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Issues & Legislation
Bill Number | Sponsorship | Bill Description |
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My "Video Votes" give an overview of how I voted on some of the high-profile pieces of legislation before Congress and what those votes mean for New Mexico.
Tom's Video Vote on VAWA
Video requires Flash PlayerTom gives an overview of his vote for the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act in this "Video Vote."
Tom details his vote to extend the payroll tax cut through the end of 2012.
Watch the VideoTom votes to protect New Mexico from repercussions of debt default, but doesn't like it.
Watch the VideoTom explains his vote against a measure to prevent the lowering of debit card fees that retailers pay to big banks. New Mexico small business owners explain what Tom's vote means for New Mexico small businesses.
Watch the VideoTom outlines his vote against the House-passed 2012 budget, proposed by Congressman Paul Ryan.
Watch the VideoAn overview of the votes made in the final days of the 111th Congress.
Watch the VideoThe Senate's financial reform bill holds Wall Street accountable and protects consumers.
Watch the VideoTom discusses his vote for health reform and the immediate impact it will have on New Mexico.
Watch the Video
Our Congress brings people together from across our nation -- each representing different values, interests and ideas. The result is a lot of legislation that we must discuss, debate and consider. You've probably seen Schoolhouse Rock's 1975 classic video, "I'm Just a Bill" which was an introduction to the legislative process for many. You can watch that above.
While Schoolhouse Rock gives a good overview of the lawmaking process, the truth is it's quite complex. Otto von Bismarck famously said, "If you like laws and sausages, you should never watch either one being made." This gives sausage makers far too little credit.
While there might be a lot that goes into making a law, a public understanding of that process is crucial to our democracy. The legislative process should be transparent so lawmakers can be held accountable.
Here are a few resources that give a great overview of how Congress works:
1. How Our Laws Are Made
Click the image below to see a great infographic of the process a bill goes through to become a law and the many hurdles along the way:
2. The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress provides information about the legislative process and the status of current bills:
3. The Center on Congress
The Center on Congress is a non-partisan program at Indiana University providing helpful information including videos and summaries:
4. The United States Senate
The website for the U.S. Senate includes information about the history of "the world's greatest deliberative body:"