TGIF. That’s what Heck & Hardy are saying today after a week of casting unpopular votes ahead of already challenging reelections. They both go into this weekend having:
- Voted for a measure that invades women’s health decisions;
- Failed to ensure that the health of the woman is accounted for in this extreme anti-choice bill;
- Sided with immigration hardliners by voting against allowing DREAMers to potentially attain citizenship through serving in our nation’s military; and
- Refused to ensure that service members continue to be paid in the event that Republicans cause another reckless government shutdown.
“How Heck & Hardy failed their constituents this week in Congress – let me count the ways,” said Matt Thornton of the DCCC. “They had numerous opportunities to protect women’s health, honor the contributions DREAMers have made to our nation, and ensure our troops get paid when Republicans cause another government shutdown. Instead, they proved just how out-of-touch they are with hardworking Nevadans.”
BACKGROUND
Hardy Voted To Strip Language Encouraging Defense Department To Allow DREAMers To Serve In Uniform. In May 2015, Hardy voted to strip out an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill that “would encourage the Pentagon to consider allowing immigrants brought to the country as children to [serve in the military].” [HR 1735, Vote #229, 5/14/15; NPR, 5/13/15]
Heck Voted TWICE Against Allowing DREAMers To Serve In the Military. In April 2015, Heck voted against an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that that “would encourage the Pentagon to consider allowing immigrants brought to the country as children to [serve in the military].” The amendment passed 33 to 30. Then, in May 2015, Heck voted for an amendment to strip out the language encouraging the Pentagon to allow DREAMers to serve. The amendment passed 221 to 202. [House Committee on Armed Services, HR 1735, Vote #8, 4/29/15; HR 1735, Vote #229, 5/14/15; NPR, 5/13/15]
FLASHBACK
Heck Voted To Restart Deportation Of 800,000 DREAM Act-Eligible Young People. In 2013, Heck voted for an amendment that prohibited the use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement funds to implement President Obama’s June 2012 executive order that protected DREAMers from deportation. DREAMers consist of young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children and have since led otherwise law-abiding lives. [H.R. 2217, Vote #208, 6/06/13; The Hill, 9/14/11]
Admitted He Voted To Defund An Order That Protects DREAMers. “I voted to defund implementation of a presidential executive order called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” Heck said. [Law Vegas Review Journal, 12/07/13]
Heck And Hardy Voted To Restrict A Woman’s Right To Choose After 20 Weeks, And Require 48-Hour Waiting Period For Rape Survivors. In May 2015, Heck and Hardy voted for “a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy in a party-line vote on Wednesday.” According to The Hill, “But the bill did not change a provision that allows victims of incest to receive an abortion only if they are under 18 years old … The new version of the House bill also includes a two-day waiting period for rape victims. Doctors must also ensure that victims have received medical treatment or counseling during that time.” [HR 36, Vote #223, 5/13/15; The Hill, 5/13/15; The Hill, 5/11/15]
Heck And Hardy Voted Against Adding Exception To Anti-Choice Bill To Protect The Health Of The Woman. “U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley’s attempt to amend a bill calling for a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy was defeated Wednesday, and the House went on to pass the ban. The Westlake Village Democrat’s motion and amendment would have added language to the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act that would have permitted abortions after 20 weeks if a woman’s health were at risk. It was defeated on a mostly party-line 181-246 vote.” [H.R. 36, Vote #222, 5/13/15; Ventura County Star, 5/13/15]
Heck And Hardy Voted To Block An Amendment To Ensure A Pay Raise & Ensure Servicemembers Are Paid In Event Of Government Shutdown. In May 2015, Heck and Hardy voted against a motion to recommit that would ensure a 2.3% pay increase for fiscal year 2016 for servicemembers and would ensure that servicemembers are paid in the event of a government shutdown. [HR 1735, Vote #238, 5/15/15]