Federal Legislative Updae--March 23. 2012

RECENT SENATE VOTES


Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act - Vote Agreed to (60-36, 4 Not Voting)--The Senate gave final approval to the agreement to extend the Social Security payroll tax rate cut, which was reduced from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent last year, through the end of 2012. The bill also extends certain unemployment benefits and Medicare physician payment rates through the end of the year. The president is expected to sign the bill into law. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO and Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES.

RECENT HOUSE VOTES
Protecting Investment in Oil Shale the Next Generation of Environmental, Energy, and Resource Security Act - Vote Passed (237-187, 10 Not Voting). The House passed the first part of the surface transportation authorization bill, which has been divided into three parts. This part deals with energy and would use oil and gas revenue to fund transportation projects.  Rep. Walter Jones voted YES.

Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act - Vote Passed (293-132, 8 Not Voting). The House passed this agreement to extend the Social Security payroll tax rate cut, which was reduced from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent last year, through the end of 2012. The bill also extends certain unemployment benefits and Medicare physician payment rates through the end of the year. The Senate passed the bill a short time later, clearing it for the president's signature. Rep. Walter Jones voted YES.