With Congress back in session this week, several notable votes were cast by Idaho Congressman Bill Sali. He voted with just 47 others against a bill meant to protect users from spyware. Predictably, he also voted against a bill providing for stem cell research. Finally, he voted against a bill giving federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe.
HR 964 Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act or Spy Act — To protect users of the Internet from unknowing transmission of their personally identifiable information through spyware programs, and for other purposes.
Votes Database
Congressman Sali — No
Congressman Simpson — Yes
Republican Position — Yes
Democratic Position — Yes
Result — Passed 368-48
Among other things, this bill makes it unlawful for any person who is not the owner or authorized user of a protected computer (a computer exclusively for the use of a financial institution or the U.S. Government, or a computer used in interstate or foreign commerce or communication) to engage in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in connection with specified conduct, including:
- taking unsolicited control of the computer
- modifying computer settings
- collecting personally identifiable information
- inducing the owner or authorized user to disclose personally identifiable information
- inducing the unsolicited installation of computer software
- removing or disabling a security, anti-spyware, or anti-virus technology.
Some criticisms of the bill include that it doesn't do enough to protect consumers, that it preempts states' authority whose laws may be more strict and it eliminates the ability of private individuals to bring suit against a company.
S 5 Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research.
Votes Database
Congressman Sali — No
Congressman Simpson — No
Republican Position — No
Democratic Position — Yes
Result — Passed 247-176
In part, this bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells, regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from a human embryo. Limits such research to stem cells that meet the following ethical requirements:
- the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics for the purpose of fertility treatment and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment
- the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded
- such individuals donate the embryos with written informed consent and receive no financial or other inducements.
HR 65 Lumbee Recognition Act — To provide for the recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, and for other purposes.
Votes Database
Congressman Sali — No
Congressman Simpson — Yes
Republican Position — No
Democratic Position — Yes
Result — Passed 256-128
According to the Congressional Budget Office,
H.R. 65 would provide federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Such recognition would allow the Lumbee to receive funding from various programs administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS). Based on the average expenditures of other Indian tribes, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 65 would cost about $480 million over the 2008-2012 period. Such costs would be subject to appropriation of the necessary funds.

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