Washington Update

Congressman J. Randy Forbes, Virginia's Fourth Congressional District

Weeks of June 8 - 19, 2009

ü Opposed a bailout for the International Monetary Fund. Congressman Forbes voted against H.R.2346, a war spending bill that includes more than $28.7 billion of non-war spending. The bill includes a “global bailout” that will require the federal government to borrow money to then lend it to the International Monetary Fund. The bill also authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to agree to the sale of gold to the IMF, which would make the institution less accountable to the U.S. and other member nations.

ü Opposed an increase of $6.8 billion in excess government spending. H.R.2847 the 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science, Appropriations bill fails to prioritize funding levels and instead contains an 11.7 percent increase over the 2009 spending bill. When all appropriations spending is combined, majority leadership in Congress has increased non-defense, non-veterans discretionary spending by 85 percent over the last two fiscal years.  This level of spending is unsustainable in light of our growing deficits and debt.

ü Supported increased assistance for the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. Congressman Forbes supported H.R.1674 to declare that a nonprofit corporation could be qualified as a community development financial institution under the National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act (NCCBA). Institutions under the NCCBA focus on delivering banking services to housing, education, health care, and cultural centers, as well as small businesses and social service cooperatives, in economically distressed communities. 

Health Care

ü Supported health care reform for millions of uninsured Americans. Congressman Forbes signed a letter to President Obama asking him to keep his promise to let Americans who like their health care plans to keep it. The letter also stressed the need for health care reform to help the millions of Americans who have trouble finding affordable health care plans.

ü Emphasized the need for awareness of vision impairment and eye disease. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res.366 to recognize the 40th anniversary of the National Eye Institute. The bill supports the awareness of the public health challenges associated with vision impairment and eye disease. The bill also emphasizes the need for federal support for prevention and early detection, access to treatment and rehabilitation, and research.

Defense

ü Supported the annual defense policy bill in committee. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2010 during the House Armed Services Committee markup of the bill. During the proceedings, Forbes successfully pushed for full funding for Army BRAC expansion and increased transportation and Impact Aid funding to help localities deal with BRAC-related growth as well as other provisions.    

 Specifically, Congressman Forbes:

·        Worked for a $200 million addition to ship repair funding to cover half of the Navy's 2010 Unfunded Requirements; 

·        Introduced an amendment, which passed, to study cost impacts of stretching aircraft carrier construction from four years to five years;

·        Supported an amendment to prohibit Mayport dredging before carrier homebasing is decided in the Quadrennial Defense Review;

·        Supported $18.1 million for Naval Station Norfolk as proposed in the President’s Budget;

·        Worked for a $20 million funding increase for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative to assist the Department in purchasing conservancy easements to protect encroachment that could threaten the longevity of OLF Fentress or NAS Oceana;

·        Supported full funding for a Virginia Class Submarine in addition to seven other ships;

·        Worked for $5 million for a Defense Access Road project to alleviate traffic congestion outside Fort Lee, Virginia;

·        Supported the $4 billion in funding needed to complete Army BRAC 2005 and expanding growth at Fort Lee, VA;

·        Increased funding by $9 million for the Procurement Technical Assistance Program to assist local small businesses compete for DoD contracts, including those near Fort Lee, VA; and

·        Worked to include language urging the Virginia Army National Guard to keep its headquarters at Fort Pickett, Virginia; 

Congressman Forbes also supported a provision that would provide funding for concurrent receipt, elimination of the SBP/DIC offset, and authorization of TRICARE coverage for Reserve Component retirees under the age of 60 upon receipt of retired pay, commonly referred to as the "gray area." In addition, Forbes personally worked for a $65 million increase for Impact Aid, which provides funding for schools impacted by BRAC and he supported a 3.4% pay raise for active duty military families, which was 0.5% higher than the President requested. 

ü Sought to prevent the transfer or release of detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay prison into the United States. Congressman Forbes introduced two amendments during the House Armed Services Committee consideration of the annual defense policy bill. The first amendment would have prohibited the use of funds to transfer individuals detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any facility or location in the United States. A second amendment would have required the President to meet strict criteria and certification standards before terrorists housed at the Guantanamo prison could be brought to the United States. The second measure included a pre-approval requirement by a governor and state legislature prior to the transfer or release of any terrorist detainee into their state. Both amendments were amended, and the final bill text requires the President to notify the governor and legislature of the transfer of detainees, but does not require their consent.

ü Introduced an amendment to increase transparency at the Department of Defense. Congressman Forbes’ offered the amendment at the House Armed Services Committee consideration of the annual defense policy bill. It states that any member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff may submit advice or opinion to the Congress in addition to, or in disagreement with, the advice presented by the Chairman or the Secretary of Defense. The amendment is aimed at reducing the Administration's recent trend towards muting the independent advice from Pentagon officials to Members of Congress, especially in regards to the FY2010 budget process and the military services’ budget priorities. The amendment was adopted by the Committee. 

ü Stressed the importance of the military services' maintenance depots. The military service's maintenance depots provide repair and manufacturing capabilities necessary to sustaining a ready military. Congressman Forbes signed a joint letter to the Comptroller General, the director of the Government Accountability Office, emphasizing the critical role depots play in ongoing military operations. Effective strategic plans can help ensure that depots are resourced to meet future maintenance requirements.

ü Compelled the Department of Defense to produce an annual shipbuilding report. Congressman Forbes and seven Members of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) introduced H. Res.477, directing the Administration to provide Congress with the 30-year shipbuilding plan. This resolution was in response to the testimony of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead before HASC on May 14 of this year, where he stated that the Navy would not submit a congressionally-mandated 30-year shipbuilding report with its fiscal year 2010 budget request as it was required to do by law. On Tuesday, June 16, the resolution was successfully adopted during HASC consideration of the annual defense policy bill.

ü Condemned the murder of Army Private William Long and the wounding of Army Private Quinton Ezeagwula. Both were shot outside of a Army Navy Career Center. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res.515, urging that the perpetrator of the senseless shooting be brought to justice.  

ü Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots. Congressman Forbes voted for S. 614 to make appropriate arrangements for the award of a single gold medal in honor of the Women Airforce Service Pilots collectively, in honor of their pioneering military service and exemplary record, which forged revolutionary reform in the U.S. Armed Forces.

American Values

ü Expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the ConAgra Foods plant explosion in Garner, North Carolina. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res.540 to commend the heroic actions of the Garner Police and Fire Departments, the quick response of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and all other first responders, emergency services personnel, and private citizens who responded to the crisis.

Foreign Affairs

ü Supported Iranian citizens in their struggle for freedom. Congressman Forbes supported H. Res.560 condemning the ongoing violence against demonstrators by the Government of Iran and pro-government militias, as well as the ongoing government suppression of independent electronic communication. The bill affirms individual rights and the importance of democratic and fair elections. Congressman Forbes also cosponsored H. Res.549, which expresses support for all Iranian citizens who struggle for freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law.

ü Called for end to hostile actions by North Korea. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res.309 calling for North Korea to end hostile rhetoric and activity towards the Republic of Korea and engage in mutual dialogue to enhance inter-Korean relations. The bill calls for North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons programs and return to the Non-Proliferation Treaty to comply with U.N. Security Council resolution. The legislation stresses that the United States remain committed to inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation. The U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance is of strategic importance in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

ü Provided additional personnel essential to rehabilitate Afghanistan. Congressman Forbes supported S. 615, which authorizes the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction to employee extra workers essential to the rehabilitation of Afghanistan.

ü Spoke on the implications of China's naval modernization for the U.S. Congressman Forbes, co-chair and founder of the Congressional China Caucus, addressed the impact of China's naval modernization and development on our national security at a Congressional Perspectives Panel. In addition, he spoke about his concern over China’s military growth. 

ü Supported increased foreign assistance aid for Pakistan. Congressman Forbes supported an amendment to H.R.1886 that authorizes $1.5 billion a year for foreign assistance aid, while requiring the President to submit to Congress a comprehensive plan to implement his strategy for long-term security and stability on Pakistan that includes measures of effectiveness. Congressman Forbes opposed final passage of H.R.1886 because the bill would set rigid limitations and conditions on U.S. policy towards Pakistan. 

 

Education and Labor

ü Promoted new programs for science and technology education. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.1709 to establish a committee within the National Science and Technology Council to coordinate programs aimed at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

 

ü Supported increased safety for schoolchildren. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.729 to require schools sponsoring off-premises overnight field trips to develop and provide to parents whose children are to be taken on such trips written safety plans. The plans include policies on curfews, room checks, and chaperone qualifications; and emergency procedures to be followed when a serious injury or death occurs.

 

ü Promoted safe internet use for students. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.780 to allow educational agencies to use state grants under the Enhancing Education through Technology program, the Safe and Drug-Free Schools, and Communities program to develop and implement programs promoting safe internet use by students.

ü Recognized National Physical Education and Sport Week. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res.503 to recognize the central role of physical education and sports in creating a healthy lifestyle for all children, while encouraging schools to implement local wellness and physical education policies.

ü Recognized the significant accomplishments of the AmeriCorps. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res.453 to encourage all citizens to join in a national effort to salute AmeriCorps members and alumni, and raise awareness about the importance of national and community service.

 

Science

ü Called for increased international science and technology cooperation. Congressman Forbes supported H.R.1736 to establish a committee within the National Science and Technology Council that can strengthen the United States’ economy, security, and foreign policy goals.

 

 

 

Judiciary

 

ü Established new federal grant programs for witness protection. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.1741, which would provide $150 million to establish a new federal grant program for states to provide protection for witnesses to homicides, violent crimes, and serious drug offense cases.

ü Voted for the impeachment of U.S. District Judge Samuel B. Kent. Congressman Forbes cosponsored and supported H. Res.520 in a House Judiciary Committee markup, an impeachment resolution to remove Judge Kent from the federal bench.  Judge Kent recently pled guilty to various crimes including sexual harassment and abuse and was sentenced to 33 months in prison. 

ü Protected American journalists abroad. Congressman Forbes supported H.R.2765 in a House Judiciary Committee markup to protect American writers and journalists from foreign-based defamation lawsuits. The bill addresses libel tourism when the subject of a critical news story sues an American author, reporter, editor, or publisher for defamation in a plaintiff-friendly overseas forum. 

ü Protected young children from identity theft. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R.2706, which would provide for the re-issuance of Social Security account numbers to young children in cases where the the number has been compromised due to theft. Although the Social Security Administration (SSA) currently issues a new social security number for anyone who claims superstitious reasons for not liking their original number, they do not issue a new social security number for children when their cards have been stolen.

ü Recognized the importance of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res.454 to recognize the 25th anniversary of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

ü Ensured the security of judges’ personal information to prevent threats of violence. Congressman Forbes supported H.R. 2661 to increase the penalty for making restricted personal information about judges, jurors, court officials, witnesses or informants publicly available.

 

 

Homeland Security

ü Honored and congratulated the U.S. Border Patrol on its 85th anniversary. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res.498, which supports the Border Patrol’s goals, objectives, and commitment to protecting the United States.

 

 

 

Small Business

ü Hosted government contracting seminars for women-owned and minority-owned businesses. Congressman Forbes, along with speakers from the Small Business Administration and procurement assistance centers in the Fourth District, discussed how small business owners could successfully look for opportunities in doing business with the government.

 

 

 Veterans

ü Supported additional funds to pay for key veterans benefits. Congressman Forbes announced that he signed a letter to House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt (D-SC) requesting that he use the “reserve funds” in this year’s budget resolution to pay for benefits promised to our nation’s veterans, military retirees and their families.

ü Protected the rights of disabled and injured veterans. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.466, a bill that prohibits employer related discrimination to an individual because of any treatment for and illness, injury, or disability caused by military service.

ü Increased veteran access to housing and homeless assistance programs. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.403, which expands the supply of supportive housing for very low-income veterans, and makes housing rental vouchers and public housing available to more veterans.

 

Government Reform

ü Opposed new federal mandates on the tobacco industry. Congressman Forbes opposed H.R.1256, a bill that would allow tobacco products to be given a “FDA approved” seal of approval, which would send the wrong message to our children about the safety of tobacco products while imposing mandates on states and private businesses. 

 

 

Transportation and Infrastructure

ü Promoted High-Performance Buildings. High-performance buildings are energy efficient, have low long-term and short-term costs, are healthy for occupants, and have low environmental impact. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res.492, a bill that reaffirms our nation’s commitment to High-Performance Buildings by promoting awareness about their benefits and by promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to information.

 

 

For a comprehensive look at Congressman Forbes' work on legislative issues, visit the Spotlight Issues page on his website.

 

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About Washington Update Washington Update serves as a resource to the constituents of the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia on the work of Congressman Forbes. It is published weekly while Congress is in session. Hyperlinks to bill information are provided if the information disseminated by the House of Representatives is available at the time of distribution.   As always, Congressman Forbes welcomes your comments. To share your thoughts on legislation, votes or issues, please visit http://randyforbes.house.gov to send an e-mail or call any of Congressman Forbes' three district offices.    Please do not reply to this email.  It has been sent from an unattended mailbox.