Colorado senators support fentanyl legislation, oppose Feinberg nomination

During the week of March 14-20, 2025, Colorado's members of Congress participated in several key votes in the Senate, while the House was in recess. The Senate voted to confirm Stephen Feinberg as the Deputy Secretary of Defense on March 14. Feinberg, co-founder of Cerberus Capital Management, received support for his nomination. Senator Roger Wicker praised him for his ability to help reform the military. The final vote was 59 in favor and 40 against. Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper voted against the nomination. Also on March 14, the Senate passed the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act. This law classifies fentanyl-related substances as schedule I controlled substances. Supporters argued it gives law enforcement better tools to combat fentanyl trafficking. Bennet and Hickenlooper both voted in favor of this bill. The Senate rejected an amendment aimed at reinstating military veterans fired from federal jobs in the past two months. Senator Tammy Duckworth supported the amendment, but it failed with a vote of 47 to 53. Bennet and Hickenlooper supported the amendment. Another amendment to defund the Department of Government Efficiency was also rejected. Senator Chris Van Hollen called it an improper project linked to Elon Musk. The vote was 48 in favor and 52 against, with both Bennet and Hickenlooper voting in favor. Finally, the Senate passed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, which funds federal programs for the rest of 2025 without new legislation. This vote resulted in 54 yeas and 46 nays. Colorado Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper opposed this measure.