Y Y N N N 331-87, to make it easier for private firms to offer stock compensation to staff without invoking federal disclosure rules. A yes vote backed HR 1343, which doubles to $10 million the compensation threshold over 12 months at which the rules take effect. Trump-Russia Ties: The House refused, 185 N N Y Y Y -228, to deny benefits under HR 1343 (above) to any firm whose officers withhold from Congress information about ties between aides to candidate Donald Trump and Russian officials aimed at shaping the outcome of the 2016 presidential race. Stop-Loss Insurance: The House voted, 400 Y Y Y N O -16, to prohibit federal regulation of stop-loss insurance as health insurance. This would benefit self-funded company health plans that use stop-loss policies to protect against catastrophic losses. A yes vote was to pass HR 1304. Tax Code, Trump Finances: The House Y Y N N O killed, 228-185, a Democratic bid for debate on a measure blocking tax-reform action until a House committee reviews President Trumps returns to determine how tax-code changes would affect his finances. A yes vote opposed the motion. (HR 1304) Elaine Duke Confirmation: The Senate Y Y confirmed, 85-14, Elaine C. Duke as deputy secretary in the Department of Homeland Security, the second-ranking official there. A yes vote backed Duke, a highly regarded manager who served in the department under GOP and Democratic presidents. KEY VOTES AHEAD 2017 Voterama in Congress www.voterama.biz When Congress returns from Easter-Passover recess in the week of April 24, it will take up a massive spending bill to fund agencies and keep the government in operation after April 28.