Senate passes the bill

[bushido_aria]

I think I'll go cry now...and then redouble my efforts....

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26953481/?GT1=43001

------

Senate passes bank bailout package
‘Sweeteners’ added with eye toward persuading reluctant House members
BREAKING NEWS
By Alex Johnson
Reporter
MSNBC
updated 6:41 p.m. PT, Wed., Oct. 1, 2008

The Senate passed its version of a mammoth plan to rescue the financial services industry Wednesday night, saying changes designed to protect individual investors and small business owners could be enough to persuade reluctant House members to go along with the plan.

Senators agreed to the plan 74-25 as an amendment to an unrelated bill, which was passed shortly thereafter.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, who put together the original scheme to bail out the banks after Lehman Bros. and other financial institutions collapsed on Wall Street earlier this month, welcomed the “strong bipartisan vote.”

“This sends a positive signal that we stand ready to protect the U.S. economy by making sure that Americans have access to the credit that is needed to create jobs and keep businesses going,” Paulson said in a statement. “I urge the House to act promptly to pass this bill.”

The House was always the intended audience for Wednesday’s action in the Senate, which loaded the rescue plan with tax breaks and other sweeteners for the right and the left to secure approval in the House by Friday.

House members rejected the original plan Monday, sending financial markets plunging around the globe, but it did not cause the same uproar in the Senate, where both parties’ presidential candidates voted for it.

“We are all going to need to sacrifice,” Democratic nominee Barack Obama of Illinois said in a  floor speech. “We’re all going to need to pull our weight, because now more than ever we are all in this together. That is part of what this crisis has taught us.”

At a campaign rally Wednesday afternoon in Independence, Mo., Republican nominee John McCain of Arizona told supporters, “If we fail to act, the gears of our economy will grind to a halt.”

President Bush joined the chorus urging quick approval, saying at the White House, “It’s very important for members to take this bill very seriously.”

Senate bypasses House prerogative
By voting on its own rescue package, the Senate snatched the initiative from the House, which under the Constitution normally acts first on large spending bills. Officials on Capitol Hill told NBC News that Reid was able to exploit a procedural provision to jump the line, seeking to put pressure on House members to get on board.

“There are a few people in the House who’d rather we did this another way,” Reid said on the Senate floor.  “But we’ve tried other ways. I say to my friends in the House of Representatives, we’ve got to get this done.”

McConnell endorsed Reid’s unusual power play against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., saying, “I think a good vote coming out of the Senate will certainly be helpful over on the House side.”

House Democrats were not happy with the turn of events, but Hoyer predicted in an interview on NBC’s TODAY that the revised bill would make it through the House.

Democrats said they would likely bring the package to the floor for a vote Friday — but only if they were confident that their Republican counterparts could deliver enough votes to ensure passage.

“I hope leaders on the Democratic side will try to figure out how to get some of the Democrats to come around,” said Rep. Brad Miller, D-N.C. “I think they will come around. The problem is trusting the Republicans.”

The Senate package would add $100 billion in tax breaks for businesses and the middle class while temporarily raising the insurance cap on bank deposits from $100,000 to $250,000. There were indications Wednesday that those changes could swing some opponents over, said Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., chairman of the Banking Committee.

“A number of people who voted ‘no’ ... are having serious second thoughts about it,” Dodd said.

The increase in FDIC insurance made the difference for Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-La., who voted against the bill Monday but said he would back the Senate version.

“That will ease a problem that has existed at the community bank level for several years,” Alexander said.

Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz., also said he would switch his vote to “yes” because of the higher FDIC cap, while Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan., said he was likely to switch “if it has good enough reforms in it that will change the marketplace.”

$100 billion-plus in additions?
The higher FDIC cap was just one of many additions the Senate made to the House version of the bill in a transparent attempt to switch at least 12 “no” votes in the House.

Also dropped in were $100 billion in tax breaks for businesses and the middle class, including mechanisms to keep the alternative minimum tax from hitting 20 million middle-income Americans and to provide $8 billion in tax relief for those hit by natural disasters in the Midwest, Texas and Louisiana.

The bill does not specify spending cuts to offset the alternative minimum tax and disaster provisions. A similar failure to offset many of the tax cuts angered the House’s band of conservative “Blue Dog” Democrats, half of whom voted against it.

Altogether, the additions would swell the projected coat of the bailout from $700 billion to more than $800 billion, a frightening number to swallow for House members in tight re-election battles.

But the heart of the bill, and the opposition to it, remained the same. It would enable the government to spend billions of dollars to buy bad mortgage-related securities and other devalued assets held by troubled financial institutions. If successful, advocates say, that would allow frozen credit to begin flowing again and keep the economy from a deep recession.

Proponents say the government eventually could sell the devalued assets at a better price, reducing the program’s final cost.

Wall Street watched the debate with a skeptical eye. The Dow Jones Industrial Average barely budged, finishing down 19.59 points, with many investors reluctant to make major moves before the Senate vote.

With Chris Clackum, Steve Handelsman, Brian Mooar, Ken Strickland and Mike Viqueira of NBC News. NBC affiliates KALB of Alexandria, La., KSNW of Wichita, Kan., and WNCN of Raleigh, N.C.

© 2008 MSNBC Interactive

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26953481/?GT1=43001
MSN Privacy . Legal
© 2008 MSNBC.com

[creat3d]

Bailout passes Senate, House foes soften

 WASHINGTON - After one spectacular failure, the $700 billion financial industry bailout found a second life Wednesday, winning lopsided passage in the Senate and gaining ground in the House, where Republicans opposition softened.
ADVERTISEMENT

Senators loaded the economic rescue bill with tax breaks and other sweeteners before passing it by a wide margin, 74-25, a month before the presidential and congressional elections.

In the House, leaders were working feverishly to convert enough opponents of the bill to push it through by Friday, just days after lawmakers there stunningly rejected an earlier version and sent markets plunging around the globe.

The measure didn't cause the same uproar in the Senate, where both parties' presidential candidates, Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama, made rare appearances to cast "aye" votes.

The rescue package lets the government spend billions of dollars to buy bad mortgage-related securities and other devalued assets held by troubled financial institutions. If successful, advocates say, that would allow frozen credit to begin flowing again and prevent a deep recession.

Even as the Senate voted, House leaders were hunting for the 12 votes they would need to turn around Monday's 228-205 defeat. They were especially targeting the 133 Republicans who voted "no."

Their opposition appeared to be easing after the Senate added $110 billion in tax breaks for businesses and the middle class, plus a provision to raise, from $100,000 to $250,000, the cap on federal deposit insurance.

They were also cheering a decision Tuesday by the Securities and Exchange Commission to ease rules that force companies to devalue assets on their balance sheets to reflect the price they can get on the market.

There were worries, though, that the tax breaks would cause some conservative-leaning Democrats who voted for the rescue Monday to abandon it because it would swell the federal deficit.



Looks like they don't know the meaning of "NO". America, make your voice heard!

[bushido_aria]

From the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/02/business/02bailout.html?_r=1&hp=&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1222912262-QLFGu05scjniTOHkfZezaA

From CNN:
http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/01/news/economy/senate_rescuebill2/index.htm?cnn=yes

Anyone got the list of traitors who voted for this?

Either way, I know three names on the "Aye" list: Obama, McCain, and Clinton.

[operation_b]

NOOOOOOO!

G*df*ck*ngd*mn*t!

Does the constitution say that there has to be a majority agreeance for revolution?  Or can us in the know just start scooping up senators and politicians… ?

[bushido_aria]

List of Senators who voted AGAINST the bill:

Posted at 9:55 PM ET, 10/ 1/2008
Senators Who Voted Against the Rescue Bill

The modified $700 billion Wall Street rescue bill just passed the Senate by a 74-25 vote. Now it heads to the House; if it passes there, onto President Bush who favors the rescue plan.

Here is a list of the senators who voted against the rescue bill:

- Waye Allard (R-Colo.)
- John Barrasso (R-Wyo.)
- Sam Brownback (R-Kan.)
- Jim Bunning (R-Ky.)
- Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.)
- Thad Cochran (R-Miss.)
- Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)
- Jim DeMint (R-S.C.)
- Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.)
- Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.)
- Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.)
- Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.)
- James Inhofe (R-Okla.)
- Tim Johnson (D-S.D.)
- Mary Landrieu (D-La.)
- Bill Nelson (D-Fla.)
- Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)
- Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
- Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.)
- Richard Shelby (R-Ala.)
- Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)
- John Tester (D-Mont.)
- David Vitter (R-La.)
- Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
- Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)

Of note:

- The only senator not present at the vote was Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), who is being treated for cancer.

- By party, 16 Republicans and nine Democrats voted against.

- Both senators from Alabama voted against, as did both from Wyoming, Kansas and Mississippi, all Republicans.

-- Frank Ahrens

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/livecoverage/

[heavyhebrew]

What did you expect? The Senate is the bankers good old boy club.

[Travis Walker]

It is Funny, Give them enough rope and they will Hang them selfs every time

And we can only hope they littarly do just that

[AlphaM]

This monster swelled to 451 pages.  Unbelievable.

[operation_b]

Doesn't this make them straight-up traitors to our country?

[tattoo8118]

I have already e-mailed my senators John Ensign and Harry Reid and told them they are traitors and need to be removed from office.  I hope I am not alone!

[50bmg]

"http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aKd0vyGN8L2k&refer=us"
at least wooden arrows will be cheaper

[Travis Walker]

I have already e-mailed my senators John Ensign and Harry Reid and told them they are traitors and need to be removed from office.  I hope I am not alone!

If they were actually my senators, Public servants, I would join you.

But alas, I am afraid those day's are gone  

[thrashbassist]

Well, the House is a tougher sell, so hopefully this won't pass... But I'm not very optimistic.

You know, they're putting so much emphasis on the fact that this was a bi-partisan effort, but the truth is that everyone has a price, and most of these senators are bought and paid for by the bankers, no matter what letter is in front of their names (though it should be "P" for puppet).

[larsonstdoc]

  Congratulations to the 25 that didn't vote for the bill.

[birgit]

All I want for Christmas is the traitors voted OUT.

They should be tried in court, but we know that wont happen.These crooks only offer up an occasional scape goat... Now this  bail out craP goes back to congress. DO NOT LET UP on the phone calls.These crooks will try all sorts of arm twisting. Let not a day go by without an e mail or phone call, letters to the editors.... remind them we are coming to fire their butts . See how they like it
be loud , be heard! I will!!!

[operation_b]

I emailed Barbara Boxer to inform her of my views… I used the words "traitor" and "criminal."

We are not alone.

Show them you aren't afraid to speak out.

[Travis Walker]

I emailed Barbara Boxer to inform her of my views… I used the words "traitor" and "criminal."

We are not alone.

Show them you aren't afraid to speak out.

As soon as my Ribs heal from the last time I spoke up, I will think about it.

[thrashbassist]

I sent an email to my state's senators (Jim Bunning and Mitch McConnell). I had nothing but praise for Bunning, but McConnell, well, it'll be a glorious day when I can see that traitorous piece of scum tried for being one of the biggest proponents of this highway robbery.

[operation_b]

As soon as my Ribs heal from the last time I spoke up, I will think about it.

Emails aren't painful.

[NWOSCUM]

The spin on the 11 o clock news is repulsive............

[MarkCentury]

Simple suggestion:

There are 24 Senators who voted FOR the bail out that are up for re-election in November.

http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/reference/two_column_table/Class_II.htm

Let's FIRE THESE SENATORS!!!

Baucus, Max (D-MT)
Biden, Joseph R., Jr. (D-DE)
Durbin, Richard (D-IL)
Harkin, Tom (D-IA)
Kerry, John F. (D-MA)
Lautenberg, Frank R. (D-NJ)
Levin, Carl (D-MI)
Pryor, Mark L. (D-AR)
Reed, Jack (D-RI)
Rockefeller, John D., IV (D-WV)
Alexander, Lamar (R-TN)
Chambliss, Saxby (R-GA)
Coleman, Norm (R-MN)
Collins, Susan M. (R-ME)
Cornyn, John (R-TX)
Craig, Larry E. (R-ID)
Domenici, Pete V. (R-NM)
Graham, Lindsey (R-SC)
Hagel, Chuck (R-NE)
McConnell, Mitch (R-KY)
Smith, Gordon H. (R-OR)
Stevens, Ted (R-AK)
Sununu, John E. (R-NH)
Warner, John (R-VA)

If these Senators are from your state, vote for their most formidable opponent.  For Senators in other states donate $5 or $10 to their most formidable opponent.  This will only cost you $120 to $240.

[Loungin]

How convenient... Warner's message page is on the fritz.  The same one I used several hours ago.

http://warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm

[Travis Walker]

Emails aren't painful.

My heads already on the chopping block, I have Timothy McVeigh written allover me already so to speak, I will take the zero for now. But I am glad to see you guys trying.

And I will repeat myself when I say it might be a futile effort for you,

I am sure we are all already on the top of the list for the FEMA underground camps anyway.

[gangstagaff]

Any information who is going to be on the "review board"?

[Overcast]

Of note:

- The only senator not present at the vote was Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), who is being treated for cancer.

- By party, 16 Republicans and nine Democrats voted against.

- Both senators from Alabama voted against, as did both from Wyoming, Kansas and Mississippi, all Republicans.

-- Frank Ahrens

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/livecoverage/

According to the Senate's page - McCain and Obama didn't vote - interesting, unless I'm missing something, it's different than the news is reporting.

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=2&vote=00206

Not Voting - 6
Biden (D-DE)
Graham (R-SC)
Kennedy (D-MA)
McCain (R-AZ)
Obama (D-IL)
Stevens (R-AK)

[Loungin]

According to the Senate's page - McCain and Obama didn't vote - interesting, unless I'm missing something, it's different than the news is reporting.

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=2&vote=00206

It wasn't important enough for them to vote...  But it was important enough to suspend a campaign...  I'm living in wonderland, I swear to f'n God.

[national732]

   Look at John Sununu's contributors:

1    FMR Corp    $ 62,400
2    Citigroup Inc    $ 52,000
3    AXA    $ 39,000
4    PRTM    $ 37,000
5    American International Group    $ 34,750

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=John_Sununu#Campaign_contributions

[Kords21]

I have let my TX senators know exactly how I feel about their "yes" vote. Seeing as how they don't give a damn about how what the people want, then we'll find someone who does. I don't care about Left vs right anymore. I just want people in office who will actually uphold thier oath and tell all of these lobbyists where to stick it. I think in this case the American people will have a long memory and all of these Traitors will pay when they're up for re-election.

The answere to their 1984 world is 1776, let's make sure they understnad that.

I am so pissed off right now, someone get me a copy of the Constitution

[Loungin]

   Look at John Sununu's contributors:

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=John_Sununu#Campaign_contributions

Clear conflict of interest.  But since when did that stop lobbying.  So many basic ethics violations in our political system... it is sad.

[squarepusher]

Most of the left on Democratic Underground feel betrayed by Obama and Biden for voting 'Yea'. Some still suck up to them, though.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3522021

Especially hilarious is this quote from some delusional Dem (this is in response to someone saying he isn't going to vote for Obama/Biden anymore):

And here I thought the only single issue voters were conservatives.

That guy/gall might not be aware that this isn't the first time Obama has screwed over his proletarian base: see 'FISA', see the Iraq war.

It's time for Dems to grow up and drop this corporate tool.

[Mber]

I just read most of it...
Here's my summery for you guys if your interested.
Funny how they slipped the global warming agenda in there.


Secretary of the Treasury now can determine..

--What / who to bailout by establishing TARP(Troubled Asset Relief Program)
--Who the employees are regarding the administration of this Act
--Determine what price to buy/sell troubled assets at
--Override conflicts of interest in regards to the staff he hires, the purchase of troubled assets, the management of troubled assets held, and any other potential conflict of interest as the secretary deems necessary.
--Work with foreign banks to establish similar programs and bailout foreign banks as the Secretary deems necessary.

This act now creates..

--The Oversight Panel which reviews the current state of financial markets and submits their reports to congress.
--From Oct.1st till Dec. 31, 2009, the FDIC now insures up to $250,000
--Favorites and incentives for businesses/corporations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

[tattoo8118]

According to the Senate's page - McCain and Obama didn't vote - interesting, unless I'm missing something, it's different than the news is reporting.

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=2&vote=00206

Not Voting - 6
Biden (D-DE)
Graham (R-SC)
Kennedy (D-MA)
McCain (R-AZ)
Obama (D-IL)
Stevens (R-AK)

That is intresting......God forbid they tarnish their reputations by voting, they would rather not vote then they do not have to take responsiblity.  Pure slime!!!

[tattoo8118]

Wait a minute!!  Check the date dude!!  This vote was voted on September the 26th, not October 1st!  Look at the page again.

[mr anderson]

Uhm so does this go to Congress after if it passes the Senate?

[tattoo8118]

I believe so.  The house of representatives must pass it.

[tattoo8118]

Uhm so does this go to Congress after if it passes the Senate?

I found it here you go!!

EMERGENCY ACTION REQUIRED, CALLING ALL BAILOUT BUSTERS: DO NOT LET THE CROOKS GET THEIR PAYCHECKS. **ACTION REPORT BELOW** The United States Senate passed the 'New and Improved' bailout bill this evening (Oct. 1, 2008).  With a 74 aye and 25 nay vote, the bill passed in a landslide.  I guess the Senate isn't listening to Americans when we voice our extreme opposition to this 'Billionaire Bailout'. The bill is scheduled to go in front of the House on Friday. Unlike the House bill, this bill has all kinds of fun little measures included to entice both Republicans and Democrats to vote aye.  READ THE REST OF THE ACTION REPORT HERE:

http://www.restoretherepublic.com/economy/bailout-bill-passes-the-senate

[mr anderson]

I found it here you go!!

EMERGENCY ACTION REQUIRED, CALLING ALL BAILOUT BUSTERS: DO NOT LET THE CROOKS GET THEIR PAYCHECKS. **ACTION REPORT BELOW** The United States Senate passed the 'New and Improved' bailout bill this evening (Oct. 1, 2008).  With a 74 aye and 25 nay vote, the bill passed in a landslide.  I guess the Senate isn't listening to Americans when we voice our extreme opposition to this 'Billionaire Bailout'. The bill is scheduled to go in front of the House on Friday. Unlike the House bill, this bill has all kinds of fun little measures included to entice both Republicans and Democrats to vote aye.  READ THE REST OF THE ACTION REPORT HERE:

http://www.restoretherepublic.com/economy/bailout-bill-passes-the-senate

It will be interesting and people MUST note the Congress Reps who voted nay that switch to aye

[ConcordeWarrior]

Asian markets reacting:

Asian stocks fall despite Senate rescue plan vote

By TOMOKO A. HOSAKA, Associated Press Writer 29 minutes ago

TOKYO - Asian stock markets retreated Thursday as broader concerns about a global slowdown outweighed any relief over the U.S. Senate's passage of the bailout package to rescue the U.S. financial system.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average was down 2 percent at 11,156 in afternoon trading, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index slipped 1.2 percent to 17,793.

Benchmarks in Australia, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan were also in negative territory.

In Washington Wednesday, the Senate approved in a 74-25 vote a revised rescue bill with tax breaks and a provision to raise the cap on federal deposit insurance. The House of Representatives, which rejected an earlier version of the bill, will likely vote on the new version Friday.

But even if the package is approved, traders are skeptical about the bailout's ultimate impact on a faltering global economy. Cleaning up the bad debt mess will be a long, arduous process, and the crisis is spreading in Europe, where governments have pumped money into two troubled banks, Fortis NV and Dexia.

"Investors are still concerned about the efficiency of this rescue plan and how it can help the global economy," said Aric Au, marketing manager for institutional sales at Phillip Securities in Hong Kong. "But at this moment, nobody is sure about this. They need to have more information about the finalized plan."

Japanese automakers took a big hit after the industry reported dismal September sales figures in the U.S. — their key export market.

U.S. auto sales dropped below 1 million last month for the first time in more than 15 years as some consumers struggled to get financing and others were frightened away from showrooms by bank failures and turmoil on Wall Street.

Shares of Toyota Motor Corp. fell 3.8 percent after posting a 32 percent drop in U.S. sales. Nissan Motor Co., who reported a 37 percent plunge in sales, shed 4.1 percent, while Honda Motor Co. slumped 3.8 percent after sales declined 24 percent.

On Wednesday, the Dow Jones industrial average dipped 0.2 percent to 10,831.07. Europe's stock markets were mixed Wednesday, while Latin American shares edged higher.

U.S. stock futures were more than 1 percent lower early Thursday, suggesting Wall Street would drop.

Markets in China, India, Malaysia and Indonesia were closed due to national holidays.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081002/ap_on_bi_ge/world_markets

[thinkingman]

Simple suggestion:

There are 24 Senators who voted FOR the bail out that are up for re-election in November.

http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/reference/two_column_table/Class_II.htm

Let's FIRE THESE SENATORS!!!

Baucus, Max (D-MT)
Biden, Joseph R., Jr. (D-DE)
Durbin, Richard (D-IL)
Harkin, Tom (D-IA)
Kerry, John F. (D-MA)
Lautenberg, Frank R. (D-NJ)
Levin, Carl (D-MI)
Pryor, Mark L. (D-AR)
Reed, Jack (D-RI)
Rockefeller, John D., IV (D-WV)
Alexander, Lamar (R-TN)
Chambliss, Saxby (R-GA)
Coleman, Norm (R-MN)
Collins, Susan M. (R-ME)
Cornyn, John (R-TX)
Craig, Larry E. (R-ID)
Domenici, Pete V. (R-NM)
Graham, Lindsey (R-SC)
Hagel, Chuck (R-NE)
McConnell, Mitch (R-KY)
Smith, Gordon H. (R-OR)
Stevens, Ted (R-AK)
Sununu, John E. (R-NH)
Warner, John (R-VA)

If these Senators are from your state, vote for their most formidable opponent.  For Senators in other states donate $5 or $10 to their most formidable opponent.  This will only cost you $120 to $240.

For those of you who live in these states cut,copy, and paste print it out and mass mail. Let others know of their traitorous acts. Then vote them out of office.

~thinkingman

[thinkingman]

List of Senators who voted AGAINST the bill:

Posted at 9:55 PM ET, 10/ 1/2008
Senators Who Voted Against the Rescue Bill

The modified $700 billion Wall Street rescue bill just passed the Senate by a 74-25 vote. Now it heads to the House; if it passes there, onto President Bush who favors the rescue plan.

Here is a list of the senators who voted against the rescue bill:

- Waye Allard (R-Colo.)
- John Barrasso (R-Wyo.)
- Sam Brownback (R-Kan.)
- Jim Bunning (R-Ky.)
- Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.)
- Thad Cochran (R-Miss.)
- Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)
- Jim DeMint (R-S.C.)
- Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.)
- Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.)
- Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.)
- Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.)
- James Inhofe (R-Okla.)
- Tim Johnson (D-S.D.)
- Mary Landrieu (D-La.)
- Bill Nelson (D-Fla.)
- Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)
- Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
- Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.)
- Richard Shelby (R-Ala.)
- Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)
- John Tester (D-Mont.)
- David Vitter (R-La.)
- Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
- Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)

Of note:

- The only senator not present at the vote was Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), who is being treated for cancer.

- By party, 16 Republicans and nine Democrats voted against.

- Both senators from Alabama voted against, as did both from Wyoming, Kansas and Mississippi, all Republicans.

-- Frank Ahrens

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/livecoverage/

Send these guys and gals a thank you card.

~thinkingman