Capitol Connection: September 23 to September 29, 2006

A Weekly Update from Congress

Published: September 29, 2006

 

Congress Approves Critical National Security Legislation

This week, Congress approved a number of important measures designed to help our troops fight and win the War on Terror. On Thursday, the House passed the annual Department of Defense appropriations bill providing $447.6 billion for our troops during the coming fiscal year. The bill helps ensure that our troops stay safe by providing funding for important troop protections, like new Improvised Explosive Device countermeasures. It also provides funding for a well-deserved military pay increase. Also of note, Congress this week approved the Military Commissions Act, clarifying the process by which suspected terrorists are questioned and tried, as well as the Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act, updating and streamlining the process by which suspected terrorist communications can be intercepted. Congressman Miller supported all three bills.

 

Border Patrol to Receive Increased Funds, Resources

House Approves Border Security Funding. On Friday, the House overwhelmingly approved the annual Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill. The measure, which Congressman Miller supported, provides $21.3 billion for border protection and immigration enforcement during the coming fiscal year. Included in that amount is nearly $2.8 billion for the Border Patrol and $1.2 billion for border fencing. Also included is language making it a crime to knowingly construct, finance, or allow the construction of an unauthorized tunnel across the U.S. border.

House Recognizes Border Patrol for Their Efforts. On Tuesday, the House unanimously approved a resolution commending the Border Patrol for their efforts to protect the United States against illegal immigration, illicit drugs, counterfeit goods, and terrorist threats. The measure was cosponsored by Congressman Miller. Thanks to increased Homeland Security funding, the number of Border Patrol agents on duty will increase by 1,500 over the coming year.

 

Congressman Miller's Legislation Advances

Increasing Affordable Rental Housing. On Wednesday, the House unanimously passed H.R. 5503, the FHA Multifamily Loan Limit Adjustment Act. The bill, authored by Congressman Miller, aims to increase the supply of affordable rental housing in high-cost areas like Southern California. It does so by increasing the maximum loan the Federal Housing Administration is allowed to insure for the construction of multifamily housing units. H.R. 5503 now awaits consideration by the Senate.

Eliminating the Telephone Excise Tax. On Tuesday, Congressman Miller continued pushing to eliminate a “temporary” tax that just recently celebrated its 108th birthday. In testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee, Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, Congressman Miller urged for the passage of H.R. 1898. This bill, which Congressman Miller wrote, would eliminate the three percent tax on local telephone service. The tax has been in place since 1898, when it was enacted to help fund the Spanish-American War.

 

Mission Viejo High School Graduate Travels to International Space Station

Former Mission Viejo resident and Naval Academy Graduate, Michael Lopez-Alegria, will spend six months commanding a mission onboard the International Space Station. Michael graduated from Mission Viejo High School in 1976 and the U.S. Naval Academy in 1980.  In 1992, Michael joined NASA and has flown on three space shuttle missions. Congressman Miller would like to personally thank Michael for his military service and dedication to America's space program.  If you are interested in the U.S. Service Academies, please visit www.house.gov/garymiller/appointments.html. If you are interested in NASA, please visit the NASA website at www.nasa.gov.