Reigning in Government Spending  Congressman Forbes opposed excessive spending by voting against the annual spending bill that funds the legislative branch. H.R. 2918 provides a six percent increase over last year's spending for congressional operations while the economy continues to struggle. This bill passed by a vote of 217-190.
	Providing Resources for Teachers   Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 2329, which would allow teachers to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket school supply expenses. Specifically, the bill would extend through 2011 the tax deduction of up to $250 for teachers when they purchase classroom materials using their own money. According to a recent national study, teachers spend an average of $493 out of pocket on school supplies each year for their own classrooms.
	Calling for DoD to Adhere to the Law Congressman Forbes spoke on the House floor on September 24 where he called upon the Secretary of Defense to produce the Navy’s 30-year shipbuilding plan. The Secretary of Defense is required by law to submit the plan to Congress on an annual basis, yet he has failed to do so this year. Failure to submit the annual plan is unprecedented.

 

Served as a House conferee for the 2010 defense policy bill. Congressman Forbes participated in a panel discussion with the leadership of other House Committees that may have policy matters in the bill.  The measure has passed both the House and Senate and is currently being reconciled into one version. 

 

Expressed concern and opposition to cuts for aircraft carriers. Congressman Forbes joined 14 members of Congress in sending a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates to express opposition to further cuts in the U.S. aircraft carrier force. Recent leaks from the Pentagon suggest that the Department of Defense may be considering reducing the carrier force amidst budget constraints. 

 

Encouraged communities to support military families. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.Con. Res.170, which supports the goals and ideals of the Army Community Covenant. The Army Community Covenant was established on April 17, 2008, to recognize the role surrounding communities play in strengthening Army soldiers and their families. Congressman Forbes has been a strong supporter of the Army Covenant Program, joining with members of the Tri-cities to partner with Fort Lee in 2008.

Called for financial literacy education for children. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 3037, which would establish pilot programs to teach financial literacy in elementary and secondary schools. Funding will be used to provide 10 grants of $250,000 each to local school districts to teach financial literacy.

 

Celebrated the artwork of Chesterfield students. Congressman Forbes participated in the opening of the Department of Education’s Student Art Exhibit, which is publicly featuring artwork from Chesterfield County students. The exhibit is on display now at the Department of Education headquarters building in Washington DC.

 

 

Provided additional transportation funds. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R. 3617 to provide additional funding for federal-aid highways, mass transit, and road safety programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the nation. Congressman Forbes believes continued support and funding for federal surface transportation programs is essential to our national growth.

This bill passed the House by a vote of 335-85.

 

Supported assistance for small businesses. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R. 3614 to allow the Small Business Administration to continue providing loans to small businesses.

This bill passed the House by a vote of 417-2.
 

Supported education and training programs. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Con.Res. 163 designating September 23, 2009 as National Job Corps Day. The National Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people improve their quality of life by receiving vocational training, earning a high school diploma or GED, and finding and keeping a good job. 
The resolution passed the House by a vote of 413-4.

Provided extended benefits for the unemployed. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R. 3548 to extend federal unemployment benefits for an additional thirteen weeks. 
The bill passed the House by a vote of 331-83.   

Protected seniors from increased premiums. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R. 3631 to prevent an increase to Medicare Part B premiums next year since seniors may not receive an annual cost-of-living increase in their Social Security benefits. 
The bill passed the House by a vote of 406-18.

 

Called for improvements to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) trials. Congressman Forbes cosponsored for H.R. 2149, which would require the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to upgrade and unify existing SMA clinical trial sites to establish a national clinical trials network for SMA. SMA is a genetic disease that impacts the spinal cord and brain stem and leads to muscle atrophy. Despite the fact that SMA is incurable, untreatable, and fatal, it is estimated that the gene is carried by more than seven million unknowing parents.   

 

Encouraged funding for NASA. Congressman Forbes signed a letter to Mr. Peter Orzag, Director of the White House Office of Budget and Management, to encourage funding for NASA’s new proposed “Integrated Systems Research Program." This funding would help create a flagship research program at NASA that would focus on developing green energy technologies.  
 

Honored and remembered firefighters. Congressman Forbes cosponsored for H.Res. 729, a resolution urging the designation of National Firefighters Memorial Day to thank and remember firefighters for their courage in defending and protecting the country. There are over one million firefighters in the United States who serve as the line of defense against the 1.6 million fires that occur annually. Over 100 firefighters die each year in the line of duty.

Remembered victims of storms and floods in the Southeast. Congressman Forbes joined Congress in expressing condolences for all those who have died or who have lost possessions due to the devastating storms and floods in Georgia and the Southeast region of the United States. At least nine people have died amid widespread destruction caused by the September 18-21 storms.

 

 

Endorsed the rights of parents to educate their children. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.J. Res. 42, which proposes an amendment to the Unites States Constitution to declare that parents have a fundamental right to direct the education and upbringing of their children.

Called for prohibiting federal funds for abortions. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R.1233, which would prohibit federal funds from being used for population control or family planning programs that some taxpayers might find objectionable.

Honored the contributions of Catholic sisters. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res. 441, a resolution honoring the historic contributions of Catholic sisters in the United States. Catholic nuns have been in America since before the nation’s founding and have been a strong force in providing health care and education throughout U.S. history.
The resolution passed the House unanimously.

 

Supported families’ efforts to adopt children overseas. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 3110, to reduce bureaucratic red tape surrounding international adoptions and increase protections for families seeking to adopt children from other countries.

 

Honored the achievements of the Girl Scouts. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 621, which directs the Treasury to mint 350,000 $1 coins to recognize 100 years of achievement and contributions from the Girl Scouts.

 

Enhanced conservation easement efforts. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 1831, which would permanently allow tax deductions for charitable contributions by individuals and corporations of real property interests for conservation purposes. Conservation easements are a vital tool in the fight to preserve open spaces and farmland. They allow private landowners to permanently retire development rights to protect significant natural resources. Conservation easements are also critical resources to help protect clean water supplies, fight air pollution, and conserve wildlife habitats.