For theweekendingSept.18

Y OY N N `Frivolous’ Lawsuits: The House voted, 241-185, to require federal courts to imposefinancial penalties, such as the payment ofthe other side’s attorneys’ fees, on plaintiffswho file lawsuits seen by the presiding judgeas frivolous. A yes vote was to send the GOPbill (HR 758) to the Senate.

N ON Y Y Exemption for Equal-Pay Suits: The Housedefeated, 179-239, a Democratic motion thatwould exempt from HR 758 (above) lawsuitsfiled under U.S. employment-discriminationlaws, including actions to ensure that womenreceive equal pay for equal work. A yes votewas to adopt the motion.

Y OY N N Export-Import Bank: The House blocked,238-179, a bid by Democrats to force a voteon a bill restoring the Export-Import Bank’sauthority to engage in new financing of U.S.sales abroad. A yes vote opposed floordebate on a bill that GOP leaders have keptburied in committee. (H Res 420)

N N Recognition of Israel: The Senate failed, 53-45, to reach 60 votes for advancing a GOPmeasure that would prohibit any lifting of U.S.economic sanctions on Iran until it has freedAmerican prisoners and formally recognizedIsrael. A yes vote was to add the prohibitionto HJ Res 61 (below).

N N Iran Nuclear Deal: The Senate failed, 56-42,to reach 60 votes for advancing a measure toblock an international deal aimed keepingIran free of nuclear arms. A yes vote was tokill the deal on grounds, in part, that it is weakon verification and would endanger Israel. (HJ Res 61)

In the week of Sept. 21, the House will take up a bill to expediteenvironmental reviews of federally funded construction projects, while theSenate will debate a bill to outlaw abortions after 20 weeks of fertilization.

KEY VOTES AHEAD ©2015 Thomas Voting Reports www.voterama.info