Yesterday in the Senate, members ratified the U.S.-Russia Nuclear Arms Treaty (START) by a vote of 71 to 26 with 13 republicans voting in favor of the treaty. The Senate also approved by unanimous consent the 9/11 health and compensation bill for first responders, as well as the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011.
Following the Senate's vote, the House approved the 9/11 health care bill by a vote of 206 to 60. The bill will go to the president's desk for his signature.
The House also approved a food safety bill by a vote of 215 – 144 this week as well as the “America Competes” bill by a vote of 228 - 130. The bill aimed at setting policy for various federal programs in science, technology and education. On Tuesday, the House and Senate approved a Continuing Resolution (H.R.3082), which is a temporary measure that will fund the federal government through March 4, 2011.
The new 112th Congress will convene on January 5, 2011.