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Washington Update Congressman J. Randy Forbes, Virginia's Fourth Congressional District Week of May 4 - 8, 2009 |
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ü Supported a commission to address federal spending. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 1557, which would establish a non-partisan commission to develop legislation designed to address: (1) the nation’s unsustainable deficits; (2) increase net national savings and economic growth; (3) study the implications of foreign ownership of U.S. debt; and (4) revamp the budget process to emphasize long-term fiscal responsibility.
ü Supported safeguards against predatory mortgage lending. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R. 1728, which creates mortgage loan standards for lenders and places limits on high-cost mortgages. For example, the bill would require mortgage brokers to be licensed and registered, would prohibit lenders from steering consumers into higher-cost loans when they qualify for more affordable ones, and would require lenders to verify basic financial information of potential buyers to ensure they can adequately repay the loan. Additionally, this bill would require that tenants living in foreclosed properties be given 90 days notice before being required to vacate. ü Called for an independent investigation of Chinese drywall. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 1977, to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to study drywall imported from China in 2004 through 2007. There are an estimated 35,000 homes that have reported safety and fire hazards caused by Chinese drywall installed over the last few years. The drywall has been known to emit foul-smelling sulfuric odors and gases that are corroding copper electrical wire in homes and may be responsible for chronic health problems. There have been reports of homeowners developing bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses. This bill would require the CPSC to examine whether new safety standards are necessary to ensure drywall is safe and would establish an immediate ban on drywall shown to be hazardous.
ü Called for increased transparency within the Department of Defense (DoD). Congressman Forbes and other senior members of the House Armed Services Committee sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates encouraging the Pentagon to increase transparency in reporting on readiness and the defense budget process. Earlier this year, in what the Washington Post described as “unprecedented secrecy,” the Pentagon asked senior defense officials to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, which would require them to keep defense budget deliberations secret. Additionally, the DoD announced that it will classify routine reports on ship readiness. Congressman Forbes and other Members of Congress noted that this would severely and unnecessarily limit Congress in its Constitutional duties.
ü Presented Rose Tuazon, a Gold Star Mother, with an Honor and Remember flag. Mrs. Tuazon lost her son, Private First Class Andrew Tuazon, in Iraq May 10, 2004. Andrew was a recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Ribbon. ü Improve efficiency in the U.S. weapons buying process. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R. 2101, which would reform the Department of Defense’ s purchase program to improve efficiency and oversight in the purchasing of DoDs most costly weapons systems. This improvement efficiency and oversight has the potential to improve the quality of these systems and reduce cost overruns.
ü Supported efforts to identify mortgage and financial security fraud. Congressman Forbes voted for S. 386, to expand current laws against financial crimes to include mortgage fraud and securities fraud cases.
ü Establish a national research program for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 1362, to establish permanent national surveillance systems for multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological diseases and disorders. More than 10,000 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with MS annually, and it is thought that more than 400,000 individuals in the United States have MS. In addition, Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States, and it is estimated that more than 1,000,000 Americans are currently fighting this disease.
ü Recognized the religious heritage of the United States. Congressman Forbes introduced H.Res.397, America’s Spiritual Heritage Resolution, which recognizes the rich spiritual and religious history of our nation’s founding and subsequent history. The resolution would also designate the first week in May of every year as America’s Spiritual Heritage Week. Congressman Forbes' delivered remarks on the House Floor about America's spiritual heritage. Click here to watch the speech. ü Held a press conference affirming America's rich spiritual heritage. Congressman Forbes was joined on the National Day of Prayer by ten Members of Congress and thirteen faith leaders at a bipartisan press conference to affirm that America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. ü Featured in U.S. News & World Report. Click here to read the editorial by Congressman Forbes.
ü Recognized the 61st Anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Con.Res.111, to recognize the independence of the State of Israel.
For a comprehensive look at Congressman Forbes' work on legislative issues, visit the Spotlight Issues page on his website.
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