Recent Accomplishments
| On this page: | Border Enforcement and Homeland Security | Defense | Environment & Outdoor Recreation| Pro-Life | Seniors & Retirement | Tax & Welfare Reform | Veterans |
Border Enforcement and Homeland Security
TOPSupported H.R. 1817, the FY06 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Authorization Act, authorizing $34.2 billion for the maintenance of our nation's security mission. This legislation, among other things, authorizes the recruitment and training of 2,000 additional border patrol agents, enhanced counter terrorism technologies, and improved border protections;
Cosponsored and supported the passage of H.R. 418, the REAL ID Act, legislation enacting nationwide standards for the issuance of state drivers' licenses and providing the Secretary of Homeland Security with the authority to complete the remaining 3.5 miles of the San Diego border fence. H.R. 418 was later passed through H.R. 1268, the 2005 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act;
Supported the Cox/Sensenbrenner Amendment to the House passed FY06 Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act. This amendment authorizes funding to reimburse states and localities for the costs to train their officers to perform immigration-officer functions, recognizing that states and local law enforcement agencies play an important role in border security and immigration enforcement;
Successfully added an amendment to H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Alien Control Act of 2005, mandating that 698 miles of strategic border fencing be erected along our nation's Southern border with Mexico;
Worked to include language in the conference report to the FY06 DHS Appropriations Act, securing $35 million for completion of the remaining 3.5 miles of the San Diego Border Fence.
Defense
As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Hunter is committed to a strong military. This includes providing the President with the resources he needs to win the nation's wars, renewing the modernization of the military, and making the Department of Defense a more efficient operation by continuing to shift the resources from redundant and unnecessary bureaucracy to war fighting capabilities.
Supported H.R. 1268, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for 2005, legislation providing necessary funding for continued ground operations in the Global War on Terrorism;
Introduced and supported the passage of H.R. 1815, the FY06 National Defense Authorization Act, authorizing $441.6 billion for the continuing war on terrorism, expanding quality of life initiatives for our military families, addressing readiness shortfalls, and enhancing military modernization programs;
Hunter was instrumental in protecting San Diego's major military facilities and installations during the initial phase of the 2005 base realignment and closure process. The value of San Diego's military bases have long been recognized by the Department of Defense and Congressman Hunter remains committed to ensuring the operational capacity of these training and duty locations.
Environment & Outdoor Recreation
Hunter is a co-chairman of the Task Force to save the Salton Sea, which he and the late Congressman Sonny Bono founded. Efforts to restore the sea will preserve California's largest inland body of water for thousands of families in Southern California who enjoy camping and fishing. Their legislation passed Congress and was signed by President Clinton in November 1998;
Congressman Hunter also provides consistent funding for the clean-up of the New River and the Salton Sea;
Remains committed to maintaining the multiple use of and Off-Road Vehicle access to the Algodones Sand Dunes, as well as all public lands.
Pro-Life
Introduced H.R. 552, the Right to Life Act;
Supported H.R. 748, the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act.
Seniors & Retirement
Cosponsored H.R. 916, the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Act of 2005, legislation to permanently repeal the $1,500 cap on therapy services covered under Medicare. The cap was last repealed under the enactment of the Medicare Modernization Act and is set to expire at the end of this year.
Tax & Welfare Reform
Supported H.R. 8, the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005. This bill would repeal the death tax sunset provision enacted in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001.
Veterans
Supported H.R. 2528, the FY2006 Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, which included $120.8 billion for veterans care and services;
Supported H.R. 3130, the Veterans' Healthcare Supplemental Appropriations Act, which addressed funding shortfalls not anticipated by the Department of Veterans Affairs for FY05.
