Last week was a busy one as the House rushed to get work done before the end of the year. With so much attention around the Dream Act, Don't Ask, Don't Tell and a Continuing Resolution to keep the government running, I wanted to share with you some important bills that may not have garnered as much attention.
Supporting our Veterans
Last week, the House passed the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act with overwhelming, bipartisan support. I was proud to support this legislation which strengthens the Post-9/11 GI Bill, making it easier for veterans take advantage of benefits, helping them transition into the civilian workforce, and extending distance education opportunities to members of the National Guard and veterans.
Providing those who serve our country with an education is an investment in the future of our nation.
Helping U.S. Manufacturers & Creating Jobs
Last week, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6517, the Omnibus Trade Act of 2010, to lift import duties on raw materials and other manufacturing components that are not produced or available in the U.S. This tariff reduction means U.S. manufacturers will see lower production costs that they can pass on to consumers. It also means that U.S. products sold abroad can be priced more competitively.
H.R. 6517 was supported by the National Association of Manufacturers, the Chamber of Commerce, and important textile associations AMTAC and NCTO. Clayton Yeutter, a former U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, said that this bill is “the 'low-lying fruit' of job creation” and “a boon to U.S. manufacturing.”
Protecting our Troops & Our Nation
The Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 was passed by the House last week. This legislation authorizes increases in hostile fire and imminent danger pay, an extension of TRICARE coverage for dependents up to age 26, and funds to strengthen our counterterrorism efforts.
The $725 billion defense bill improves our military capability while providing additional protection for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The brave men and women who serve our country put their lives on the line for us, and it is our national responsibility to support them on and off the battlefield.