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Washington Update Congressman J. Randy Forbes, Virginia's Fourth Congressional District Week of June 23 - 27, 2008 |
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ü Applauded the Department of Veterans Affairs decision to establish a new Veterans Outpatient Clinic in Emporia, Virginia. The community-based outpatient clinic will significantly reduce travel distance to the nearest VA hospital and increase access to health care for veterans across the Fourth Congressional District. The state-of-the-art clinic, which is the first of its kind in the Fourth District, will focus not only on providing primary treatment but also prevention of disease, early detection, and health promotion. “This is very exciting news for veterans and for the Fourth District," said Congressman Forbes. "This veteran’s outpatient clinic will make quality health care much more accessible to veterans in the Fourth District. We have worked closely with veterans across the Fourth District and with the Department of Veterans Affairs officials on this issue for quite awhile, and it is exciting to see the much-needed facility finally begin to come to fruition. As a country, it our privilege and our duty to honor our nation's veterans and see that the commitments we have made to them are carried out." The Emporia clinic is scheduled to be activated in the next 24 months. ü Supported passage of H.R. 2818, the Veterans' Epilepsy Treatment Act of 2008, which would establish five “Epilepsy Centers of Excellence” to perform research, education, and clinical care related to epilepsy. Today, there are nearly 89,000 veterans that suffer from epilepsy, most notably because the increased use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has caused traumatic brain injuries, which is thought to be a factor in the development of epilepsy. ü Supported passage of H.Res. 1231, which expresses support for the goals and ideals of Vietnam Veterans Day. Vietnam Veterans Day was created to recognize and remember the Americans who sacrificed their lives or their health in the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was the longest military conflict in United States history. More than 58,000 brave Americans lost their lives and 304,000 were wounded while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. ü Supported H.R. 4044, the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008. This bill provides a temporary exemption from the Chapter 7 bankruptcy means-test for Guardsmen and Reservists who have served on active duty for 90 days since September 11, 2001.
ü Was profiled in the Wall Street Journal for his work on The New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence, H.R. 6260, and called on Congressional Leadership to support this proposal. This bill challenges the United States to achieve 50 percent energy independence in 10 years and 100 percent energy independence in 20 years. To achieve this goal, the New Manhattan Project will bring together the best and brightest scientists in our nation in a competitive format to effectively research one of seven established energy goals and will award significant prizes to any group, school, team, or company who accomplishes each goal. Rep. Forbes' initiative was also featured in other print publications, including the Virginian Pilot, the Petersburg Progress-Index, and the Richmond Times-Dispatch. ü Appeared live on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal to discuss The New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence, H.R. 6260. Rep. Forbes' also discussed his the initiative on WTOP 103.5 Radio in Washington, DC, and on Fox News Radio's Tom Sullivan Show. During these appearances, he outlined his bold new plan to help the U.S. achieve 100 percent energy independence in 20 years, and awarding major prizes to any American who can achieve one of seven established energy goals in the areas of alternative fuel vehicles, green buildings, solar power, biofuels, carbon sequestration, nuclear waste, and nuclear fusion. He also highlighted the historical significance of such an endeavor, explaining the need for a new national challenge in the face of our increasing dependence on foreign oil, and the need for both short- and long-term solutions to high gas prices. ü Signed a pledge to increase domestic energy supplies which states “I will vote to increase U.S. oil production to lower gas prices for Americans.” To date, this pledge has been signed by nearly 200 Members of Congress. Congressman Forbes believes that in order to lower gas prices in the short-run and become energy independent in the long-run, it is critical to focus our energy policy on three main objectives: production, conservation, and alternative energy. To learn more about what Congressman Forbes is doing to lower gas prices and help solve the energy crisis, visit http://randyforbes.house.gov/issues/energy.htm. ü Voted in favor of H.R. 6346, the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act. This bill would make it a federal crime for any person to sell gasoline during an energy emergency at a price that is “unconscionably excessive.” It would also prohibit any retailer or wholesaler from taking unfair advantage of the circumstances related to an energy emergency in order to unreasonably increase prices.
ü Voted in favor of H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008. This legislation would delay the 10% cut in physician reimbursement (scheduled to go into effect June 30, 2008) by 6 months, and instead provides a 1.1% increase in fee schedule levels for 2009. It also would enact an 18-month delay of the new competitive bidding process for Durable Medical Equipment, which is scheduled to move into Round 2 on July 1 (Round 2 will include the Richmond metro area, which includes part of the Fourth District). The bill also includes extended coverage of preventive health care services and expanded mental health parity coverage. ü Supported H.Con.Res. 163, Expressing Congress’s support for further research and activities to increase public awareness and treatment of Dandy-Walker syndrome and hydrocephalus. Dandy-Walker syndrome is the most common birth defect of the cerebellum and its causes are largely unknown. Between 10,000 and 40,000 people have Dandy-Walker syndrome in the United States. This resolution also commends the National Institutes of Health for taking a leading role in researching this disease. ü Supported H.Con.Res. 195, a resolution establishing a National Dysphagia Awareness Month. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is the cause of death in nearly 60,000 Americans each year, more than the total number of Americans dying from liver disease, kidney disease, and HIV/AIDS combined--and nearly as many as those dying from diabetes, the number six killer of Americans. With 1,000,000 new Americans diagnosed each year with dysphagia, this resolution seeks to raise public awareness about dysphagia and the need for early detection and treatment.
ü Held a classified meeting with General Kevin Chilton, Commander of U.S. Strategic Command. As the head of Strategic Command, General Chilton has the responsibility of ensuring the security of the military’s computer networks and space satellites. Congressman Forbes held the meeting in response to ongoing reports that China is focusing espionage efforts on the Department of Defense computer systems. The Pentagon’s Annual Military Report on China also indicates that China is developing capabilities to jam, disrupt, and destroy navigation and communications satellites. ü Participated in a House Armed Services Committee hearing on recent Security Developments in China. Congressman Forbes questioned both witnesses about whether the United States was prepared to counter the growing asymmetric capabilities that China has developed over the last few years. These new capabilities include advanced tracking of naval ships and submarines, anti-satellite technology, and increased efforts to infiltrate computer networks. Congressman Forbes also noted that the classified information related to China makes it difficult to raise awareness to some of the most concerning issues, such as cyber espionage. ü Praised the nomination of the first woman military officer in history for promotion to four-star general, former Fort Lee commander, Army Lieutenant General Ann E. Dunwoody. Congressman Forbes said, “Anne is someone I consider a friend of mine, a friend of Fort Lee, and most importantly, she is a dedicated soldier and a first-rate military professional. It does not surprise me that Gen. Dunwoody will be the first woman to reach this remarkable milestone, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to ensure our soldiers have the supplies and equipment they need to accomplish their mission.” Dunwoody was nominated to be the commander of Army Materiel Command, which oversees Army logistics and acquisitions. As the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, Congressman Forbes provides oversight of the military’s logistics, maintenance and equipment needs.
ü Signed a letter to President Bush to highlight the challenges Israel faces in its search for peace. The letter describes the worsening situation in Gaza where Hamas is rapidly building up its armed militias and from where rockets are fired into southern Israel almost every day. In addition, the letter urges the President to demand that Arab states do more to support those negotiations by providing the type of financial, political and moral support necessary for the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians to succeed. The bipartisan letter was signed by more than 180 Members of Congress.
ü Supported H.Res. 1294, the National Save for Retirement Week, which raises public awareness of the importance of saving adequately for retirement and the availability of tax-preferred employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s. ü Supported H.R. 6307, the Fostering Connections to Success Act, which amends parts of the Social Security Act to assist children in foster care in developing or maintaining connections to family, community, support, health care, and school.
ü Voted to support H.R. 3195, the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Restoration Act of 2007. This bill expands the definition of “disability” to cover those with serious health issues who did not qualify for protection under the original ADA. Epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and severe intellectual impairment are some conditions that have received added protections under H.R. 3195. ü Voted to support H.R. 3546, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program (Byrne-JAG). This bill provides grants to state and local law enforcement divisions to help in fighting violent crime. Byrne-JAG grants support drug task forces, crime victim and witness programs, prevention and education, and technology improvement initiatives. Each state will receive a portion of the $600 million per year grant program. ü Voted to oppose H.R. 2176, the settlement of certain land claims of the Bay Mills Indian Community and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. This bill would have approved two new casinos in the Detroit metropolitan area, some 350 miles from either tribe’s ancestral land. It failed to pass the House of Representatives. ü Supported H.Res. 1293, to commemorate the 44th Anniversary of the death of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner in Philadelphia, Mississippi. The three civil rights advocates were murdered while working in the name of American democracy to register voters and secure civil rights during the summer of 1964, which would become known as “Freedom Summer.” ü Attended a hearing on S. 980, the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008, in the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. This bill would increase penalties for online pharmacies that dispense drugs without valid prescriptions, or that dispense counterfeit drugs. During the hearing, Congressman Forbes stated, “The dangers posed by illegal online pharmacies are real. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse reports a 542% increase in abuse of prescription opiates among 12- to 17-year olds between 1992 and 2002.”
ü Voted to support H.R. 6327, the Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2008. This bill will provide funding to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which is used for development and improvement projects for our nation’s airports. ü Supported H.R. 2452, the Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act. This bill requires treatment facility operators to establish an alert system to inform the public and public health authorities in the event of sewer overflows.
ü Supported H.Res. 1271, which recognizes National Homeownership Month and the importance of homeownership in the United States. Owning a home is fundamental part of the American dream and is the largest personal investment most families will ever make. Homeownership provides economic security for homeowners by aiding them in building wealth over time and strengthens communities through a greater stake among homeowners in local schools, civic organizations, and churches. Creating affordable homeownership opportunities requires the commitment and cooperation of the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. ü Supported H.R. 6312, to advance credit union efforts to promote economic growth, modify credit union regulatory standards and reduce burdens to provide regulatory relief and improve productivity for insured depository institutions. This legislation permits a credit union to invest in securities for its own account, subject to certain percentage limitations; and increase the investment and lending limit in credit union service organizations from 1% to 3% of a credit union's total paid and unimpaired capital and surplus.
ü Opposed H.R. 5876, which would establish a new $805 million federal bureaucracy for the regulation of residential youth programs (privately-run boot camps), which are currently overseen by state agencies. H.R. 5876 requires programs to meet minimum federal mandates and authorizes citizens to seek relief in a U.S. district court for harm for any violation of the established standards. ü Supported House passage of H.R. 5687, the Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 2008. This legislation would require that appointments to advisory committees be made without regard to political affiliation. However, the bill would also require that appointees complete a conflict of interest form, and requires that agency heads ensure no one is appointed to an advisory committee who has a relevant conflict of interest. ü Supported passage of H.Res. 1283, a resolution expressing sympathy for the victims of the tornado that hit Little Sioux, Iowa, on June 11, 2008. The tornado took the lives of four young Boy Scouts and injured 43 others when it struck the Little Sioux Boy Scout Ranch. The resolution also expresses gratitude to the officials, first responders, and medical teams for their efforts to respond quickly and treat the victims.
ü Supported House passage H.Res. 1229, a resolution that honors and recognizes the achievements of America’s high school valedictorians of 2008, and encourages all graduating seniors to further their education by attending college. ü Supported passage of H.Con.Res. 372, whish supports the goals and ideals of Black Music Month and honors the outstanding contributions that African American singers and musicians have made to the United States. ü Supported passage of H.Res. 1051, a resolution that congratulates James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, for 100 years of education service and leadership. ü Supported passage of H.Con.Res. 2, a resolution to encourage our nation’s schools to honor the contributions of the territories of the United States by including them in American history curriculum.
For a comprehensive look at Congressman Forbes' work on legislative issues, visit the Spotlight Issues page on his website.
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Veterans