Votes

Jewell will head an agency at the center of intense political battles over energy throughout President Obama’s tenure.

A nearly unanimous House voted Wednesday to lift barriers to the development of hydropower around the country, something that the bill's supporters say would help develop cheap, clean energy and create jobs.

Members voted 416-7 in favor of the Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act, H.R. 678. A similar bill passed last year with bipartisan support — the only "no" votes this time around came from Democrats.

The House on Wednesday advanced legislation that would make it easier to develop hydropower around the country by using Bureau of Reclamation waterways.

Members voice-voted the rule for the legislation, which is H.R. 678, the Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act.

The House on Tuesday barely passed legislation that would extend a national battlefield preservation program in a vote that saw most Republicans oppose it after Heritage Action for America called on members to vote it down.

The House approved the bill 283-122 — a clear majority, but about a dozen votes over the two-thirds majority needed for passage. The GOP brought the bill up under a suspension of House rules, which allows for quicker consideration, but requires a supermajority vote to clear the chamber.

The Senate voted 64-34 on Tuesday to confirm the nomination of Patty Shwartz to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit.

Shwartz had been serving as a judge in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Budget Chairwoman Patty Murray had to overcome large differences within their caucus.

Republicans have been critical of President Obama’s decision to consider the treaty.

The Senate passed an amendment to the budget that would promote exports and trade.

Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) introduced the amendment that would remove barriers to trade and promote U.S. exports.

The Senate approved an amendment to the budget that would require political committees and campaigns to pay the full mailing price.

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) introduced the amendment, which passed by voice vote early Saturday morning. Coburn said his amendment would end non-profit postal discount rates for political committees bringing at least $15 billion in revenue for the U.S. Postal Service each year.

The Senate rejected an amendment to the budget that would have banned illegal immigrants from qualifying for “ObamaCare” and Medicaid during the period of legal status.

Senate Budget Committee ranking member Jeff Session (R-Ala.) introduced the amendment, which failed on a 43-56 vote. His amendment would have prohibited illegal immigrants, who later gain citizenship, from getting healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act or through Medicaid.