ProgressivePunch : H.R. 1588. Fiscal 2004 Defense Authorization/Vote to Recommit to Committee a Bill to Provide Funding for the Research and Development of "Low-Yield" Nuclear Weapons and Exempt the Defense Department from the Endangered Species Act. : All Members

: : :

To find out how your Members of Congress voted on this bill, use the form on the right.

H.R. 1588. Fiscal 2004 Defense Authorization/Vote to Recommit to Committee a Bill to Provide Funding for the Research and Development of "Low-Yield" Nuclear Weapons and Exempt the Defense Department from the Endangered Species Act.

house Roll Call 220 May 22, 2003

Progressive Position:	Yea
Progressive Result:	Loss
Qualifies as polarizing?	Yes
Is this vote crucial?	No

In the House, one of the few procedural prerogatives afforded to opponents of legislation is the motion to recommit. If successful, the motion recommits a measure to the committee with jurisdiction on the issue and is usually accompanied with specific instructions to change the legislation. During debate on the 2004 defense authorization bill, Congressman Cooper (D-TN) made a motion to recommit the bill with instructions that would have established additional protections for civilian employees in the Defense Department. The Cooper instructions were inspired by language contained in the bill that would provide the Defense Secretary with greater control over civilian defense employees. Progressives supported the Cooper motion as a way to protect the rights of civil servants against possible abuses by the Secretary of Defense regarding hiring, placement, and pay raises. The motion to recommit was defeated by a 204-224 margin.

Issue Areas:

LABOR RIGHTS — Rights of Individuals in the Workplace

LABOR RIGHTS — Rights of Public Employees

MAKING GOVERNMENT WORK FOR EVERYONE, NOT JUST THE RICH OR POWERFUL — Curbing Presidential Power

Find your Member of
Congress' votes

Select by Name