September 8, 2003

Vote to Restore Workforce Investment Act Funding Fails in Senate

On Thursday, September 4, Senator Patty Murray (WA) introduced an amendment to the FY 2004 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations, which would have restored funding for programs under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) to FY 2001 pre-recission levels.

Despite the efforts put forth by mayors across the country in sending letters of support, Senator Murray's amendment to restore $801 million to the workforce system was defeated 46-49, 5 Senators did not vote.

The vote was basically party line, except for Republican Senators Snowe (ME), Susan M. Olympia J. Collins (ME) and Norm Coleman (MN) and Independent Senator James M. Jeffords (VT) who voted for the amendment. Democratic Senators Kent Conrad (ND) and Zell B. Miller (GA) voted against it. Senators John Edwards (NC), Bob Graham (FL), John Kerry (MA), Joseph Lieberman (CT), and Jim Talent (MO) did not vote.

To see how your Senators voted on the Murray Amendment please visit http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=108&session=1&vote=00325#top