Here’s a look at how area members of Congress voted last week.

House votes

Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act (S 2959) — Sponsored by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., this legislation would change procedures for local educational agencies to apply for federal Impact Aid funds in fiscal 2023. The vote passed on Jan. 18, 414-6.

Derek Kilmer (D-WA, Sixth District) Yes

Willie O’Ree Congressional Gold Medal Act (S 452) — The House approved a bill sponsored by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Willie O’Ree, the first black National Hockey League player. The vote passed on Jan. 19, 426-0.

Kilmer Yes

Ensuring Veterans’ Smooth Transition Act (HR 4673) — Sponsored by Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., this bill would have the Department of Veterans Affairs automatically enroll eligible veterans, with the veterans’ consent, into the agency’s health care system. Takano said automatic enrollment “helps simplify the process and prevents veterans from potentially missing out on lifesaving care.” A bill opponent, Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., cited an estimated $3.1 billion cost, and said the program could take away from other VA services. The vote passed on Jan. 20, 265-163.

Kilmer Yes

Senate votes

Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act (H.R. 5746) — The Senate has agreed to uphold a ruling by the Senate Chair that allowed senators to offer amendments and raise points of order regarding the John R. Lewis Act. Rejecting the ruling could have resulted in senators being required to engage in a talking filibuster in order to avoid a vote on the bill. A supporter of the ruling, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., claimed it was needed to foil “a direct assault on the core identity of the Senate” by ending the need for super-majority approval to bring legislation to a vote. An opponent, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., claimed that Republican senators were taking part in a “reactionary backlash” against expanded voting and trying to make it harder for Americans to participate in elections. The vote passed on Jan. 19, 52-48.

Maria Cantwell (D-WA) No

Patty Murray (D-WA) No

The Senate confirmed the nomination of Holly Thomas to serve as a judge on the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Thomas, a California Superior Court judge for Los Angeles County since 2018, was previously a Justice Department lawyer and lawyer for the New York government. A supporter, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said: “Judge Thomas has a breadth of experience and knowledge that would make her well-suited to sit on the Ninth Circuit.” An opponent, Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, said senators were being denied the chance to meet with Thomas and other judicial nominees to evaluate them before a confirmation vote. The vote passed on Jan. 20, 48-40.

Cantwell Yes

Murray Yes.