U.S. House of Representatives Legislation
110th Congress
denotes a correct vote
2007 Roll Call Votes
RC20 - 1/11/07
H.R. 3 Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. This bill sought to expand embryonic stem cell research by increasing the number of stem cell lines eligible to be used in federally-funded research. The stem cells in question are generated from embryos that would otherwise be discarded by fertility clinic. See our issue paper on stem cell research.
- 253 - Yeas
- 174 - Nays
- 8 - not voting
RC284 - 5/2/07
A Motion to Recommit on the Reauthorization of Head Start (H.R. 1429). This motion was designed to insert language into the Head Start Reauthorization to allow religious discriminaton in the hiring of Head Start teachers by religious service providers. This motion failed.
- 195 - Yeas
- 222 - Nays
- 16 - not voting
RC533 - 6/21/07
Lowey Amendment (H.Amdt. 367). An amendment to reverse current U.S. Foreign aid policy by providing contraceptive grants to family planning organizations. This motion passed.
- 223 - Yeas
- 201 - Nays
- 14 - not voting
RC443 - 6/7/07
Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (S 5) allows federal funding of stem cell studies using conventional embryos slated for destruction at fertility clinics. The bill passed, but was vetoed by President Bush on June 20, 2007.
- 247 - Yeas
- 176 - Nays
- 10 - not voting
Sponsoring and Co-sponsoring Legislation
H.R. 725 Veterans' Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals, and Other Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2007
This bill seeks to prevent successful litigants from collecting legal fees and expenses in Establishment Clause cases. Sponsored by Dan Burton (R-IN) and 65 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America OPPOSES this legislation.
H.R. 2104 Public Prayer Protection Act of 2007
This is a court stripping bill to take away jurisdiction from the federal courts of Establishment Clause challenges of official prayers by elected or appointed officials. Sponsored by Gresham Barrett (R-SC) and 50 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America OPPOSES this legislation.
H.Res. 888 "American Religious History Week"
A resolution which promotes a false and distorted Christian-nation reinterpretation of our history. Sponsored by Randy Forbes (R-VA) and 84 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America OPPOSES this legislation.
H.R. 819 Prevention First Act of 2007
This legislation supports responsible sex education in schools as opposed to abstinence-only-until-marriage programs. This bill requires science-based, medically accurate, and age appropriate public health information about both abstinence and contraception. Sponsored by Louise McIntosh Slaughter (D-NY) and 161 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). Also see H.R. 1653 The Responsible Education About Life Act sponsored by Barbara Lee (D-CA). The Secular Coalition for America SUPPORTS this legislation.
H.R. 1713 Protection Against Transmission of HIV for Women and Youth Act of 2007
This legislation seeks to revoke the abstinence-only earmark on global AIDS spending. Sponsored by Barbara Lee (D-CA) and 99 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America SUPPORTS this legislation.
H.R. 2596 Access to Birth Control Act.
This bill makes pharmacies accountable to ensure that the filling of perscriptions for legal contraception, including emergency contraceptives, are not impeded by employees personal beliefs. There have been reports in over 18 states where pharmacists have refused to fill prescriptions for contraceptives. These refusals are usually based on the pharmacists' religious beliefs. Sponsored by Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) with 56 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America SUPPORTS this legislation.
Other Legislation of Interest
H.Con.Res. 12 Requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in the United States Capitol
This bill requires the display of an unspecified version of the decalogue in the United States Capitol. Sponsored by Cliff Stearns (R-FL) and co-sponsored by Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America OPPOSES this legislation.
H.J.Res. 11 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to voluntary school prayer.
This legislation is designed to promote individual, as well as, group prayer in public schools. Sponsored by Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) and co-sponsored by David Davis (R-TN) (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America OPPOSES this legislation.
H.J.Res. 13 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to school prayer.
This legislation is nearly identical to H.J.Res. 11 (see above). Sponsored by John Murtha (D-PA) with no co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America OPPOSES this legislation.
H.J.Res. 41 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to clarify that the Constitution neither prohibits voluntary prayer nor requires prayer in schools.
Sponsored by Nick Rahall II (D-WV) with no co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America OPPOSES this legislation.
H.Res. 598 Promoting "the Ten Commandments as the cornerstone of Western law." See our letter to committee members.
Sponsored by Todd Akin (R-MO) with 27 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America OPPOSES this legislation.
H.R. 107 To define marriage for all legal purposes in the District of Columbia to consist of the union of one man and one woman.
The title says it all. Sponsored by Jo Ann Davis (R-VA died 10/6/2007) with no co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America OPPOSES this legislation.
H.R. 300 We the People Act.
A court stripping bill to remove from federal court jurisdiction cases regarding religion and other social issues. Sponsored by Ron Paul (R-TX) and co-sponsored by Walter Jones (R-NC) and Ted Poe (R-TX) (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America OPPOSES this legislation.
H.R. 464 Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies (CARE) Act.
This bill would ensure that sexual-assault survivors learn about emergency contraception in hospital emergency rooms and are provided the medication upon request. Sponsored by Steven Rothman (D-NJ) with 102 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America SUPPORTS this legislation.
H.R. 1653 Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act.
This legislation would provide federal funds to support responsible sex education in schools. This education would include science-based, medically accurate, and age appropriate public health information about both abstinence and contraception. Sponsored by Barbara Lee (D-CA) with 103 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America SUPPORTS this legislation.
H.R. 2064 Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act.
This bill will amend Title 10 of the U.S. Code to require emergency contraception to be available at all military health care treatment facilities. Sponsored by Michael Michaud (D-ME) with 65 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America SUPPORTS this legislation.
H.R. 2275 To restore the Free Speech and First Amendment rights of churches and exempt organizations by repealing the 1954 Johnson Amendment.
This legislation would allow churches and other religious institutions to engage in partisan political activities and retain their tax-exempt status (unlike all other non-profit organizations). Sponsored by Walter Jones (R-NC) and co-sponsored by Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America OPPOSES this legislation.
H.R. 2596 Access to Birth Control (ABC) Act.
This bill would make it illegal for a pharmacy to refuse to fill birth control prescriptions and require pharmacies to help, not hinder, a woman's ability to access contraception. Sponsored by Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) with 56 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America SUPPORTS this legislation.
H.R. 3318 Best Help for Rape Victims Act.
This legislation would require that the recommended national protocol for sexual assault medical forensic examinations include a recommendation that rape victims be offered information about emergency contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. Sponsored by Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) with 2 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America SUPPORTS this legislation.
H.R. 3908 Loyalty to Our Legacy Act of 2007.
This legislation directs the Architect of the Capitol to prominently display "In God We Trust" and the Pledge of Allegiance with "under God" in the new Capitol Visitors Center. Sponsored by Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) with 44 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America OPPOSES this legislation.
H.R. 4198 Foster and Adoptive Parent Recruitment Act of 2007.
This bill provides federal funding through grants to religious organizations. Sponsored by Nick Lampson (D-TX) with 18 co-sponsors (as of April 24, 2008). The Secular Coalition for America OPPOSES this legislation.