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Washington Update Congressman J. Randy Forbes, Virginia's Fourth Congressional District Week of March 5 - 9, 2007 |
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ü Hailed the passage of H. Res. 182, a resolution to congratulate Virginia State University (VSU) on their 125th anniversary. The resolution, introduced by Congressman Forbes, passed on March 6, 2007, the very date of the anniversary. VSU President Eddie Moore joined Congressman Forbes in Washington, D.C. last week, for the occasion.
ü Cosponsored H.Res. 16, recognizing Virginia's James River as "America's Founding River." This resolution would recognize the James River as an important piece of American history and a fundamental part of the success of the Jamestown settlement. Jamestown, founded in 1607 on the James River, is recognized as the first permanent settlement in the founding of the United States and celebrates its 400th anniversary this year.
ü Voted in favor H.R. 700, the Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007. This legislation directs grant funding to local communities for technology development in water use. Communities will develop alternative water sources and increase their ability to use water more effectively and efficiently. The goal of these projects is to retain and increase the clean water supply by encouraging innovation in water use and conservation.
ü Cosponsored the English Language Unity Act. H.R. 997 would declare English as the official language of the United States. It states that representatives of the federal government have an affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the federal government. The bill also would create a uniform language testing standard to ensure that all citizens are able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the laws of the United States.
ü Cosponsored the Minority Diabetes Initiative Act, H.R. 1031, legislation which would create community grants for diabetes prevention and treatment programs in minority communities to physicians, community-based organizations and other health care providers. Diabetes, the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, leads to complications such as heart disease, blindness and kidney disease, and many individuals lack access to proper health care to treat diabetes. This legislation would help these individuals lead healthy and productive lives through the creation of essential community programs.
ü Spoke out on China's recent developments in their military modernization.
ü Introduced H.R. 1206, legislation to name the Logistics Automation Training Facility of the Army Quartermaster Center and School at Fort Lee in honor of retired General Richard H. Thompson. General Thompson is the only Quartermaster officer in history to rise from the rank of private to full General and is recognized as the leader of the modernization of the Army's logistics system. Read more about General Thompson and this legislation here.
ü Attended an informal breakfast with Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winters. Discussion included the Navy's shipbuilding plan for 2008 and the developments in China regarding their plans to construct an aircraft carrier and their recent action of shooting down a satellite orbiting in space.
ü Joined the Congressional Fire Caucus (CFC), a bipartisan group of Members of Congress committed to the support of fire service legislation to benefit all first responders and to provide vital tools to assist local fire departments. The full list of Caucus members as reported by the Congressional Fire Services Institute can be seen here.
ü Cosponsored H.R. 784, a bill to benefit the nation's retired veterans paying into the Survivor Benefit Program (SBP). Congress approved a bill eight years ago, which will become effective in 2008, and authorizes retired service members who reach the age of 70 and have paid SBP premiums for at least 30 years to enter a "paid-up" status. This status ends their obligation to pay premiums at that time but still retains the benefit for their surviving spouse upon their death. This bill moves the effective date to October 1, 2007.
ü Cosponsored H.R. 440, the Medal of Honor Gold Content Act of 2007. The Medal of Honor, the highest honor bestowed to the nation's finest men and women in uniform, is not made of gold, but is a brass-plated medallion. This legislation would direct the military to make the Medal of Honor in gold, creating a true symbol of gratitude, valor and respect to the recipients, who, more often than not, have given their lives in service to our country. Only two Medals of Honor have been awarded during the conflict in Iraq.
ü Sent a letter to other Members of Congress urging their support for the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act when it is introduced in the 110th Congress. In October of 2006, baby Amilla Taylor was born at 21 weeks and 6 days, becoming the youngest documented premature infant to survive. This bill would require those who perform abortions on unborn children at 20 weeks to inform the mother that, at that stage, their baby has the ability to feel pain, to cry, to breathe and to survive outside of the womb.
ü Attended a Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, "Protecting the Right to Vote: Election Deception and Irregularities in recent Federal Elections." Debate during the hearing included discussion on some of the problems that voters have experienced in recent elections and efforts by the federal government to curb election deception and to ensure that only legal citizens cast their votes in elections.
ü Questioned witnesses appearing before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security about Department of Justice (DOJ) requests for voluntary waivers of attorney-client privilege when they begin a corporate investigation. There is ongoing concern that DOJ is giving preferential treatment to corporations that waive attorney-client privilege, an important component of privacy rights.
ü Invited interested high school students to participate in the 2007 Congressional Arts Competition, "An Artistic Discovery." Since 1982, the Congressional Arts Competition has offered high school students from across the nation the opportunity to exhibit their artwork in the United States Capitol. For more information, please click here.
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