Corrine Brown, representing Florida’s 3rd congressional district (map)
Congresswoman Corrine Brown has missed 157 votes (14.0%) during the current Congress. Or, stated another way, she did not vote 14% of the time.
Corrine Brown represents the 3rd Congressional District of Florida, which includes most of black Orlando. Currently in her 7th term, Brown ran un-opposed in 2006.
To many, it is no surprise that Ms. Brown has missed more votes than any other Florida member of the 110th Congress. She missed several dozen votes in the 109th and the 108th as well.
The alarming fact behind this years missed votes were their importance to the people who make up District 3.
Ms. Brown has missed critical votes, important votes. Legislation involving civil rights, desegregation, and genocide. The symbolism behind these missed votes is telling
According to the Washington Post, Congresswoman Brown missed votes include:
– Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education,
– Supporting the Goals of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week
Recognizing and Commending the Efforts of Advocacy Groups to Raise Awareness About and Help End the Worsening Humanitarian Crisis and Genocide in Darfur, Sudan,
Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the September 25, 1957, Desegregation of Little Rock Central High School by the Little Rock Nine
Amend the Social Security Act to Extend and Improve the Children’s Health Insurance Program
Clarification of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the American With Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Recognizing and Welcoming the Delegation of Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Foreign Ministers From the Caribbean to Washington, DC, and Commending the Caribbean Community (Caricom) for Holding the Conference on the Caribbean
Some ask, what would make the Congresswoman who represents most of black Orlando miss these important votes? What justification could there be for missing appropriations votes for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education?
Last year Brown refused to participate in The Political Courage Test, conducted by Project Vote Smart. The non-partisan group asked the Congresswoman to indicate which items she would support if elected. Corinne Brown denied requests by members of her own party to indicate how she would vote on items ranging from abortion to immigration.
As the 2008 election season heats up, it is a foregone conclusion that Ms. Brown will seek re-election and go for her 8th term. With District 3 poverty levels at twice the national average, it is a miracle that Brown remains in office.
Her annual salary of $162,500.00 over the last 14 year means Ms. Brown has earned over $2 million dollars since coming to office. Is District 3 really getting its moneys worth?
