Defending our Democracy

When our republic was most at risk, Jerry stepped in.

As Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Jerry has served as a bulwark against wannabe tyrants like Donald Trump and Republicans who seek to suppress the right to vote. Jerry stood up to Trump’s self-dealing and self-serving bullying and impeached him twice–once for his abuses of power and obstruction of Congress, and then again after the lawless former President incited the January 6th insurrection.

Jerry’s oversight of government officials and agencies has hardly been limited to Trump–he has led efforts to hold agencies like ICE, CBP, DOJ, and others accountable for abuses ranging from the family separation policy to DHS’ violent policing tactics against peaceful protestors. The reputation that Jerry has developed–as a tough, unflinching protector of American democracy–is based on his unwavering commitment to protecting our fragile democratic experiment from those who seek to corrupt and undermine it.

With Republicans working overtime to disenfranchise voters–disproportionately impacting communities of color–Jerry has fought to resist cynical, anti-democratic efforts and protect access to the ballot. He led the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act through the House, held hearings to ensure our elections are safe from external and foreign interference, and ensured that COVID relief packages included funds to facilitate safe elections in the midst of a pandemic.

Delivering for New Yorkers

New Yorkers know they have a champion in Jerry Nadler.

Over his years in Congress, Jerry has delivered tens of billions in funding for New Yorkers, ensuring that our city has greener parks, safer streets, and state-of-the-art medical facilities. He has been one of the fiercest fighters in Congress for NYCHA residents and has helped secure the resources necessary to keep tens of thousands of public housing families in their homes.

Throughout his time in Congress–and especially during his tenure on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee–Jerry has led efforts to streamline transit networks within New York, as well as those that connect New York to the rest of the country. Whether it’s the Second Avenue Subway, the Moynihan Train Station, the Gateway Program (set to begin construction in 2023), the Cross Harbor Freight Program, or billions in dedicated funding to repair and enhance existing New York transportation needs, many of the large transportation projects that improve the lives of New Yorkers have only come to fruition thanks to Jerry’s relentless advocacy.

During COVID-19, which hit New York harder than anywhere else, Jerry–the Dean of New York’s Congressional Delegation–worked to provide assistance to the families and small businesses that required help the most. He delivered public funds to struggling small businesses and restaurants, led efforts in Washington to expand benefits and assistance for those who lost their jobs, and made sure that schools received all they needed to safely welcome back returning students and teachers.

Women’s Rights

It’s long past time for full equality. Women have waited long enough.

On top of being one of Congress’ fiercest advocates for equal rights for all, Jerry has been a proud feminist his entire life and has used his power to advance countless causes important to women. On this crucial issue, Jerry’s record is long and robust: he fought to combat the pay gap and coauthored the seminal Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, has worked relentlessly to protect reproductive rights, introduced the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to require workplaces to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant women and protect women from retaliation, and much more.

Women’s equality is anything but a new priority for Jerry–when he served in the New York Assembly, before entering Congress, he was the first-ever man to receive the New York State Chapter of the National Organization for Women’s “Legislator of the Year” Award.

As Judiciary Committee Chair, Jerry has made the most of this unique opportunity to advance the causes important to women. He led vital efforts to pass the long-stalled Equal Rights Amendment and was a key figure in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. This year, Jerry led the Judiciary Committee in taking historic action by outlawing the forced arbitration clauses that have scared so many women victims of sexual assault into silence. President Biden signed that legislation into law in March, delivering justice to countless women and making American workplaces safer.

LBGTQIA+ Rights

LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights.

Fighting to expand civil rights protections has always been a fundamental element of Jerry’s identity, as New York’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community can attest. The Advocate–a leading LGBTQIA+ publication–wrote that Jerry “is one of the nation’s fiercest protectors of LGBT rights and a powerful ally for trans equality” and for good reason: Jerry has been an original co-sponsor of countless major pieces of LGBT civil rights legislation for decades. Not only did he himself write the Respect for Marriage Act (RMA), the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), the Father Mychal Judge Act, and the Equal Access to Social Security Act, Jerry led the charge to pass the anti-discriminatory Equality Act through the House as Judiciary Chair, a historic feat he accomplished in 2019.

Jerry also led the Congressional amicus briefs in both Windsor and Obergefell, the two seismic Supreme Court cases that ultimately precipitated marriage equality. For New Yorkers, that should come as little surprise: Jerry was the very first New York Congressmember to publicly support marriage equality. And visitors to Manhattan’s Stonewall National Monument now have a place to celebrate the bravery of those who threw those bricks against anti-LBGTQIA+ discrimination thanks to Jerry’s powerful advocacy. The LGBTQIA+ community could not ask for a stronger ally than Jerry Nadler.

Healthcare

Every American should be able to access affordable, quality healthcare.

Jerry believes that in the wealthiest nation in our world’s history, the government can and should provide affordable, accessible, reliable healthcare to every one of its citizens. That’s why he was an original cosponsor of the Medicare-for-All Act and has fought for years to enshrine it into law. There’s no better or quicker way to guarantee the human right that is healthcare.

Jerry has led efforts to protect the health of mothers in the workplace through his landmark bill, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, introduced sweeping legislation to lower exorbitant prescription drug costs, battled extremist efforts to weaken birth control protections, and, of course, has worked tirelessly throughout the entirety of his career to protect women’s reproductive rights, including abortion.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Jerry fought hard to fund measures to protect New Yorkers’ health. He helped secure billions to repair HVAC systems so that the air in our schools was clean and safe for kids and teachers alike, worked to deliver more vaccine resources from the federal government to New Yorkers, and shepherded legislation into law to compensate public safety officers who became disabled or died after contracting COVID in the line of duty.

Finally, unlike some others, Jerry has always believed in science and trusted vaccines–and has always stood by the public health experts vouching for their safety, even when fringe voices baselessly argued otherwise. During COVID, when so many Americans needlessly and preventably died due to their distrust of vaccinations, the danger of anti-vaccine rhetoric was made horribly clear.

Safeguarding the Environment

The climate crisis is the existential challenge of our moment. We must be bold.

There is no challenge facing our city, our country, and our world as urgent or as grave as that of climate change. New Yorkers have already weathered some of the consequences of our warming planet, with increasing average temperatures, heavy rainfall events that paralyze our city’s public transit systems, and storm surges–like that of Hurricane Sandy–that caused billions of dollars worth of damage and cost 44 New Yorkers their lives.

When it comes to climate change, our response must meet the moment. Jerry believes that the only way to confront a problem this immense is with a solution equally big and bold. That’s why he was an original co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable and zero-emissions power sources, and create future-facing, high-paying jobs. We can’t pass this crisis onto the next generation–Jerry knows that we need to act now, and we need to act with conviction.

9/11 Survivors

New Yorkers lived through a devastating trauma, and then they got sick. Jerry has never stopped fighting for them.

The Twin Towers stood in Jerry’s congressional district, hundreds who died on that horrific day were his constituents, and the fires that burned in Ground Zero for four months afterward got countless New Yorkers terribly sick. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, Jerry led efforts to secure tens of billions of dollars in federal funding to help New York clean up and recover. In the years that followed, as more and more New Yorkers (many of them first responders) began to fall ill from inhaling the toxic chemicals that poured forth from the gaping hole where the towers once stood, Jerry fought to compel the federal government to stop lying about the dangers of the site and deliver needed compensation for first responders and survivors. And as Judiciary Chair, Jerry has wielded his influence to ensure that the Victim’s Compensation Fund remains properly funded for years to come.

Jerry has always believed–and always will–that after all 9/11 first responders and survivors sacrificed for us, the least we can do in return is provide them with the support they deserve and need.

Immigration

This is a country of immigrants. It’s past time our laws–and our rhetoric–reflect that fundamental fact.

Throughout his career, Jerry has been a steadfast champion for the rights of the immigrants who make up the civic fabric of our nation. As Judiciary Chair, he worked to create a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers, led the charge and introduced the legislation to overturn Trump’s hateful, racist Muslim Ban, and secured key funding in President Biden’s Build Back Better framework for priorities crucial to immigrants, including resources that would unclog the green card backlog.

Like most Americans, Jerry is a descendant of immigrants: this issue is personal to him. When the news broke about Trump’s abhorrent family separation policy, Jerry put his body in harm’s way while visiting an ICE facility–he literally placed his foot in a door so that ICE officers could not hide their actions from the world–in an effort to reunite separated families.

Jerry is committed to fighting for comprehensive immigration reform and equally committed to protecting immigrants from Republicans and their hateful, divisive rhetoric. He’ll keep leading the Judiciary Committee–which has jurisdiction over immigration-related issues–with the same compassion and dedication to advocating for the most vulnerable among us.

Israel

There can be peace–but only if we reject extremism.

As the last remaining Jewish Member of Congress from New York, Jerry is a national leader within the Democratic party on all issues related to Jewish values, and especially Israel. Jerry has always been a strong supporter of a two-state solution and believes that both the Israeli and the Palestinian people possess the right to self-determination and security. He has consistently repudiated the extremism on both sides of the debate–Jerry has called on the Israeli government to adhere to democratic norms while vehemently condemning any rhetoric denying Israel’s right to exist.

Jerry has also been a singularly outspoken voice against pernicious antisemitism. He was among the first Members of Congress to take on the fight against BDS, has provided steady opposition to efforts to legitimize and expand the BDS movement within New York’s higher education institutions, and has led numerous Congressional resolutions rejecting antisemitism.

Restoring Balance to the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has traveled far from the mainstream. If we don’t want dangerous decisions to become the norm, we must take action.

The Supreme Court’s decision to discard decades of settled precedent and overturn Roe was shocking and yet entirely unsurprising: this is a Supreme Court that has fled from the mainstream values held by the majority of our nation, choosing instead to represent only the far-right extremes and monied interests. If we don’t take drastic, sweeping action, all the rights we have come to know as fundamental–the right to access contraception, marry someone of the same sex, and more–could find themselves declared unconstitutional at any moment.

Jerry has been one of the leading government voices calling for systemic reform of the highest court in our land–reform that is necessary lest the Court lose any tiny shred of legitimacy it might still retain. That’s why he introduced legislation to expand the size of the Court: so that Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell’s radical, deeply unethical court-packing doesn’t slide our country to the extreme right for generations to come.

Legalizing Marijuana

It’s time to legalize marijuana. We have a rare opportunity to repair injustices as we do it.

The War on Drugs has devastated our country and disproportionately harmed communities of color. Jerry has led sweeping Congressional efforts to correct those systemic injustices by introducing the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which would federally decriminalize marijuana and ensure that no one can be discriminated against for a past marijuana conviction.

The lingering, residual consequences of decades of racist drug policies cannot be understated, which is why Jerry has consistently centered restorative justice within marijuana reform. The MORE Act seeks to not only expunge prior marijuana convictions–it would create a fairer future by taxing legalized cannabis sales and using the proceeds to invest in the very communities most impacted by the War on Drugs. It is only by acknowledging the wrongs of the past–and taking action to correct that history of harm–that we can begin to repair decades of economic and racial inequality.

Limiting Corporate Power

Our economy should work for the many, not the few.

Jerry has always believed that our economy should prioritize workers before the interests of outsized corporations. As Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Jerry has led far-reaching bipartisan investigations into the state of competition within the digital economy, examining the dominance that huge companies like Facebook and Amazon possess and the costs that everyday Americans often have to bear as a result. This investigation was deemed revolutionary by those within the antitrust enforcement world and has held huge implications for both the massive corporations that control so much of our economy and the consumers who are left with no choice but to depend upon them.

COVID-19 has made clear the devastating consequences of unchecked corporate consolidation. So many of the economic inconveniences that Americans have faced in the past several years–soaring gas prices, dysfunctional supply chains, formula shortages, and acute price gouging–have been the direct result of insufficient market competition and normalized anticompetitive corporate practices. Jerry has worked hard to correct that imbalance and return the power in our free market back to the consumer, where it belongs.

Protecting Reproductive Rights

Roe v. Wade was the law of the land. We have to fight for our fundamental, Constitutional rights.

It is abhorrent and devastating that a girl born today will have fewer rights over her own body than a woman born forty years ago. The recent overturn of Roe is a galling affront to the rights of women and a shockingly stark reflection of a radical, extremist Supreme Court that refuses to represent anything other than far-right, monied interests. On this issue, Jerry could not be more clear: just as he has his entire career, he will fight with every ounce of his being to defend abortion rights.

Women across the country are rightfully terrified about the grim realities that will define a post-Roe America. We know full well that a world where abortion is illegal is not a world where abortions do not exist–simply one where they are done clandestinely, often dangerously, and result in needless deaths. Of course, the women most at risk are the women already teetering at the margins–low-income women who cannot afford to travel, women of color who face insidious discrimination, and rural women who cannot access quality care.

In Congress, Jerry has emerged as one of the leading voices in the efforts to protect abortion rights. He is such a highly valued and respected leader on this issue that when he ran for Judiciary Committee ranking member, NARAL endorsed him in its first-ever endorsement in a race of that kind–against a pro-choice Congresswoman, no less. And as Judiciary Committee Chair, Jerry was entrusted by House leadership in May of this year–immediately after the leak of the draft Supreme Court Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization opinion–to hold the House’s only hearing on the implications of the case. As Jerry said during that hearing, “the right of women to make reproductive decisions…is a pillar of women’s equality.” He will do everything in his power to restore that right.

Racial Justice

The weight of injustice continues to burden our country. We will not heal unless we take action.

A relentless believer that “all people are created equal,” Jerry has spent his entire career fighting for civil rights and a more fair America. He has overseen efforts to protect voting rights from racist efforts to disenfranchise communities of color, and helped manage the House passage of the historic John Lewis Voting Rights Act. As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Jerry worked to sign into law the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which finally makes lynching an enhanced-penalty federal hate crime.

Jerry is a national leader in the effort to reform often violent and racially discriminatory policing practices. He co-sponsored the End Racial Profiling Act and after the brutal murder of George Floyd, Jerry was one of the key voices behind the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which would have banned police chokeholds, ended qualified immunity, and established a national police misconduct registry to prevent brutal police officers escaping accountability.Jerry knows that to truly achieve racial justice, we must focus on restorative justice to correct a long legacy of discrimination. That’s why, when he introduced the MORE Act to federally decriminalize marijuana, he ensured that it included key provisions to deliver opportunities to the communities of color that disproportionately suffered due to the War on Drugs. As we do the hard work of building a brighter future, we cannot ignore the sins of the past–or we are certain to repeat them again.

Reforming America’s Gun Laws

Every victim of gun violence is another reminder of the nightmare we have made for ourselves. Americans shouldn’t have to live in fear.

No country in the world faces the unending nightmare of gun violence that America does. While Republicans act in bad faith and try to deflect needed action with phony arguments that mental health is the cause of this neverending pattern of violence, Jerry knows that Americans aren’t exponentially more susceptible to mental illness than others around the rest of the world. The root of the problem, of course, is the widespread availability of firearms and the outsized, constrictive influence that the NRA and the gun lobby hold. With children being slain in schools and the proliferation of guns allowing for racist hate to travel seamlessly from the darkest corners of the Internet to our country’s streets–like the recent, tragic massacre in Buffalo–calls to delay action are not just desperately misguided, they stink of complicity.

As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Jerry has turned anguish into action. In his first term as Chair, Jerry passed through the House H.R. 8, a historic bill that would close loopholes and expand the background check process. This year, Jerry introduced the Protecting Our Kids Act, one of the most all-encompassing, sweeping gun reform packages ever passed by the House. As one of the House’s most prominent leaders in the fight to reform our nation’s gun laws, Jerry was trusted to lead the Congressional debate on the Safer Communities Act, which would restrict violent abusers from accessing guns, deliver grants to states so that they could establish crucial red flag laws, and stem the flow of trafficked guns to New York. When President Biden signed that bill into law, it marked the most significant action in decades to address gun violence.

Ending the endless wave of gun violence is one of Jerry’s very top priorities. He knows the more guns you get out of dangerous hands, the safer our schools, streets, and subways become. The proud recipient of an F rating from the NRA, Jerry won’t stop fighting until Americans can feel safe from the threat of gun violence.^[26]

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023

The117th United States Congress began on January 3, 2021 and ended on January 3, 2023. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in theU.S. House of Representatives (222-213), and theU.S. Senate had a 50-50 makeup. Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when PresidentJoe Biden (D) and Vice PresidentKamala Harris (D), who acted as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. We identified the key votes below usingCongress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023
Vote	Bill and description	Status
Yea	Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act   TheInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) was a federal infrastructure bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 15, 2021. Among other provisions, the bill provided funding for new infrastructure projects and reauthorizations, Amtrak maintenance and development, bridge repair, replacement, and rehabilitation, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, and clean energy transmission and power infrastructure upgrades. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[79]Click here to read more.	Passed (228-206)
Yea	American Rescue Plan Act of 2021   TheAmerican Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 11, 2021, to provide economic relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key features of the bill included funding for a national vaccination program and response, funding to safely reopen schools, distribution of $1,400 per person in relief payments, and extended unemployment benefits. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[80]Click here to read more.	Passed (220-210)
Yea	Inflation Reduction Act of 2022   TheInflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 16, 2022, to address climate change, healthcare costs, and tax enforcement. Key features of the bill included a $369 billion investment to address energy security and climate change, an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, allowing Medicare to negotiate certain drug prices, a 15% corporate minimum tax, a 1% stock buyback fee, and enhanced Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement, and an estimated $300 billion deficit reduction from 2022-2031. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[81]Click here to read more.	Passed (220-207)
Yea	Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act   The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (H.R. 3617) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to decriminalize marijuana, establish studies of legal marijuana sales, tax marijuana imports and production, and establish a process to expunge and review federal marijuana offenses. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[82]	Passed (220-204)
Yea	For the People Act of 2021   TheFor the People Act of 2021 (H.R. 1) was a federal election law and government ethics bill approved by the House of Representatives. The Congressional Research Service said the bill would "expand voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It [would also limit] removing voters from voter rolls. ... Further, the bill [would address] campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices." The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[83]Click here to read more.	Passed (220-210)
Yea	Assault Weapons Ban of 2022   The Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 (H.R. 1808) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives that sought to criminalize the knowing import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding devices (LCAFD). The bill made exemptions for grandfathered SAWs and LCAFDs. It required a simple majority vote in the House.[84]	Passed (217-213)
Nay	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (S. 1605) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 27, 2021, authorizingDepartment of Defense acitivities and programs for fiscal year 2022. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[85]	Passed (363-70)
Nay	James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023   The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (H.R. 7776) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022, authorizing Department of Defense activities and programs for fiscal year 2023. The bill required a 2/3 majority in the House to suspend rules and pass the bill as amended.[86]	Passed (350-80)
Yea	American Dream and Promise Act of 2021   The American Dream and Promise Act of 2021 (H.R. 6) was an immigration bill approved by the House of Representatives that proposed a path to permanent residence status for unauthorized immigrants eligible for Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure, among other immigration-related proposals. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[87]	Passed (228-197)
Yea	Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022   The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (S. 3373) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 10, 2022, that sought to address healthcare access, the presumption of service-connection, and research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[88]	Passed (342-88)
Yea	Chips and Science Act   The Chips and Science Act (H.R. 4346) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 9, 2022, which sought to fund domestic production of semiconductors and authorized various federal science agency programs and activities. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[89]	Passed (243-187)
Yea	Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021   The Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 (H.R. 3755) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives. The bill proposed prohibiting governmental restrictions on the provision of and access to abortion services and prohibiting governments from issuing some other abortion-related restrictions. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[90]	Passed (218-211)
Yea	SAFE Banking Act of 2021   The SAFE Banking Act of 2021 (H.R. 1996) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives that proposed prohibiting federal regulators from penalizing banks for providing services to legitimate cannabis-related businesses and defining proceeds from such transactions as not being proceeds from unlawful activity, among other related proposals. Since the House moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill in an expedited process, it required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.[91]	Passed (321-101)
Yea	Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 15, 2022, providing for the funding of federal agencies for the remainder of 2022, providing funding for activities related to Ukraine, and modifying or establishing various programs. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[92]	Passed (260-171)
Yea	Equality Act   The Equality Act (H.R. 5) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that proposed prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system, among other related proposals. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[93]	Passed (224-206)
Yea	Respect for Marriage Act   TheRespect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 13, 2022. The bill codified the recognition of marriages between individuals of the same sex and of different races, ethnicities, or national origins, and provided that the law would not impact religious liberty or conscience protections, or provide grounds to compel nonprofit religious organizations to recognize same-sex marriages. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[94]Click here to read more.	Passed (258-169)
Yea	Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023   The Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R. 6833) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2022. It provided for some fiscal year 2023 appropriations, supplemental funds for Ukraine, and extended several other programs and authorities. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[95]	Passed (230-201)
Yea	Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act   The Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act (H.R. 7688) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to prohibit individuals from selling consumer fuels at excessive prices during a proclaimed energy emergency. It would have also required the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether the price of gasoline was being manipulated. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[96]	Passed (217-207)
Yea	Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021   The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 (H.R. 8) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to prohibit the transfer of firearms between private parties unless a licensed firearm vendor conducted a background check on the recipient. The bill also provided for certain exceptions to this requirement. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[97]	Passed (227-203)
Yea	Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act   TheFreedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act was a federal elections bill approved by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate in a failed cloture vote that sought to, among other provisions, make Election Day a public holiday, allow for same-day voter registration, establish minimum early voting periods, and allow absentee voting for any reason, restrict the removal of local election administrators in federal elections, regulate congressional redistricting, expand campaign finance disclosure rules for some organizations, and amend the Voting Rights Act to require some states to obtain clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice before implementing new election laws. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[98]Click here to read more.	Passed (220-203)
Yea	Bipartisan Safer Communities Act   TheBipartisan Safer Communities Act (S. 2938) was a firearm regulation and mental health bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 25, 2022. Provisions of the bill included expanding background checks for individuals under the age of 21, providing funding for mental health services, preventing individuals who had been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor or felony in dating relationships from purchasing firearms for five years, providing funding for state grants to implement crisis intervention order programs, and providing funding for community-based violence prevention initiatives. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[99]Click here to read more.	Passed (234-193)
Yea	Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.   This was a resolution before the 117th Congress setting forth anarticle of impeachment saying thatDonald Trump (R) incited an insurrection against the government of the United States on January 6, 2021. The House of Representatives approved the article of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of the charges. The article of impeachment required a simple majority vote in the House.[100]Click here to read more.	Passed (232-197)
Yea	Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022   TheElectoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act was a bill passed by the 117th Congress in the form of an amendment to a year-end omnibus funding bill that was signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022. The bill changed the procedure for counting electoral votes outlined in the Electoral Count Act of 1887. Elements of the bill included specifying that the vice president's role at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes is ministerial, raising the objection threshold at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes to one-fifth of the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, identifying governors as the single official responsible for submitting the certificate of ascertainment identifying that state’s electors, and providing for expedited judicial review of certain claims about states' certificates identifying their electors. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[101]Click here to read more.	Passed (225-201)

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021

The116th United States Congress began on January 9, 2019, and ended on January 3, 2021. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in theU.S. House of Representatives (235-200), and Republicans held the majority in theU.S. Senate (53-47).Donald Trump (R) was the president andMike Pence (R) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below usingCongress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021
Vote	Bill and description	Status
Yea	Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020   The Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020 (H.R. 1044) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives seeking to increase the cap on employment-based visas, establish certain rules governing such visas, and impose some additional requirements on employers hiring holders of such visas. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended.[102]	Passed (365-65)
Yea	The Heroes Act   The HEROES Act (H.R. 6800) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to address the COVID-19 outbreak by providing $1,200 payments to individuals, extending and expanding the moratorium on some evictions and foreclosures, outlining requirements and establishing finding for contact tracing and COVID-19 testing, providing emergency supplemental appropriations to federal agencies for fiscal year 2020, and eliminating cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatments. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[103]	Passed (208-199)
Yea	For the People Act of 2019   The For the People Act of 2019 (H.R.1) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to protect election security, revise rules on campaign funding, introduce new provisions related to ethics, establish independent, nonpartisan redistricting commissions, and establish new rules on the release of tax returns for presidential and vice presidential candidates. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[104]	Passed (234-193)
Yea	CARES Act   The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 27, 2020, that expanded benefits through the joint federal-state unemployment insurance program during the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation also included $1,200 payments to certain individuals, funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and funds for businesses, hospitals, and state and local governments. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.[105]	Passed (419-6)
Yea	Equality Act   The Equality Act (H.R. 5) was a bill approved by the House Representatives that sought to ban discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity by expanding the definition of establishments that fall under public accomodation and prohibiting the denial of access to a shared facility that is in agreement with an indiviual's gender indenitity. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[106]	Passed (236-173)
Yea	Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019   The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 (H.R. 8) was a bill approved by the House that sought to ban firearm transfers between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[107]	Passed (240-190)
Yea	American Dream and Promise Act of 2019   The American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 (H.R.6) was a bill approved by the House Representatives that sought to protect certain immigrants from removal proceedings and provide a path to permanent resident status by establishing streamlined procedures for permanant residency and canceling removal proceedings against certain qualifed individuals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[108]	Passed (237-187)
Nay	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (S. 1790) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, setting policies and appropriations for the Department of Defense. Key features of this bill include appropriations for research/development, procurement, military construction, and operation/maintenence, as well as policies for paid family leave, North Korea nuclear sanctions, limiting the use of criminal history in federal hiring and contracting, military housing privatization, and paid family leave for federal personnel. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[109]	Passed (377-48)
Yea	Families First Coronavirus Response Act   The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 18, 2020, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing access to unemployment benefits and food assistance, increasing funding for Medicaid, providing free testing for COVID-19, and requiring employers to provide paid sick time to employees who cannot work due to COVID-19. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.[110]	Passed (363-40)
Yea	Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019   The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (H.R. 1994) was a bill passed by the House Representatives that sought to change the requirements for employer provided retirement plans, IRAs, and other tax-favored savings accounts by modfying the requirements for things such as loans, lifetime income options, required minimum distributions, the eligibility rules for certain long-term, part-time employees, and nondiscrimination rules. The bill also sought to treat taxable non-tuition fellowship and stipend payments as compensation for the purpose of an IRA, repeal the maximum age for traditional IRA contributions, increase penalties for failing to file tax returns, allow penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans if a child is born or adopted, and expand the purposes for which qualified tuition programs may be used. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[111]	Passed (417-3)
Yea	Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act   The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) was a bill approved by the House Representatives that sought to address the price of healthcare by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate prices for certain drugs, requiring drug manufactures to issue rebates for certain drugs covered under Medicare, requiring drug price transparency from drug manufacturers, expanding Medicare coverage, and providing funds for certain public health programs. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[112]	Passed (230-192)
Not Voting	Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020   The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1865) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, providing appropriations for federal agencies in fiscal year 2020. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[113]	Passed (297-120)
Yea	Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019   The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 (S. 1838) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on November 27, 2019, directing several federal departments to assess Hong Kong's unique treatment under U.S. law. Key features of the bill include directing the Department of State to report and certify annually to Congress as to whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous from China to justify its unique treatment, and directing the Department of Commerce to report annually to Congress on China's efforts to use Hong Kong to evade U.S. export controls and sanctions. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.[114]	Passed (417-1)
Yea	MORE Act of 2020   The MORE Act of 2020 (H.R. 3884) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to decriminalize marijuana by removing marijuana as a scheduled controlled substance and eliminating criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana. This bill required a simple majority vote from the House.[115]	Passed (228-164)
Yea	Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020   The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 6074) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 6, 2020, providing emergency funding to federal agencies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Key features of the bill include funding for vaccine research, small business loans, humanitarian assistance to affected foreign countries, emergency preparedness, and grants for public health agencies and organizations. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to suspend the rules and pass the bill.[116]	Passed (415-2)
Yea	Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.J.Res. 31) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on February 15, 2019, providing approrations for Fiscal Year 2019. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[117]	Passed (300 -128)
Yea	John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act   The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (S. 47) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Doanld Trump on March 12, 2019. This bill sought to set provisions for federal land management and conservation by doing things such as conducting land exchanges and conveyances, establishing programs to respond to wildfires, and extending and reauthorizing wildlife conservation programs. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.[118]	Passed (363-62)
Nay	William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (On passage)   The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2020. Congress voted to override Trump's veto, and the bill became law on January 1, 2021. The bill set Department of Defense policies and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021. Trump vetoed the bill due to disagreement with provisions related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the renaming of certain military installations, limits on emergency military construction fund usage, and limits on troop withdrawals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House on passage, and a two-thirds majority vote in the House to override Trump's veto.[119]	Passed (335-78)
Yea	William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Overcoming veto)   The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2020. Congress voted to override Trump's veto, and the bill became law on January 1, 2021. The bill set Department of Defense policies and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021. Trump vetoed the bill due to disagreement with provisions related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the renaming of certain military installations, limits on emergency military construction fund usage, and limits on troop withdrawals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House on passage, and a two-thirds majority vote in the House to override Trump's veto.[120]	Passed (322-87)
Yea	Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019   The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (S.24) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on January 16, 2019, that requires federal employees who were furloughed or compelled to work during a lapse in government funding to be compensated for that time. The bill also required those employees to be compensated as soon as the lapse in funding ends, irregardless of official pay date. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to suspend the rules and pass the bill.[121]	Passed (411-7)
Yea	Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (Article 1)   The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry. The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. The articles of impeachment required a simple majority vote in the House.[122]	Guilty (230-197)
Yea	Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (Article 2)   The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry. The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. The articles of impeachment required a simple majority vote in the House.[123]	Guilty (229-198)

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.^[124]

  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.^[125]

  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.^[126]

  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.^[127]

  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.^[128]

  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.^[129]

  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.^[130]

  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.^[131]

• 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.^[132]

  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.^[133]

  VotedNay 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.^[134]

  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.^[135]

  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^[136]

  VotedYea 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.^[137]

  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.^[138]

  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.^[139]

  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.^[140]

  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.^[141]

  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.^[142]

  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.^[143]

  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.^[144]

  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.^[145]

  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.)^[146]

  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.^[147]

  
  

  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.^[148]

  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.^[149]

  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.^[150]

  VotedNay 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.^[151]

  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.^[152]

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

  VotedNay 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^[153]

  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.^[154]

  
  

  VotedNay 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.^[155]

  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.^[156]

  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.^[157]

  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.^[158]

  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.^[159]

  VotedNay 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.^[160]

  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.^[161]

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.^[162][163] For more information pertaining to Nadler's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[164]

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. Nadler was one of 144 Democrats to vote against the bill.^[165][166]
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. Nadler was one of 157Democrats to vote against the measure.^[167][168]
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.). Nadler was one of 158Democrats to vote against the amendment.^[169][170]
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. Nadler was one of 175Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295.^[171][172]

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." Nadler voted with 142 otherDemocrats and eightRepublicans against the bill.^[173] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. PresidentBarack Obamavetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[174]

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.^[175][176] Nadler voted with 48 otherDemocrats and nineRepublicans against the bill.^[177] 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.^[178]

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 Nadler, voted against the resolution.^{[179][180][181]}

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.^[182] Nadler voted with 186Democrats and 79Republicans in favor of the bill.^[183] It passed theSenate on October 30, 2015.^[184] 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. Nadler voted with 176Democrats to approve the bill.^[185][186]

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. Nadler voted with 161Democrats for the bill.^[187][188]

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." Nadler voted with 185Democrats against the bill.^[189][190]

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. Nadler voted with 185Democrats against the resolution.^[191][192]

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.^[193] Nadler voted with 185Democrats and 127Republicans in favor of the bill.^[194]

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." Nadler voted with 141Democrats and 196Republicans to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[195][196]

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. Nedler voted with 179Democrats against the bill.^[197][198]

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.^[199] Nadler voted with 43Democrats and 19Republicans against the bill.^[200]

On April 22, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.^[201] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Nadler voted with 78Democrats and 37Republicans against the bill.^[202]

Immigration

On November 19, 2015, theHouse passedHR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.^[203] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Nadler voted with 134Democrats and twoRepublicans against the bill.^[204]

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.^[205] For more information pertaining to Nadler's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[206]

National security

NDAA

Nadler 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.^[207]

DHS Appropriations

Nadler 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.^[207]

Keystone Pipeline Amendment

Nadler 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.^[207]

CISPA (2013)

Nadler 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.^[208] The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.^[207]

Economy

Farm Bill

See also:United States Farm Bill 2013

Nadler voted against the Farm Bill on July 11, 2013. The bill passed in a 216-208 vote.^[209] The bill passed included farm policy, but did not include food stamps.^[210]

King Amendment

Nadler signed a letter sent toCollin Peterson in August 2013, asking him to keepSteve King's amendment out of the final Farm Bill.^[211] The "Protect Interstate Commerce Act" amendment prevents states from applying their own laws on agricultural products to agricultural products from another state.^[212] 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.^[213] 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.^[214] Nadler voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.^[213]

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.^[215] 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. Nadler voted for HR 2775.^[216]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

Nadler 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.^[217] The vote largely followed party lines.^[218]

Healthcare

Repealing Obamacare

Nadler has voted against all attempts to repeal or delay the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.^[219]

Social issues

Abortion

Nadler 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.^[220]

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal Cliff

Nadler 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.^[221]

Candidate

Officeholder

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