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Committees:
House Committee on Judiciary
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Biography:
Born May 24, 1949, Memphis, TN; BA, Vanderbilt University, 1971; JD, University of Memphis School Of Law, 1973; Attorney; Legal Advisor, Memphis Police Department; Vice President/Delegate, Tennessee Constitutional Convention, 1977; Shelby County Commissioner, 1978-1980; Interim Judge, Shelby County General Sessions Court, 1980; Delegate, Democratic National Convention, 1980, 1992, 2004; Senator, Tennessee State Senate, 1982-2006; Platform Committee, Democratic National Convention, 2000; Representative, United States House of Representatives, 2007-present.
| 113th Congress House Potential Key Manufacturing Votes |
| Description |
Preferred Position |
This official's vote compared with the preferred position |
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Vote on H.R. 624, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA). Approved 288-127 on April 18, 2013 (Roll No. 117). The NAM supported the bill, which would allow the government to share timely information related to cyber attacks to the business community and create new liability protections so that companies can share cybersecurity information with the government or their peers. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Y |
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| This official's percentage on this voting record: |
0%
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| Official NAM 112th Congress House Voting Record |
| Description |
Preferred Position |
This official's vote compared with the preferred position |
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Vote on H.R. 2, the Repealing
the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act. Approved 245-189 on Jan. 19, 2011 (Roll No. 14). The NAM supported the legislation, reiterating that the 2010 health care law will drive up manufacturers’ health care costs. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on
H.R. 4, the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act. Approved 314-112 on March 3, 2011 (Roll No. 162). Signed into law (P.L. 112-9) on April 14, 2011. The NAM supported the legislation, which would repeal language in the 2010 health care law requiring businesses to file an IRS 1099 form for every purchase in excess of $600. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on a LaTourette (R-OH) amendment to leave in place ill-advised 2010 National Mediation Board regulations that made major changes to union election procedures under the Railway Labor Act. Rejected 206-220 on April 1, 2011 (Roll No. 217). The NAM opposed the amendment and the 2010 rules, which would reverse decades of labor law precedent without guidance from Congress. NAM POSITION: No.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 910, a bill to prevent the EPA from regulating GHG emissions without the input of Congress. Approved 255-172 on April 7, 2011 (Roll No. 249). The NAM supported the bill, which sought to ensure a healthy and productive debate in Congress before EPA regulates carbon dioxide emissions from stationary sources, including manufacturing facilities. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 1229, legislation that requires the federal government to review and respond to offshore energy permit applications within 30 days of receiving such applications, places reasonable limits on the use of courts to block permits and forces the Interior Department to conduct several delayed or canceled offshore lease sales. Approved 263-163 on May 11, 2011
(Roll No. 309). The NAM supported the bill, which aims to prevent unnecessary bureaucratic delays and increase access to domestic energy sources. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 1231, legislation requiring the Interior Department to make 50 percent of available unleased acreage on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) available for lease and requiring future U.S. offshore leasing plans to include: 1) lease sales in areas containing the greatest known oil/gas reserves; 2) energy production goals; and 3) when requested by a governor, a lease sale that includes that state’s offshore area. Approved 243-179 on May 12, 2011 (Roll No. 320). The NAM supported the legislation, as access to competitively priced energy helps U.S. companies compete in the global economy. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on
H.R. 2021, legislation that would eliminate delays and unnecessary litigation related to attaining Clean Air Act (CAA) permits for companies seeking to develop domestic energy off the coast of Alaska. Approved 253-166 (Roll No. 478) on June 22, 2011. The NAM supported the bill, which would set a clear timetable for EPA permit reviews and resolved other issues related to CAA permits. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 1249, the Leahy-Smith
America Invents Act. Approved 304-117 on June 23, 2011
(Roll No. 491). Signed into law (P.L. 112-29) on Sept. 16, 2011. The NAM supported the bill, which will improve the patent application and approval process and provide more patent protection and certainty for U.S. manufacturers and inventors. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 2018, a bill to prevent the EPA from overriding or delaying states’ permitting and water quality decisions. Approved 239-184 on July 13, 2011 (Roll No. 573). The NAM supported the bill, which would give companies the assurance they need to move forward with key infrastructure projects and create thousands of jobs that support them. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 1938, a bill requiring the Administration to render a decision by Nov. 1, 2011 on a permit for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Approved
279-147 on July 26, 2011 (Roll No. 650). The NAM supported the bill and the pipeline project, which is expected to generate
$20 billion in investment and at least 120,000 American jobs. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on S. 365, the Budget Control Act. Approved 269-161 on Aug. 1, 2011 (Roll No. 690). Signed into law (P.L. 112-25) on Aug. 2, 2011. The NAM supported the bill, which raised the debt limit and avoided a government default on its financial obligations. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 2587, the Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act. Approved 238-186 on Sept. 15, 2011
(Roll No. 711). The NAM supported the bill, which would prohibit the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) from ordering employers to close, relocate or transfer employment under any circumstance. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 2401, the Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation (TRAIN) Act. Approved 249-169 on Sept. 23, 2011 (Roll No. 741). The NAM supported the bill, which calls for a cumulative analysis of numerous EPA regulations -- Utility MACT, Boiler MACT, coal ash, greenhouse gases, Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), etc. It would also impose a stay on the Utility MACT and CSAPR -- two rules that would have a significant adverse effect on electricity prices for manufacturers and consumers -- until six months after the study has been completed. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 2681, which would delay implementation of the Cement MACT
rule for two years. Approved 262-161 on Oct. 6, 2011
(Roll No. 764). The NAM supported the bill, which would give the EPA more time and better guidelines for developing achievable rules without devastating an industry so critical to manufacturing. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 3078, the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act. Approved 262-167 on Oct. 12, 2011 (Roll No. 781). Signed into law (P.L. 112-42) on Oct. 21, 2011. The NAM supported the bill and the agreement, which is expected to increase U.S. GDP by nearly $2.5 billion and U.S. merchandise exports by $1.1 billion. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 3079, the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act. Approved
300-129 on Oct. 12, 2011 (Roll No. 782). Signed into law
(P.L. 112-43) on Oct. 21, 2011. The NAM supported the bill and the agreement, which will lower Panama’s 8 percent average tariff on U.S. goods to zero and immediately benefit the more than 7,000 U.S. small and medium-sized companies that export to Panama. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 3080, the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. Approved 278-151 on Oct. 12, 2011 (Roll No. 783). Signed into law (P.L. 112-41) on Oct. 21, 2011. The NAM supported the bill and the agreement, which is expected to trigger an $8 billion increase in exports of U.S.-manufactured goods and add $10 billion–$12 billion to U.S. GDP. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 2832, legislation extending the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) programs. Approved 307-122 on Oct. 12, 2011 (Roll No. 784). Signed into law (P.L. 112-40) on Oct. 21, 2011. The NAM supported the bill, noting that nearly three-quarters of all GSP-eligible imports are used to manufacture goods in the United States, while TAA programs provide key retraining and assistance to trade-impacted workers. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 2250, the EPA Regulatory Relief Act, which would delay the Boiler MACT regulation for two years and give the EPA more time
to re-propose more workable rules. Approved 275-142 on
Oct. 13, 2011 (Roll No. 791). The NAM supported the amendment, which would give companies the certainty they need to plan, invest and comply with the rule’s capital-intensive requirements. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 2273, the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act. Approved 267-144 on Oct. 14, 2011 (Roll No. 800). The NAM supported the legislation, which would ensure the safe regulation of coal ash in a cost-effective manner, while preserving the thousands of high-paying jobs associated with the coal ash industry. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 674, legislation that would repeal the 3 percent withholding tax on most government contractors. Approved 422-0 on Nov. 16, 2011 (Roll No. 853). Signed into law
(P.L. 112-56) on Nov. 21, 2011. The NAM supported the bill, noting that the withholding requirement would impose additional costs and administrative burdens on manufacturers that do business with the government. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 3094, the Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act. Approved 235-188 on Nov. 30, 2011
(Roll No. 869). The NAM supported the bill, which would:
1) revise the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) “ambush election” rule so that employers and employees have adequate time to prepare for union elections; and 2) reinstate the standard by which employees vote in union elections, preventing the possibility of several micro-unions at one facility. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 527, the Regulatory Flexibility Improvement Act. Approved 263-159 on Dec. 1, 2011 (Roll No. 880). The NAM supported the bill, which would put in place new standards that improve the regulatory process and reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 3010, the Regulatory Accountability Act. Approved 253-167 on Dec. 2, 2011 (Roll No. 888). The NAM supported the bill, which would enhance the regulatory process by: increasing public participation in shaping rules before they are proposed; preventing agency abuses of interim final rules; requiring agencies to use the least costly regulatory option in most circumstances; and providing for appropriate judicial review of agency decisions. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on a Polis (D-CO) amendment to strike bill language aimed at increasing the number of oil shale leases in areas where the largest and highest quality deposits of oil shale exist. Rejected 160-205 on Feb. 15, 2012 (Roll No. 59). The NAM opposed the amendment, noting that development of oil shale would provide a safe, domestic source of energy and likely result in the creation of new, high-paying manufacturing jobs. NAM POSITION: No.
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Vote on a Hastings (R-WA) amendment to streamline the permitting process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Approved 250-171 on Feb. 16, 2012 (Roll No. 66). The NAM supported the amendment, which would allow for the expedited development of renewable energy projects and streamline a process typically characterized by delays and cost overruns. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on a Markey (D-MA) amendment that would have severely distorted energy markets by banning the export of any natural gas produced pursuant to new leases issued off the coast of Alaska. Amendment failed 168-254 on Feb. 16, 2012 (Roll No. 67). The NAM opposed the amendment, noting that manufacturers strongly oppose needless government interference in their business operations. NAM POSITION: No.
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Vote on H.R. 4105, legislation that would reverse a 2011 appeals court ruling and allow the Commerce Department to continue levying countervailing duties against non-market economies, chiefly China. Approved 370-39 on March 6, 2012 (Roll No. 96). The NAM supported the legislation, noting that without it, manufacturers would have no means of defending themselves against subsidized exports from non-market economies in the future. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Vote on H.R. 5, the PATH Act. Approved 223-181 on March 22, 2012 (Roll No. 126). The NAM supported the bill, which would: place reasonable limits on punitive damage awards; allow limits on excessive contingency fees; proportion liability fairly; set a uniform statute of limitations; and repeal the IPAB, whose actions would almost certainly result in higher private-sector health care costs. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Vote on H.R. 2072, legislation authorizing the Bank for three years. Approved 330-93 on May 9, 2012 (Roll No. 224). Signed into law (P.L. 112-122) on May 30, 2012. The NAM supported the bill, noting that the Bank helps level the playing field for U.S. exporters by matching credit support other nations provide, ensuring that U.S. manufacturers can compete based on the price and performance features of their products. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on a Green (D-TX-29) amendment to strike bill language requiring the EPA to consider economic feasibility and costs when revising National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone. Rejected 174-244 on June 21, 2012 (Roll No. 395). The NAM opposed the amendment, noting that future changes to ozone rules should include consideration of the potential public health, economic and energy impacts. NAM POSITION: No.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 4480, the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act. Approved 248-163 on June 21, 2012 (Roll No. 410). The NAM supported the bill, which would: analyze EPA rules affecting the price of gasoline and diesel fuel; pause potentially harmful EPA fuel, refinery and ozone standards until a cumulative impact analysis can be completed; streamline federal permitting rules; and establish an “all-of-the-above” energy program that sets goals for energy production from all sources. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 4402, the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act. Approved 256-160 on July 12, 2012 (Roll No. 468). The NAM supported the bill and its efforts to encourage the efficient development of critical minerals, including rare earth elements. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 6082, legislation amending the Administration’s five-year offshore leasing plans and significantly expanding areas in the Outer Continental Shelf available for oil/gas development. Approved 253-170 on July 25, 2012 (Roll No. 511). The NAM supported the bill, noting that its passage could substantially lower manufacturers’ energy costs and grow jobs. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 8, legislation that would: extend for one year the 2001/03 tax cuts for all individuals; maintain current estate tax rates/exemptions; and retain current tax rates on investments. Approved 256-171 on Aug. 1, 2012 (Roll No. 545). The NAM supported the bill, noting that extending the tax relief for one year would provide time for Congress to address comprehensive tax reform and, in the meantime, give manufacturers confidence to make investments necessary to create and sustain jobs. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act. Considered under procedural rules requiring a two-thirds majority, the bill failed to advance on a vote of 257-158 on Sept. 20, 2012 (Roll No. 590). The NAM supported the bill, which would provide manufacturers increased access to well-educated foreign-born talent in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) when U.S. workers are not available. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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Vote on H.R. 3409, the Stop the War on Coal Act. Approved 233-175 on Sept. 21, 2012 (Roll No. 603). The NAM supported the bill, which seeks to limit excessive regulations from the Department of the Interior and the EPA that could decimate the U.S. coal industry, trigger thousands of job losses and diminish a reliable, available and affordable source of domestic energy. NAM POSITION: Yes.
Click Here for Key Vote Letter
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| This official's percentage on this voting record: |
22%
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| Official NAM 111th Congress House Voting Record |
| Description |
Preferred Position |
This official's vote compared with the preferred position |
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Vote on H.R. 12, the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would expose employers to unlimited damage awards and encourage more class action litigation against employers. Approved 256-163 on Jan. 9, 2009 (Roll No. 8). The NAM opposed the bill, noting that factors such as work experience and job location play a key role in compensation and that its passage would likely prompt employers to purchase additional legal liability insurance, thus increasing their costs and decreasing their ability to raise wages, increase benefits or hire new workers. NAM POSITION: No.
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Vote on Senate-passed S. 181, the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Approved 250-177 on Jan. 27, 2009 (Roll No. 37) and signed into law (P.L. 111-2) on Jan. 29, 2009. The NAM opposed the bill, which significantly expands employers' exposure to pay discrimination claims under civil rights laws. NAM POSITION: No.
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Vote on the Conference Report to H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Approved 246-183 on Feb. 13, 2009 (Roll No. 70) and signed into law (P.L. 111-5) on Feb. 17, 2010. The NAM supported the legislation, believing that the overall plan, while not perfect, balances tax cuts and investment and is designed to help working Americans and those who provide their jobs. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Vote on H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Approved 219-212 on June 26, 2009 (Roll No. 477). The NAM opposed the bill, which would regulate and add costs to all manufacturers and permit Congress to pick winners and losers through the distribution of allocations to industries. NAM POSITION: No.
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Vote on H.R. 3269, the Corporate and Financial Institution Compensation Fairness Act. Approved 237-185 on July 31, 2009 (Roll No. 686). The NAM opposed provisions in the bill that would: 1) require an annual, non-binding shareholder vote on executive compensation; and 2) grant the government authority over employee compensation for certain companies. NAM POSITION: No.
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Vote on H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Approved 220-215 on Nov. 7, 2009 (Roll No. 887) but never considered by the Senate. The NAM opposed the bill, which would drive up manufacturers' health care costs. NAM POSITION: No.
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Vote on H.R. 4154, the Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act. Approved 225-200 on Dec. 3, 2009 (Roll No. 929). The NAM supports efforts to repeal or significantly reform the death tax. The NAM opposed H.R. 4154, which would make permanent the high 2009 estate tax rate of 45 percent and the $3.5 million exemption. NAM POSITION: No.
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Vote on the Murphy/McMahon (D-NY)/Kratovil amendment to
H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Approved 304-124 on Dec. 10, 2009 (Roll No. 956).
The NAM supported the amendment, which would provide an exemption from costly new regulations for companies
that use over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives to manage risk, e.g., end-users. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Vote on H.R. 3590, the Senate-passed health care bill that was eventually signed into law (P.L. 111-148). Approved 219-212 on March 21, 2010 (Roll No. 165). The NAM opposed provisions in the bill that will drive up manufacturers' health care costs (excise taxes on health plans, Flexible Spending Account limits, repeal of the income exclusion for prescription drug subsidies, new industry-specific fees to pay for health care, etc.). NAM POSITION: No.
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Vote on H.R. 4872, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act. Approved 220-211 on March 21, 2010 (Roll No. 167) and signed into law (P.L. 111-152) on March 30, 2010. The NAM opposed the bill, which will raise costs and ultimately destroy jobs via increased taxes and mandates on manufacturers. NAM POSITION: No.
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Vote on H.R. 5019, the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act. Approved 246-161 on May 6, 2010 (Roll No. 255). The NAM supported the bill, which would spur consumer demand for energy-efficient products and building materials and result in the creation of more good-paying jobs in the manufacturing sector. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Vote on H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act. Approved
262-150 on May 28, 2010 (Roll No. 332). The NAM supported the bill, which would authorize critical funding for key
manufacturing priorities, including: basic research and development; the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program; the Advanced Research Projects Administration for Energy (ARPA-E); and key science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) education programs. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Vote on H.R. 5175, the Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act. Approved 219-206 on June 25, 2010 (Roll No. 391). The NAM opposed the bill, which would curb the First Amendment rights of many corporations to express their views about key public policies that impact economic growth and job creation. NAM POSITION: No.
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Vote on H.R. 4380, the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act. Approved 378-43 on July 21, 2010 (Roll No. 456) and signed into law (P.L. 111-227) on August 11, 2010. The NAM supported the bill, which suspends U.S. tariffs on foreign inputs not produced in the United States. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Vote on H.R. 3534, the Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources Act. Approved 209-193 on July 30, 2010 (Roll No. 513). The NAM opposed the bill, which would remove the current law’s liability cap, forcing the vast majority of American companies out of U.S. waters and, by default, retaining the moratorium on offshore drilling. NAM POSITION: No.
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Vote on the Senate-passed version of H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act. Approved 247-161 on Aug. 10, 2010 (Roll No. 518) and signed into law (P.L. 111-226) on Aug. 10, 2010. While the NAM took no position on the bill's spending provisions, manufacturers opposed nearly $10 billion in proposed tax increases on U.S. companies with operations overseas, noting that more than half of all U.S. manufacturing employees work for these companies. NAM POSITION: No.
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Vote on H.R. 6160, the Rare Earths and Critical Materials Revitalization Act. Approved 325-98 on Sept. 29, 2010 (Roll No. 555). The NAM supported the bill, which provides loan guarantees to companies wishing to enter rare earth mineral markets and seeks to enhance competition in these markets, keeping the costs of valuable manufacturing inputs relatively stable. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Vote on H.R. 4072, the AMERICA Works Act. Approved 412-10 on Sept. 29, 2010 (Roll No. 556). The NAM supported the legislation, which would direct targeted federal workforce training dollars toward a registry of industry-recognized, nationally-portable credentials, such as the NAM-Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System developed by The Manufacturing Institute. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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| Official NAM 110th Congress House Voting Record |
| Description |
Preferred Position |
This official's vote compared with the preferred position |
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Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiations. Vote on H.R. 4, legislation that would require the government to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries. Approved 255-170 on Jan. 12, 2007 (Roll No. 23). The NAM opposed the bill's one-size-fits-all solution, which could result in higher prices, fewer available drugs for retirees and less funding for R&D of new, life-saving drugs. NAM POSITION: No.
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Eliminating Secret Ballot Elections in the Workplace. Vote on H.R. 800, the so-called "Employee Free Choice Act." Approved 241-185 on March 1, 2007 (Roll No. 118). The NAM opposed the bill, which would strip away the right of American workers to vote via federally supervised, secret ballot elections when deciding to unionize. NAM POSITION: No.
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Expanding U.S. Energy Supplies. Vote on a Peterson (R-PA) amendment to the FY08 Interior spending bill that would have lifted the federal moratoria on natural gas preleasing, leasing and related activities beyond 25 miles from U.S. coastlines. Rejected 233-196 on June 26, 2007 (Roll No. 552). The NAM supported the amendment, noting that
many of our nation's energy supply needs could be addressed with environmentally safe exploration of the Outer Continental Shelf. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Increasing Discrimination Claims Against Employers. Vote on H.R. 2831, the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which seeks to reverse the Supreme Court's 2007 Ledbetter decision and to overhaul major civil rights laws by effectively
eliminating the time limits for filing discrimination claims against employers. Approved 225-199 on July 31, 2007 (Roll No. 768). The NAM opposed the bill, which would significantly broaden employers' exposure to pay discrimination claims under civil rights laws. NAM POSITION: No.
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Addressing the Skills Gap. Vote on the Conference Report to H.R. 2272, the America COMPETES Act, which would authorize increased funding for education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Approved 367-57 on August 2, 2007 (Roll No. 802). Signed into law (P.L. 110-69) on Aug. 9, 2007. The NAM supported the bill, which has the potential to significantly increase the availability of highly skilled employees. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Opposing Unsafe Drug Importation. Vote on a Kingston (R-GA) amendment to the FY08 Agriculture spending bill that would have removed objectionable language allowing for drug importation. Amendment rejected 283-146 on August 2, 2007 (Roll No. 806). The NAM supported the amendment and opposes the importation of potentially unsafe
prescription drugs. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Rolling Back Energy Improvements, Breaching Energy Contracts and Imposing Federal Electricity Mandates. Vote on H.R. 3221, legislation that would have: reversed key improvements in domestic energy development contained in the Energy Policy Act of 2005; breached legitimate energy contracts between companies and the U.S. government;
doubled the time it takes to get approval for offshore energy projects; and imposed a federal renewable electricity mandate. Approved 241-172 on August 4, 2007 (Roll No. 832). The NAM opposed the bill, which would have led to higher energy costs and fewer energy supplies. NAM POSITION: No.
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Increasing the Cost of Raw Materials. Vote on hardrock mining bill H.R. 2262, legislation that would impose new taxes on the mining industry, including an 8 percent royalty on new mining and a retroactive 4 percent royalty on existing mining operations. Approved 244-166 on Nov. 1, 2007 (Roll No. 1033). The NAM opposed the bill, which would increase the cost of raw materials for U.S. manufacturers, make U.S. products less competitive in global
markets and adversely affect thousands of high-paying manufacturing jobs. NAM POSITION: No.
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U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. Vote on legislation implementing the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. Approved 285-132 on Nov. 8, 2007 (Roll No. 1060). Signed into law (P.L. 110-138) on Dec. 14, 2007. The NAM supported the Agreement, which would eliminate nearly all of Peru's tariffs on U.S. goods, increase protection
of American investments, strengthen U.S. intellectual property rights and reduce non-tariff and regulatory barriers in Peru. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Energy Taxes, Renewable Tax Credits and Electricity Mandates. Vote on H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act. The legislation included renewal of NAM-supported energy efficiency and renewable energy tax credits but also would have imposed an unworkable federal renewable electricity mandate and levied billions of dollars of taxes
on the domestic oil and gas industry. Approved 235-181 on Dec. 6, 2007 (Roll No. 1140). The NAM opposed the bill,
which would have resulted in higher energy costs for most manufacturers. NAM POSITION: No.
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Energy Taxes and Renewable Tax Credits. Vote on final passage of H.R. 5351, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008. The bill included renewal of NAM-supported energy efficiency and renewable energy
tax credits slated to expire at the end of 2008 but also included language that would have imposed billions of dollars of taxes on the domestic oil and gas industry. Approved 236-182 on Feb. 27, 2008 (Roll No. 84). The NAM opposed the bill, which would discourage new oil and gas investments in the United States and likely result in higher energy costs for U.S. manufacturers.
NAM POSITION: No.
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N |
|
|
Mental Health Parity Mandates. Vote on H.R. 1424, legislation that would, among other things, mandate that
all employer health plans cover all mental illnesses and many other conditions. Approved 268-148 on March 5, 2007 (Roll No. 101). The NAM supports efforts to provide expanded mental health coverage to employees but opposed H.R. 1424, which would have significantly increased health coverage costs and restricted companies' ability to select benefits that match their workforce needs. NAM POSITION: No.
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N |
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Delaying Vote on U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement. Vote on H.Res. 1102, a resolution removing the U.S.-
Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement from expedited "fast track" floor consideration as required under U.S. trade law. Approved 224-195 on April 10, 2008 (Roll No. 181). The NAM opposed the resolution, arguing that removing the 90-day timetable for action would prevent timely and fair consideration of the Agreement and could undermine the ability of the
United States to enter or complete future trade agreements. NAM POSITION: No.
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N |
|
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Taxing Small Businesses, S-Corps and Individuals. Vote on an amendment to the supplemental spending bill, H.R. 2642, which would have paid for expanded veterans' education benefits by levying additional taxes on individuals with incomes over $500,000 - including many S-Corporations. Approved 256-166 on May 15, 2008 (Roll No. 330). The NAM opposed the amendment, noting that expanded veterans' benefits should not be paid for by the small businesses most
responsible for creating jobs and growing the economy. NAM POSITION: No.
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N |
|
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Discriminating Against Foreign-Owned Companies. Vote on H.R. 6275, legislation that would force foreign-owned companies and oil/gas producers to pay for Alternative Minimum Tax relief for individuals. Approved 233-189 on June 25, 2008 (Roll No. 455). The NAM opposed revenue raisers in the bill that would levy discriminatory taxes on foreign-owned companies in the U.S. and on major oil and gas companies. NAM POSITION: No.
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N |
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Funding for Highway Infrastructure Projects. Vote on H.R. 6532, legislation that would shift $8 billion from the General Treasury to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF). Approved 387-37 on July 23, 2008 (Roll No. 518). The NAM supported the bill, noting that unless the HTF is adequately funded, critical infrastructure upgrades will be delayed and manufacturers will be adversely affected in terms of shipping delays, costs and competitiveness. NAM POSITION: Yes.
|
Y |
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Eliminating Caps on Punitive Damages/Paycheck Fairness. Vote on H.R. 1338, the so-called "Paycheck Fairness Act," which would: expose employers to unlimited damage awards and encourage more class action litigation against employers. Approved 247-178 on July 31, 2008 (Roll No. 556). The NAM opposed the bill, noting that factors such as work location and experience play a key role in compensation, and the government's intervention would result in a confused set of constantly changing standards and prolonged litigation over employer compensation practices. NAM POSITION: No.
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N |
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Energy Taxes, Electricity Mandates and Inadequate Energy Development. Vote on H.R. 6899, the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act. Approved 236-189 on Sept. 16, 2008 (Roll No. 599). The NAM opposed the bill, which included billions of dollars in higher taxes on energy companies, a mandatory renewable
portfolio standard and energy development language that contained insufficient incentives for coastal states to sanction drilling off their shores. NAM POSITION: No.
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N |
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Combating Counterfeiting. Vote on S. 3325, the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property
(PRO-IP) Act. The bill would improve the coordination of federal government resources aimed at combating domestic
and international counterfeiting. Approved 381-41 on Sept. 28, 2008 (Roll No. 664). Signed into law (P.L. 110-403) on Oct. 13, 2008. The NAM supported the bill, noting that intellectual property (IP) theft is responsible for more than $250 billion a year in lost sales and the loss of a significant number of high-paying manufacturing jobs. NAM POSITION: Yes.
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Y |
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Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA). Vote on the Senate-passed version of the EESA. Approved 263-171
on Oct. 3, 2008 (Roll No. 681). Signed into law (P.L. 110-343) on Oct. 3, 2008. The NAM supported the Legislation, which included reforms and financial assistance aimed at bringing stability to and restored confidence in the U.S. financial system. It also contained key NAM-supported tax provisions, including a two-year seemless extension of the R&D credit; an extension of deferral of U.S. tax on active business global financing income; an extension of look-through rules; and extensions of incentives
promoting energy efficiency and the development of renewable and alternative energy sources. NAM POSITION: Yes.
|
Y |
|
| This official's percentage on this voting record: |
20%
|
| Symbol Key: |
|
Voted with the preferred
position |
|
Voted against the preferred
position |
| Y |
Voted YES |
N |
Voted NO |
| - |
Did Not Vote |
A |
Absent |
| T |
Paired Vote |
Z |
Presiding |
| P |
Voted PRESENT |
|
|
Other Ratings:
(show more ratings)
What do these ratings mean?
 |
| AFL-CIO, 2011: |
 (100%) |
| American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, 2010: |
| (100%) |
| League of Conservation Voters, 2011: |
| (91%) |
| Service Employees International Union, 2011: |
| (100%) |
| United Auto Workers, 2010: |
| (100%) |
| Associated General Contractors, 2011: |
| (37%) |
| BIPAC, 2011: |
| (5%) |
| National Association of Manufacturers, 2011: |
| (20%) |
| National Federation of Independent Business, 2010: |
| (29%) |
| National Retail Federation, 2011: |
| (14%) |
| National Small Business Association, 2011: |
| (74%) |
| U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2010: |
| (14%) |
 |
 Tennessee Congressional District 9&s=TN &l=english)
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