This is a guide to help the voters of the second district see how Richard Matthews might vote on the various bills before Congress.  Votes in contrast to his opponent are highlighted in green.

DateVoteMatthews Ruppersberger
5/5/2008
Calling on the United States Government and the International Community to Promptly Develop, Fund, and Implement a Comprehensive Regional Strategy to Protect Civilians, Facilitate Humanitarian Operations, Contain and Reduce Violence, and Contribute to Conditions for Sustainable Peace and Good Governance in Chad
No Yes
Further meddling in the affairs of African nations is not in the interest of the United States.
5/5/2008
To Establish a National Teacher’S Day
Yes Yes
5/1/2008
Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act
No Yes
5/1/2008
Authorizing the Use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service.
Yes Yes
5/1/2008
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
No Yes
This bill is a unconstitutional encroachment into the rights of parties to make private contracts as they see fit.
4/30/2008
Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Prevention Act
No Yes
4/30/2008
Safetea-Lu Technical Corrections Act
No Yes
4/30/2008
Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 5522, the “Combustable Dust Explosion and Fire Prevention Act”
No Yes
4/30/2008
Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 5522, the “Combustable Dust Explosion and Fire Prevention Act”
No Yes
4/29/2008
Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008
No Yes
4/29/2008
Financial Consumer Hotline Act of 2007
No Yes
I do not find Constitutional authority for Federal legislation in this matter.
4/29/2008
Supporting the Goals and Ideals of Financial Literacy Month 2008
Yes Yes
4/24/2008
Coast Guard Authorization for 2008
Yes Yes
The Coast Guard provides an important function of protecting our shore line and maintaining interstate navigable waterways. I support the organizations budget.
4/23/2008
Sbir/Sttr Reauthorization Act
No Yes
4/23/2008
Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the Modern State of Israel.
Yes Yes
4/23/2008
Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008
No Yes
4/22/2008
Coffman Cove Administrative Site Conveyance Act of 2008
Yes Yes
In general I am for divesting Federal land holdings
4/22/2008
Wild Monongahela Act: a National Legacy for West Virginia’S Special Places
No Yes
4/22/2008
Recognizing World Glaucoma Day
Yes Yes
4/17/2008
Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act
No Yes
4/16/2008
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Yes Yes
4/16/2008
Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Collection Act
No Yes
I do not find Constitutional authority for Federal legislation in this matter.
4/16/2008
Providing for Consideration of H.R. 5715, Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act
No Yes
4/16/2008
Providing for Consideration of H.R. 2634, Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Collection Act
No Yes
I do not find Constitutional authority for Federal legislation in this matter.
4/15/2008
Texas Military Veterans Post Office
Yes Yes
4/15/2008
Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act
No Yes
I disagree with section Eight allowing the extension of time the IRS can hold wrongfully levied property from nine months to two years.
4/15/2008
Emergency Assistance for Secure Elections Act of 2008
No Yes
Constitutionally, the administration of elections is a state matter. Federal involvement is not appropriate.
4/14/2008
Plain Language in Government Communications Act
Yes Yes
4/14/2008
National Glanzmann’S Thrombasthenia Awareness Day
Yes Yes
4/14/2008
Expressing Sympathy to the Victims and Families of the Tragic Acts of Violence in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Arvada, Colorado
Yes Yes
4/10/2008
Recognizing the Fifth Anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security and Honoring the Department’S Employees for Their Extraordinary Efforts and Contributions to Protect and Secure Our Nation.
No Yes
The Department of Homeland Security is yet another layer of bureaucracy on for your intelligence professionals to wade through. A simpler leaner structure would be more effective, and I do not celebrate it’s five year anniversary.
4/10/2008
Providing for Consideration of H.R. 2537, Beach Protection Act of 2007.
No Yes
4/9/2008
Julia M. Carson Post Office Building
Yes Yes
4/9/2008
Congresswoman Jo Anne S. Davis Post Office
Yes Yes
4/9/2008
National Landscape Conservation System Act
No Yes
4/9/2008
Calling on the Government of the People’S Republic of China to End Its Crackdown in Tibet and to Enter Into a Substantive Dialogue With His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Find a Negotiated Solution That Respects the Distinctive Language, Culture, Religious Identity, and Fundamental Freedom of All Tibetans
No Yes
I do not agree that the opinion of the congress should be inserted in the internal matters of other nations.
4/9/2008
Providing for Consideration of the Bill H.R. 2016, to Establish the National Landscape Conservation System, and for Other Purposes
No Yes
4/8/2008
Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act
No Yes
I fail to see in the Constitution where the Federal Government is authorized, and the congress specifically is permitted, to appropriate funds related to the terrible problems of neurological injuries.
4/8/2008
The Wakefield Act
No Yes
4/8/2008
Congratulating the Army Reserve on Its Centennial
Yes Yes
4/2/2008
Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against Hiv/Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act
No Yes
The scourge of AIDS and other communicable diseases is terrible. However, the Federal Government is not a charity. NGOs have and will continue to provide leadership on these issues.
4/2/2008
Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 5501, Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against Hiv/Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act
No Yes
The scourge of AIDS and other communicable diseases is terrible. However, the Federal Government is not a charity. NGOs have and will continue to provide leadership on these issues.
4/2/2008
Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 5501, Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against Hiv/Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act
No Yes
The scourge of AIDS and other communicable diseases is terrible. However, the Federal Government is not a charity. NGOs have and will continue to provide leadership on these issues.
4/1/2008
Supporting the Goals, Ideals, and History of National Women’S History Month.
Yes Yes
4/1/2008
Supporting the Goals and Ideals of Borderline Personality Awareness Month.
Yes Yes
4/1/2008
Expressing Support for a National Day of Remembrance for Harriet Ross Tubman.
Yes Yes
3/30/2008
Supporting the Observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and for Other Purposes
Yes Yes
3/30/2008
To Provide for the Conveyance of Approximately 140 Acres of Land in the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma to the Indian Nations Council, Inc., of the Boy Scouts of America, and for Other Purposes
Yes Yes
In general I am for divesting Federal land holdings
3/30/2008
To Reauthorize and Amend the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act, and for Other Purposes
No Yes
The activites of shoreline surveying and water level observations should be left to private industry.
3/14/2008
To Amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to Establish a Procedure for Authorizing Certain Acquisitions of Foreign Intelligence, and for Other Purpoes
No Yes
3/14/2008
Providing for the Consideration of the Senate Amendment to the Bill (H.R. 3773) to Amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to Establish a Procedure for Authorizing Certain Acquisitions of Foreign Intelligence, and for Other Purposes.
No Yes
3/13/2008
Recognizing the Exceptional Sacrifice of the 69th Infantry Regiment, Known As the Fighting 69th, in Support of the Global War on Terror.
Yes Yes
3/13/2008
Revising the Congressional Budget for the United States Government for Fiscal Year 2008, Establishing the Congressional Budget for the United States Government for Fiscal Year 2009, and Setting Forth Appropriate Budgetary Levels for Fiscal Years 2010 Through 2013.
No Yes
3/13/2008
Yes No
3/13/2008
No No
3/13/2008
No Yes
3/12/2008
To Temporarily Extend the Programs Under the Higher Education Act of 1965
No Yes
3/12/2008
Honoring the 200th Anniversary of the Gallatin Report on Roads and Canals, Celebrating the National Unity the Gallatin Report Engendered, and Recognizing the Vast Contributions That National Planning
Yes Yes
3/12/2008
Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act
No Yes
3/12/2008
Providing for the Consideration of H. Con. Res. 312, Congressional Budget for the U.S. Government for Fiscal Year 2009
No Yes
3/12/2008
Providing for the Consideration of H. Con. Res. 312, Congressional Budget for the U.S. Government for Fiscal Year 2009
No Yes
3/12/2008
No Yes
3/12/2008
Resolution Raising a Question of the Privileges of the House
No Yes
3/11/2008
Providing for the Adoption of the Resolution (H. Res. 895) Establishing Within the House of Representatives An Office of Congressional Ethics, and for Other Purposes
No Yes
3/11/2008
Providing for the Adoption of the Resolution (H. Res. 895) Establishing Within the House of Representatives An Office of Congressional Ethics, and for Other Purposes
No Yes
3/11/2008
Congratulating the Women’S Water Polo Team of the University of California, Los Angeles, for Winning the 2007 Ncaa Division I Women’S Water Polo National Championship, and Congratulating Ucla on Its 100th Ncaa Sports National Title, Making It the Most Accomplished Athletic Program in Ncaa History
Yes Yes
3/11/2008
Congratulating the University of Kansas Football Team for Winning the 2008 Fedex Orange Bowl and Having the Most Successful Year in Program History
Yes Yes
3/11/2008
Congratulating Iowa State University of Science and Technology for 150 Years of Leadership and Service
Yes Yes
3/10/2008
Steve W. Allee Carrier Annex Post Office Building
Yes Yes
3/10/2008
E. Arthur Gray Post Office Building
Yes Yes
3/10/2008
National 9-1-1 Education Month
Yes Yes
3/6/2008
Providing for Consideration of H.R. 2857, to Reauthorize and Reform the National Service Laws
No Yes
3/6/2008
Providing for Consideration of H.R. 2857, to Reauthorize and Reform the National Service Laws
No Yes
3/5/2008
Sgt. Michael M. Kashkoush Post Office Building
Yes Yes
3/5/2008
Expressing the Sense of Congress That Earl Lloyd Should Be Recognized and Honored for Breaking the Color Barrier and Becoming the First African-American to Play in the National Basketball Association
Yes Yes
3/5/2008
Cyndi Taylor Krier Post Office Building
Yes Yes
3/4/2008
To Provide for the Release of Certain Land From the Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area in the State of Nevada and to Grant a Right-of-Way Across the Released Land for the Construction and Maintenance of a Flood Control Project
Yes Yes
In general I am in support of reducing the size of federal land holdings.
3/4/2008
To Direct the Secretary of the Interior to Convey the Alta-Hualapai Site to the City of Las Vegas, Nevada, for the Development of a Cancer Treatment Facility
Yes Yes
Federal lands going to the use of the local community is something I support in general.
3/4/2008
To Authorize the Secretary of the Interior to Lease Certain Lands in Virgin Islands National Park, and for Other Purposes
Yes Yes
In general I am in support of reducing the size of federal land holdings.
2/28/2008
Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Military Heroes of Louisville Memorial Post Office Building
Yes Yes
2/28/2008
Sgt. Jason Harkins Post Office Building
Yes Yes
2/28/2008
John “Marty” Thiels Southpark Station
Yes Yes
2/27/2008
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008
No Yes
2/27/2008
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008
Yes No
2/27/2008
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008
No Yes
2/27/2008
Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 5351, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act
No Yes
2/27/2008
Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 5351, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act
No Yes
2/27/2008
Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 5351, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act
No Yes
2/26/2008
Public Housing Asset Management Improvement Act
No Yes
I am not in support of Public housing as a concept. I believe it to be unconstitutional, reorganized or not.
2/26/2008
Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 3521) to Improve the Operating Fund for Public Housing of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
No Yes
I am not in support of Public housing as a concept. I believe it to be unconstitutional, reorganized or not.
2/26/2008
Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 3521) to Improve the Operating Fund for Public Housing of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
No Yes
I am not in support of Public housing as a concept. I believe it to be unconstitutional, reorganized or not.
2/25/2008
Honoring the Service and Accomplishments of Lieutenant General Russel L. Honore, United States Army, for His 37 Years of Service on Behalf of the United States
Yes Not Voting
2/25/2008
Supporting the Goals and Ideals of “Career and Technical Education Month”
Yes Not Voting
2/25/2008
Expressing Support for the Designation of the Week of March 3-7, 2008, As “School Social Work Week” to Promote Awareness of the Vital Role of School Social Workers in Schools, and in the Community As
Yes Not Voting
2/14/2008
Supporting the Goals and Ideals of American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day
Yes Not Voting
2/14/2008
Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week
Yes Not Voting
2/14/2008
Commending the People of the State of Washington for Showing Their Support for the Needs of the State of Washington’S Veterans and Encouraging Residents of the Other States to Pursue Creative Ways to
Yes Not Voting
2/14/2008
American Braille Flag Memorial Act
Yes Not Voting
2/14/2008
Honoring and Praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the Occasion of Its 99th Anniversary
Yes Not Voting
2/14/2008
To Make Technical Corrections to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
Yes Not Voting
2/14/2008
National Ocean Exploration Program Act
No Not Voting
Ocean exploration and undersea research is far outside the scope of limited Constitutional powers. This research can better be handled by private interests, and I cannot support it.
2/14/2008
Honoring African-American Inventors, Past and Present, for Their Leadership, Courage, and Significant Contributions to Our National Competitiveness
Yes Not Voting
2/14/2008
Providing for the Adoption of H. Res. 979 and H. Res. 980, Contempt of Congress Resolutions.
Yes Not Voting
2/13/2008
Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Engineers Week, and for Other Purposes
Yes Not Voting
2/13/2008
To Extend the Protect America Act of 2007 for 21 Days.
No Not Voting
2/13/2008
To Extend the Protect America Act of 2007 for 21 Days.
No Not Voting
2/13/2008
Providing for Consideration of H.R. 5349, to Extend the Protect America Act of 2007 for 21 Days
No Not Voting
2/13/2008
Providing for Consideration of H.R. 5349, to Extend the Protect America Act of 2007 for 21 Days
No Not Voting
2/13/2008
Providing for Consideration of H.R. 5349, to Extend the Protect America Act of 2007 for 21 Days
No Not Voting
2/13/2008
Providing for Consideration of H.R. 5349, to Extend the Protect America Act of 2007 for 21 Days
No Not Voting
2/12/2008
Celebrating the Birth of Abraham Lincoln and Recognizing the Prominence the Declaration of Independence Played in the Development of Abraham Lincoln’S Beliefs
Yes Not Voting
2/12/2008
Commemorating the Courage of the Haitian Soldiers That Fought for American Independence in the “Siege of Savannah” and for Haiti’S Independence and Renunciation of Slavery
Yes Not Voting
2/12/2008
Honoring the Life of Senior Border Patrol Agent Luis a. Aguilar, Who Lost His Life in the Line of Duty Near Yuma, Arizona, on January 19, 2008
Yes Not Voting
2/7/2008
Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act of 2008
No Not Voting
Rebate checks are a ridiculous idea to help stimulate the economy. I suggest we just tax less and spend less to start with. The United States is too great of a nation to fall under the allure of Bread and Circuses.
2/7/2008<