>>Issues & Legislation
In his first term as congressman from Georgia's Fourth Congressional
District, Hank has introduced the following legislation:
Arbitration Fairness Act (H.R. 3010) –
This bill, introduced jointly by me and Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), protects consumers from business practices that require them to cede their rights to a jury trial as a condition of service. The Judiciary Committee, on which I serve, has held hearings on the bill. I hope it will be referred soon to the House as a whole. I am optimistic about this legislation because it has attracted over 90 cosponsors.
TIRE (Tire Investment, Recovery, and Extension)
Act of 2007 (H.R. 5103) -
This bill provides tax credits for commercial vehicle fleets that use tires with recycled rubber content. It will reduce dependence on foreign oil and lessen the environmental impact of tire waste. It is pending review by the House Ways and Means Committee and has attracted 10 cosponsors, including Atlanta’s Rep. John Lewis.
Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Fairness
and Simplification Act of 2007 (H.R. 3359) –
Would prevent Americans who work in multiple jurisdictions from being
taxed by state and local governments other than responsible for the
localities in which they live or perform duties over an extended period.
Addressing the S-CHIP Shortfall (H.R.1487)
–
Would ensure that Georgia’s PeachCare program receives a fair
level of federal funding relative to other states.
Reauthorization of the Edward Byrne Memorial
Justice Assistance Grant Program (H.R. 3546) –
Would provide critical funds to state and local law enforcement
officers to fight crime, prevent drug use, treat non-violent offenders,
and improve the effectiveness of prosecutions, courts, and corrections
practices.
The legislation is supported by numerous law enforcement coalitions
including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National
Sheriffs’ Association, National Troopers Coalition, and the
National Narcotic Officers’ Associations Coalition.
Pulling Our Troops Off of Street Duty in
Iraq (H.Res.140) –
Would request that the Secretary of Defense remove American troops
from daily street patrols, where they are most at risk of ambush and
IED attack, to re-focus their efforts on the training of Iraqi forces
so that the Iraqis can begin to lead counter-insurgency operations.
U.S. personnel would be used to train the Iraqi military, fortify
sensitive areas in Iraq, protect the Iraqi government, and respond
to destabilizing emergencies.
To establish the National Commission on
Detainee Treatment (H.R. 3244) –
Would commission an 8-member panel for the review of matters relating
to the capture, custody, judicial proceedings, and repatriation of
suspected unlawful enemy combatants. Highlights need for explicit
rules to ensure that our detainee practices are Constitutional, respect
international law, and reflect American values.
Calling for an End to the Conflict in Northern
Uganda (H.Con.Res. 80) –
Calls on the Government of Uganda and the LRA, engaged in a long
and horrific civil war, to recommit to a political solution to the
conflict and to recommence vital peace talks. This resolution has
passed both the House and Senate and was Hank's first successful legislative
effort.
In memory of Jamaal Addison, who gave his
life in Iraq (H.R. 4203) –
Renames a Fourth District Post Office in honor of Jamaal RaShard
Addison, the first Georgian to perish in the Iraq war. Jamaal died
on March 23, 2003 when his convoy was ambushed. He was 27 years old.
This bill passed the House of Representatives on February 12, 2008.
This legislation has passed the House.
Honoring Our United States Attorneys (H.Res.
247) –
Honors the work of all U.S. Attorneys and thanks those dismissed
by the Bush Administration for their service. As a member of the House
Judiciary Committee, Congressman Johnson has been part of the team
driving ongoing investigations into the U.S. Attorneys scandal.
The Effective Corruption Prosecutions Act
(H.R.1872) –
Would empower investigators and prosecutors to more aggressively
detect and prosecute corruption. The statue of limitations for the
most serious public corruption offenses would be extended and additional
federal funds to prosecute these crimes would be provided.
Honoring the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion,
the "Triple Nickles" (H.Res 1136) –
Honors and expresses the gratitude of the American people to the
Triple Nickles, the nation’s first African American company
of its kind to be activated. The all-black unit, which began on December
30, 1943, at Fort Benning, Georgia, included officers as well as enlisted
men. Following nearly five years of honorable service the battalion
was disbanded in 1947 and became the 3rd Battalion, 505 Airborne Infantry,
82nd Airborne Division.
