Scorecard: League of Conservation Voters 2008 Senate Scorecard

Org. position: Aye

Description:

"As energy prices continue to skyrocket, residential customers will likely bear a record burden this winter. Increasing costs will particularly impact low-income families as they struggle to balance their heating needs with those of food, shelter and other basic necessities. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced S. 3186, which provides $2.5 billion in emergency spending for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which gives low-income families an essential lifeline during the cold winter months. In addition to alleviating energy costs, this funding would help low-income families insulate and weatherize their homes, thus saving energy and decreasing their vulnerability to a continued upward trend in energy costs. On July 26, the Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 50-35 (Senate roll call vote 187), as it failed to reach the 60 vote threshold needed to end debate and move to an up or down vote. YES is the pro-environment vote."

(Original scorecard available at: http://www.lcv.org/2008-pdf.pdf)

Scorecard: National Journal 2008 Senate Scorecard

Org. position: Nay

Description:

"Allow the Senate to proceed to a bill boosting funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. July 26. (50-35; 60 votes required to invoke cloture. Reid voted no so that he could subsequently move to reconsider the vote.)"

(Original scorecard available at: http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/cs_20090228_4813.php)