Congressional Voting Record

Click Here to download the 2011 Voting Record
2011 saw a new Congress come to Washington. Almost immediately, many went to work on attacking our core retiree programs, Social Security and Medicare. In addition to congressional actions, these programs came under scrutiny early in the year by the national Fiscal Commission. Although it was unable to reach final recommendations, a majority of the commission supported a plan that would cut the Social Security COLA, raise the retirement age, and make seniors pay more for Medicare benefits. A congressional Super Committee later in the year also was unable to make any final recommendations, but it, too, considered some of these misguided proposals.

Explanation of 2011 House Votes

Explanation of 2011 Senate Votes

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Voting Record 2010.pdf
In 2010, the nation continued to see unprecedented economic and fiscal challenges the likes of which had not been seen in decades. Retirees faced these hardships as well. While the economy began a slow recovery, unemployment remained high. We also celebrated the 75th anniversary of Social Security and 45th anniversary of Medicare, vivid reminders that even during times of economic hardship these two vital programs have remained strong, delivering the guaranteed benefits for which retirees worked hard.

Voting Record 2009.pdf 2009 saw unprecedented economic and fiscal challenges the likes of which had not been seen in decades. The economy slowed dramatically and shed jobs at alarming rates. Many retirees saw their retirement security put in serious jeopardy. Millions saw their home values, personal savings and retirement accounts plummet. A new administration came to Washington in the midst of this turmoil.

Voting_Record_2008.pdf  2008 saw dramatic change come to Washington.  Key retiree issues included whether to privatize Social Security, continue the wasteful subsidies under Medicare Advantage, and allow the continuance of the confusing Medicare Part D prescription drug program without the ability to negotiate for lower drug prices.  Voters responded and the result was increased majorities in Congress and a major change in the White House.

Voting_Record_2007.pdf  In 2007, retirees saw a new Congress come to Washington. The great wave of voter discontent in 2006 led by retirees, who vote in the greatest numbers, elected new majorities to both houses of Congress. For retirees and older Americans, the threats of Social Security privatization, the fallout from the confusing Medicare Part D prescription program, and a tax system skewed toward the wealthiest Americans all contributed to the change in Congress.

Voting_Record_2006.pdf  In 2006, Congress enacted legislation that again contributed to record level spending deficits and deepened the nation's budget and fiscal crisis. By November, retirees made their feelings known at the polls.

Voting Record_2005.pdf  In 2005, we saw Congress once again enact legislation that worsened the nation’s budget and fiscal crisis at the expense of retirees and older Americans. In the face of the largest deficits in the nation’s history, Congress deepened the crisis and favored only the wealthiest Americans with tax cuts. In addition, even before the Medicare Part D prescription drug program went into effect, its many flaws quickly became evident. Yet Congress did nothing.

Voting Record 2004.pdf  The year 2004 saw national political focus on congressional activity take a back seat to the presidential election. As busy as Congress was in 2003 on retiree issues with the Medicare prescription drug legislation, 2004 did not have as high a level of activity. Nonetheless, Congress did address key issues such as government spending, pension protections, and veterans’ health care.

Voting Record 2003.pdf  In 2003, Congress directly assaulted the quality of life for retirees. Congress passed, and President Bush signed, legislation that creates a privatized Medicare drug program that benefits insurance and pharmaceutical compa- nies, not older Americans. The Medicare Part B program, which covers physician services, is now subject to means-test- ing based on income, undercutting the core of social insurance principles. A third consecutive year of tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans threatens the financial stability of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds. Just as the baby boomer generation is ready to retire, budget deficits are now at an all-time high.

Voting Record 2002.pdf  In 2002, retirees and older Americans had the opportunity to make their voices heard loud and strong at the polling booth. America’s seniors traditionally vote in disproportionately higher numbers than the rest of the voting population, especially in mid-term congressional election years like 2002. So it comes as no surprise that this past year has seen much activity in Congress directed at older Americans. Unfortunately, there have been few positive results. Issues such as the creation of a comprehensive Medicare prescription drug benefit plan, pension protection reforms, a patients’ bill of rights, and the longterm stability of Social Security still remain unresolved. Yet elected officials will try to convince older Americans that they are on their side.

Voting Record 2001.pdf  2001, even before the September 11 attacks, was unfriendly to retirees. Promises of a Medicare prescription drug benefit went unfulfilled. Irresponsible budget and taxation policies threatened the Social Security and Medicare surpluses. Unjustifiable efforts to privatize the Social Security system continued throughout the year. Even a consensus railroad retirement bill took the entire year to pass.