On June 14, 2001, the Senate voted on the amendment offered by Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) to prohibit the use of federal funds by any state or local educational agency or school that discriminates against the Boy Scouts of America in providing equal access to school premises or facilities. The Helms amendment, which was identical to that offered by Representative Van Hilleary (R-TN) and passed by voice vote in the House, likewise passed the Senate by a recorded vote of 51 to 49. Because both bodies have approved the language, it will in all likelihood be included in the final version of the legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Please click here to find out how your Senator voted. It is especially important that Senators who voted against the Helms amendment receive calls from their constituents thanking them for their vote. It is equally important that constituents call their Senators who voted for the Helms amendment to express their disappointment. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Lori Valencia-Greene in APA's Public Policy Office at (202) 336-5931.

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