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Washington Update Congressman J. Randy Forbes, Virginia's Fourth Congressional District Week of April 23 - 27, 2007 |
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ü Voted in favor of H.R. 362, the 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act, legislation that seeks to increase U.S. math and science teachers by 10,000 each year, through scholarships to science, math and engineering students who commit to becoming science or math teachers at elementary and secondary schools upon completion of their degrees.
ü Voted in favor of H.R. 363, the Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act, which would provide federal support for young scientists and engineers performing research at higher education institutions to ensure that the next generation of high-tech industries and products are developed in the U.S. It would also provide additional resources to an existing National Science Foundation program to help researchers establish a lab to pursue innovative research in emerging fields.
ü Questioned witnesses at a hearing of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security about the recent rise in violent crime, the need for more state and local prosecutors and defenders, and witness security programs in state and local courts. Congressman Forbes asked the witnesses how localities could use technology to innovate their policing tactics in order to better leverage manpower.
ü Voted against H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Protection Act, in a House Judiciary Committee mark-up. This legislation would create selected categories of crime victims, who are targeted based on their perceived or actual race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability, but does not include certain groups such as the men and women of the Armed Forces. Congressman Forbes opposed this legislation because of its improper focus on personal belief and protection of select categories, rather than focusing on actual conduct or strengthening criminal penalties for violent crime.
ü Questioned witnesses at a hearing of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security about employer access to federal crime databases for background checks on potential employees. Employers are becoming increasingly interested in obtaining criminal history information to screen an individual’s suitability for employment, licensing, or placement. Currently, federal law allows background checks by the federal government for specific industries in the interest of public safety and national security. The discussion focused on expanding access to the databases, the needs of employers and the privacy rights of prospective employees.
ü Voted against H.R. 1591, the Conference Report on the Iraq War Supplemental. The legislation failed to provide commanders on the ground with the flexibility they need to lead our troops during this critical phase. Congressman Forbes could not support legislation that crippled military commanders, contained billions in non-war related spending, and forced a date for withdrawal. A conference report is the finalized version of a bill, negotiated by a conference committee comprised of House and Senate members, to resolve differences in their respective versions of legislation that has passed in both chambers.
ü Announced Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz (TX-27) as the new co-chairman of the Congressional Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Caucus. Congressman Ortiz serves as the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee Chairman and represents a congressional district that has been at the forefront of cutting-edge medical M&S research. For more information on the M&S Caucus, click here.
ü Voted in favor of H.R. 1332, the Small Business Lending Improvements Act of 2007, legislation to reduce lending fees and to increase access to capital for small businesses by modernizing Small Business Administration (SBA) lending programs. This legislation would also expand financing options for start-up businesses in rural areas and emphasize outreach to health care providers to address increasing demand for medical providers in rural and low-income areas. Additionally, it would establish a program to help veterans to start their own businesses by reducing borrower and lender fees and increasing loan guarantees.
ü Voted in favor of H.R. 249, legislation that would restore the ban on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros. The bill would allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture to detain and examine any horse if it suspects that the animal will be slaughtered for human consumption. Violators could receive criminal and civil penalties.
ü Applauded passage of H.Con.Res. 121, legislation recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education. The resolution asserts the importance of music education in the development of critical thinking, creative problem-solving, effective communication and teamwork skills, and how those benefits can increase student achievement in other academic areas to better prepare them for entrance in a competitive workplace.
ü Authored a letter, signed by 19 Members of Congress, to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education to ask their support for full funding of abstinence education programs in the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2008. Abstinence education programs have proven effective in teaching teenagers to stay healthy, develop strong self-esteem, and making a positive impact on their future.
For a comprehensive look at Congressman Forbes' work on legislative issues, visit the Spotlight Issues page.
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