Didn’t we just get back from vacation? Ah well, our lawmakers are taking some time off again. They return from campaigning on November 9.

Legend Trip, The movie download

House Republicans succeeded in pushing through H.R. 6166: Military Commissions Act of 2006 253 to 168 [vote details] yesterday and an act to require photo ID to vote, H.R. 4844: Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 last week, 228 to 196 [vote details].

By linking a minimum wage increase with a tax cut for the wealthy in H.R. 5970: Estate Tax and Extension of Tax Relief Act of 2006, the Republicans had their cake and ate it too (over minimum wage) by knowing the Democrats would never let the bill come to a vote. Dems put the bill on hold 56 to 42 (3/5 needed) [vote details].

On Tuesday the Senate passed S. 403: Child Custody Protection Act 65 to 34 [vote details] to prohibit taking minors across state lines to circumvent parental notification laws for abortion. The Senate is now caught up with the House, which passed H.R. 748: Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act in April 2005. Once they resolve their differences, some version of these bills is likely to become law.

House Republicans failed in their push for “Marriage Protection”, 236 to 187 (2/3 needed) [vote details] missing a two-thirds majority for passage of their proposed constitutional amendment. The Senate passed H.R. 810: Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, allowing more use of stem cells 63 to 37 [vote details].

The House extends the Voting Rights Act.

The Senate took a stand today on S.J.Res. 1, the Marriage Protection Amendment, by voting to end consideration of the measure. House Republicans may still push their version.

The Senate confirmed General Michael Hayden to be Director of the CIA and Brett Kavanaugh to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the D.C. Circuit.

The Senate has finally passed its immigration reform bill, S. 2611, at a $45 per capita cost. Senate and House members now begin a conference to work out differences with the House bill, H.R. 4437, passed back in December, which entailed a $7 per capita cost.

The 109th Congress began on Tuesday and GovTrack is ready for the next two years of serving information for you.