MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2008

H. R. 1108 --the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act – NO This bill provides explicit authority for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate tobacco products and the marketing of tobacco products. It would increase regulations on manufacturers and consumers, allowing the FDA to do everything BUT outright ban tobacco. I voted against this bill because of the increased regulation and the concern that the FDA does not have the current manpower or the wherewithal to regulate tobacco, given the recent food outbreak). Allowing the FDA to regulation tobacco would give a false impression that the FDA has approved the use of cigarettes and has given the item a seal of approval, given that the public perceives the FDA as approving the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices. The bill also includes more than $5 billion in new taxes on the manufacturers, which would then be passed onto the consumer.

H.R. 4040 --Conference Report on Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act – YES This bill limits the amount of lead in children's products. It would requires manufacturers to place identifiable tracking labels on recalled children's products. It increases standards on manufacturers for corrective action plans in the event of a hazardous product threat and increases civil penalties against people who violate these consumer product laws.

H.R. 2490 --To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a pilot program for the mobile biometric identification in the maritime environment of aliens unlawfully attempting to enter the United States – YES This bill requires DHS and the USCG to conduct a maritime mobile biometric ID program to detect suspected individuals, including terrorists.

H.R. 6633 --Employee Verification Amendment Act of 2008– YES This bill is a clean 5 year reauthorization of the eVerify program that allows employers to voluntarily check the work eligibility of their employees. I supported this bill because it is an important tool for employers to make sure they aren’t hiring illegal immigrants. This bill is a clean 5 year reauthorization of the eVerify program that allows employers to voluntarily check the work eligibility of their employees. I supported this bill because it is an important tool for employers to make sure they aren’t hiring illegal immigrants.

H.R. 6604 --Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act of 2008– NO The issue of high gas prices deserves a full and open debate on the House floor. It is still not known what, if any, impact speculation is having on the price of a barrel of oil, and the Democrats brought this bill up in a manner (under suspension) that does not allow for an honest debate. The American people deserve that. I voted against this bill because it would make significant changes to the futures market in ways that could harm American industries.