Appropriations

Cut budgets for Members of Congress.  Congressman Forbes supported the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act of FY 2012, H.R.2551, which allocated $227 million, or 6% less than the current level of funding, and $472 million, or 12% less than requested by the offices and agencies covered by the measure. All accounts funded by the bill were reduced from their FY 2011 levels, except for the Capitol Police, which was maintained at its current funding level for security purposes. Notably, Member offices also received reductions of 6.4% from the current funding level. Congressman Forbes also supported an amendment to the legislation to reduce wasteful spending for the printing of documents for Congress that can be accessed online, saving taxpayers an estimated $5 million. Every year, the GPO wastes taxpayer dollars with the daily printing and delivery of publications such as the unsolicited Congressional Record, only to be thrown away.
The House passed this bill by a vote of 252-159.

Health Care

Repealed portions of the health care law.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored the Medicare Decisions Accountability Act, H.R.452, to repeal the provision of the health care law that created the Independent Payment Advisory Board.   This Board was given the full authority to determine how to reduce costs associated with Medicare, assess which benefits are covered, and determine how much physicians are reimbursed for their services--all without adequate oversight from Congress.

Armed Services

Expanded employment opportunities for military spouses.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored the Military Spouses Employment Act, H.R.687.  This bill would make spouses of active duty service members part of the targeted group eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.  This gives employers a tax incentive for hiring military spouses.

Opposed sweeping defense cuts as part of debt ceiling deal.  Congressman Forbes joined 46 other Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Obama expressing grave concerns over recent reports that significant defense cuts will be included as part of a debt ceiling deal.  While in favor of scrutinizing wasteful spending in the Pentagon, the letter’s signers also state that “any cuts to [defense spending] cannot occur without an open and objective review of America’s role in the world and the risks we face to our national security.”

Supported military commissaries. Congressman Forbes joined a bipartisan group of 69 members of the House of Representatives in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta that details the value of commissaries to our nation’s military families.  The letter highlights the fact that the commissary system delivers over 30 percent savings to families and is one of the most cost effective operations in government.  The letter asks that Secretary Panetta keep these cost savings in mind as the Pentagon is pressured to cut costs.

Questioned the Air Force on aircraft purchased from Chinese government-owned company.  Congressman Forbes, co-chair and founder of the Congressional China Caucus, along with 16 other members of the House of Representatives, sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Donley, expressing their concern over the recent decision to purchase T-53A trainer aircraft from a company owned by the Chinese government.  The aircraft were purchased from Minnesota-based Cirrus Aircraft, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chinese government-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).  While not explicitly in violation of existing law prohibiting the Department of Defense from purchasing from Communist Chinese Military Companies, Congressman Forbes and the other signers asked that Secretary Donley explain how this decision is in the best interest of the Air Force and the United States of America.

Objected to transferring terrorists to the U.S. for civilian trial.  Congressman Forbes joined 22 members of the House of Representatives in sending a letter to the President objecting to his recent decision to transfer alleged terrorist and enemy combatant Ahmed Warsame to the United States for trial.  After being captured by the U.S. military, Ahmed Warsame was held and interrogated on a U.S. Navy vessel for more than two months.  After his interrogation ended, Warsame should have been transported and detained at Guantanamo Bay.  Instead, he received a Miranda warning and was flown to the United States to face indictment in civilian court.

Veterans Affairs

Supported health care coverage for retired reservists.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored a bill, H.R.179 that would allow retired members of the Reserves and National Guard, who have reached eligibility for retirement pay, to be eligible for medical and dental care at military health care facilities.  Under current law these service members, who in many cases served in numerous activations and deployments in the War on Terror, cannot receive military health care until age 60.

Expanded concurrent receipt for veterans.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored a bill, H.R.186 that would allow service members who were forced to retire early due to disability to receive their military retirement and Veterans Administration disability compensation simultaneously.  The payments are currently mutually exclusive, reducing the benefit afforded to veterans injured while serving our nation on active duty.

Supported retirement credit for activated reservists.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored the National Guardsmen and Reservists Parity for Patriots Act, H.R.181. This bill would give early retirement credit to National Guard and Reserve members for every 90 days they are called to active duty in support of the War on Terrorism or other emergency operations.

Financial Services

Supported accountability of financial institutions.  Congressman Forbes voted to support the Consumer Financial Protection Safety and Soundness Improvement Act, H.R.1315, which would ensure more oversight and accountability of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act created the CFPB, which is led by a single, unelected director, as an independent agency within the Federal Reserve.

Transportation

Human Rights