Iran resolution, St. Croix bridge bill passed in suspension votes

The House on Thursday morning approved H.Res. 556, a resolution condemning Iran for detaining a Christian pastor, and S. 1134, a bill deeming the construction of a bridge over the St. Croix River as consistent with environmental guidelines.

Both bills were debated late Wednesday under a suspension of House rules. The Iran resolution was approved Thursday morning in a 418-0 vote.

The original vote was 417-1, with only Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.) voting against it. However, Capps spoke on the floor shortly before noon to say she meant to support the resolution, and the vote was changed.

In Wednesday debate, several Democrats indicated opposition to S. 1134, by saying it calls for an expensive bridge between Minnesota and Wisconsin that would violate environmental standards.
But Republicans and some Democrats said the bill is needed to override lawsuits and other delays that have stopped efforts to replace the current outmoded, 80-year-old bridge. Supporters also noted that the bill doesn't appropriate any funds for the bridge, which would be paid for by the two states.

The bill, which had already passed the Senate by unanimous consent, was approved in a 339-80 vote.

— This story was updated at 11:50 a.m. to reflect the Iran vote change.