Updated: March 18, 2010
Tax Extenders Act of 2009 - Vote Passed (62-36, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this bill that would extend unemployment insurance and COBRA health care subsidies through December 31 and would prevent a cut in physicians’ Medicare reimbursement rates. The bill now goes to the House.
Temporary Extension Act of 2010 - Vote Passed (78-19, 3 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this bill that provides short-term extensions of a number of programs that expired February 28, including unemployment benefits and federal health care subsidies for jobless workers. The bill was quickly signed by the President.
Jobs for Main Street Act - Vote Agreed to (70-28, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this $15 billion jobs bill, which includes payroll tax breaks, bond-financing for state and local infrastructure projects, and an extension of federal highway programs. The bill now goes to the House.
Cloture Motion, Nomination of Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board - Vote Rejected (52-33, 15 Not Voting) - The Senate rejected this motion to move forward on the nomination of Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board.
M. Patricia Smith, of New York, to be Solicitor for the Department of Labor - Vote Confirmed (60-37, 3 Not Voting) - The Senate confirmed Patricia Smith to be the Labor Department's solicitor, despite concerns that she gave contradictory statements during her confirmation hearing.
Debt Limit Extension - Vote Agreed to (60-39, 1 Not Voting) - The Senate passed this resolution that would raise the federal debt limit to $13.029 trillion. It now goes to the House for approval.
Confirmation of Ben S. Bernanke to be Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System - Vote Confirmed (70-30) - The Senate confirmed Ben Bernanke for a second four year term as the Fed Chairman.
Debt Limit Extension; Thune Amdt. to terminate TARP - Vote Rejected (53-45, 2 Not Voting) - The Senate rejected this amendment to end the Troubled Asset Relief Program. The bill itself would raise the federal debt limit to $13.029 trillion. It is still being debated on the Senate floor.