BILLS ADDRESS WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES FROM PREVENTING PAY RAISE FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO ALLOWING TAX DEDUCTION FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

Washington, Jan 6, 2009 - “I am honored to once again represent the people of Florida’s Sixth Congressional District, and in serving their interests, I have offered nine bills on the opening day of the 111th Congress,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth). “The people of north central Florida have many concerns, and these bills address some of those issues.”

Stearns offered the following bills:

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 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 of 2008 - 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.

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

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.

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.

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

The National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act -- Proposes to allow any person with a valid concealed firearm carrying permit or license, issued by a state, to carry a concealed firearm in any other state.

The Museum of Ideas Act -- Creates a commission to develop a plan for establishing a Museum of Ideas highlighting the historical timeline of ideas that contributed toward the development of civilization and man’s spiritual well being.