MEASURES COVER TAX-FREE SAVINGS, HEALTH-CARE TAX DEDUCTION, INFORMATION FOR PREGNANT WOMEN, LIMITING MEMBERS' PAYRAISES, AND REFORMING THE UNITED NATIONS

Washington, Jan 4, 2007 - On the first day of the 110th Congress, Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) reintroduced 9 bills that he had previously submitted. "These bills cover a number of issues that would expand health care, promote savings, strengthen our Second Amendment rights, reform the United Nations, limit congressional payraises, and honor the Ten Commandments," said Stearns. "I look forward to working with my colleagues in promoting these bills and resolutions."

Stearns offered the following with comments on their purpose:

Health Care Deduction Act - "This allows deductions for amounts paid for health insurance premiums and unreimbursed prescription drugs. It is needed because under the current tax code, in order to claim health care expenses individuals must file an itemized tax return. My bill would simplify and extend this tax preference for all filers."

Simple Savings Tax Relief Act -- "It eliminates the taxation of interest earned on savings accounts, such as passbook savings accounts or bank certificates of deposit. This legislation is needed to end a punitive tax, especially assist low and middle-income earners, and ultimately contribute toward the goal of encouraging individual responsibility and taking charge of one's own financial destiny."

Deficit Accountability Act -- "This measure prevents any automatic pay adjustment for Members of Congress in the year following a fiscal year in which there is a Federal budget deficit. It is needed to hold Members accountable for the federal budget, and any resulting deficits."

Informed Choice Act - "Ultrasound technology provides allows doctors to better treat their pregnant patients, but many underprivileged pregnant women cannot afford this important option. This Act authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to community-based, non-profit health clinics for the purchase of ultrasound equipment."

The Ten Commandments - "I believe the Ten Commandments are a concise set of values that represent the historic foundation of our nation's laws and our common view of what is right and wrong. This measure calls to have the Ten Commandments prominently posted in the Capitol building as a symbolic reminder of our heritage and values."

Right to Carry Reciprocity Act - "It allows individuals to carry in all 50 states if they possess a valid permit in his home state. I believe that a person's right to self-defense should not be limited to within a state line. Thirty-eight states, accounting for two-thirds of the U.S. population, have Right To Carry laws."

U.N. Reform - "There have been numerous reports of wasteful spending in renovations at the U.N. building, and my legislation would prevent U.S. federal funds for renovations unless the President submits a report affirming the United Nations is abiding by internationally recognized best practices in contracting."

Reforming the U.N. Human Rights Council - "The new elected membership of the Human Rights Council has such human rights violators as China, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. My legislation requires the Secretary of State to withhold from the U.S. contribution to our UN dues an amount equal to the U.S. percentage of the cost of the Council until it upholds the ideals of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights."

Museum of Ideas Act -- "It creates a commission to develop a plan for establishing a Museum of Ideas. Although our nation's Capital has museums exhibiting arts, natural sciences, live plants and live animals, it lacks a museum of the conceptual, of thoughts, concepts, and philosophies throughout the history of the world."