VOTE ALERT: Congress Bars Nuclear Subsidy to China

Reuters and the Associated Press both report that the House last night passed the bipartisan amendment prohibiting U.S. taxpayer dollars from going to subsidize Corporate America's efforts to build nuclear plants in China. The amendment, authored by Independent Congressman Bernie Sanders (VT), drew the support of 313 members of the House of Representatives - an overwhelming showing. For background on the amendment, see this earlier post, or Lou Dobbs' interview with Sanders on the matter last night. And check here to see how your Member of Congress voted.

Notice how many "pro-national security" Republicans voted against this bill. Apparently to them, giving away taxpayer cash to wealthy corporations is more important than securing America.

This legislation follows the House passage of a bipartisan, Sanders-written amendment a few weeks ago that would reform the Patriot Act. Both of these bills show that with some creativity, progressives can forge new coalitions to press ahead with their agenda.

Stay tuned to see what the Senate does on both amendments - and whether the Republican leadership has the gall to strip out these measures in conference committee.