WASHINGTON -- The Senate voted 65-34 last week to make it a federal crime to transport a minor across state lines for an abortion in order to avoid parental notification.
Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., authored the legislation, which he described as a reasonable restriction on abortion.
Democrats dismissed Ensign's bill as a blatantly political effort to woo conservative voters in this year's congressional elections.
Even though the bill passed the Senate, it may not become law. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., blocked an attempt to move the Ensign bill into conference negotiations with the House.
The Senate also voted 98-0 to prevent fathers who rape their daughters from suing adults who help end the pregnancy.
The amendment also prohibits fathers or other relatives who commit incest from taking a pregnant minor across state lines for an abortion.
Ensign and Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., voted for the bill.
Ensign and Reid also voted for the amendment.
GULF COAST DRILLING ADVANCES
The Senate moved closer to allowing limited oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico by voting 86-12 to begin debate on the legislation.
The bill would open 8.3 million acres of the eastern Gulf of Mexico for energy development. More than a third of the leasing and royalty revenue from the drilling would go to coastal states ravaged by hurricanes.
The bill's future is uncertain because it must be reconciled with broader legislation in the House.
Supporters of the bill said the drilling would be limited to protect the environment.
Opponents argued drilling revenue should not be transferred from the federal treasury to coastal states.
Ensign and Reid voted to begin debate on the oil drilling legislation.
GUN SEIZURES BANNED
The House voted 322-99 to prohibit the seizure of lawfully possessed firearms during a major disaster such as a hurricane.
When Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana, advocates of the measure said, law enforcement officials were overwhelmed and could not meet the safety needs of residents.
Critics said the bill could cause more problems. For example, the crew of a rescue helicopter could be prevented from requiring disaster victims to surrender their guns before coming aboard.
Reps. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev.; Jim Gibbons, R-Nev.; and Jon Porter, R-Nev., voted to prohibit gun seizures during disasters.
EXPANDED USE OF ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS APPROVED
The use of electronic medical records would be expanded, according to a bill that passed the House by a vote of 270-148.
Among other things, the bill would allow hospitals to give health information hardware and software to doctors.
Supporters said the bill would help establish a nationwide system that would improve patient care by increasing quality and efficiency while cutting administrative costs.
Opponents voiced privacy concerns, arguing patients should consent before their records are included in electronic databases.
