As citizens of these United States, we need to pay attention to our elected officials’ voting records, since they are voting on our behalf. Senators currently earn $162,100.

The following African Americans have served in the U.S. Senate:

? Hiram R. Revels (R-Miss.) 1870-71
? Blanche K. Bruce (R-Miss.) 1875-1881
? Edward W. Brooke (R-Mass.) 1967-1979
? Carol Moseley-Braun (D-Ill.) 1993-1999
? Barack Obama (D-Ill.) 2005-

Following are the records on key issues since the session began in January:

Objection to the electoral vote certification from Ohio, Jan. 6 Durbin No Obama No
Confirmation of Condoleezza Rice to be Secretary of State, Jan. 26 Durbin No Obama Yes
Confirmation of Alberto R. Gonzales to be Attorney General, Feb. 3 Durbin No Obama No
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2005, Feb. 17 Durbin Yes Obama
Yes 
Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, March 10 Durbin No Obama
No 

On Monday, March 21, the Congress approved, and President Bush signed, emergency legislation to let Terri Schiavo’s parents ask a federal judge to prolong her life. In a 203-58 vote, the House approved giving her parents the right to appeal?”47 Democrats voted “Yes” with 156 Republicans.
Illinois votes were as follows:

Democrats
Evans  No
Gutierrez  No
Davis  Did not vote
Emanuel  Did not vote
Rush  Did not vote
Schakowsky  Did not vote
Jackson  Yes
Lipinski  Yes
Bean  Yes
Costello  Yes

Republicans

Biggert  Yes
Hastert  Yes
Hyde  Did not vote
Johnson  Yes
Kirk  Yes
LaHood  Yes
Manzullo  Yes
Shimkus  Did not vote
Weller  Did not vote

?”compiled by Delores McCain