Voted against permanent tax increases. Congressman Forbes opposed H.R. 4213, which would use permanent tax increases on investments and business profits to extend temporary tax breaks. The tax increases will hit businesses, charities, and seniors citizens, many whose pensions and savings are invested in the stock market, at a time when many are already struggling as a result of the economic downturn.
This legislation passed by a vote of 231-181.

Opposed making the TARP bailout permanent. Congressman Forbes voted against H.R. 4173, which would extend TARP by establishing a permanent bailout fund, creating a new powerful bureaucracy called the Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA), and restricting the flow of credit to businesses at a time when unemployment is over 10% nationally.
This legislation passed by a vote of 223-202.

Called for responsible regulation of the financial sector. Congressman Forbes voted for an amendment that would create a new chapter of the bankruptcy code to make it more efficient and better suited for resolving large troubled financial institutions. The amendment would also mandate an audit of the Federal Reserve and phase out government-sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
This amendment failed by a vote of 175-251.

Sought answers on security requirements for trying 9/11 conspirators. During a classified House Armed Services Committee briefing, Congressman Forbes questioned legal experts within the Administration on the decision to try 9/11 conspirators in criminal court, rather than using the military commission set up by Congress after 9/11. Specifically, Forbes questioned the ability to swiftly bring justice, the additional security requirements and the potential protocol being established.

Called for answers to the President’s strategy in Afghanistan. Congressman Forbes questioned General McChrystal, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, about President Obama’s plan for the way forward in Afghanistan. In particular, Congressman Forbes asked about the Administration’s self-imposed July 2011 deadline, saying “If as a nation we are saying that this is a war of necessity, how can we say we’ll withdraw troops in 18 months even if the mission isn’t complete?”

Called for robust construction of Navy submarines. Congressman Forbes joined 37 members of Congress in writing a letter to the Secretary of Defense and to the Secretary of the Navy requesting that the Defense Department continue to construct two submarines a year, as currently scheduled, and not make budget cuts to the detriment of our national defense.

Supported US Navy SEALS. Congressman Forbes joined 35 members of Congress in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates outlining their concerns with the unwarranted court-martial of three Navy SEALS accused of punching the terrorist responsible for the 2004 murder of American contractors in Fallujah, Iraq.

Met with General Chandler, Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Congressman Forbes and General Chandler, who recently assumed his current post, discussed the Air Force mission, resources and readiness.

Honored anniversary of Echo Company. Congressman Forbes supported H.Con.Res. 199, recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the activation of Echo Company of the 100th Battalion of the 44
2nd Infantry, and the sacrifice of the soldiers and families of Echo Company in support of the United States.
H.Con.Res.199 passed the House by a vote of 400-0..

Honored the National Guard. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res. 940, honoring the National Guard on the occasion of its 373rd anniversary.
H.Res. 940 passed the House by a vote of 401-0.

Commended energy-saving initiatives of the U.S. Air Force. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res. 845, recognizing the United States Air Force and Dyess Air Force Base for their success in achieving energy savings and developing energy-saving innovations during Energy Awareness Month.
H.Res. 845 320 passed the House by a vote of 409-0.

Spoke at a congressional forum on the dangers of Chinese drywall. Congressman Forbes attended a forum hosted by the Congressional Contaminated Drywall Caucus to discuss the impact of Chinese drywall on thousands of homeowners nationwide, and the efforts of homebuilders to address the crisis. Chinese drywall has been used in many homes across the United States and has been proven to cause corrosion of electrical wiring and health problems. Virginia, Louisiana, and Florida are among states in the U.S. with the highest number of cases of contaminated Chinese drywall.

Called for the release of information related to fly ash contamination. Congressman Forbes sent a follow-up letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting the release of important information regarding coal fly ash contamination in Chesapeake, Virginia. The letter called for immediate access to an evaluation that has been prepared by EPA for the Battlefield Golf Course and will describe the nature and severity of toxic contamination at the BGC site.

Introduced Chesapeake resident testifying on fly ash contamination. Congressman Forbes attended a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Environment Subcommittee hearing to examine the safe drinking water and health impacts associated with current practices for the disposal of coal fly ash. The hearing was held partly in response to reports of harmful levels of contaminants in homes near the Battlefield Golf Club in Chesapeake. Congressman Forbes had called on the Subcommittee to hold a field hearing in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Increased funding for diabetes research. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res. 35, which calls for an increase in funding to meet the National Institutes of Health’s goal of finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.
This bill passed the House by voice vote.

Supported increased research of Prader-Willi syndrome. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res. 55, to improve our understanding of Prader-Willi syndrome through medical research. The complex disorder is considered to be the most commonly known genetic cause of life-threatening obesity.
This bill passed the House by voice vote.

Called for a report on Middle East anti-Americanism. Congressman Forbes supported H.R. 2278, which directs the President to submit to Congress a report on anti-American incitement to violence in the Middle East, especially as it relates to sattellite operators with terrorist links that knowingly allow anti-American incitement on their airwaves.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 395-3.