LEADERSHIP AT WORK

Eliot has demonstrated leadership on the issues that make a difference in our lives. He is fighting every day for a fairer, more just America.

Fighting Climate Change

Eliot knows we must act now to save our planet and build a new, green economy. Trump is determined to destroy every environmental advance we have made, perpetuating the damage of fossil fuels to our planet. But Eliot is fighting back.

• He is an original co-sponsor of the Green New Deal to create jobs as we build a new, green economy that produces renewable fuels and converts our infrastructure to clean energy sources.
• As Chairman, he successfully steered H.R. 9, the CLIMATE ACTION NOW ACT requiring the US to rejoin the PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT, through the Foreign Affairs Committee and was a leader in its passage by the House of Representatives.
• Eliot is an original co-sponsor of the 100% CLEAN ECONOMY ACT OF 2019. This legislation empowers the federal government to put the US on the path towards a clean energy economy.
• Eliotco-authored the OPEN FUEL ACT requiring 50% of new cars use non-fossil fuels by 2020, 80% by 2021.
• Heco-sponsored the OFF FOSSIL FUELS FOR A BETTER FUTURE ACT to move our electricity and transportation systems to 100% renewable energy by 2035.
• Eliot will not accept campaign donations from companies in the fossil fuel industry.

Eliot says,“We are already seeing the impact of our inaction, natural disasters, famines, heat waves, flooding and human suffering. We can and must reassert American leadership by converting to clean energy sources, we owe it to our shared planet and future generations.”

Eliot has a 100% rating from the League of Conservation Voters, Clean Water Action, the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund and the National Parks Action Fund. He has been endorsed by the Sierra Club.

Quality, Affordable Education

Eliot believes all of our children have the right to a free, quality public education. He champions programs such as Head Start to help close the education gap among communities. School budgets in all communities are stretched thin. Since the majority of school funding comes from state and local taxes, the loss of State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions disproportionally impacts our schools. Eliot wrote and introduced the STATE AND LOCAL TAX DEDUCTION FAIRNESS ACT to repeal the cap on SALT.

• Eliot has consistently voted to increase federal funding for public schools.
• Eliot has worked to bring millions of Federal Title 1 education funds to our Bronx and Westchester schools.
• Eliot co-sponsored the CLOSING THE HOMEWORK GAP THROUGH MOBILE HOTSPOTS ACT to create mobile hotspots for low-income students.
• Eliot supports free post high school in-state tuition for low and middle income students and supported NY’s Excelsior program.
• He co-sponsored the COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY ACT.
• Co-sponsored the PELL GRANT PRESERVATION AND EXPANSION ACT to expand eligibility and make funding mandatory.
• Advocates taking action to end the student loan crisis by refinancing loans at today’s low interest rates, and ending the logjam of processing predatory lending complaints from for-profit schools.

Eliot says,“Education was the key that lifted me from a childhood in public housing to the United States Congress. Every child deserves this opportunity to maximize their potential and pursue their dreams, without the burden of staggering debt.”

Eliot is endorsed by NYSUT, the union of New York State teachers.

Leading Election Reform

Eliot has long worked to reform our elections. He is a co-sponsor of H.R. 1, the FOR THE PEOPLE ACT to protect voting rights, fight corruption and reduce special interest and dark money in politics. H.R. 1 was the first bill passed by Congress in 2019 and includes:

• Automatic voter registration
• Requiring at least 15 days of early voting
• Making super PACs disclose large donors
• Creating a public financing program to match small dollar donations to House candidates.

TheFOR THE PEOPLE ACT also includes some of the same provisions as the COMPREHENSIVE VOTING RIGHTS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT Eliot authored several years ago. Eliot’s Amendment reforms include:

• Repeal of the Electoral College
• Make theVOTING RIGHTS ACT part of the Constitution
• Outlaw political gerrymandering
• Make Election Day a national holiday

Eliot co-sponsored the PAC ACT to prohibit contributions from Political Action Committees to candidates for Congress.

Eliot says “We must make it easier for every citizen to exercise their right to vote I will not idly sit by as the GOP dismantles our voting rights.”

Eliot is again endorsed by End Citizens United (an organization fighting to get dark money and influence out of politics) in 2020.

Champion for the Environment

Eliot is a leader in working to protect our environment and has fought against every Trump anti-environment action and proposal.

• He is an original co-sponsor of the Green New Deal to create jobs as we build a new, green economy that produces renewable fuels and converts our infrastructure to clean energy sources.
• He has opposed and voted “no” on all anti-environmental legislation that would weaken our environmental protection laws or cut funding for environmental programs.
• Eliot opposed the Williams Pipeline, an unnecessary pipeline that would have transported fracked gas from Texas.
• Eliot sponsored the law that provided millions of dollars to restore and protect the Long Island Sound; he is a member of the Long Island Sound Caucus.
• Successfully fought against putting Coast Guard anchorage sites for barges carrying hazardous materials on the Hudson.

Said Eliot to then head of the EPA Scott Pruitt at a committee hearing,“your agency is willfully ignoring sound science and stripping the protections that keep millions of Americans safe. You are making our water less safe to drink, and our air less safe to breathe. You are increasing our exposure to more dangerous chemicals, and you are making our planet less healthy for our children and our grandchildren.”

Eliot has a 100% rating from the League of Conservation Voters, Clean Water Action, the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund and the National Parks Action Fund. He has been endorsed by the Sierra Club.

Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot ensures the committee is a critical counter-balance to the irresponsible “foreign policy by tweet” actions of Donald Trump. He continues to champion democracy and human rights throughout the world.

• He co-sponsored and helped usher through the Congressional resolution to end all US military involvement in the war in Yemen. Eliot quickly got the bill approved by the Foreign Affairs Committee and it later passed in the House and Senate

Sponsored, with Representative Ro Khanna, an amendment to the annual NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT (NDAA) to prevent federal funds from being used for military force against Iran without congressional authorization.

• Eliot is an original cosponsor of a bipartisan bill to support the Sudanese transition to democracy. He is a strong advocate for a transparent, civilian-led government for Sudan.
• Eliot called for the Trump administration not to cut off vital aid to Syria during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Eliot secured participation of European leaders in a joint letter condemning Turkey’s military operation in northern Syria and rebuking Donald Trump’s abandonment of the Kurds. NBC News called the joint statement by Eliot and his European counterparts “extraordinary.”
• Led the House in passing legislation to limit Trump’s ability to intervene in Iran without Congressional approval.
• Introduced legislation that would focus America’s diplomatic, development and security efforts on preventing the root cause of violence and instability in countries around the world.
• Is holding Foreign Affairs Committee hearings and investigations to ensure the Trump administration will no longer be unchecked in its dealings with foreign governments. Those investigations include the President’s personal profiting from government spending with the Trump Organization.
• In the first half of 2019, hearings have been held on issues from around the globe, regarding countries like Syria, Yemen, Russia, China, North Korea, the Persian Gulf, Kosova, Venezuela, the list goes on and on.
• Eliot has consistently advocated a two-state solution, based on the principle of two states for two peoples. He believes that peace can only be achieved when the Jewish state of Israel and a Palestinian Arab state exist side-by-side, living in peace, dignity and security. He is under no illusions that negotiating a final status agreement will be easy, but he sincerely hopes the parties will be able to achieve that goal.
• In recognition of his years of work to stop the ethnic cleansing of Muslim Kosovar Albanians, Eliot was honored with his picture on a Kosovar stamp. It was the first, and thus far only time, a member of Congress has been featured on a stamp in the Republic of Kosova.

Eliot says,“The United States is strongest on the global stage when we conduct a foreign policy rooted in core American values – support for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.”

He has received 100% on the Foreign Policy for America (a left leaning grassroots network standing up for strong, principled American foreign policy) scorecard and has been honored by the governments of many countries for his humanitarianism, including Italy, Ireland and Mexico.

Reducing Gun Violence

Eliot is a Congressional leader and vocal supporter in the fight to reduce gun violence in the United States. He is proud of his “F” rating from the NRA. The last Republican led Congress had the distinction of presiding over the worst escalation of gun violence in history. Eliot is fighting back by:

• Authored the SAFE GUN STORAGE ACT with Representative Pramila Jayapal, creating common-sense regulations for firearm safes and locks.
• Co-sponsoring H.R. 8, the BIPARTISAN BACKGROUND CHECKS ACT OF 2019, groundbreaking legislation mandating universal background checks. Eliot dedicated his vote to pass the legislation to Shamoya McKenzie and Michael Nolan, two young Mount Vernon and Yonkers residents who lost their lives to gun violence.
• Co-sponsoring the DISARM HATE ACT to end the sale of guns to those who have been convicted of a hate crime.
• Working to pass legislation to ban the sale of guns to anyone convicted of domestic violence.
• Participating in the 2016 gun safety filibuster sit-in on the House floor.
• Re-introducing legislation banning the sale of armor piercing bullets that are particularly dangerous to law enforcement. *Piercing a bullet-proof vest is certainly not a Second Amendment right.
• Co-Sponsor of the ASSAULT WEAPON BAN OF 2019.
• Co-Sponsor of the RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS OF GUN VIOLENCE ACT OF 2019.
• Introducing the PREVENT CRIME AND TERRORISM ACT to maintain the State Department’s regulatory authority over firearm exports.

Eliot has repeatedly said, “Losing lives to senseless gun violence must end.”

Eliot is endorsed in 2020 by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. He is a 2020 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate.

Healthcare is a Human Right

Eliot believes that health care is a right, not a privilege, and that every American must have access to quality, affordable health care. As a member of the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee he is a leader in fighting for health care for all:

• He is an original co-sponsor of the MEDICARE FOR ALL ACT and is a founding member of the Congressional Medicare for All Caucus.
• Authored and introduced the MATERNAL HEALTH QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ACT to address the rising rate of maternal mortality, disproportionately among African-American women.
• Helped introduce the PAID SICK DAYS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES AND PERSONAL FAMILY CARE ACT, guaranteeing workers 14 days of paid sick leave after a public emergency is called.
• Lead his colleagues in a successful fight to repeal cruel cuts to Medicaid DHS.
• Eliot introduced legislation, the PREVENTING DRUG SHORTAGES ACT. His legislation would assess current weaknesses in the drug supply chain and compel pharmaceutical companies to address potential shortages, including those during the COVID 19 crisis.
• Eliot worked to make the AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (Obamacare) law. 100,000 people in our Congressional District now have health care coverage because of the law.
• Voted for the STRENGTHENING HEALTH CARE AND LOWERING PRESCRIPTION DRUG LAWS ACT, passed by the House in May 2019.
• Voted for the STRENGTHENING HEALTH CARE AND LOWERING PRESCRIPTION DRUG LAWS ACT and the ELIJAH E CUMMINGS LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT, both passed in 2019.
• He sponsored the PROTECTING PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS & MAKING HEALTH CARE MORE AFFORDABLE ACT.
• Eliot continues to take action to stop billions in cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, the Center for Disease Control, and our other critical health care services.

Eliot says,“It’s time. In fact, it’s long past time that we finally provided truly universal, comprehensive medical coverage to every American. Health care is a human right, not a privilege reserved for a wealthy few.”

Eliot is endorsed by the 1199 SEIU healthcare workers union, the American Nurses Association and Demand Universal Healthcare.

To view the rest of Engel's campaign themes, click the links below:

• Safe and affordable housing
• Compassionate immigration reform
• Jobs and economic growth
• Standing up for social justice & equal rights
• Protect Social Security & Medicare
• Repeal the Trump tax scam
• Defender of women's rights & choice
• Leading through the crisis^[24]

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, clickhere.

• Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

  VotedYea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.^[52]

  VotedNay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))

   Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.^[53]

  VotedNay on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)

   Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.^[54]

  VotedYea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.^[55]

  VotedNay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

   Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017

  Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.^[56]

  VotedNay on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

   Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.^[57]

  VotedNay on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

   Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.^[58]

  VotedNay on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

   Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017

  Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.^[59]

• Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

  VotedYea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[60]

  VotedYea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[61]

  VotedYea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[62]

  VotedNay on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[63]

  VotedNay on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)

   Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018

  Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act^[64]

  VotedNay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

   Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.^[65]

  VotedNay on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[66]

  VotedNay on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[67]

  VotedNay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[68]

  VotedNay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.^[69]

  VotedNay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

   Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[70]

  VotedNay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017

  Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.^[71]

  VotedNay on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

   Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017

  Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.^[72]

  VotedNay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017

  Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.^[73]

  VotedNay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)^[74]

  VotedNay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.^[75]

  
  

  VotedNay on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

   Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017

  Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.^[76]

  VotedYea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017

  Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.^[77]

  VotedYea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017

  Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.^[78]

  Did not vote on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

   Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017

  Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.^[79]

  VotedYea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

   Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017

  Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.^[80]

• Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

  VotedYea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)

   Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities^[81]

  VotedNay on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

   Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.^[82]

  
  

  VotedYea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.^[83]

  VotedNay on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

   Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017

  Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.^[84]

  VotedYea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017

  Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[85]

  VotedYea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

   Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[86]

  VotedNay on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

   Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[87]

  VotedYea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.^[88]

  VotedYea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

   Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017

  The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.^[89]

114th Congress

The first session of the114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[90][91] For more information pertaining to Engel's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[92]

Economic and fiscal

Trade Act of 2015

See also:The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

Trade adjustment assistance
On June 12, 2015, theHouse rejected thetrade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302.Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged withtrade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Engel was one of 144 Democrats to vote against the bill.^[93][94]
Trade promotion authority
On June 12, 2015, theHouse passed thetrade promotion authority (TPA) measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives thepresident fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent toCongress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill includingtrade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Engel was one of 157Democrats to vote against the measure.^[95][96]
Trade promotion authority second vote
After thetrade adjustment assistance (TAA) andtrade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass theHouse together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment toHR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except forTed Yoho (R-Fla.). Engel was one of 158Democrats to vote against the amendment.^[97][98]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
TheHouse passedHR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. TheSenate packagedtrade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along withtrade promotion authority (TPA), whichCongress passed as part ofHR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Engel was one of 175Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295.^[99][100]

Defense spending authorization

On May 15, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Engel voted with 142 otherDemocrats and eightRepublicans against the bill.^[101] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. PresidentBarack Obamavetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[102]

On November 5, 2015, theHouse passedS 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.^[103][104] Engel voted with 134 otherDemocrats and 235Republicans to approve the bill.^[105] On November 10, 2015, theSenate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and PresidentBarack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.^[106]

2016 Budget proposal

On April 30, 2015, theHouse voted to approveSConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183Democrats who voted, including Engel, voted against the resolution.^{[107][108][109]}

2015 budget

On October 28, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.^[110] Engel voted with 186Democrats and 79Republicans in favor of the bill.^[111] It passed theSenate on October 30, 2015.^[112] PresidentBarack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs

Iran nuclear deal

See also:Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

On May 14, 2015, theHouse approvedHR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required PresidentBarack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review.Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Engel voted with 176Democrats to approve the bill.^[113][114]

Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
On September 11, 2015, theHouse rejectedHR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approvingthe nuclear agreement with Iran. Engel voted with 24Democrats and 244Republicans against the bill.^[115][116]

Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
On September 11, 2015, theHouse approvedHR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Engel voted with 185Democrats against the bill.^[117][118]

Presidential non-compliance of section 2
On September 10, 2015, theHouse passedH Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of theIran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. HouseRepublicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Engel voted with 185Democrats against the resolution.^[119][120]

Export-Import Bank

On October 27, 2015, theHouse passedHR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.^[121] Engel voted with 185Democrats and 127Republicans in favor of the bill.^[122]

Domestic

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015

On May 13, 2015, theHouse passedHR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revisedHR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from theForeign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Engel voted with 141Democrats and 196Republicans to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[123][124]

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

On May 13, 2015, theHouse passedHR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Engel voted with 179Democrats against the bill.^[125][126]

Cyber security

On April 23, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.^[127] Engel voted with 134Democrats and 220Republicans to approve the bill.^[128]

On April 22, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.^[129] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Engel voted with 104Democrats and 202Republicans in favor of the bill.^[130]

Immigration

On November 19, 2015, theHouse passedHR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.^[131] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Engel voted with 134Democrats and twoRepublicans against the bill.^[132]

113th Congress

The second session of the113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[133] For more information pertaining to Engel's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[134]

National security

HR 644

See also:Bowe Bergdahl exchange

On September 9, 2014, theRepublican-runHouse approvedH.R. 644, a resolution criticizing PresidentBarack Obama's act of exchanging five Guantanamo Bay prisoners forSgt. Bowe Bergdahl.^[135][136] The House voted 249-163 for resolution, with allRepublicans and22 Democrats supporting the bill. Fourteen Democrats and five Republicans did not vote on the resolution, while all other Democrats opposed its passage.^[136] Engel did not vote on the resolution.^[135][136]

NDAA

Engel voted in opposition of HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.^[137]

DHS Appropriations

Engel voted in opposition of HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines.^[137]

Keystone Pipeline Amendment

Engel voted in favor of House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.^[137]

CISPA (2013)

Engel voted in opposition of HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities.^[138] The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.^[137]

Economy

Farm Bill

See also:United States Farm Bill 2013

Engel voted against the Farm Bill on July 11, 2013. The bill passed in a 216-208 vote.^[139] The bill passed included farm policy, but did not include food stamps.^[140]

King Amendment

Engel signed a letter sent toCollin Peterson in August 2013, asking him to keepSteve King's amendment out of the final Farm Bill.^[141] The "Protect Interstate Commerce Act" amendment prevents states from applying their own laws on agricultural products to agricultural products from another state.^[142] King introduced the amendment in response to a law in California, requiring a larger size cage for egg-producing chickens. King represents Iowa, which is a large egg producer.

Government shutdown

See also:United States budget debate, 2013

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.^[143] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen.Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.^[144] Engel voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.^[145]

The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by theSenate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made bySenate Democrats was to require income verification forObamacare subsidies.^[146] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming fromRepublican members. Engel voted for HR 2775.^[147]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

Engel voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.^[148] The vote largely followed party lines.^[149]

Healthcare

Repealing Obamacare

Engel has voted against all attempts to repeal or delay the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.^[150]

Social issues

Abortion

Engel voted against HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.^[151]

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal Cliff

Engel voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 172 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.^[152]