Randy's Blog

RSS Feed
Question of the week: Do you support the continuation of current law, which prohibits detainees from Guantanamo Bay from being transferred to prisons in the United States?
Posted by Randy | December 05, 2012
California Senator Dianne Feinstein released a report last week by the U.S. Government Accountability Office: Facilities and Factors for Consideration If Detainees Were Brought to the United States.  Senator Feinstein touted the report as proof that the U.S. could handle the detainees if the U.S. were to close military detention facilities at its Naval Station in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.

“Since 2002, the United States has operated detention facilities in Guantánamo Bay to hold individuals detained during overseas counterterrorism operations. In 2009 the President directed the closure of these facilities within 1 year,” says the report. “Since then, a number of statutes have prohibited the transfer of Guantánamo Bay detainees to the United States. GAO was asked to review existing U.S. facilities and identify factors to be considered in the event that restrictions were lifted and Guantánamo Bay detainees were transferred to the United States.”

The GAO report lists six correctional facilities operated by the Department of Defense, including Naval Consolidated Brig Chesapeake, which are equipped to confine prisoners for more than one year.

Since 2009, Congressman Forbes has introduced and sponsored numerous pieces of legislation to prevent the transfer of detainees to Virginia and the rest of the United States. Congressman Forbes introduced legislation, H.R. 1638, to prohibit the use of federal funds to transfer detainees to locations in Virginia. Mr. Forbes was also a cosponsor of H.R. 2294, the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act and H.R. 1186, which prohibited the use of funds to transfer individuals detained Guantanamo Bay to facilities in Virginia. All these provisions were incorporated into the last three National Defense Authorization Acts and passed as law.

Question of the week: Do you support the continuation of current law, which prohibits detainees from Guantanamo Bay from being transferred to prisons in the United States?

( ) Yes
( ) No
( ) I don't know
( ) Other (Leave your comments below)


Take the poll here.

Find out the results of last week’s instapoll here.

Find out the results of my instapoll about the “Fiscal Cliff” here.
Post a Comment [ Permalink ]
Question of the week: Given China’s growing military capabilities, do you consider China….
Posted by Randy | November 30, 2012
Last the weekend, China’s Defense Ministry released video and pictures of a Chinese J-15 fighter jet taking off and landing from its aircraft carrier, the Liaoning.


The news marks a significant milestone for China 14 years after it acquired the unfinished carrier from the Ukraine, 18 months after its first sea trials and two months after its commissioning into the People’s Liberation Army Navy. Though significant work lies ahead to make the Liaoning combat operational,  the commencement of carrier-based, fixed-wing flight operations puts China in elite company, with only five other nations with these current capabilities – The U.S., Russia, France, India and Brazil.  

This comes during a time of increasing concern among China’s neighbors in the Pacific, many of which remain embroiled in territorial disputes with China over the long-term regional intentions of the People’s Liberation Army and the Chinese Communist Party.  This week, Congressman Forbes moderated an important discussion at the Foreign Policy Initiative entitled, “All Eyes on Asia: Perspectives From Our Allies” between representatives of several nations in the region on their security concerns and the re-rise of China.

Additionally, click here to read about Congressman Forbes’ work as Chairman and founder of the Congressional China Caucus, whose primary mission is to investigate and educate its members on the emergence of China’s global reach and the consequences of its growing international, economic, and political influence on U.S. interests.

Question of the week: Given China’s growing military capabilities, do you consider China….

( ) a partner of the United States
( ) friendly, but not a partner of the United States
( ) a competitor to the United States
( ) an adversary to the United States
( ) I don't know
( ) Other (Leave your comments below)

Take the poll here.

Find out the results of last week’s instapoll here.

Find out the results of my instapoll about the “Fiscal Cliff” here.
Post a Comment [ Permalink ]
A Thankgiving Prayer by Rev. Peter Marshall
Posted by Randy | November 21, 2012

This Thanksgiving, I hope you are gathering with family and friends over some turkey to celebrate the blessings in our lives. I am particularly grateful this year for the health and safety of my loved ones and the brave men and women of our armed services overseas protecting our freedoms and our nation.  

I wanted to share this Thanksgiving Prayer by Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, delivered on the Senate floor on November 26, 1947. Despite national challenge and discord and the personal struggles that many Americans face this Thanksgiving, the spirit of this prayer still resonates today:

 

Our Father in Heaven,

If ever we had a cause to offer unto Thee our fervent thanks, surely it is now, on the Eve of our Thanksgiving Day, when we, the people of this Nation, are comfortable, well fed, well clad, and blessed with good things beyond our deserving. May gratitude, the rarest of all virtues, be the spirit of our observance.

Let not feasting, football, and festivity end in forgetfulness of God. May the desperate need of the rest of the world, and our own glorious heritage, remind us of the God who led our Fathers every step of the way by which they advanced to the character of an independent nation.

May the faith and conviction of George Washington be renewed in us as we remember his words:

...there is no truth more thoroughly established than that there exits in the economy and course of nature an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity; since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained...

For if we do not have the grace to thank Thee for all that we have and enjoy, how can we have the effrontery to seek Thy further blessings? God, give us grateful hearts. 

For Jesus' sake.

Amen. 

Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain 
From the United States Senate - November 26, 1947
Post a Comment [ Permalink ]
Question of the week: Do you think Israel has the inherent right to defend itself from Hamas rocket attacks?
Posted by Randy | November 20, 2012
Since last Wednesday, Hamas militants have fired more than 1,000 rockets at Israeli communities, killing three and wounding 79. Several longer-range rockets have struck the outskirts of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, signifying Hamas’ increased capabilities.

In response,  Israel launched air strikes targeting Hamas facilities and rocket launching sites. Today marks seven days of fighting in the Gaza strip that has claimed the lives of 115 people and wounded 840.   

To read my recent statement on the violence in Israel, click here.

Please read some of my work on behalf of Israel below.

Question of the week: Do you think Israel has the inherent right to defend itself from Hamas rocket attacks?

(  ) Yes
(  ) No
(  ) I don’t know
(  ) Other (leave your comments below)


Take the poll here.

For results of last week’s poll, click here.

Find out the results of our instapoll about the “Fiscal Cliff” here.


Congressman Forbes’ work in support of a strong U.S.-Israeli relationship

Reaffirmed the importance of close U.S.-Israeli relations.  Congressman Forbes supported the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act, S.2165, to extend vital defense relationships and ensure that the U.S. can continue to support Israel’s capability to defend itself. The bill also set a clear statement of policy that the United States should provide Israel with the military capabilities necessary to deter and defend against any threat, veto any one-sided anti-Israel resolutions at the U.N. Security Council, and support Israel’s inherent right to self-defense. This bill passed the House by voice vote.

Stood with Israel to foster the nation’s security.  Congressman Forbes co-sponsored H.R. 4229, the Iron Dome Support Act to authorize assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system.  The Iron Dome anti-missile system is essential to protecting the Israeli people from ongoing rocket attacks.  Only by ensuring Israel’s security as a foundation can a negotiated peace settlement be pursued.  Congressman Forbes knows that the Iron Dome anti-missile system is a vital component of Israel’s security and has joined over 75 of his colleagues in authorizing the President to assist Israel in the sustainment of the Iron Dome system.

(House Version of first Bill) Maintained Enhanced Security Cooperation between the United States and Israel.  Congressman Forbes supported passage of H.R. 4133, the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act.  This bill expresses Congress’s continued support of the U.S.-Israeli security relationship and directs the President to assist Israel in ensuring our nation’s closest ally in the Middle East does not lose its qualitative military edge.  To ensure Israel’s military edge, the U.S. must further develop advanced technology programs between our nation and Israel.  Additionally, this bill directs the President to report to Congress on the actions being taken to expand cooperation between the United States and Israel in homeland security, counter-terrorism, cyber security and other appropriate areas.  As a cosponsor of this bill, Congressman Forbes voted in favor of H.R. 4133 when it passed in the House 411-9.

Affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored H. Res. 271, expressing support for the State of Israel’s right to defend its sovereignty and to use all means necessary to confront and eliminate nuclear threats posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.  In response to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s November report that Iran was actively pursuing a nuclear weapon, Congressman Forbes, along with 63 other Members of the House of Representatives, have cosponsored this resolution to ensure our nation’s closest ally in the Middle East knows that it has the support of the United States as it takes action to protect Israeli sovereignty and the Israeli people. 

Making the Palestinian Authority accountable for its support of terrorism.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 2457, the Palestinian Accountability Act.  This legislation restricts U.S. funding to the Palestinian Authority (PA) until key benchmarks of transparency and support for peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are accepted by PA leadership.  These standards include the dismantling of the PA’s infrastructure that support of terrorism, an end to inciting violence through the PA educational system, recognition of Israel’s right to exist, and exclusion of Hamas from any PA unity government.  Until the PA meets these new standards, H.R. 2457 would prohibit U.S. foreign assistance funds from being made available to the organization and would stop U.S. funding for any United Nations entity that recognizes Palestinian statehood.  Congressman Forbes remains dedicated to a peaceful resolution to the conflict that is reached by direct negotiations between the Israeli government and the Palestinian people.  This bill is currently cosponsored by 41 House Members.

Supported moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 1006, the Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act of 2011.  This bill officially recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocates the United States Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.  Since the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 became law, the Embassy has never been moved due to recurring waivers signed by the sitting President.  This bill would remove the presidential authority to waive the embassy relocation and would finally implement standing U.S. law.  Congressman Forbes, along with 50 other cosponsors, continues to stand with Israel and continues to support Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Stood in steadfast support of Israel.  Congressman Forbes voted to support H.Res.268, a resolution reaffirming the United States’ commitment to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.  This resolution asserts that peace can only be achieved in the region when the Palestinians accept the right of Israel to exist and requires that Hamas, a known terrorist organization and member of the Palestinian unity government, must accept previous agreements to renounce violence and recognize the state of Israel.  This resolution passed by a vote of 407-6.
Post a Comment [ Permalink ]
An Up-Close Look at America’s Fiscal Cliff
Posted by Randy | November 19, 2012
The term “fiscal cliff” was coined by Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, in early 2012, when he testified before Congress saying, “Under current law, on January 1st, 2013, there is going to be a massive fiscal cliff of large spending cuts and tax increases.”  The phrase quickly gained popularity as a useful catch-all to describe a combination of year-end policy events including significant impending tax increases, sharp sequestration budget cuts, and the expiration of several stop-gap provisions ranging from doctor reimbursements to unemployment benefits.

Today, the term “fiscal cliff” dominates the local headlines, national news, and blogosphere.  But what exactly is the fiscal cliff and how does it impact you? I have put together this primer to break down the fiscal cliff, to share facts on how these policies might impact you and your job, and to offer my views on how we can avert our nation’s most pressing and significant challenge.

Please share this primer with others that might find it informative.  Then, weigh in below, take my instapoll, join the discussion on Facebook or e-mail me via my webform.  Your voice is important.  I look forward to hearing from you.
Post a Comment [ Permalink ]
Rolls Royce Announces 140 New Jobs for Virginia’s 4th District
Posted by Randy | November 16, 2012

Rolls-Royce announced this week that they are investing $136 million for a second manufacturing plant at their Crosspointe facility in Prince George County, resulting in 140 new, highly skilled jobs. They will manufacture turbine blades for jet engines, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380. Sitework is scheduled to begin in December and construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2013.

Rolls Royce’s investment and expansion at Crosspointe is a great model for job growth in Virginia. By combining a mix of manufacturing and technology-based research facilities, secondary suppliers will follow to create more employment opportunities.

The construction of the second plant achieves two-thirds of its phased employment and investment agreement at Crosspointe, which runs through 2022.  Rolls Royce invested $170 million, opening its Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing earlier this year, which created 130 new jobs.  

Read more case studies for job growth in my memo on jobs in the 4th District here.

 
Post a Comment [ Permalink ]
Question of the week: Do you support legislation requiring an investigation into what happened in Benghazi and why calls from our diplomats on the ground for additional security went unanswered?
Posted by Randy | November 15, 2012
Many questions remain in the two months since the September 11th terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya, where the United States Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, and three other Americans were killed.

James Carafano and Morgan Lorraine Roach from the Heritage Foundation wrote, “Understanding what was behind the September 11, 2012, terrorist attack on the U.S. facility in Benghazi and the tragic results is vital for preparing for future security threats to embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions. The attack in Benghazi reveals a terrorist attack profile that the U.S. is likely to see again. If the U.S. is to learn the lessons of this tragedy and prepare for the next 9/11, it should get unvarnished, complete, and accurate answers to four key questions regarding the security for the Benghazi consulate.”

Despite repeated requests for security assistance and increased assaults against Western interests in the Middle East, the administration has yet to explain why no U.S. armed forces were available to aid these four American citizens.

A recent statement by Senators McCain, Graham, Ayotte and others asked the President “to level with the American people and tell us what happened and why these four brave Americans were not better protected.”

I share their concerns and have co-sponsored a bill, H.R. 6511, that requires the President to report to Congress on the September 11th attacks on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, as well as installations in Egypt, Yemen and in Libya's capital of Tripoli. Additionally, the bill condemns those attacks and offers condolences to the families of those killed in Benghazi, Libya.

Question of the week: Do you support legislation requiring an investigation into what happened in Benghazi and why calls from our diplomats on the ground for additional security went unanswered?

( ) Yes
(  ) No
(  ) I don’t know
( ) Other (Leave your comments below)


Take the poll here.

Find out the results of last week’s instapoll about the “Fiscal Cliff” here.
Post a Comment [ Permalink ]
Which “Fiscal Cliff” issues are you most concerned about?
Posted by Randy | November 09, 2012
As the end of the year approaches, so does the “fiscal cliff”: expiration of the Bush tax cuts and automatic spending cuts of $1.2 trillion known as sequestration are scheduled to take place.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report today: Economic Effects of Policies Contributing to Fiscal Tightening in 2013, estimating that significant tax increases and spending cuts scheduled to take effect in January will sharply reduce the federal budget deficit, but also cause “a decline in the nation’s economic output and an increase in unemployment. “   Essentially, the fiscal cliff could drive the U.S. economy back into recession next year and result in a jump in the jobless rate to 9.1% by the end of 2013.

Question of the week: Which “Fiscal Cliff” issues are you most concerned about? (multi-answer)

(  ) Rising income tax rates to 15, 28, 31, 36 and 39.6% from 10, 15, 25, 28, 33 and 35%
(  ) Capital Gains rate rises from 15 to 20% for most people
(  ) Automatic spending cuts to defense budget of $55 billion in 2013
(   ) Reduction in the child tax credit from $1,000 per child under 17, to $500 per child under 17
(  ) Automatic spending cuts of $55 billion to non-defense discretionary spending in 2013
(  ) I am not concerned. These are all appropriate tax increases and spending cuts.
(  ) Other (share your thoughts on my blog here.)

Take the poll here.
Post a Comment [ Permalink ]
This Veterans Day - E-mail me your Veteran’s picture and/or Anecdote
Posted by Randy | November 08, 2012

As our nation marks Veteran’s Day this Sunday, November 11th, we honor those who have served our country in the line of duty.  Our veterans are all around us in Virginia, where the 4th district is home to one of the highest populations of veterans in the nation.  I urge you all to pause and spend some time with a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine. Whether still on active duty, the Reserves, or a former military member, these brave men and women have served their country and sacrificed so much for all of us. It is our responsibility to recognize their sacrifice and commitment, preserve the legacy of their service, and pass this on to future generations.

I hope you will use the opportunity Veterans Day gives you to take time to talk with a veteran and learn more about their service. It could be a family member, friend or someone you live near or work with that you think may have served but never took the time to ask.   If you know a war veteran, please consider interviewing them or taking a picture and sending it to me at HonoringVeterans@mail.house.gov. If you are a military veteran, I’d also love to hear from you directly. I look forward to sharing many of the photos or anecdotes I receive. 

I also suggest you all read and share stories on the Veterans History Project, which collects, preserves and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

To kick off this endeavor, here are two photos and an anecdote dear to my heart. My oldest son, Neil Forbes (below left) , spent eight years in the United States Army, serving in Korea, the 82nd Airborne Division and Virginia Army National Guard.  My father, Malcolm Forbes, (below right) also served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer in World War II.

Shortly before the Normandy invasion in 1944, (my father was not a very religious man at the time but he did carry a pocket-sized bible in his chest pocket) he prayed for God’s protection and promised God that if he made it home, he would make sure his family attended church every Sunday. Well, he made it home and he kept that promise.  I cannot remember a Sunday that my Dad did not take my mother, my siblings and me to church.  Although my father died many years ago, I still have his pocket bible. It is one of my most treasured possessions and it serves as a strong reminder of my dad’s service to his country.  

 

                
Post a Comment [ Permalink ]
A Memo on Jobs in Virginia's Fourth District
Posted by Randy | November 02, 2012
Today, the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics released its jobs report for the month of October.  According to the report, 171,000 were added to the economy; however, the unemployment rate rose from 7.8 percent to 7.9 percent.  I thought you would be interested in reading a jobs update for Virginia’s Fourth District.

There is a simple truth when it comes to job creation in America: real solutions create real growth that generates real jobs. In order to make this happen, government needs to get out of the way and provide the freedom for small businesses to work, earn, and achieve.

All across Virginia’s Fourth District, we have industries that are ripe for growth. The memo provides examples of how industries in Virginia have flourished when we’ve applied that simple truth. The case studies also show the potential for even more growth when government acts as an enabler rather than a barrier.

Companies across the 4th District are adding jobs, such as Rolls-Royce at Crosspointe Park in Prince George County, Capital One Financial Corp. in Chesterfield County and Sabra Dipping Company in Colonial Heights.

You can download the memo here or by clicking the report below. You can also view a text version on my website here.

Post a Comment [ Permalink ]

Services

Other Services

Issues

More Issues