Last week Idaho Congressman Bill Sali cast two interesting votes, one of which was against the widely reported veto override of the Children's Health Insurance Program. The other was a vote against a railroad safety bill. He did, however, vote yes on Supporting the Goals of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week.
HR 2095 Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act — To amend title 49, United States Code, to prevent railroad fatalities, injuries, and hazardous materials releases, to authorize the Federal Railroad Safety Administration, and for other purposes.
Votes Database
Congressman Sali — No
Congressman Simpson — Yes
Republican Position — Yes
Democratic Position — Yes
Result — Passed 377-38
Among other things this bill:
- Establishes the Federal Railroad Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation (effectively replacing the Federal Railroad Administration).
- Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop a long-term strategy for improving railroad safety.
- Sets forth additional whistleblower protections for those who provide notification of a work-related injury or illness, who cooperate with a safety investigation, who furnish rail accident information, who accurately report hours of duty, or who refuse to authorize the use of safety equipment, track, or structures that are in a hazardous condition. Entitles a prevailing employee who alleges discrimination to damages. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of such requirements.
- Sets forth rail safety requirements concerning: (1) positive train control systems; (2) warnings in nonsignaled areas; (3) track management; (4) conductor certification; (5) employee training; (6) treatment of employee injuries; (7) emergency breathing apparatus; and (8) the locomotive cab environment.
HR 976 Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act — An act to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes.
Votes Database
Congressman Sali — No
Congressman Simpson — Yes
Republican Position — No
Democratic Position — Yes
Result — Failed 273-156
I can't help but wonder if Sali has any position on some of things he votes no to without hesitation, or if he just wants to be the no-vote.
Posted by: Tara A. Rowe | October 23, 2007 at 11:22 AM
Ms. Rowe, if I remember correctly you were once a "no-vote." Maybe that isn't Sali's problem. Maybe he just has a few screws loose...
Posted by: Kent Cooper | October 24, 2007 at 07:06 PM
Kent, I was in fact the no-vote on the ASISU Senate. That wasn't a goal I set out for, it was merely the logical answer to a group of student leaders who did more harm than good. Sali, on the otherhand, has plenty of reason to vote with his fellow-delegate Simpson (who has made very wise votes of late), he just chooses not to. Why? That is something only Sali knows, I suppose.
Posted by: Tara Rowe | October 24, 2007 at 07:43 PM