THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 14, 1995 TAG: 9508140148
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
Abortion: The Senate voted 50 to 44 to ban abortion coverage in federal workers' health insurance policies, except in cases of rape or incest or when the mother's life is at stake. The ban was added to a fiscal 1996 appropriations bill (HR 2020) that was sent to conference with a House bill containing equally strict anti-abortion language.
An estimated 1.2 million women in the civil service and their dependents are covered by private policies obtained through the federal health insurance program with premiums heavily subsidized by taxpayers.
Supporter Dan Coats, R-Ind., said the issue was ``whether or not we will force taxpayers to send their money to the government to provide a medical procedure'' that may violate one's religious and moral beliefs.
Opponent Patty Murray, D-Wash., said the measure ``discriminates against women in government by severely limiting their access to abortion services through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.''
A yes vote was to limit federal employees' abortion coverage.
Helms Yes Faircloth Yes
Robb No Warner Yes
Mining law: The Senate refused, 51 to 46, to continue banning the sale of hardrock mineral resources in Western states to private companies at $2.50 to $5 per acre. The vote would allow mining firms to resume purchasing certain patents under terms of The 1872 Mining Law, which was enacted to spur development of the West.
The vote lifts a moratorium that blocks certain transactions between the Bureau of Land Management and mining companies.
A yes vote opposed the sale of public mining rights under terms of The 1872 Mining Law.
Helms did not vote Faircloth No.
Robb Yes Warner No
African-American museum: Voting 50 to 47, the Senate tabled (killed) an amendment authorizing the Smithsonian Institution to establish a National African-American Museum. While the measure did not specify costs, it enabled the Smithsonian to launch the project by collecting private contributions to it. The amendment was offered to a fiscal 1996 appropriations bill (HR 1977) for the Interior Department and other agencies that was sent to conference with the House.
Helms Yes Faircloth Yes
Robb No Warner No
Indian education: The Senate affirmed, 68 to 30, a $26.6 million cut in funding for an Indian education program in fiscal 1996. The vote tabled (killed) a move to maintain the current spending level of $81 million for grants to tribal organizations that work with public schools and communities. The vote came during debate on HR 1977 (above).
A yes vote supported a 30 percent cut in funding for an Indian competitive-grant education program.
Helms Yes Faircloth Yes
Robb No Warner Yes
Defense: By a vote of 56 to 42, the Senate kept spending in the fiscal 1996 defense appropriations bill (S 1087) at the committee-approved level of $242.7 billion.
This killed a bid for unspecified cuts of $3.2 billion in the Pentagon budget for the year beginning Oct. 1. The bill was later sent to conference, where it will be meshed with a comparable House measure.
A yes vote opposed a $3.2 billion cut in 1996 defense spending.
Helms Yes Faircloth Yes
Robb Yes Warner Yes
``Star Wars'': The Senate voted 57 to 41 to preserve full funding in the 1996 defense budget (S 1087, above) for continued development of space-based lasers that would defend against incoming enemy missiles. This killed a bid to cut $70 million from the bill's $670 million for advancing space-based anti-missile systems including the ``Star Wars'' plans of the 1980s.
A yes vote opposed cutting funds for space-based anti-missile programs.
Helms Yes Faircloth Yes
Robb No Warner Yes ILLUSTRATION: ROLL CALL: How area members of Congress voted for the week
ending Aug. 11.
[Photos, telephone numbers and addresses of senators and
representatives from Virginia and North Carolina.]
To reach any representative or senator on any issues that concern
you, call (202) 224-3121.
by CNB