Politics & Government

Congress Votes: House Favors Bills to Encourage Small Business Investments

An account of legislative votes in Congress.

In the hopes of allowing small businesses better access to more potential investors and capital, House Democrats passed two bills to ease restrictions on securities investments. The bills also decrease certain disclosure requirements from investors. In the Senate, legislators approved general budgets for five agencies, among other moves.

Below are votes in Congress for House and Senate members representing Delaware County.

United States House of Representatives

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HR2940 and 2930: The House approved two SEC bills that ease restrictions for securities investments, in the hopes of making it easier to start a small business. The former (passed 413-11, Nov. 3) removes a ban of general solicitation (which requires investors to have a pre-existing relationship) to allow fundraising from more investors, and the latter (passed 407-17, Nov. 3) allows interstate investors to bankroll an operation, with limits of up to $5 million per investment, to help small businesses. HR2930 also eliminates requirements to register certain crowdfunded securities with the SEC. Though Democratic amendments to provide more transparency of bonuses and other compensation failed, most lawmakers approved the final bill. 

  • YES: Patrick Meehan (R-7)

United States Senate 

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HR2112: In a 69-30 vote, the Senate passed an appropriations bill Nov. 1, which provides funding for the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development. Before the 457-page bill was passed, several amendments were rejected by senators, including ones regarding bridge funds, inhalers and the Rural Development Agency that Sen. Toomey—who eventually rejected the bill—favored.

  • YES: Robert Casey (D) NO: Patrick Toomey (R)

PN261: The Senate confirmed an Obama-appointed justice to the U.S. District Court in Wyoming. In a 96-0 vote Nov. 3, the Senate approved Scott Skavdahl to serve his home state. He was nominated in February.

  • YES: Robert Casey (D), Patrick Toomey (R)
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Both the House and Senate resume sessions Monday.


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