The House

Congress’ Budget

By a vote of 291 to 123, the House approved a fiscal 1990 budget of $1.6 billion for itself and congressional support agencies. That is an increase of 14% over the comparable fiscal 1989 bill. After the Senate adds its budget of more than $400 million, the cost of operating the legislative branch in 1990 will top $2 billion. Members’ salaries of nearly $50 million are funded separately.

Among items in the House-passed bill are $188 million for the salaries of House members’ personal staffs (up 5% from comparable 1989 figure), $118 million for committee operations including staff salaries (up 7%) and $123 million for House members’ and senators’ free-mail privileges.

Members voting yes supported the bill.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Beilenson (D) x Rep. Berman (D) x Rep. Dixon (D) x Rep. Levine (D) x Rep. Waxman (D) x

Debt Limit

The House voted 231 to 185 to raise the national debt ceiling by $70 billion to about $2.87 trillion. The new limit, which was sent to the Senate, will enable the government to pay its bills while awaiting congressional approval of a separate measure putting the federal borrowing limit at $3.123 trillion.

Members voting yes supported the higher debt ceiling.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Beilenson (D) x Rep. Berman (D) x Rep. Dixon (D) x Rep. Levine (D) x Rep. Waxman (D) x

Abortion

By a vote of 206 to 219, the House refused to further restrict abortion in the District of Columbia. The defeated amendment sought to renew a ban on the district using its own revenue as well as its federal payment to provide abortions for the poor. It also sought to toughen the ban so that the district’s own money could no longer be spent on abortions deemed necessary because the mother’s life is at stake.

Members voting yes wanted to further restrict public funding of abortions in D.C.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Beilenson (D) x Rep. Berman (D) x Rep. Dixon (D) x Rep. Levine (D) x Rep. Waxman (D) x