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Washington Give and Take

Congress is back in GOP hands.  See how they vote.

1. Relax Pollution Controls
Takers: Oil and Gas,  Power plant operators.
Givers: Everybody downwind

2. Unleash banks on those unable to repay.
Allow auto dealers to gouge on loans.
Turn the GAO on the Fed.
Takers: Bankers who want higher rates.
Givers: Folks with auto, home, and small business loans.

3. Refugee Pile on.
Takers: Politicians and Media that feed off Fear.
Givers: America’s reputation of Strength and Compassion.

Recent Senate Votes
EPA Existing Power Plant Rule Disapproval — Passage – Vote Passed (52-46, 2 Not Voting)

The Senate agreed to a joint resolution expressing disapproval of the rule submitted by the EPA concerning carbon emissions at existing power plants.

Sen. Patrick Toomey voted YES
Sen. Bob Casey voted NO


EPA New and Retrofitted Power Plant Rule Disapproval — Passage – Vote Passed (52-46, 2 Not Voting)

The Senate agreed to a joint resolution expressing disapproval of the rule submitted by the EPA concerning carbon emissions at new and retrofitted power plants.

Sen. Patrick Toomey voted YES
Sen. Bob Casey voted NO


Recent House Votes
Bank Mortgage Liability — Passage – Vote Passed (255-174, 4 Not Voting)

The bill creates a safe harbor from lawsuits for banks that originate non-qualified mortgages that do not comply with ability-to-repay requirements, as long as the bank retains the mortgage in its own portfolio.

Rep. Ryan Costello voted YES


Auto Loans — Passage – Vote Passed (332-96, 5 Not Voting)

The bill nullifies 2013 guidance issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regarding fair lending practices for indirect auto lenders, after the CFPB determined that car loans provided through auto dealers were artificially high and discriminatory.

Rep. Ryan Costello voted YES


Federal Reserve Overhaul — Passage – Vote Passed (241-185, 7 Not Voting)

The bill modifies Federal Reserve operations and oversight in an effort to make it more accountable, including by requiring the Fed to develop detailed strategies with set goals for conducting monetary policy that would be reviewed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and requiring the Fed chairman to testify before Congress if GAO determines that the strategy no longer complies with bill requirements. It also provides for GAO audits of all Fed activities, including its deliberations over monetary policy. The legislation requires Fed to conduct cost-benefit analyses of all proposed rules and limits the Fed’s emergency lending powers.

Rep. Ryan Costello voted YES


Syrian and Iraqi Refugees — Passage – Vote Passed (289-137, 8 Not Voting)

The bill prohibits refugees from Syria or Iraq from being admitted into the United States unless the individual has had a comprehensive background check and the government, including the FBI and national intelligence director, certifies to Congress that he or she does not pose a threat.

Rep. Ryan Costello voted YES

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