Recent LoBiondo Votes

Iraq Benchmark: LoBiondo voted against a Democratic call for Bush to set public benchmarks for measuring US progress in Iraq. HR 2601 was defeated 203-227. Iraq Commitment: By 291-137, the House adopted a Republican amendment to the HR 2601 above, stating that US withdrawal should occur only when the US goals for establishing a "free and stable Iraq have been or are about to be achieved." Of course, LoBiondo voted yes. Weapons in Space: Members defeated, 124-302, a bid to require the United States to begin negotiations on an international treaty to ban weapons in space. The Pentagon is studying a possible US launch of space weapons and a yes vote backed treaty negotiations. Guess which way LoBiondo voted? Correct, no. (HR 2601) Fistula, Birth Control: LoBiondo voted with his breathern, 223-205, to remove birth control from US-funded services for coping with "obstetrical fistula" in poor countries. Young girls in labor are most susceptible to the injury, which leads to incontinence and social isolation. (HR 2601) Permanent Patriot Act: The House voted 257-171 to renew the USA Patriot Act and make permanent most of its key sections. LoBondio's yes vote was to renew the law, which expands police power to watch, probe and detain those suspected of terrorism and related acts. (HR 3199) Temporary Act: The House majority rejected, 209-218, a Democratic bid to extend the Patriot Act by four years. A yes vote backed a temporary law, which recognized that government power over civil liberties must be limited. LoBiondo voted no. (HR 3199) Library Searches: Members voted overwhelmingly 402-26, however, to require the FBI Director to personally appove library and bookstore searches under the Patriot Act. The law still permits such searches based on secret warrants. LoBiondo voted yes. (HR 3199) Security Letters: LoBiondo voted with the majority, 394-32, to give recipients of a "national security letter" access to counsel and standing to challenge the letter in court. These letters are subpoenas the FBI can issue without prior court review. This, finally, is a good vote. (HR 3199)