MEASURES COVER ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS, TAX DEDUCTION FOR HEALTH CARE COSTS, AND PREVENTING CONGRESSIONAL PAY RAISES

Washington, Jan 6 -

“The American people have diverse needs and these measures reflect many of the major issues they face,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth). “These are proposals that I offered in the last Congress, some of which were approved by the House, and I hope that all of them will proceed to enactment.It is an honor to represent the people of the Sixth Congressional District and to offer these measures on their behalf.”

Stearns offered the following bills:

The Health Care Tax Deduction Act– Allows individuals and their families a tax deduction from gross income for health insurance premiums and unreimbursed prescription drug expenses.

The Simple Savings Tax Relief Act-- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $400 of interest income earned annually by any individual from a bank account.

The Deficit Accountability Act– Provides that Members of Congress receive no automatic pay raise in the year following a fiscal year with a federal budget deficit.

The Informed Choice Act-- Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to nonprofit tax-exempt organizations for the purchase of ultrasound equipment to provide free ultrasound examinations to pregnant women.

Recognizing Pregnancy Resource Centers-- Commends the contribution of pregnancy resource centers, their staffs, and volunteers.

Restricting Funding for UN Headquarters– Directs that no federal funds may be used for the design, renovation, construction, or rental of any headquarters for the UN in any location in the United States unless the UN has adopted internationally-recognized best practices in contracting and procurement.

The Medicare Fraud Prevention Act-- Increases the civil monetary penalties, criminal fines, and prison sentences for criminals who perpetrate fraud and abuse against the Medicare program.

The Veterans Jobs Act– Requires the VA to expand job opportunities for veterans available on its web site and to promote those opportunities to returning veterans.

The Internet Investment, Innovation, and Competition Preservation Act– Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from regulating the Internet or information services without demonstrating a market failure.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Prevention for Veterans Act– Directs the VA to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of veterans with COPD.

The Damaged Vehicle Information Act– Directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require the disclosure of information relating to the fair market value and safety of damaged motor vehicles.

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