Congressman Randy Forbes | Washington Update  
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Week of June 28 -  July 2, 2010 Twitter Facebook YouTube Digg RSS
 
Opposing Permanent Bailouts and Burdensome Rules for Businesses


Congressman Forbes voted to oppose the Financial Regulatory Reform Bill (H.R.4173), which creates new government bureaucracies, institutionalizes taxpayer bailouts of large financial firms, saddles businesses with new regulations, and fails to address the root causes of the financial meltdown.  Instead, Congressman Forbes is a supporter of meaningful financial reform (H.R.3310) , which would reform the federal reserve, streamline bankruptcy, phase out taxpayer funding for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and reform the regulatory system.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 237-192.


 
Preventing Foreign Influence in U.S. Elections

Congressman Forbes  supported legislation (H.R.5609) that amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit foreign influence in domestic elections.  Specifically, this legislation prohibits lobbyists whose clients are state sponsors of terrorism from making campaign contributions in American elections.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 408-4.


 
Hearing from Small Business Owners and Representatives

Congressman Forbes hosted a conference call with small business leaders to ask them what Congress can do to create an environment in which small businesses can grow and increase payrolls. To read some of Congressman Forbes’ ideas, click here.
Education

Recognized special education teachers. Congressman Forbes supported a resolution (H.Con.Res.284) that commends special education teachers for the sacrifice they make to provide quality education and life skills to our youth with special needs.
This resolution passed the House by a vote of 415-0.

Consumer Protection

Promoted electronic consumer protection.  Congressman Forbes supported a resolution (H.Con.Res. 290) that supports the designation of June 30 as National ESIGN Day.  ESIGN refers to the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, which promotes the authenticity and legality of electronic contracts across state and national borders.
This resolution passed the House by a vote of 397-15.

Government Spending

Opposed more deficit spending.  Congressman Forbes voted against the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act (H.R.5618), which would increase the federal deficit by an estimated $34 billion. Instead, Congressman Forbes voted for an amendment that would pay for the extension of unemployment benefits by using unused stimulus funds.
H.R. 5618l passed the House by a vote of 270-153.  The amendment failed by a vote of 196-220.

Veterans Affairs

Supported long-term care for military families.  Congressman Forbes supported H.R.4505, which allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to extend VA nursing home care to the parents of soldiers who have died while serving in the Armed Forces.
The bill passed the House by a vote of 420-0.

Taxes

Simplified taxes.  Congressman Forbes supported the Firearms Excise Tax Improvement Act of 2010 (H.R.5552), which instructs that the tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers be collected each quarter rather than every two weeks.  This legislation was supported by the NRA.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 412-6.

Housing

Improved homebuyer tax credits.  Congressman Forbes supported the Homebuyers Assistance and Improvement Act of 2010 (H.R.5623), which extends the availability of the $8,000 homebuyer tax credit for three months for purchasers who have a contract signed by May 1, 2010.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 409-5.

Preserved the independence of disabled citizens.  Congressman Forbes supported the Independent Living Centers Technical Adjustment Act (H.R.5610), which ensures that federal funding for independent living centers will not be cut.  These facilities help individuals living with a disability to achieve equality and full inclusion in society.
This bill passed the House by a voice vote.

Defense

Championed cyber education and defense.  Congressman Forbes supported H.Res.1244, which recognizes and commends the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.  This annual event brings together some of the brightest young minds in America to help ensure the future of our nation’s cyber security.
The resolution passed the House by a vote of 412-2.

Honored the West Virginia National Guard.  Congressman Forbes supported a resolution (H.Res.1153), which recognizes the heroic effort of the West Virginia National Guard in the rescue of 17 individuals from a military helicopter crash.
This resolution passed the House by a voice vote.

Homeland Security

Supported modernizing the Secret Service Uniformed Division.  Congressman Forbes supported the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division Modernization Act of 2010 (S.1510), which updated and standardized Secret Service Uniformed Division pay scales.
This bill passed the House by a voice vote.

About Washington Update
Washington Update serves as a resource to the constituents of the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia on the work of Congressman Forbes. It is published weekly while Congress is in session. Hyperlinks to bill information are provided if the information disseminated by the House of Representatives is available at the time of distribution.

As always, Congressman Forbes welcomes your comments. To share your thoughts on legislation, votes or issues, please visit http://randyforbes.house.gov to send an e-mail or call any of Congressman Forbes' three district offices.

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