CONGRESSIONAL SCORECARD 111 TH CONGRESS arab american institute

Transcription

1 CONGRESSIONAL SCORECARD 111 TH CONGRESS arab american institute

2 2010 Scorecard is produced by the Arab American Institute. Compiled by: Chris Keally and Leigh O'Neill Design: Mark Ibrahim For more information please visit

3 Go beyond the ballot box Take action 365 days a year! The Arab American Institute has compiled this Scorecard for the 111 th Congress to inform our community of their members voting records. Scorecard is based on Congressional actions on a number of issues, which are outlined below. Though not comprehensive, and though no member of Congress can be judged fairly by any single action, this guide provides a general profile of Congressional behavior that we hope will help Arab Americans better understand actions taken on these issues. While it is vital that you cast your vote on Election Day, it is just as important that you stay involved throughout the year, especially when issues come before Congress or locally in your state. Here are some ways you can take action: Online Visit our newly updated website ( where you will find frequently updated information on issues of interest to the Arab American community. You can contact your senators and representatives on the Take Action portion of our website: just select the issue you are concerned about and enter the zip code to get started. You will be prompted to select which of your representatives you would like to write to and to fill out your name and contact information. We will include sample letters and issue briefs to assist you. It is a quick, easy and effective way to get your message across. You can also visit the websites of your senators and congressional representatives at or to send an . Letters If you would like to write a personalized letter, please keep the following tips in mind: Keep the letter concise, polite and to the point Note the name and number of a particular piece of legislation in the letter Follow up with a phone call a week or two after sending your letter Address letters to Congress to: Hon. (Senator s name) U.S. Senate Washington, DC Hon. (Representative s name) U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC Phone Calls Phone calls are one of the most common, and easiest, means of communicating with your member s office. When you call, we recommend that you: Ask to speak to the relevant legislative assistant or, in the case of district offices, caseworker Always be polite when expressing your views Follow up with a letter stating your concerns Capitol Switchboard: (202) Personal Visits Personal visits, to congressional offices either in your state or in Washington, are the most effective means of communicating with your representatives. Tips for a successful visit with your representatives can be found at

4 Senate Palestine The 111th Congress opened at the height of hostilities in Gaza, while the beginning of a new American Administration presented opportunities to achieve a just, lasting, and comprehensive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that would result in two-states, Palestine and Israel, living side-by-side in peace and security. AAI favored efforts that focused on a way forward for Gaza after the war and efforts to promote constructive American diplomacy towards peace. Divisive, imbalanced and provocative efforts received a negative score. 1. One of the first bills passed by the Senate in the 111th Congress was S. Res. 10, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), recognizing the right of Israel to defend itself against attacks from Gaza and reaffirming the United States strong support for Israel. Although the resolution mentioned the humanitarian situation and needs in Gaza and restated support for U.S. policy to promote lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace, the bill placed blame for the violence squarely on the Palestinians and ignored the urgent humanitarian crisis perpetuated by the blockade of Gaza. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent and the 35 senators who originally cosponsored the legislation received a (-). 2. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) circulated a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ahead of her March 2009 trip to the Middle East that praised the appointment of former Senator George Mitchell to Special Middle East Peace Envoy, recommended steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and acknowledged that achieving Israeli-Palestinian peace is a vital national security interest that must not be neglected. The 32 senators who signed the letter received a (+). 3. In response to President Barack Obama s Cairo Address, Senators Evan Bayh (D-IN) and James Risch (R-ID) circulated a letter to President Obama highlighting steps taken by Israel to advance the peace process and urging him to call upon the Arab states to do more to end their isolation of Israel. The letter failed to mention the Arab Peace Initiative and did not address Israel s role in halting all settlement construction, a step recognized by consecutive U.S. Administrations as necessary for genuine progress towards peace. The 71 senators who signed on to this letter received a (-). available to resettle Palestinians from Gaza into the United States. The amendment echoed an online rumor that $20.3 million pledged by President Obama for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza was being used to resettle Palestinians in the United States. The funds were actually pledged from an account designated for Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance, the account used for administering humanitarian assistance through international organizations, rather than refugee resettlement. The 39 senators who voted in favor of this amendment received a (-). 5. After the incident involving the Gaza humanitarian aid flotilla, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) circulated a letter to President Barack Obama urging unilateral support for Israel. The letter directed attention to questions about Turkey, the United Nations, and international humanitarian organizations, but made no reference to the American citizen killed during the violence and failed to call for an impartial investigation into the incident. The 87 senators who signed this letter received a (-). Lebanon The 111th Congress overlapped with a period of political transition in Lebanon, including parliamentary elections in June AAI favored efforts that reflected a commitment to the territorial integrity and political independence of Lebanon and support for Lebanon s state institutions and development projects. 6. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced S. 416, a bill calling for the United States to lead efforts to limit the use of cluster bombs and protect innocent civilians from the unexploded cluster munitions that accumulate in civilian areas of conflict zones. Over 4 million cluster bombs were dropped by Israel in the finals days of the 2006 war in Lebanon, resulting in over 40 casualties and hundreds wounded. The 25 senators who cosponsored this resolution received a (+). Iraq 4. Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) introduced S. Amdt. 631 to H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations bill to finance the federal government for the 2009 fiscal year, stating that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be During the initial implementation of the Status of Forces Agreement and the local and national elections in Iraq, many in the 111th Congress recognized that a responsible withdrawal of American forces in Iraq must include sustained 2

5 diplomatic engagement to promote national reconciliation, prevent the spread of ethnic violence, and ensure the protection of Iraqi minority communities throughout the country. AAI supported efforts to promote the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq and to address the humanitarian crisis facing internally displaced persons and Iraqi refugees. 7. Ahead of the March 2010 parliamentary elections in Iraq, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) introduced S. Res. 437, a bill reaffirming the U.S. commitment to redeploy combat troops from Iraq by December 31, 2011, in accordance with Status of Forces Agreement, and recognizing the clear and enduring interest in partnering with the people of Iraq in building a stable, representative, successful, democratic state. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent and the 7 senators who cosponsored received a (+). Oversight Board, a bipartisan agency recommended by the 9-11 Commission. The Board, established by Congress in 2004 to ensure that privacy and civil liberties concerns are appropriately considered when developing and implementing counterterrorism policies, has remained vacant since its creation. Immigration Reforming America s immigration system with bipartisan cooperation was a priority for the 111th Congress, but serious legislative efforts were delayed and the focus turned to increased border security and controversial measures by individual states. AAI supported efforts to address immigration reform comprehensively that included a path for undocumented immigrants to become U.S. citizens and sought to promote a humane culture of immigration enforcement based on rule of law. Senate Civil Liberties Several provisions of the PATRIOT Act were due to sunset in December 2009, giving the 111th Congress an opportunity to review and reform controversial counterterrorism legislation and institutionalize regular and rigorous oversight of law enforcement agencies. AAI favored efforts to establish policies that make our country safe and while protecting the civil liberties enshrined in our Constitution. 8. Several senators deserve special recognition for their work to terminate policies that allow for profiling, increased domestic surveillance, and selective law enforcement, including Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) for his letter to Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez requesting a review of the Department of Justice guidance on race, and Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) for his work to address the most controversial provisions of the USA Patriot Act. Senator Feingold introduced S. 1686, the Judicious Use of Surveillance Tools In Counterterrorism Efforts (JUSTICE) Act, to reform the USA PATRIOT Act, the FISA Amendments Act and other surveillance authorities, by mandating necessary civil liberties protections and judicial oversight of law enforcement policies aiming to keep our country strong and secure. A compromise bill was enacted that extended all of the expiring provisions until December The 11 senators who cosponsored the JUSTICE Act received a (+). 9. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Arlen Spector (R-PA) received a (+) for their 2009 letter to President Barack Obama encouraging him to nominate individuals to the Privacy and Civil Liberties 10. Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) introduced S. 1505, the Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act, that addressed immigration solely through increased border security and enforcement provisions, including the proposed recruitment of former military personnel and cooperation with the Department of Defense. The 6 senators who cosponsored the bill received a (-). 11. Senators Harry Reid (D-NV), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) deserve special recognition for proposing the Real Enforcement with Practical Alternatives for Immigration Reform (REPAIR) framework for comprehensive immigration legislation. The REPAIR proposal included several positive elements, including a path to legalization for undocumented immigrants, expanded immigration opportunities for highly-skilled workers and foreign students in science and technology fields, a commitment to clear the family immigration backlog, and changes to the current law to promote family unification. Provisions for children of undocumented immigrants to obtain legal status through education and service opportunities were based on S. 729, the DREAM Act, introduced by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL). The 41 senators who cosponsored the DREAM Act received a (+). Special 12. S. 3327, the Terrorist Expatriation Act, introduced by Senators Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Scott Brown (R-MA) and cosponsored by Senator Michael 3

6 Senate Johanns (R-NE), called for any American engaging in or supporting hostilities against the United States or its allies to be stripped of U.S. citizenship. Beyond the troubling attempt to undermine our judicial system by exploiting national security concerns, the legislation cited providing material support a broad and loosely defined term as reasonable cause for Americans to lose U.S. citizenship. The 3 senators who cosponsored this bill received a (-). 13. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced S. 3113, the bipartisan Refugee Protection Act, to reaffirm the United States' commitment to protecting those fleeing persecution. The bill offered a set of practical solutions to improve the ability of the United States to provide protection to refugees and asylum seekers in a timely, effective and humane manner. The 5 senators who cosponsored the Refugee Protection Act received a (+). 14. Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) introduced S. Res. 341, a bipartisan bill supporting peace, security, and innocent civilians affected by conflict in Yemen. The legislation noted increasing security threats and challenges in Yemen, and urged President Barack Obama and the international community to promote economic and political reforms necessary to advance economic development and good governance in Yemen. The 4 senators who cosponsored this legislation receive a (+). 15. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Senator George Voinovich (R-OH) circulated a bipartisan letter supporting the Obama Administration s comprehensive review of U.S. policy on landmines and calling for the United States to join the International Mine Ban Treaty upon completion of the review. The senators stated that they were proud that the United States is the world s largest contributor to humanitarian demining and rehabilitation efforts for landmine survivors and noted the reduction of use, production, and exports of anti-personnel mines by the U.S. since The 68 senators who signed onto this letter received a (+). 16. Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Richard Lugar (R-IN), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a bipartisan letter to members of the Senate Budget Committee urging support for full funding of the International Affairs Budget. The letter noted that a robust International Affairs Budget is not only critical to our national security and reducing the heavy toll on men and women in uniform, but also instrumental in helping to improve lives through global health, democracy, agriculture, and education programs. The 31 senators who signed the letter receive a (+). House Palestine The 111th Congress opened at the height of hostilities in Gaza, while the beginning of a new American Administration presented opportunities to achieve a just, lasting, and comprehensive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that would result in two-states, Palestine and Israel, living side-byside in peace and security. AAI favored efforts that focused on a way forward for Gaza after the war and efforts to promote constructive American diplomacy towards peace. Divisive, imbalanced and provocative efforts received a negative score. 1. One of the first bills passed by the House in the 111th Congress was H. Res. 34, introduced by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), recognizing Israel s right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza and reaffirming the United States strong support for Israel. The bill included language supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, but failed to acknowledge the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and instead placed blame for hostilities and human suffering solely on the Palestinians. The 395 representatives who voted for or cosponsored the legislation received a (-). 2. Several representatives deserve special recognition for their leadership in calling for U.S. action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and work for sustainable Israeli-Palestinian peace. During the January 2009 conflict, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) introduced legislation in support of Palestinian civilians and Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA) called on President George W. Bush to help alleviate the human suffering in Gaza. In the aftermath of hostilities, Congressmen Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Brian Baird (D-WA) became the first members of Congress to visit Gaza since 2000 and continued to advocate for civilians in Gaza throughout the 111th Congress. Days after the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, Congressman John Olver (D-MA) sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calling for immediate U.S action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including a request for the State 4

7 Department to release emergency funds to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and call for the opening of border crossings for food and aid shipments. The 64 representatives who signed this letter received a (+) and deserve special thanks for their strong language during the Gaza war and ongoing support for Israeli-Palestinian peace. 3. Congressman William Delahunt (D-MA) introduced H. Res. 130, a bipartisan resolution expressing support for the appointment of former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell as Special Envoy for Middle East Peace. In addition to commending Senator Mitchell, the resolution affirmed that peace and stability in the Middle East are in our national interest and called for Congress to support the Administration s vigorous pursuit of a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, based on the establishment of two states, the State of Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. The bill also reiterated the statement made by President Barack Obama after the Gaza conflict that our hearts go out to Palestinian civilians who are in need of immediate food, clean water, and basic medical care, and who have faced suffocating poverty for far too long. Congressman Delahunt and the 105 Members of Congress who cosponsored the resolution received a (+). 4. Congressmen Charles Boustany (R-LA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), and Russ Carnahan (D-MO) sent a letter to President Barack Obama ahead of his address in Cairo, expressing support for strong American leadership to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and calling for the Arab Peace Initiative to be considered as a regional, comprehensive approach to resolving the broader Arab-Israeli conflict and ensuring normal relations between Israel and the Arab and Muslim world. The letter also noted the importance of American support for growth in Palestinian economic and security sectors, not as a pre-condition for a state, but as a necessary step for sustainable peace. The 87 representatives who signed the letter received a (+). 5. Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Howard Berman (D-CA), Dan Burton (R-IN) and Gary Ackerman (D-NY) introduced H. Res. 867, a resolution calling on President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton to oppose the endorsement or consideration of the Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict (The Goldstone Report) in multilateral fora. In addition to distorting the basis for the UN investigation and misrepresenting the findings of the Goldstone Report, the bill incorrectly defined the mandate under which the investigation into human rights violations was conducted, compromised the role of Congress on matters of accountability in international human rights law, and damaged efforts by the Obama Administration to regain trust and restore American credibility in the Middle East. The 344 representatives who voted for the bill received a (-). 6. On the one-year anniversary of the Gaza war, Congressmen Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Keith Ellison (D-MN) sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing great concern about the continued blockade of Gaza. The letter recognized that there has been no significant improvement in the quantity and scope of goods allowed into Gaza and that the current blockade has severely impeded the ability of aid agencies to do their work to relieve suffering. Despite the Administration s commitment of $300 million in 2009, the representatives noted that our aid remains little more than an unrealized pledge, and asked President Obama to press for immediate relief for the citizens of Gaza as an urgent component of broader Middle East peace efforts. The 54 representatives who signed onto this letter received a (+). 7. After the incident involving the Gaza humanitarian aid flotilla, Congressmen Ted Poe (R- TX) and Gary Peters (D-MI) sent a letter to President Barack Obama denouncing those on the Turkish aid ships as extremists and urging the U.S. to remain steadfast in the defense of Israel in the face of the international community s rush to unfairly judge and condemn Israel in international fora. The letter made no reference to the American citizen killed during the violence and failed to call for an impartial investigation into the incident. The 338 representatives who signed the letter received a (-). Lebanon The 111th Congress overlapped with a period of political transition in Lebanon, including parliamentary elections in June AAI favored efforts that reflected a commitment to the territorial integrity and political independence of Lebanon and support for Lebanon s state institutions and development projects. 8. Congressman Darrell Issa (D-CA) introduced H. Res. 706, a bipartisan bill congratulating the people of Lebanon on successfully conducting free, fair, and democratic parliamentary elections in June In addition to commending the Lebanese government for demonstrating a strong commitment to professionalism and the integrity of the electoral process, the bill expressed support for U.S assistance House 5

8 House to stimulate and promote additional efforts by the Government of Lebanon to increase security, reduce poverty and unemployment, and facilitate the fair distribution of government services and economic opportunity towards the goal of a peaceful, prosperous Lebanon. The 9 representatives who cosponsored this resolution received a (+). 9. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) introduced H.R. 981, a resolution calling for the United States to lead efforts to limit the use of cluster bombs and protect innocent civilians from the unexploded cluster munitions that accumulate in civilian areas of conflict zones. Over 4 million cluster bombs were dropped by Israel in the finals days of the 2006 war in Lebanon, resulting in over 40 casualties and hundreds wounded. The 33 representatives who cosponsored the bill received a (+). and the independent Human Rights Commission, and urged the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive strategy to ensure the protection of religious and ethnic minority communities. The 43 representatives who cosponsored the legislation receive a (+). 12. Three months after the elections in Iraq failed to produce a viable governing coalition, Congressman William Delahunt (D-MA) sent a letter to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-maliki encouraging Iraqi political leaders to work together to form a national unity government. The letter recognized that the international community, especially America, has a special responsibility towards the Iraqi people and stated that a national unity government would enable Iraq s diverse ethnic and religious groups to work together under one banner in a way that would allow all voices to be heard. The 35 representatives who signed the letter received a (+). C. Iraq During the initial implementation of the Status of Forces Agreement and the local and national elections in Iraq, many in the 111th Congress recognized that a responsible withdrawal of American forces in Iraq must include sustained diplomatic engagement to promote national reconciliation, prevent the spread of ethnic violence, and ensure the protection of Iraqi minority communities throughout the country. AAI supported efforts to promote the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq and to address the humanitarian crisis facing internally displaced persons and Iraqi refugees. 10. Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL) introduced H.R. 578, a resolution to address the impending humanitarian crisis and potential security breakdown as a result of the mass influx of Iraqi refugees into neighboring countries. The bill directed the State Department to provide Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, and the international NGOs operating within those countries, with specified humanitarian assistance. The bill also authorized appropriations for additional infrastructure and humanitarian aid for Iraqi refugees in Jordan, as well as increased support for the Jordanian people. The 32 representatives who cosponsored the resolution received a (+). 11. Congressman Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced H. Res. 944, a bill supporting the protection of vulnerable religious and ethnic minority communities in Iraq. The resolution called for the U.S. to continue funding for capacity-building programs for both the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights D. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Several provisions of the PATRIOT Act were due to sunset in December 2009, giving the 111th Congress an opportunity to review and reform controversial counterterrorism legislation and institutionalize regular and rigorous oversight of law enforcement agencies. AAI favored efforts to establish policies that make our country safe and while protecting the civil liberties enshrined in our Constitution. 13. Congressmen Rush Holt (D-NJ) and Michael Capuano (D-MA) deserve special recognition for introducing H.R. 4005, the House version of the Judicious Use of Surveillance Tools In Counterterrorism Efforts (JUSTICE) Act, Senator Russ Feingold s bill to reform the most controversial provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act. The compromise bill extending the PATRIOT Act provisions until December 2013 originated as H.R. 3845, the USA PATRIOT Amendments Act of 2009, introduced by Congressmen John Conyers (D-MI), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Bobby Scott (D-VA). The final version of this bill failed to include important judicial oversight and civil liberties protections and reauthorized policies that encourage profiling, increased domestic surveillance, and selective law enforcement. The 315 representatives who voted for the final version of H.R received a (-). 14. Congressmen Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and John Dingell (D-MI) sent a letter to President Barack Obama encouraging him to nominate individuals 6

9 to the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, a bipartisan agency recommended by the 9-11 Commission. The Board, established by Congress in 2004 to ensure that privacy and civil liberties concerns are appropriately considered when developing and implementing counterterrorism policies, has remained vacant since its creation. The 22 representatives who signed the letter received a (+). 15. Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) introduced H.R. 5748, the End Racial Profiling Act of 2010, which seeks to end racial profiling by law enforcement thorough increased training for Federal law enforcement officials, development of best practices in coordination with civil rights and community-based organizations, and expanded mechanisms to ensure effective courses of redress for individuals targeted for investigation based on race, ethnicity, national origin or religion. The 57 representatives who cosponsored the legislation received a (+). E. Immigration and to enhance privacy and civil liberties protections for the traveling public. The 19 representatives who cosponsored this resolution receive a (+). F. Special 18. A bill addressing anti-american incitement to violence in the Middle East, introduced by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Joseph Crowley (D-NY) and cosponsored by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), recommended that the U.S. evaluate levels of foreign assistance based on the affiliations of governments or individuals with satellite providers and proposed that those associated with satellite providers carrying certain channels should be categorized as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. While seemingly directed at a few controversial media outlets, the legislation actually targeted several regional allies, private corporations, and individual investors. The bill passed overwhelmingly in the House, but was not considered by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The 395 representatives who voted for the bill received a (-). House Reforming America s immigration system with bipartisan cooperation was a priority for the 111th Congress, but serious legislative efforts were delayed and the focus turned to increased border security and controversial measures by individual states. AAI supported efforts to address immigration reform comprehensively that included a path for undocumented immigrants to become U.S. citizens and sought to promote a humane culture of immigration enforcement based on rule of law. 16. Congressman Solomon Ortiz (D-TX) introduced H.R. 4321, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America s Security and Prosperity (CIR ASAP) Act, a bill offering a path to legalization for undocumented immigrants, expanded immigration opportunities for highly-skilled workers, a commitment to clear the family immigration backlog, and DREAM Act provisions for children of undocumented immigrants to obtain legal status through education and service opportunities. The legislation also proposed important measures for enhanced border security and additional resources for federal enforcement agencies and outlined mechanisms to guarantee due process, rigorous oversight, and other needed reforms to the existing immigration system. The 103 representatives who cosponsored the legislation received a (+). 17. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) introduced H. Res. 1726, a bill to address concerns about border security searches of electronic devices 19. Congressmen Darrell Issa (R-CA) and James McGovern (D-MA) circulated a bipartisan letter supporting the Obama Administration s comprehensive review of U.S. policy on landmines and calling for the United States to join the International Mine Ban Treaty upon completion of the review. The representatives stated that they were proud that the United States is the world s largest contributor to humanitarian demining and rehabilitation efforts for landmine survivors and noted the reduction of use, production, and exports of anti-personnel mines by the U.S. since The 57 representatives who signed onto this letter received a (+). 20. After the historic election of four women to the parliament of Kuwait in May 2009, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) introduced H. Res. 480, a bill recognizing that the results signify support of women s role in government and politics and a move towards equal rights for women, adding a new precedent to Kuwait s democratic traditions. and commemorating the achievement as a historic event for the country, the region, and women s rights. The 19 representatives who cosponsored the resolution received a (+). 7

10 Senate ALABAMA Jeff Sessions (R) Richard C. Shelby (R) ALASKA Mark Begich (D) Lisa Murkowski (R) ARIZONA Jon Kyl (R) John McCain (R) ARKANSAS Blanche L. Lincoln (D) Mark Pryor (D) CALIFORNIA Barbara Boxer (D) Dianne Feinstein (D) COLORADO Michael F. Bennet (D) Mark Udall (D) CONNECTICUT Christopher J. Dodd (D) Joseph I. Lieberman (I) DELAWARE Thomas R. Carper (D) Edward E. Kaufman (D) FLORIDA Mel Martinez (R) George Lemieux (R) (09/09) - + Bill Nelson (D) GEORGIA Saxby Chambliss (R) Johnny Isakson (R) HAWAII Daniel K. Akaka (D) Daniel K. Inouye (D) IDAHO Michael D. Crapo (R) James E. Risch (R) ILLINOIS Roland W. Burris (D) Richard J. Durbin (D) INDIANA Evan Bayh (D) Richard G. Lugar (R) IOWA Charles E. Grassley (R) Tom Harkin (D) KANSAS Sam Brownback (R) Pat Roberts (R) KENTUCKY Jim Bunning (R) - - Mitch McConnell (R) LOUISIANA Mary L. Landrieu (D) David Vitter (R) MAINE Susan M. Collins (R) Olympia J. Snowe (R) MARYLAND Benjamin L. Cardin (D) Barbara A. Mikulski (D) MASSACHUSETTS Edward M. Kennedy (D) + + Scott Brown (R) (01/10) - - John F. Kerry (D) MICHIGAN Carl Levin (D) Debbie Stabenow (D) MINNESOTA Al Franken (D) Amy Klobuchar (D) MISSISSIPPI Thad Cochran (R) + - Roger Wicker (R) MISSOURI Christopher S. Bond (R) Claire C. McCaskill (D) - + MONTANA Max Baucus (D) Jon Tester (D) NEBRASKA Michael Johanns (R) Benjamin E. Nelson (D) NEVADA John Ensign (R) Harry Reid (D) NEW HAMPSHIRE Judd Gregg (R) + Jeanne Shaheen (R) NEW JERSEY Frank R. Lautenberg (D) Robert Menendez (D) NEW MEXICO Jeff Bingaman (D) Tom Udall (D) NEW YORK Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D) Charles E. Schumer (D)

11 Senate NORTH CAROLINA Richard Burr (R) Kay R. Hagan (D) NORTH DAKOTA Kent Conrad (D) Byron L. Dorgan (D) OHIO Sherrod Brown (D) George V. Voinovich (R) OKLAHOMA Tom Coburn (R) James M. Inhofe (R) OREGON Jeff Merkley (D) Ron Wyden (D) PENNSYLVANIA Robert P. Casey Jr. (D) Arlen Specter (R) RHODE ISLAND Jack Reed (D) Sheldon Whitehouse (D) SOUTH CAROLINA Jim DeMint (R) Lindsey Graham (R) SOUTH DAKOTA Tim Johnson (D) John Thune (R) TENNESSEE Lamar Alexander (R) Bob Corker (R) - - TEXAS John Cornyn (R) Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) - - UTAH Robert F. Bennet (R) Orrin G. Hatch (R) VERMONT Patrick J. Leahy (D) Bernard Sanders (I) VIRGINIA Mark R. Warner (D) James Webb (D) WASHINGTON Maria Cantwell (D) Patty Murray (D) WEST VIRGINIA Robert C. Byrd (D) (07/10) + + John D. Rockefeller IV (D) WISCONSIN Russell D. Feingold (D) Herb Kohl (D) WYOMING John Barrasso (R) Michael B. Enzi (R) House ALABAMA 1 Jo Bonner (R) Bobby Bright (D) Mike Rogers (R) Robert B. Aderholt (R) Parker Griffith (D) Spencer Bachus (R) Artur Davis (D) ALASKA AL Don Young (R) ARIZONA 1 Ann Kirkpatrick (D) Trent Franks (R) John B. Shadegg (R) Edward R. Pastor (D) Harry E. Mitchell (D) Jeff Flake (R) Raul M. Grijalva (D) Gabrielle Giffords (D) ARKANSAS 1 Marion Berry (D) Vic Snyder (D) John Boozman (R) Michael Ross (D)

12 House CALIFORNIA 1 Mike Thompson (D) Wally Herger (R) Daniel E. Lungren (R) Tom McClintock (R) Doris O. Matsui (D) Lynn C. Woolsey (D) George Miller (D) Nancy Pelosi (D) Barbara Lee (D) Ellen O. Tauscher (D) - 10 John Garamendi (D) (11/09) Gerald McNerney (D) Jackie Speier (D) Fortney Pete Stark (D) Anna G. Eshoo (D) Michael M. Honda (D) Zoe Lofgren (D) Sam Farr (D) Dennis A. Cardoza (D) George Radanovich (R) Jim Costa (D) Devin Nunes (R) Kevin McCarthy (R) Lois Capps (D) Elton Gallegly (R) Howard P. McKeon (R) David Dreier (R) Brad Sherman (D) Howard L. Berman (D) Adam B. Schiff (D) Henry A. Waxman (D) Xavier Becerra (D) Hilda L. Solis (D) 32 Judy Chu (07/09) Diane E. Watson (D) Lucille Roybal-Allard (D) Maxine Waters (D) Jane F. Harman (D) Laura Richardson (D) Grace F. Napolitano (D) Linda T. Sanchez (D) Edward R. Royce (R) Jerry Lewis (R) Gary G. Miller (R) Joe Baca (D) Ken Calvert (R) Mary Bono Mack (R) Dana Rohrabacher (R) Loretta Sanchez (D) John Campbell (R) Darrell E. Issa (R) Brian P. Bilbray (R) Bob Filner (D) Duncan Hunter (R) Susan A. Davis (D) COLORADO 1 Diana DeGette (D) Jared Polis (D) John T. Salazar (D) Betsy Markey (D) Doug Lamborn (R) Mike Coffman (R) Ed Perlmutter (D) CONNECTICUT 1 John B. Larson (D) Joseph Courtney (D) Rosa L. DeLauro (D) James A. Himes (D) Christopher Murphy (D) DELAWARE AL Michael N. Castle (R) FLORIDA - 1 Jeff Miller (R) Allen Boyd (D) Corrine Brown (D) Ander Crenshaw (R) Ginny Brown-Waite (R) Cliff Stearns (R) John L. Mica (R) Alan Grayson (D) Michael Bilirakis (R) C.W. Bill Young (R) Kathy Castor (D) Adam H. Putnam (R) Vern Buchanan (R) Connie Mack (R) Bill Posey (R) Thomas J. Rooney (D) Kendrik B. Meek (D) Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R) Robert Wexler (D) Ted Deutch (D) (04/10) Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R) Ron Klein (D) Alcee L. Hastings (D) Suzanne M. Kosmas

13 House Mario Diaz-Balart (R) GEORGIA 1 Jack Kingston (R) Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (D) Lynn Westmoreland (R) Hank Johnson Jr. (D) John Lewis (D) Tom Price (R) John Linder (R) Jim Marshall (D) Nathan Deal (R) Tom Graves (R) (06/10) - 10 Paul C. Broun (R) Phil Gingrey (R) John Barrow (D) David Scott (D) HAWAII 1 Neil Abercrombie (D) Charles Djou (R) (05/10) - 2 Mazie K. Hirono (D) IDAHO 1 Walt Minnick (D) Michael K. Simpson (R) ILLINOIS 1 Bobby L. Rush (D) Jesse L. Jackson Jr. (D) Daniel Lipinski (D) Luis V. Gutierrez (D) Rahm Emanuel (D) 5 Mike Quigley (04/09) (D) Peter J. Roskam (R) Danny K. Davis (D) Melissa L. Bean (D) Janice D. Schakowsky (D) Mark Steven Kirk (R) Deborah L. Halvorson (D) Jerry F. Costello (D) Judy Biggert (R) Bill Foster (D) Timothy V. Johnson (R) Donald A. Manzullo (R) Phil Hare (D) Aaron Schock (R) John Shimkus (R) INDIANA 1 Peter J. Visclosky (D) Joe Donnelly (D) Mark E. Souder (R) Stephen E. Buyer (R) Dan Burton (R) Mike Pence (R) André Carson (D) Brad Ellsworth (D) Baron P. Hill (D) IOWA 1 Bruce Braley (D) Dave Loebsack (D) Leonard L. Boswell (D) Tom Latham (R) Steve King (R) KANSAS 1 Jerry Moran (R) Lynn Jenkins (R) Dennis Moore (D) Todd Tiahrt (R) KENTUCKY 1 Ed Whitfield (R) Brett Guthrie (R) John Yarmuth (D) Geoff Davis (R) Harold Rogers (R) Ben Chandler (D) LOUISIANA 1 Steve Scalise (R) Ahn Cao (R) Charlie Melancon (D) John Fleming (R) Rodney P. Alexander (R) Bill Cassidy (R) Charles W. Boustany (R) MAINE 1 Chellie Pingree (D) Michael H. Michaud (D) MARYLAND 1 Frank Kratovil Jr. (D) C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D) John P. Sarbanes (D) Donna Edwards (D) Steny H. Hoyer (D) Roscoe G. Bartlett (R) Elijah E. Cummings (D) Chris Van Hollen (D) MASSACHUSETTS 1 John W. Olver (D) Richard E. Neal (D) James P. McGovern (D) Barney Frank (D) Niki Tsongas (D)

14 House John F. Tierney (D) Edward J. Markey (D) Michael E. Capuano (D) Stephen F. Lynch (D) William D. Delahunt (D) MICHIGAN 1 Bart Stupak (D) Peter Hoekstra (R) Vernon J. Ehlers (R) Dave Camp (R) Dale E. Kildee (D) Fred Upton (R) Mark H. Schauer Michael J. Rogers (R) Gary C. Peters (D) Candice S. Miller (R) Thaddeus G. McCotter (R) Sander M. Levin (D) Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (D) John Conyers Jr. (D) John D. Dingell (D) MINNESOTA 1 Tim J. Walz (D) John Kline (R) Erik Paulsen (R) Betty McCollum (D) Keith M. Ellison (D) Michele Bachmann (R) Collin C. Peterson (D) James L. Oberstar (D) MISSISSIPPI 1 Travis Childers (D) Bennie G. Thompson (D) Gregg Harper (R) Gene Taylor (D) MISSOURI 1 William Lacy Clay (D) Todd Akin (R) Russ Carnahan (D) Ike Skelton (D) Emanuel Cleaver (D) Samuel B. Graves (R) Roy Blunt (R) Jo Ann Emerson (R) Blaine Luetkemeyer (R) MONTANA AL Dennis R. Rehberg (R) NEBRASKA 1 Jeff Fortenberry (R) Lee Terry (R) Adrian Smith (R) NEVADA 1 Shelley Berkley (D) Dean Heller (R) Dina Titus (D) NEW HAMPSHIRE 1 Carol Shea-Porter (D) Paul W. Hodes (D) NEW JERSEY 1 Robert E. Andrews (D) Frank A. LoBiondo (R) John H. Adler (D) Christopher H. Smith (R) Scott Garrett (R) Frank Pallone Jr. (D) Leonard Lance (R) Bill Pascrell Jr. (D) Steven R. Rothman (D) Donald M. Payne (D) Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (R) Rush D. Holt (D) Albio Sires (D) NEW MEXICO 1 Martin Heinrich (D) Harry Teague (D) Ben Ray Lujan (D) NEW YORK 1 Timothy H. Bishop (D) Steve J. Israel (D) Peter T. King (R) Carolyn McCarthy (D) Gary L. Ackerman (D) Gregory W. Meeks (D) Joseph Crowley (D) Jerrold Nadler (D) Anthony David Weiner (D) Edolphus Towns (D) Yvette D. Clarke (D) Nydia M. Velazquez (D) Michael E. McMahon (D) Carolyn B. Maloney (D) Charles B. Rangel (D) Jose E. Serrano (D) Eliot L. Engel (D) Nita M. Lowey (D) John J. Hall (D) Kirsten Gillibrand (D) Scott Murphy (03/09) (D)

15 House Paul Tonko (D) Maurice D. Hinchey (D) John M. McHugh (R) - 23 Bill Owens (D) (11/09) Michael A. Arcuri (D) Daniel B. Maffei (D) Christopher John Lee (R) Brian M. Higgins (D) Louise McIntosh Slaughter (D) Eric Massa (D) NORTH CAROLINA 1 G.K. Butterfield (D) Bob Etheridge (D) Walter B. Jones Jr. (R) David E. Price (D) Virginia Foxx (R) Howard Coble (R) Mike McIntyre (D) Larry Kissell (D) Sue Wilkins Myrick (R) Patrick T. McHenry (R) Heath Shuler (D) Melvin L. Watt (D) Brad Miller (D) NORTH DAKOTA AL Earl Pomeroy (D) OHIO 1 Steve Driehaus (D) Jean Schmidt (R) Michael R. Turner (R) Jim Jordan (R) Robert E. Latta (R) Charles A. Wilson (D) Steve Austria (R) John A. Boehner (R) Marcy Kaptur (D) Dennis J. Kucinich (D) Marcia L. Fudge (D) Patrick J. Tiberi (R) Betty S. Sutton (D) Steven C. LaTourette (R) Mary Jo Kilroy (D) John A. Boccieri (D) Timothy J. Ryan (D) Zackary T. Space (D) OKLAHOMA 1 John Sullivan (R) Dan Boren (D) Frank D. Lucas (R) Tom Cole (R) Mary Fallin (R) OREGON 1 David Wu (D) Greg Walden (R) Earl Blumenauer (D) Peter A. DeFazio (D) Kurt Schrader (D) PENNSYLVANIA 1 Robert A. Brady (D) Chaka Fattah (D) Kathleen A. Dahlenkemper (D) Jason Altmire (D) Glenn Thompson (R) Jim Gerlach (D) Joe Sestak (D) Patrick J. Murphy (D) Bill Shuster (R) Christopher P. Carney (D) Paul E. Kanjorski (D) John P. Murtha (D) Mark Critz (D) (05/10) - 13 Allyson Y. Schwartz (D) Michael F. Doyle (D) Charles W. Dent (R) Joseph R. Pitts (R) Tim Holden (D) Tim Murphy (R) Todd Russell Platts (R) RHODE ISLAND 1 Patrick J. Kennedy (D) James R. Langevin (D) SOUTH CAROLINA 1 Henry E. Brown Jr. (R) Joe Wilson (R) J. Gresham Barrett (R) Bob Inglis (R) John M. Spratt Jr. (D) James E. Clyburn (D) SOUTH DAKOTA AL Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D) TENNESSEE 1 David P. Roe (R) John J. Duncan Jr. (R) Zach Wamp (R) Lincoln Davis (D) Jim Cooper (D) Bart Gordon (D) Marsha Blackburn (R)

16 House John S. Tanner (D) Stephen I. Cohen (D) TEXAS 1 Louie Gohmert (R) Ted Poe (R) Sam Johnson (R) Ralph M. Hall (R) Jeb Hensarling (R) Joe Barton (R) John A. Culberson (R) Kevin Brady (R) Al Green (D) Michael T. McCaul (R) Michael K. Conaway (R) Kay Granger (R) William Thornberry (R) Ron Paul (R) Ruben Hinojosa (D) Silvestre Reyes (D) Chet Edwards (D) Sheila Jackson Lee (D) Randy Neugebauer (R) Charles A. Gonzalez (D) Lamar S. Smith (R) Pete Olson (R) Ciro D. Rodriguez (D) Kenny Marchant (R) Lloyd Doggett (D) Michael C. Burgess (R) Solomon P. Ortiz (D) Henry Cuellar (D) Gene Green (D) Eddie Bernice Johnson (D) John R. Carter (R) Pete Sessions (R) James P. Moran (D) Rick Boucher (D) 10 Frank R. Wolf (R) Gerald E. Connolly (D) WASHINGTON 1 Jay Inslee (D) Richard R. Larsen (D) Brian Baird (D) Doc Hastings (R) Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) Norman D. Dicks (D) Jim McDermott (D) David G. Reichert (R) Adam Smith (D) WEST VIRGINIA 1 Alan B. Mollohan (D) Shelley Moore Capito (R) Nick J. Rahall II (D) WISCONSIN 1 Paul D. Ryan (R) Tammy Baldwin (D) Ron Kind (D) Gwen S. Moore (D) F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R) Thomas E. Petri (R) David R. Obey (D) Steve Kagen (D) WYOMING AL Cynthia M. Lummis (R) UTAH 1 Rob Bishop (R) James D. Matheson (D) Jason Chaffetz (R) VERMONT AL Peter Welch (D) VIRGINIA 1 Robert J. Wittman (R) Glenn C. Nye (D) Robert C. Scott (D) J. Randy Forbes (R) Thomas S. P. Perriello (D) Bob Goodlatte (R) Eric I. Cantor (R)