“A Pledge to America” Issued
On September 23, 2010, “A Pledge to America” was issued by Republican Members of the United States House of Representatives. A Pledge to America has five basic components: a plan for private sector job creation; a plan to control federal spending; a plan to repeal the new health care law and replace it with reforms that will lower health care costs; long-overdue reforms of Washington; and, a national security plan to help keep America secure. The document can be read in full at www.gop.gov.
“The Pledge is not a perfect document,” Congressman Todd Platts stated. “There are areas where it does not go far enough—such as building on a recent earmark moratorium adopted by House Republicans with a permanent reform of the earmarking process. Nonetheless, the Pledge to America is an agenda for governing that offers a truly new direction for the country.”
Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
Congressman Platts Receives “Guardian of Small Business Award”
U.S. Congressman Todd Platts (PA-19) was awarded the “Guardian of Small Business Award” from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for his support of legislation and policies critical to ensuring the success of small businesses across the country.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/NFIB.shtml)
Congressman Platts Working to Expedite the Federal Government's Response to Asian Stink Bug Crisis Facing Farmers
With some farmers in the 19th Congressional District and Northern Maryland experiencing more than a 50 percent loss of fruit crops due to the Asian Stink Bug, U.S. Congressman Todd Platts (PA-19) is working to spur federal agencies to get ahead of this potential crisis. The Asian Stink Bug has spread to 29 states and local orchards are just becoming aware of the extent of the damage caused by this insect.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/stinkbugcrisis.shtml)
Key Votes
The following is a list of some key votes taken by the United States House of Representatives during the month of September of 2010:
Adjournment (H. Con. Res. 321)
The House voted 210-209 to adjourn until November. Opponents of the adjournment—including 39 Democrats and all Republicans—argued that the House should instead consider legislation to prevent a scheduled tax increase. The tax increase (including an increase in all federal income tax rates, a reduction in the child tax credit, and the expiration of relief from the marriage penalty and death taxes) is scheduled to occur in 2011 unless Congress acts. Congressman Todd Platts voted against adjourning.
Continuing Resolution, or “CR” (H.R. 3081)
Prior to adjourning, the House voted 228-194 to pass a bill that funds federal agencies at current levels of spending through December 3, 2010. Opponents of H.R. 3081 – including 22 Democrats and 172 Republicans - argued that Congress should fund agencies at a lower level in order to help towards deficit reduction. Congressman Todd Platts voted against H.R. 3081 and therefore in favor of a lower level of funding.Please do not attempt to reply to this message, as it is an unattended mailbox. If you wish to contact me about an issue addressed in this newsletter, or would like more information on what is happening in Congress, please visit my Web site at www.house.gov/platts for more information.
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