlan is a chance to build on existing policies to help historically marginalized communities & create good AND green jobs in the process. In the @WaysMeansCmte this week, we discussed how we can make this possible. https://youtu.be/ZpcOBlb-Otc”
🔵 PA-03’s Rep. Dwight Evans, @RepDwightEvans, 05/21/21:
“Good cartoon by @davidhorsey – Democrats passed the #AmericanRescuePlan but we won’t stop there – America needs us to #BuildBackBetter in housing, child care, infrastructure and more!”
🔵 PA-04’s Rep. Madeleine Dean, @RepDean, 05/21/21:
“Beautiful day to take a look at some of our infrastructure needs in #PA04.
The American Jobs Plan is exactly what we need in Montgomery and Berks counties — this infrastructure investment is good for workers, families, and our economy.
#BuildBackBetter” tweeted with embedded video from CBS 3 Philadelphia
🔵 PA-05’s Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, @RepMGS, 05/21/21:
“This #EndangeredSpeciesDay, I am celebrating the species that have successfully recovered because of the Endangered Species Act. I’m proud to support the ESA and to protect our wildlife.”
🔵 PA-06’s Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, @RepHoulahan, 05/20/21:
“We had terrorists in the halls of the United States Capitol building, and some elected members don’t want answers. History will not look kindly on those who betrayed America for partisan ends.
Country over party. Full stop.” tweeted with embedded CNN video
🔵 PA-07’s Rep. Susan Wild, @RepSusanWild, 05/20/21:
“Nearly 1 in 5 Americans live with mental illness, but too often, stigma and barriers to care keep people from receiving the life saving health care they need.
I wear green on #MentalHealthActionDay to help #EndTheStigma and show that today, and every day, no one fights alone.”
🔵 PA-08’s Rep. Matt Cartwright, @RepCartwright, 05/20/21:
“We can create jobs & grow a truly innovative industry by fostering the commercial space business. We also need to ensure @NASA has a strong financial foundation to complete its many missions and POTUS’s budget sets a good tone. Highlights from our @AppropsDems NASA hearing” tweeted with embedded video
🔴 PA-09’s Rep. Dan Meuser, @RepMeuser, 05/19/21:
“Last night, Pennsylvanians sent a clear message that they are ready to end the unchecked powers of the Governor.
It is past time that we reopen Pennsylvania, send our kids back to school, and end ridiculous mandates that hinder businesses large and small.”
🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry, @RepScottPerry, 05/20/21:
“The House now waits to vote on Iron Dome to help our ally Israel, while members of “The Squad” try and squash aid and extract concessions from Speaker Pelosi behind closed doors. My resolve to stand with Israel will not be broken – wish all Members felt the same. #StandWithIsrael”
🔴 PA-11’s Rep. Lloyd Smucker, @RepSmucker, 05/20/21:
“President Biden helps Vladimir Putin’s pipeline but cancels American pipelines like the Keystone XL.”
🔴 PA-12’s Rep. Fred Keller, @RepFredKeller, 05/21/21:
“Motorsports represent a vital part of our local economy and a key component of PA’s rich automotive heritage. The RPM Act would ensure that automotive fans can continue to alter stock vehicles for competitive racing without burdensome regulatory barriers.”
🔴 PA-13’s Rep. John Joyce, @RepJohnJoyce, 05/19/21:
“It’s time for Speaker Pelosi to trust the science and end the mask mandate in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The GOP Doctors Caucus is leading the way to reinforce confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and restore normalcy in the People’s House.”
🔴 PA-14’s Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, @GReschenthaler, 05/21/21:
“Beijing is playing Biden like a fiddle.
The Biden Administration should know better than to take China at its word.”
🔴 PA-15’s Rep. Glenn W. Thompson, @CongressmanGT, 05/19/21:
“There are more than 80,000 American service members who remain unaccounted for. Today, along with @GerryConnolly, I introduced the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Trade Agreement Resolution.”
🔴 PA-16’s Rep. Mike Kelly, @MikeKellyPA, 05/18/21:
“The Biden administration is paying people not to work, undermining the energy industry, and calling for massive tax hikes.
The result? Inflation. Working Americans are feeling the pinch as prices of food, fuel, and other household necessities skyrocket.”
🔵 PA-17’s Rep. Conor Lamb, @RepConorLamb, 05/18/21:
“My bipartisan bill to hire more Equal Opportunity Employment counselors at the VA just passed the House. This bill ensures VA employees, many of whom are veterans, have the support they need to do their jobs. #PA17” Link to statement from the Congressman
🔵 PA-18’s Rep. Mike Doyle, @USRepMikeDoyle, 05/19/21:
“In a market that many see as rigged in favor of the 1%, changes need to be made to ensure fairness. Those saving for retirement or their child’s college fund shouldn’t be penalized for playing by the rules. I supported the Insider Trading Prohibition Act to #StopInsiderTrading.”
MoC Weekly Round-ups!
The following lawmakers offer short video round-ups of their week’s activities. Take this content with a grain of salt, as they are produced as self-marketing materials. But they do give us insight into what actions our MoCs feel are the most important to their constituents, and definitely make for worthwhile watching! I would not be surprised if we see more lawmakers join this trend.
🔴 PA-01’s Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick – Twitter Link with video
🔵 PA-06’s Rep. Chrissy Houlahan – Twitter Link with video
🔴 PA-09’s Rep. Dan Meuser – Twitter link with video
🔴 PA-14’s Rep. Guy Reschenthaler – Podcast Link to audio
Casey Quote of the Week
Courtesy of contributor Linda Houk
On Ending the Filibuster
“Part of what you learn in the Senate is that it is, or at least was, a unique legislative body. I think there’s very little of that left. There might be some remnants. I just don’t think it’s the case any longer.
I don’t know how you can justify saying we needed to get something on voting rights, or on climate change because we’re almost out of time and human life is at stake, but we couldn’t do it because of a rule. It’s pretty hard to explain to voters, and even harder to one and two generations from now, that we couldn’t act on something that is that urgent.”
— from a Rolling Stone article titled “How Democrats Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Nuking the Filibuster”
Toomey Quote of the Week
Courtesy of contributor Linda Houk
On his Vision of Infrastructure
“Let’s be clear: Housing is housing. People certainly need housing, but housing is not infrastructure.
To get bipartisan support, an infrastructure bill needs to fund ‘real physical infrastructure’ … That’s the platforms and systems we share and use to move people, goods and services. That means things like roads, bridges, ports, airports and transit.”
— from an article in Roll Call, titled “Toomey: Housing doesn’t fit in bipartisan infrastructure plan”
Fitzpatrick in the News
Research courtesy of contributor CC
Rep. Fitzaptrick did not make any statement on his website, post to Facebook or tweet about the January 6th Commission. He did, however, talk to Fox News reporter Jacqui Heinrich, and this is the contents of her thread on the interview from before the vote was taken on Wednesday.
“Problem Solvers Caucus GOP Co-Chair @RepBrianFitz tells me why his caucus will be breaking with leadership to support 1/6 Commission: “Nothing can get done without bipartisan cooperation, from witnesses to interviews to subpoenas…That’s why our caucus decided to endorse it.”
On arguments this is already covered by ongoing probes, @RepBrianFitz (a former FBI agent) tells me “The DOJ/FBI side is a criminal investigation. The House has oversight responsibility, namely to security breaches.” Says planning, staffing, preparation needs scrutiny.
On possibility if bill fails in Senate, Dems will move forward solo and drag into midterms — @RepBrianFitz tells me: “Yeah, one of the reasons why a lot of us are behind it is because everything has to be bipartisan…What would happen if this doesn’t passes, I can’t speak to”
On need to partake in funding decisions for Capitol Security, @RepBrianFitz tells me– “Capitol Police, DC Metro Police, there were memorandums of understanding between the two departments. What was in place, what wasn’t in place?” Also, fencing/ barricades need to be looked at.
.@RepBrianFitz tells me GOP respects all opinions – but adds ‘[Dems]are putting it on the floor now. We don’t have a choice on timing, we’re in the minority.” Says PSC supports because its bipartisan, if it’s misused ppl crossing aisle to support will be first to call it out.
I asked @RepBrianFitz about WSJ editorial piece doubting trust in Washington to do this – his answer: “Well, what’s our alternative. The 911 Commission worked, we have to make this work.” Says safeguards in place should assure at the outset, it’s not in a position to be misused.
Finally– I asked @RepBrianFitz if there’s any chance this inquiry could end up being bad for Dems. He says probe may give answers about legal or policy barriers that prevented law enforcement from communicating. “That’s the nature of investigations, you leave no stone unturned.” ”
“We firmly believe it is in the U.S. national interest to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty [and] to protect Europe’s eastern flank from Russian aggression… [We must] limit Russia’s malign influence and energy coercion in Europe [and] stop the spread of strategic corruption by malign actors in Europe to protect the integrity of democratic institutions and the transatlantic relationship.”
— an excerpt from a joint statement from four lawmakers on the House Ukraine Caucus, including Fitzpatrick, as quoted in an article in Radio Free Europe titled “U.S. Lawmakers Urge Biden To Lift Nord Stream 2 Sanction Waivers, Citing Security”
“We unequivocally condemn the recent antisemitic remarks of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, which are tantamount to blood libel against the Jewish people. We firmly believe the leader of an American partner should not use the same antisemitic tropes that have been used countless times to justify violence against Jews for centuries,” the statement reads. “We call upon President Erdogan to retract and renounce his remarks, which only serve to fuel the dangerous rise in global antisemitism and increase the threat to the Jewish community.”
— an excerpt from a joint statement from six lawmakers on the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, including Fitzpatrick, as quoted in a Times of Israel article titled “US lawmakers slam Erdogan’s antisemitic remarks: ‘Tantamount to blood libel’”
“We knew this rescue program would see high demand given the intense need during the economic crisis. While our work to prioritize those most in need — including the smallest businesses and priority groups identified in the legislation — appears to be successful in the first round, the extraordinary demand for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund shows that Congress must do more to help… We need to work swiftly in a bipartisan way to replenish this critical fund so that all local restaurants can access the relief required for a full recovery.”
— an excerpt from a joint statement made by Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Representatives Fitzpatrick and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), as quoted in the Ripon Advance blog post titled “Wicker, Fitzpatrick seek more relief funds for restaurants”
“Greyhound racing is an outdated practice that promotes animal cruelty. As a member of the bipartisan Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I’m committed to ensuring our government is doing its part to always promote animal welfare.”
— from an EIN PResswire article titled “Federal Legislation Introduced to Ban Greyhound Racing, Simulcasting, Live-Lure Training”
Call to Action – Press Toomey on 1/6 Commission
H.R.3233: National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act
This week we watched as 35 Republican House members broke with their party leadership to vote for a Commission to investigate the January 6th attack on the Capitol Complex. Now the bill moves on to the Senate, and we need to put some pressure on Senator Toomey. Do not be taken in by people who say that it is “impossible” for the Senate to pass this bill. Between the GOP Senators who are retiring (like Toomey) and the GOP senators who voted for Impeachment 2 (like Toomey), this can happen… if enough people make it known to those Senators that a legisalture that fails to investigate an attempt to murder the leaders of their branch is an affront to the entire nation.
Please contact Senator Toomey and ask him to support HR. 3233! Find his contact info HERE!
Sample Script:
I was shocked and appalled by the domestic terrorist attack on the Capitol on January 6th. The US Capitol Complex is the home of our nation’s democratic principles, and the violence that we all witnessed on that day was an affront to the core American principle of an election as a peaceful transfer of power.
I believe the only way we can move forward is to have a full investigation of the causes of the attack followed by a report with findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective measures. That’s why I support H.R.3233: The National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act. I would like Senator Toomey to support this bill and work to convince any of his reluctant colleagues.
This report is brought to you by the Pennsylvania MoCTrack team…
CC Linda Houk
Gary Garb Kierstyn Piotrowski Zolfo
Thanks for reading! We’ll be back next week with another recap of the week’s Congressional action.
