Hill Watcher - Daily Tidbits from the Hill

Medical Marijuana - Co-Sponsor List is Growing: July 12, 2009

2009-06-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

Barney Frank offered this bill last year and was the sole sponsor. Several months later, he introduces the bill again - this time with 12 co-sponsors...and bi-partisan support. The tides may be shifting.

By Mr. FRANK (D-MA)(for himself, Mr. BLUMENAUER (D-OR), Mr. FARR (D-CA), Mr. MCDERMOTT (D-WA), Mr. PAUL (R-TX), Ms. WOOLSEY (D-CA) , Mr. ROHRABACHER (R-CA), Mr. GRIJALVA (D-AZ) Mr. THOMPSON (D-CA), Mr. GEORGE MILLER (D-GA), Mr. STARK (D-CA), Mr. HINCHEY (D-NY), Mr. OLVER (D-MA) and Ms. BALDWIN (D-WI)):

H.R. 2835. A bill to provide for the medical use of marijuana in accordance with the laws of the various States; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Ceiling Fans, Films and Working Abroad for Child Support - June 4, 2009

2009-06-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Been quite a while - a few odd bills introduced in June 4th, 2009 - 2 seems pretty special interest oriented and the third makes me wonder what circumstances arose that triggered the need for the bill.

By Mr. CROWLEY (D-NY):
H.R. 2719. A bill to extend the temporary suspension of duty on certain ceiling fans; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

By Mr. CROWLEY (D-NY) (for himself and Mr. DREIER (R-CA)):
H.R. 2720. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the election to treat the cost of qualified film and television productions as an expense which is not chargeable to capital account; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

By Mr. GERLACH (R-PA) :
H.R. 2723. A bill to amend the Social Security Act to provide for an exemption to allow an individual otherwise ineligible to travel outside the United States to do so for employment purposes to pay child support arrearages, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Credit Card Ratings, Child Marriage, Tax on Single-Use Bags and Selecting Programs Your Taxes Go To

2009-04-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

Here are several interesting bills from the last week:

This first one seems like a pretty good idea - coming up with standard rating system from credit cards to help consumers weed out the shady card companies.

By Mr. WYDEN (D-OR):
S. 900. A bill to require the establishment of a credit card safety star rating system for the benefit of consumers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Another good idea to treat physical activities same as medical care in terms of tax and credits.

By Mr. KIND (D-WI) (Mr. BRADY (R-TX), Mr. BLUMENAUER (D-OR), and Mr. WAMP (R-TN):
H.R. 2105. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat certain amounts paid for physical activity, fitness, and exercise as amounts paid for medical care; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Interesting bill with good motive, but how the heck would we be able to enforce?

By Ms. MCCOLLUM (D-MN) (for herself, Mrs. CAPPS (D-CA), Ms. CORRINE BROWN (D-FL), Ms. JACKSON-LEE (D-TX), Mr. OBERSTAR (D-MN), Ms. LEE (D-CA), Mrs. MALONEY (D-NY), Ms. WATSON (D-CA), Mrs. TAUSCHER (D-CA), Mr. HONDA (D-CA), Mr. HINCHEY (D-NY), Mr. MOORE (D-KS), Mr. MCGOVERN (D-MA), Mr. BISHOP (D-GA), Mr. MORAN (D-VA), Mr. ELLISON (D-MN), Mr. FILNER (D-CA), Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (D-TX), Ms. DELAURO (D-CA), Mr. CARNAHAN (D-MO), Mr. FARR (D-CA), Ms. ESHOO (D-CA), Mr. MCNERNEY (D-CA), Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (D-IL), Mr. WALZ (D-MN), Mr. CROWLEY (D-NY), Mr. HASTINGS (D-FL), and Ms. MOORE (D-WI)):
H.R. 2103. A bill to protect girls in developing countries through the prevention of child marriage, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

I imagine the environmentalists will love this bill:

By Mr. MORAN (D-VA):
H.R. 2091. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a retail tax on single-use carryout bags, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Finally, I don't see this bill going anywhere - basically opens the door to each person deciding what they put their tax dollar to.

By Mr. LEWIS (D-GA) (for himself, Mr. OBERSTAR (D-MN), Mr. ELLISON (D-MN), Mr. STARK (D-CA), Mr. MCDERMOTT (D-WA), Mr. PAYNE (D-NJ), Mr. RUSH (D-NJ), Mr. FATTAH (D-PA), Ms. BALDWIN (D-WI), Mr. MCGOVERN (D-MA), and Mr. HOLT (D-NJ)):
H.R. 2085. A bill to affirm the religious freedom of taxpayers who are conscientiously opposed to participation in war, to provide that the income, estate, or gift tax payments of such taxpayers be used for nonmilitary purposes, to create the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund to receive such tax payments, to improve revenue collection, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Test Message Spam & Industrial Hemp - April 2009

2009-04-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Congress is still on recess and return next Monday, April 20th. Here are two bills introduced before they left on recess that caught my eye.

I am all for both of these pieces of legislation and am happy to see both have bipartisan support:

By Ms. SNOWE (R-ME) (for herself and Mr. NELSON (D-FL)):

S. 788. A bill to prohibit unsolicited mobile text message spam; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Source GPO Page: S4309)

By Mr. PAUL (R-TX) (for himself, Ms. BALDWIN (D-WI), Mr. CLAY (D-MO), Mr. FRANK (D-MA), Mr. GRIJALVA (D-AZ), Mr. HINCHEY (D-NY), Mr. MCCLINTOCK (R-CA), Mr. GEORGE MILLER (D-CA), Mr. ROHRABACHER (R-CA), Mr. STARK (D-CA) and Ms. WOOLSEY (D-CA)):

H.R. 1866. A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to exclude industrial hemp from the definition of marihuana, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (Source GPO Page: H4518)

FDR Docs, Unlawful Entry Aggravated Felons, US Using Other Currency & Alien Students

2009-03-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

I definitely need to change the title of this blog. 'Daily' tidbits have become too difficult. I presume things will slow down a little once (if) the 2010 budget passes. This week will be a big step towards its passage.

Here are some bills that stood out to me over past week:

This first one makes me just think....huh? Claims of US to certain FDR docs?

By Mr. SCHUMER:

S. 692. A bill to provide that claims of the United States to certain documents relating to Franklin Delano Roosevelt shall be treated as waived and relinquished in certain circumstances; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Not so sure about this one . Would an illegal cited for something as minor as 'jaywalking' be considered an aggravated felon? Perhaps the purpose of bill meant to speed up deportation by labelling aggravated felonies to all crimes.

By Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida (for herself, Mr. BILBRAY, Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. LUETKEMEYER, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. JONES, Mr. CHAFFETZ, Mr. POE of Texas, and Mr. AKIN):

H.R. 1753. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include in the definition of the term ``aggravated felony'' a criminal violation committed by an alien who unlawfully entered the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Here's a House Joint Resolution. Don't see this ever being an issue, but who knows. It would create constitutional amendment to prohibit US from using another country's currency. I have a few trillion Zimbabwe Dollars burning a hole in my pocket, so I'm still holding out hope.

By Mrs. BACHMANN (for herself, Mr. HENSARLING, Mr. PRICE of Georgia, Mr. SHADEGG, Mr. KIRK, Ms. FOXX, Mr. PITTS, Mr. BARTLETT, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. GINGREY of Georgia, Mr. WAMP, Ms. FALLIN, Mr. FLEMING, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. BROUN of Georgia, Mr. AKIN, Mr. ISSA, Mr. KING of Iowa, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. PAUL, Mr. CULBERSON, Mrs. BIGGERT, Mr. BROWN of South Carolina, Mr. JONES, Mr. POSEY, Mr. ROE of Tennessee, and Mr. CONAWAY):

H.J. Res. 41. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit the President from entering into a treaty or other international agreement that would provide for the United States to adopt as legal tender in the United States a currency issued by an entity other than the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Interesting bill about immigrant students. I have to think there are some horror stories out there that caused this bill to come up.

By Mr. BERMAN (for himself, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California, Mr. NUNES, Mr. POLIS, Mr. CAO, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. CONYERS, and Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida):

H.R. 1751. A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Travel to Cuba, Flat Tax, Cell Phone Photo Noise, Dying on Wrong Date, Double Decker Horse Transport & College Football Bowls/Playoffs: Feb 27, 2009

2009-02-27T13:46:00.000-08:00

Here are several bills from the past two weeks that have peaked my interest and will likely be controversial.

This first bill would allow travel between US and Cuba:

By Mr. DORGAN (D-ND) (for himself, Mr. ENZI (R-WY), Mr. LUGAR (R-IN), and Mr. DODD (D-CT)):

S. 428. A bill to allow travel between the United States and Cuba; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

This second bill would create a flat tax alternative for paying income tax:

By Mr. BURGESS (R-TX):

H.R. 1040. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide taxpayers a flat tax alternative to the current income tax system; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Here is a bill building off the paranoia of the digital age (most of the paranoia is deserved) - which requires cell phones to make noises when they take photos:

By Mr. KING (R-NY):
H.R. 414. A bill to require mobile phones containing digital cameras to make a sound when a photograph is taken; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

This next bill is an odd one that can potentially cost folks who die on the wrong day of the month. I wonder why the PA Congressmen jumped on this piece of legislation.:

By Mr. HOLDEN (D-PA) (for himself and Mr. PLATTS (R-PA)):

H.R. 954. A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide that a monthly insurance benefit thereunder shall be paid for the month in which the recipient dies, subject to a reduction of 50 percent if the recipient dies during the first 15 days of such month, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Ahhh, yes, the ole' double decker horse transport bill:

By Mr. KIRK (R-IL) (for himself, Mr. COHEN (D-TN), and Mr. WHITFIELD (R-KY)):
H.R. 305. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to prohibit the transportation of horses in interstate transportation in a motor vehicle containing 2 or more levels stacked on top of one another; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

For those of us who are college football fans, these next two are devoted to college football playoffs/bowl games:

By Mr. BARTON (R-TX) (for himself, Mr. RUSH (D-IL), and Mr. MCCAUL (R-TX)):
H.R. 390. A bill to prohibit, as an unfair and deceptive act or practice, the promotion, marketing, and advertising of any post-season NCAA Division I football game as a national championship game unless such game is the culmination of a fair and equitable playoff system; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Got to love pushing for playoff system in college football:

By Mr. GARY G. MILLER (R-CA):
H.R. 599. A bill to prohibit the receipt of Federal funds by any institution of higher education with a football team that participates in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, unless the national championship game of such Subdivision is the culmination of a playoff system; to the Committee on Education and Labor.

Electoral College, Cell Phone Pic Sounds and Tax deductions for Parents of Murdered Children - Feb. 5, 2008

2009-02-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

I've fallen greatly behind with all the work going on with the recovery package the Senate has been debating this week. The House passed their recovery package last week and the Senate will try and pass theirs this week. After that, the two chambers will need to work out the differences in their packages and then have another vote on a final bill.

Here are some interesting bills from past couple weeks dealing with the Electoral College, cell Phone pic sounds and Tax deductions for parents of murdered children. All 3 are great ideas to me.

By Mr. GENE GREEN (D-TX):
H.J. Res. 9. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the electoral college and to provide for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President of the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

By Mr. KING (R-NY):
H.R. 414. A bill to require mobile phones containing digital cameras to make a sound when a photograph is taken; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

By Mr. POE (R-TX):
H.R. 432. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow parents of murdered children to continue to claim the deduction for the personal exemption with respect to such child; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

First Flurry of Senate Bills of 2009 (111th Congress): Jan 6, 2008

2009-01-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

The Senate started the year with a bang, introducing 162 bills and 3 resolutions in their first full day back at work. The House did not introduce any bills yesterday, spending much of the day swearing in Members and electing Members to standing committees.

So below, I've pasted the 1st official bill introduced by Senate for the 111th Congress, as well as 6 other bills of interest:

Here is the 1st official bill introduced in the Senate for the new Congress, which deals with President-elect Obama's and the Congress' first priority of the new year - the economic recovery package:

By Mr. REID (D-NV) (for himself, Mr. LEVIN (D-MI), Mr. KERRY (D-MA), Mr. KENNEDY (D-MA), Mr. BEGICH (D-AK), Mrs. BOXER (D-CA), Mr. DURBIN (D-IL), Mr. MENENDEZ (D-NJ), Mr. BINGAMAN (D-NM), Mr. CASEY (D-PA), Mr. LAUTENBERG (D-NJ), Ms. STABENOW (D-MI), Mrs. MCCASKILL (D-MO), Mr. LIEBERMAN (I-CT), Ms. KLOBUCHAR (D-MN), Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY), and Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY):

S. 1. A bill to create jobs, restore economic growth, and strengthen America's middle class through measures that modernize the nation's infrastructure, enhance America's energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need, and for other purposes; read the first time. Source: GPO [S39]

Here is a bill introduced by Democratic Senators to review the regulations President Bush issued in his final days occupying the White house:

By Mr. REID (D-NV) (for himself, Mr. LEVIN (D-MI), Mr. KERRY (D-MA), Mr. BEGICH (D-AK), Mr. DURBIN (D-IL), Mrs. BOXER (D-CA), Mr. MENENDEZ (D-NJ), Mr. BINGAMAN (D-NM), Mr. CASEY (D-PA), Mr. LAUTENBERG (D-NJ), Ms. STABENOW (D-MI), Mrs. MCCASKILL (D-MO), Ms. KLOBUCHAR (D-MN), Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY), Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY), and Ms. MIKULSKI (D-MD)):

S. 8. A bill to return the Government to the people by reviewing controversial ``midnight regulations'' issued in the waning days of the Bush Administration; read the first time. Source: GPO [S39]

Here is a bill to beef up work requirements of Federal prison inmates:

By Mr. ENSIGN (R-NV):

S. 41. A bill to require a 50-hour workweek for Federal prison inmates, to reform inmate work programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S39]

This bill is designed to help homeowners who are underwater (mortgage more than home value) restructure mortgages on their principal residences:

By Mr. DURBIN (D-IL) (for himself, Mrs. BOXER (D-CA), Mrs. FEINSTEIN (D-CA), Mr. HARKIN (D-IA), Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY), and Mr. WHITEHOUSE (D-RI)):

S. 61. A bill to amend title 11 of the United States Code with respect to modification of certain mortgages on principal residences, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S39]

Here's a bill to ensure illegal immigrants cannot obtain credit cards, as the 9/11 hijackers did.

By Mr. VITTER (R-LA):

S. 84. A bill to close the loophole that allowed the 9/11 hijackers to obtain credit cards from United States banks that financed their terrorist activities, to ensure that illegal immigrants cannot obtain credit cards to evade United States immigration laws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Source: GPO [S39]

Another bill by Vitter, who was busy introducing a schload of bills yesterday, requiring all felons to provide DNA samples:

By Mr. VITTER (R-LA):

S. 106. A bill to require that all individuals convicted of a felony under State law provide a DNA sample; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S39]

And finally, a tri-partisan bill to provide DC a voting seat and Utah an additional seat in the House of Representatives:

By Mr. LIEBERMAN (I-CT) (for himself, Mr. HATCH (R-UT), Mr. LEAHY (D-VT), Mr. KENNEDY (D-MA), Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY), Mr. DODD (D-CT), Mr. SANDERS (I-VT), Mr. KERRY (D-MA), Mr. DURBIN (D-IL), and Mr. FEINGOLD (D-WI)):

S. 160. A bill to provide the District of Columbia a voting seat and the State of Utah an additional seat in the House of Representatives; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Source: GPO [S39]

The 111th Congress Begins Today - Jan. 6th, 2009

2009-01-06T08:27:00.000-08:00

The House and Senate will officially kick off the 111th Congress today, and new Members will be sworn in. There are still several seats still to be filled (Senate seats for Illinois and Minnesota will remain open for time being and there will be a April 7th special election for Rahm Emanuel's Congressional seat).

The Economic Recovery package is the top priority for lawmakers as they return today, with hopes of the package being ready for President-elect Obama to sign into law before the end of the month.

The other priority will be to finish the fiscal 2009 appropriations process before March 6th, when the stopgap funding runs out.

The next year or two are going to be a hell of a ride.

Postings will start back up on normal schedule tomorrow as the 111th has finally kicked off!

Congress Out (for the most part) Until Jan. 6th, 2009

2008-12-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

The House and Senate are out of session until everything begins again in the 111th Congress on January 6th, 2009. Members will be working on a couple issues until then - Mainly the Economic Recovery package that will likely be signed by President-elect Obama in the first couple days of him taking office. They are also working out aspects of the potential automakers bailout.

We'll be monitoring, but will likely be quiet until Jan 6th.

Happy Holidays.

Presidential Pardons, Prison Work Requirements and Student Athlete Concussions: November 20, 2008

2008-11-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

Congress was back in for three days this week and did work on an economic recovery package and the loan to automakers. The only bill to pass this week was an extension of unemployment benefits for the jobless who have exhausted their benefits.

There were a few interesting bills introduced the past two days.

The first bill is from the House and is aimed to discourage Presidential pardons of members of the administration in the final 90 days of presidency.

By Mr. NADLER (D-NY):
H. Res. 1531. A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President of the United States should not issue pardons to senior members of his administration during the final 90 days of his term of office; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H10856]

This next bill from the Senate deals with prison inmate work requirements.

By Mr. ENSIGN (R-NV):
S. 3695. A bill to require a 50-hour workweek for Federal prison inmates, to reform inmate work programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S10659]

The final bill is another one from the House that addresses the growing problem of student athletes suffering concussions:

By Mr. PASCRELL (D-NJ)(for himself, Mr. PLATTS (R-PA), and Ms. JACKSON-LEE (D-TX)):
H.R. 7274. A bill to amend title III of the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment and implementation of concussion management guidelines with respect to student athletes, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H10844]

Senate Returns: Economic Recovery and Housing Crisis - November 17, 2008

2008-11-19T12:42:00.000-08:00

The Senate is back this week for reorganization (voting on leadership and committee membership), as well as a few votes on an economic recovery package, a unemployment insurance extension bill and the $25billion automakers loan package.

There were some bills introduced in the Senate, mainly dealing with economic recovery and the housing crisis:

By Mr. REID (D-NV):
S. 3688. A bill to provide for additional emergency unemployment compensation, to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to authorize loans to automobile manufacturers and component suppliers, and for other purposes; read the first time. Source: GPO [S10578]

By Mr. REID (D-NV) (for himself and Mr. BYRD (D-WV)):
S. 3689. A bill making supplemental appropriations for job creation and preservation, infrastructure investment, and economic and energy assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes; read the first time. Source: GPO [S10578]

By Mr. DURBIN (D-IL):
S. 3690. A bill to help struggling families stay in their homes and to ensure that taxpayers are protected when the Secretary of the Treasury purchases equity shares in financial situations; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S10578]

Victory Speech by President-elect Barack Obama - 11/4/2008

2008-11-06T10:29:00.000-08:00

Whether you were joyful or sad by the outcome of the presidential election, President Elect Barack Obama's speech was beautiful:

PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA: If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

Its the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

Its the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America. (perhaps a reference to my all-time favorite song, Sam Cooke's 'A Change is Gonna Come')

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and hes fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nations promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy thats coming with us to the White House. And while shes no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what youve sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didnt start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generations apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didnt do this just to win an election and I know you didnt do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how theyll make the mortgage, or pay their doctors bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, its that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if Americas beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one thats on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. Shes a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldnt vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.And tonight, I think about all that shes seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we cant, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we cant, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:Yes We Can.

Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Congress Has Adjourned - Back Nov. 17th When Senate Returns!

2008-10-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Survivors of Federal Safety Officers, GSEs Banned From Lobbying, Derivative and Hedgefund Oversight and Consumer Credit Protections: October 3, 2008

2008-10-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

Friday was the last day Congress was in session. The House has recessed 'at the call of the chair', so they are out unless they get called back to work by Pelosi, which is possible in light of the economic crisis we're in the midst of. The Senate has recessed until November 17th, when they will come back for a brief lameduck session to deal with some bills.

The House was briefly in session on Friday to pass the Financial Rescue bill, along with some other legislation, and they also introduced several interesting bills, which are pasted below:

This first bill is a great one that would provide enhanced benefits to survivors of Federal public safety officers killed in line of duty.

By Mr. HALL (D-NY):
H.R. 7263. A bill to amend chapters 81, 83, and 84 of title 5, United States Code, to provide for enhanced benefits for survivors of Federal public safety officers killed in the line of duty; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Source: GPO [H10828]

This next bill is another great one that would prohibit lobbying or contributions from GSEs (Government Sponsored Enterprises) such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

By Mrs. BONO MACK (R-CA):
H.R. 7254. A bill to prohibit government-sponsored enterprises from making lobbying expenditures, political contributions, or other certain contributions; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H10828]

These final two bills deal with the current economic crisis, and what got us into so much trouble to start with, both on a large scale (derivative dealers and hedge fund managers) and on a smaller personal scale (providing individuals better protection and transparency when dealing with consumer credit):

By Mr. MARKEY (D-MA):
H.R. 7266. A bill to amend the Federal securities laws to enhance oversight over certain derivatives dealers and hedge funds, reduce the potential for such entities to increase systemic risk in the financial markets, enhance investor protections, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H10828]

By Mr. DELAHUNT (D-MA):
H.R. 7258. A bill to create a new Consumer Credit Safety Commission, to provide individual consumers of credit with better information and stronger protections, and to provide sellers of consumer credit with more regulatory certainty; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H10828]

Metal Theft and Fencing, Penalties for Drunk Driving Employees & National Auto Inspection Standards: October 1, 2008

2008-10-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

The House was not in session yesterday and the Senate spent large part of the day dealing with the financial rescue/bailout plan and the US-India Nuclear Agreement. Below is one bill introduced in the Senate yesterday as well as a few others introduced in the House and Senate over the past week.

This first bill is an interesting one dealing with the new issue of metal theft and fencing, particularly copper:

By Ms. KLOBUCHAR (D-MN) (and Mr. HATCH (R-UT)):
S. 3666. A bill to require certain metal recyclers to keep records of their transactions in order to deter individuals and enterprises engaged in theft and interstate fencing of stolen copper, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Source: GPO [S10323]

Here in a bill introduced over the weekend in the House, which holds employers accountable when their employees are convicted of driving an 'over-the-road' bus under the influence of booze or drugs:

By Ms. JACKSON-LEE (D-TX):
H.R. 7204. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish sanctions and penalties applicable to an employer whenever an employee of the employer is convicted of driving an over-the-road bus under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance while acting within the scope of the employee's employment; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H10330]

And finally, another bill by same Representative on same day. This one seems to make a lot of sense, but those that know transportation better than me would know if it is valid to hold same motor vehicle inspection standards for all states (national standard) instead of each state having their own individual standards. I can see how automobiles in different states would have different requirements. I'd have to think autos in Alaska and Colorado would have different needs than those in Arizona or New Mexico.

By Ms. JACKSON-LEE (D-TX):
H.R. 7210. A bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to establish national standards for State safety inspections of motor vehicles, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H10330]

Peer-to-Peer Computer Programs, Tax Refund Loans & Aliens with Ph.D. from US Institution: September 30, 2008

2008-10-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

The House was out yesterday and the Senate had a short day. Not really any bills of interest were introduced, however, there were some bills of note introduced over the past weekend as the Members stayed in DC to work on the financial rescue/bailout package.

Here are three bill introduced in the House on the 27th.

The first bill seems important to me in this new age of so many 'peer-to-peer' programs. The bill is to ensure both sides of the 'peer-to-peer' are aware they are hooked up to such program.

By Mrs. BONO MACK (R-CA)(for herself, Mr. BARROW (D-GA), and Mr. BARTON (R-TX)):
H.R. 7176. A bill to prohibit the installation on a computer of certain ``peer-to-peer'' file sharing software without first providing notice and obtaining consent from the owner or authorized user of the computer; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H10299]

Finally, I think this next bill is also important. It deals with the many 'lenders' who offer 'tax refund loans' and works to improve advertising and disclosure requirements for the lenders.

By Mrs. MCCARTHY (D-NY):
H.R. 7188. A bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act to establish certain advertising and disclosure requirements with respect to tax refund anticipation loans, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H10299]

And this final bill will probably bring some controversy. It allows aliens who receive a Ph.D. from US institution in certain areas to be admitted for permanent residence. If this will keep the best and brightest in the US, then I'm behind it.

By Mr. FLAKE (R-AZ):
H.R. 7184. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize certain aliens who have earned a Ph.D. degree from a United States institution of higher education in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics to be admitted for permanent residence and to be exempted from the numerical limitations on H-1B nonimmigrants; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H10299]

Country of Origin Label, Webcasted Sound Recordings, Death in Custody of Law Enforcement & Additional Leave: September 29, 2008

2008-09-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

Another COOL (country of origin label) bill. I definitely like the idea of seeing where products we eat are being produced.

By Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY) (for herself, Mr. FEINGOLD (D-WI), and Mr. BROWN (D-PA)):
S. 3653. A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to provide for country of origin labeling for dairy products; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Source: GPO [S10069]

The next bill will require reading of the legislative language, but looks to provide agreements for webcasting 'sound recordings'.

By Mr. WYDEN (D-OR) (for himself and Mr. BROWNBACK (R-KS)):
S. 3649. A bill to amend section 114 of title 17, United States Code, to provide for agreements for the reproduction and performance of sound recordings by webcasters; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S10069]

Here is a bill with a good idea for providing oversight to deaths of those in custody of law-enforcement, but wish it would do more than 'encourage':

By Mr. SCOTT (D-VA):
H.R. 7227. A bill to encourage States to report to the Attorney General certain information regarding the deaths of individuals in the custody of law enforcement agencies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H10642]

And here is a good bill to let parents use leave for handling parental duties for their kid's and/or grandkid's educational and extracurricular activities, and to take care of family medical needs to assist elderly relatives.

By Mrs. MALONEY (D-NY)(for herself, Mr. GEORGE MILLER (D-CA), Mr. MCDERMOTT (D-WA), Mr. HASTINGS (D-FL), Mr. AL GREEN (D-TX), and Ms. JACKSON-LEE (D-TX)):
H.R. 7233. A bill to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to allow employees to take, as additional leave, parental involvement leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's educational and extracurricular activities and to clarify that leave may be taken for routine family medical needs and to assist elderly relatives, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H10642]

Bulk Handgun Purchases, Internet Skill Game Facilities, Votes for Former Prisoners & Stem Cell Research: September 26, 2008

2008-09-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 bills introduced in the Senate and 2 from the House.

This first bill will surely upset those who are strong backers of the 2nd amendment, but it's hard for me to understand why someone would need to purchase handguns in bulk.

By Mr. LAUTENBERG (D-NJ) (for himself and Mr. MENENDEZ):
S. 3634. A bill to reduce gun trafficking by prohibiting bulk purchases of handguns; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

This is an interesting bill to authorize licensing for Internet skill game facilities. I envision a bar-like scene, where people go to play Internet games instead of boozing. Source: GPO [S9657]

By Mr. MENENDEZ:
S. 3616. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for the licensing of Internet skill game facilities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Source: GPO [S9657]

On the House side, this is another bill sure to bring controversy, which is to allow those formerly incarcerated to vote. I'm of the feeling that if someone has served their sentence, they should be allowed to come back as citizens and be allowed to participate in elections. Though for some horrible crimes, might be tough to swallow knowing that person has same right to vote as person who has never broken the law:

By Mr. CONYERS (D-MI):
H.R. 7136. A bill to secure the Federal voting rights of persons who have been released from incarceration; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H10129]

Might as well wrap this up with yet another bill of controversy. This one is deals with the high emotion subject of stem cell research:

By Ms. DEGETTE (D-CO)(for herself and Mr. CASTLE (R-DE)):
H.R. 7141. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research, to direct the National Institutes of Health to issue guidelines for such stem cell research, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H10129]

Unlawful Arrests, Obesity in America and Nuclear Activities in Iran: September 26, 2008

2008-09-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

Here are three bills introduced in the Senate yesterday.

The first one is very vague and will require reading the legislative text to see how they propose to accomplish the goals of the bill, but if they are able to, I'm all for it. One of the worst things to happen to a citizen (and our country) is to end up being arrested or detained unlawfully in the 'land of the free'.

By Mr. MENENDEZ (D-NJ)(for himself and Mr. KENNEDY (D-MA) ):
S. 3594. A bill to protect United States citizens from unlawful arrest and detention; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S9492]

Another vague bill with solid goals, particularly with the direction our country is moving in regards to the health of its citizens.

By Mr. BINGAMAN (D-NM):
S. 3584. A bill to comprehensively prevent, treat, and decrease overweight and obesity in our Nation's populations; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S9492]

The final bill deals with assessing Iran's nuclear activities.

By Mr. ENSIGN (R-NV):
S. 3578. A bill to establish a commission to assess the nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran; to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Source: GPO [S9492]

General Elections on Weekends, Teaching Kids about Finances & Lighthouses: September 25, 2008

2008-09-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

Here are a few bills introduced yesterday.

I absolutely love this bill from the House. I have never truly understood why general elections are held on Tuesdays instead of weekends, or why employers are not required by law to give their employees a few hours off on election day, and this bill addresses that issue by pushing to move the general election to the weekend. I think it would be great to encourage more citizens to vote.

By Mr. LARSON (D-CT):
H.R. 7034. A bill to change the date for regularly scheduled general elections for Federal office to both the Saturday and Sunday after the first Friday in November, and for other purposes; to the Committee on House Administration. Source: GPO [H9423]

And here are a couple bills from the Senate.

In light of the financial problems our country and many of its citizens are facing, I think this is a strong bill. We can never start teaching financial responsibility too early:

By Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY):
S. 3557. A bill to encourage savings, promote financial literacy, and expand opportunities for young adults by establishing KIDS Accounts; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S9414]

Finally, people who are into lighthouses will enjoy this bill.

By Mr. LEVIN (D-MI)(for himself and Ms. STABENOW (D-MI)):
S. 3555. A bill to establish a pilot program to provide for the preservation and rehabilitation of historic lighthouses; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Source: GPO [S9414]

Drug Testing for Social Programs, Mortgage Disclosure for Congress, Rural After-School Programs & Discrimination Against Unborns: September 23, 2008

2008-09-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Here are three bills introduced in the Senate yesterday.

This first one will certainly be controversial, requiring drug testing for participants of the federal social program TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). I understand the desire to make sure TANF funds are used appropriately, but I have to question the cost and privacy factors of the testing.

By Mr. VITTER (R-LA):
S. 3540. A bill to amend title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to implement a drug testing program for applicants for and recipients of assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S9280]

The second bill has been prompted by several questionable mortgages some Members of Congress are currently locked in to. I'm all for full disclosure of our public officials.

By Mr. CORNYN (R-TX)(Mrs. BOXER (D-CA), Mr. ROBERTS (R-KS), Mr. PRYOR (D-AR), Mr. ISAKSON (R-GA), and Mr. SALAZAR (D-CO)):
S. 3542. A bill to require full and complete public disclosure of the terms of home mortgages held by Members of Congress; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Source: GPO [S9280]

This third Senate bill will attempt to improve rural after-school programs.

By Mrs. LINCOLN (D-AR) (Ms. COLLINS (R-ME)):
S. 3545. A bill to enhance after-school programs in rural areas of the United States by establishing a pilot program to help communities establish and improve rural after-school programs; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S9280]

Finally, here is a peculiar bill dealing with discrimination of unborns. I am having a hard time understanding how someone discriminates against an unborn's sex or race. How can one tell without having medical equipment with them?

By Mr. FRANKS (R-AZ) (for himself, Mr. TAYLOR (D-MS), Mr. FORTENBERRY (R-NE), Mr. LIPINSKI (D-IL), Mr. SMITH (R-TX), and Mr. PENCE (R-IN)):
H.R. 7016. A bill to prohibit discrimination against the unborn on the basis of sex or race, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H9083]

Baggage Fees for Service Members, Raising Federally Insured Max Deposit & Company Officers Repaying Bonuses: September 22, 2008

2008-09-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

On the House side, here are three interesting bills.

This first one makes a lot of sense to me, requiring airlines to waive certain baggage fees to service members travelling under orders:

By Mr. BACA (D-CA):
H.R. 6985. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to require air carriers to waive certain baggage fees for members of the uniformed services traveling under orders; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H8577]

This next bill would raise the max Federal deposit insurance coverage from $100,000 to $200,000. I presume in an effort to gain more confidence in banks and increase push for savings.

By Mr. COHEN (D-TN):
H.R. 6986. A bill to amend section 1821(a)(1) of title 12, United States Code, to raise the maximum Federal deposit insurance coverage to $200,000; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H8577]

The final bill will be cheered by many across America, except those officers who have to repay their bonuses:

By Mr. FEENEY (R-FL) (Mr. ROSKAM (R-IL), and Mr. GARRETT (R-NJ)):
H.R. 6987. A bill to amend the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to require officers to repay bonus amounts received during a year in which their company is subject to a taxpayer bailout, as well as the two previous years; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H8577]

Presidential Powers to Authorize Energy Exploration, Term Limits for Congress, Algae Derived Fuels & Sharia Law Ban: September 19, 2008

2008-09-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Senate and House were not in session last Friday, so here are 4 interesting bills introduced in the House last Thursday.

The first bills doesn't have a chance of moving anywhere. In order to pass, a majority of the Members of House and Senate would have to vote against keeping their own jobs. It would amend the Constitution to set term limits on Members of Congress. No chance they are voting to put a limit on their own terms. As nice as it would be to have Members dealing solely with issues facing the American people and not spending time and energy on re-election - I just can't see term limits ever happening.

By Mr. KUHL (R-NY):
H.J. Res. 98. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of times Senators and Representatives may be elected; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H8476]

This second bill will be very controversial and would provide the President authorization power to approve oil and gas projects. I'm surprised it was introduced by a Minnesotan Member of Congress, not exactly the state I think if first when it comes to energy exploration.

By Mrs. BACHMANN(R-MN):
H.R. 6953. A bill to authorize the President to review and approve oil and gas exploration, development, and production projects under existing Federal oil and gas leases, both onshore and offshore, and to limit administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to such projects, upon finding that such a project complies with all applicable Federal laws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources. Source: GPO [H8476]

The third bill provides credit for algae derived fuels. Algae? Yes, algae.

By Mr. BILBRAY (R-CA)(for himself, Mr. KENNEDY (D-RI), Mr. BARTLETT (R-MD), Mr. ISSA (R-CA), Mr. HUNTER (R-CA), and Mrs. BONO MACK (R-CA)):
H.R. 6943. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a credit for algae derived fuels, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H8476]

Finally, another somewhat odd bill that falls under the 'no-duh' kind of legislation, prohibiting any aliens from advocating Sharia law. I am pretty confident Sharia law isn't going to happen over there in the states, so I could care less if anyone advocated for it. We still have dopes in the states advocating for segregation - who really cares what the fringe wants?

By Mr. TANCREDO (R-CO):
H.R. 6975. A bill to require aliens to attest that they will not advocate installing a Sharia law system in the United States as a condition for admission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H8476]

Puppy Protection, Defibrillators for Schoolkids, Polar Bear Trophies & Covert Operations to Overthrow Iran: September 18, 2008

2008-09-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a four bills introduced yesterday: Two in the Senate and two in the House.

Talk about a heck of a political platform: “I am for puppies” – would love to see this bill come to a vote and see who is against protecting puppies.

By Mr. DURBIN (D-IL) (for himself, Mrs. FEINSTEIN (D-CA), Mrs. MCCASKILL (D-MO), and Mr. WYDEN (D-OR)):
S. 3519. A bill to amend the Animal Welfare Act to provide further protection for puppies; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Source: GPO [S9025]

I think this next bill is a great one, I'm all for emergency preparedness, especially when it comes to America's youth:

By Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY)(for herself, Mr. VOINOVICH (R-OH), and Mr. BROWN (D-OH)):
S. 3520. A bill to establish a grant program for automated external defibrillators in elementary and secondary schools; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S9025]

And over in the Senate, I have to wonder who is so desparately looking to import polar bear trophies shot before 1973 that this bill was important to introduce?

By Mr. YOUNG (R-AK):
H.R. 6936. A bill to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow importation of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before the date the polar bear was determined to be a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; to the Committee on Natural Resources. Source: GPO [H8476]

And finally, a very interesting bill in the House prohibiting CIA and DoD from using funds to provide covert assistance in the overthrowing of Iran's government:

By Ms. LEE (D-TX) (for herself, Ms. WOOLSEY (D-CA), Mr. HINCHEY (D-NY), Ms. WATERS (D-CA), Mr. MCGOVERN (D-MA), Mr. MCDERMOTT (D-WA), and Mr. GRIJALVA (D-AZ)):
H.R. 6951. A bill to prohibit the use of funds by the Central Intelligence Agency or the Department of Defense to provide covert or clandestine assistance for the purpose of overthrowing the Government of Iran; to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H8476]

Commodity Futures Oversight, Border Fence Deadline and Required Reading of Constitution: September 17, 2008

2008-09-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

Here are a three bills introduced in the House yesterday.

The first is to provide more oversight in the commodity futures market and the next two are pretty interesting, and likely to be controversial. One puts a deadline on completing the border fence. The other requires officers and employees to read the Constitution each year.

The fence is a ridiculous idea to me, but think it is good idea for those in halls of Congress to read the Constitution each and every year. I think we should require it of all American citizens.

By Mr. MORAN (R-KS):
H.R. 6921. A bill to provide additional oversight and transparency to the commodity futures markets by authorizing greater resources and authority for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture. Source: GPO [H8397]

By Mr. BARRETT (R-SC):
H.R. 6923. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to complete at least 700 miles of reinforced fencing along the Southwest border by December 31, 2010, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security. Source: GPO [H8397]

By Mr. CONAWAY (R-TX)(for himself, Mrs. CUBIN (R-WY), Mr. SULLIVAN (R-OK), Mrs. BACHMANN (R-MN), Mr. MCHENRY (R-NC), Mr. MARCHANT (R-TX), Mr. NEUGEBAUER (R-TX), Mr. GINGREY (R-GA), Mr. KINGSTON (R-GA), Mr. BROUN (R-GA), Mr. LAMBORN (R-CO), Mr. FRANKS (R-AZ), Mr. BARTLETT (R-MD), and Mr. BISHOP (R-UT)):
H. Res. 1450. A resolution amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require officers and employees of the House to read the Constitution of the United States each year; to the Committee on Rules. Source: GPO [H8397]

Railroad Safety, Protecting Pregnant Women, Protecting Americans in Parks & Swimming Lessons: September 16, 2008

2008-09-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

On the Senate side, a bill introduced in response to the California train wreck last week:

By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (D-CA)(for herself and Mrs. BOXER (D-CA)):
S. 3493. A bill to require rail carriers to develop positive rail control system plans for improving railroad safety and to increase the civil penalties for railroad safety violations; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Source: GPO [S8856]

A couple more bills introduced in the Senate that are sort of 'no duh' kinds of bills. I haven't seen the legislative language for these bills and how they propose to accomplish the goals, but who the heck would not want these things to happen?

By Mrs. BOXER (D-CA)(for herself, Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY), Mr. CARDIN (D-MD), and Mr. WHITEHOUSE (D-RI)):
S. 3495. A bill to protect pregnant women and children from dangerous lead exposures; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Source: GPO [S8856]

By Mr. BINGAMAN (D-NM):
S. 3499. An original bill to protect innocent Americans from violent crime in national parks; from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; placed on the calendar. Source: GPO [S8856]

And finally, a bill in the House that Michael Phelps (and lifeguards around the nation) will likely be happy to see:

By Mr. SIRES (D-NJ)(for himself, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (D-FL), Mr. PAYNE (D-NJ), and Mr. PASTOR (D-AZ)):
H. Res. 1446. A resolution expressing the importance of swimming lessons and recognizing the danger of drowning in the United States, especially among minority children; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H8275]

Pollock Municipal Airport, WWII Vets in Philippines & Broad Energy National Security: September 15, 2008

2008-09-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

No bills of note introduced in the Senate yesterday, but here are a few in the House. The first two bills demonstrate how local and targeted some can be in the House, while the third bill is a broad and wide-ranging one dealing with energy and national security.

This first bill deals with a local issue and I'm curious to know how the folks in Pollock, LA like the idea of having their municipal airport being closed down.

By Mr. MCCRERY (R-LA):
H.R. 6891. A bill to authorize the closure of a municipal airport in Pollock, Louisiana, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H8127]

The next bill is quite targeted, dealing with veterans who served in the Philippines during WWII:

By Mr. FILNER (D-CA):
H.R. 6897. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make certain payments to eligible persons who served in the Philippines during World War II; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Source: GPO [H8127]

The final piece of legislation is a broad, over-arching energy bill aimed at improving national security through energy policy decisions:

By Mr. RAHALL (D-WV)(for himself, Mr. GENE GREEN (D-TX), Mr. GEORGE MILLER (D-CA), and Mr. DINGELL (D-MI)):
H.R. 6899. A bill to advance the national security interests of the United States by reducing its dependency on oil through renewable and clean, alternative fuel technologies while building a bridge to the future through expanded access to Federal oil and natural gas resources, revising the relationship between the oil and gas industry and the consumers who own those resources and deserve a fair return from the development of publicly owned oil and gas, ending tax subsidies for large oil and gas companies, and facilitating energy efficiencies in the building, housing, and transportation sectors, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, the Judiciary, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, the Budget, Rules, Science and Technology, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H8127]

National Service Bill: September 12, 2008

2008-09-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

The House was not in session and the Senate had a shortened day. The House adjourned on Thursday to let Members of Congress who would be affected by Hurricane Ike get back home to their respective districts.

One bill introduced in the Senate, that has a great chance of passing, especially considering both presidential candidates are co-sponsors, is Sen. Kennedy's national service bill to encourage Americans to volunteer for a national cause and create a series of funds and tax incentives aimed at encouraging service:

By Mr. REID (D-NV)(for Mr. KENNEDY (D-MA)(for himself, Mr. HATCH (R-UT), Mr. OBAMA (D-IL), Mr. MCCAIN (R-AZ), Mr. DODD (D-CT), Mr. COCHRAN (R-MS), and Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY))):
S. 3487. A bill to amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to expand and improve opportunities for service, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S8482]

Apache Water Rights, Inspecting Electronic Devices at Border, Abolishing Death Penalty & Earmark Audits: September 11, 2008

2008-09-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

The Senate and House spent part of day memorializing those lost during the 9/11 attacks. There were a few bills of note introduced in both chambers.

Here are a couple interesting bills in the Senate. The first from Senate Kyl is to resolve water rights for Apache tribe in AZ. The second is bill to provide incentives for energy issues:

By Mr. KYL (R-AZ):
S. 3473. A bill to resolve water rights claims of the White Mountain Apache Tribe in the State of Arizona, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Source: GPO [S8383]

By Mr. BAUCUS (D-MT) (for himself and Mr. GRASSLEY (R-IA)):
S. 3478. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for the production of energy, to provide transportation and domestic fuel security, and to provide incentives for energy conservation and energy efficiency, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S8383]

In the House, three very interesting bills, some which will be quite controversial. The first is to issue a rule on check electronic devices at the border. The second is to abolish the death penalty and the third is to provide audits for programs and projects funded through earmarks.

By Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ (D-CA) ( Mr. THOMPSON (D-TN)):
H.R. 6869. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a rule with respect to border security searches of electronic devices, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security. Source: GPO [H8048]

By Mr. KUCINICH (D-OH) (for himself, Mr. CAPUANO (D-MA), Mrs. CHRISTENSEN (D-VI), Mr. CLAY (D-MO), Mr. CONYERS (D-MI), Mr. CUMMINGS (D-MD), Mr. DAVIS (D-IL) , Mr. ELLISON (D-MN), Mr. FATTAH (D-PA), Mr. KENNEDY (D-RI), Ms. KILPATRICK (D-MI), Ms. MCCOLLUM (D-MN), Ms. NORTON (D-DC) Mr. PAYNE (D-NJ), Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (D-IL), Mr. STARK (D-CA), Ms. WATERS (D-CA), Ms. WATSON (D-CA), and Ms. WOOLSEY (D-CA)):
H.R. 6875. A bill to abolish the death penalty under Federal law; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H8048]

By Mr. FORTENBERRY (R-NE):
H.R. 6881. A bill to provide for audits of programs, projects, and activities funded through earmarks; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Source: GPO [H8048]

Impartial Forums for Nazi Railroad Claims & Exempting Energy Companies from State Environmental Laws: September 10, 2008

2008-09-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Senate and House are back in full swing of things.

In the Senate, quite an interesting bill by the Senators from New York that provides impartial forum for claims against railroads responsible for taking folks to Nazi concentration camps:

By Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY)(for himself and Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY)):
S. 3462. A bill to ensure that the courts of the United States may provide an impartial forum for claims brought by United States citizens and others against any railroad organized as a separate legal entity, arising from the deportation of United States citizens and others to Nazi concentration camps on trains owned or operated by such railroad, and by heirs and survivors of such persons; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S8275]

In the House, here's a bill by Representative from Tennessee that the environmentalists will be angered by and the oil companies will be pleased about:

By Mrs. BLACKBURN (R-TN):
H.R. 6860. A bill to exempt exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas under leases on Federal lands from State environmental and pollution control laws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H8018]

Founding Father's Docs in Schools, Vet's Tuition Assistance for Business and Mortgage Fraud: September 9, 2008

2008-09-10T12:41:00.001-07:00

No bills of great interest introduced in the Senate yesterday, so here are a few bills from the House:

I think this bill is a great idea to have copies of these founding documents displayed in all public schools.

By Mr. MURPHY (D-CT):
H. Res. 1417. A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all public elementary schools and public secondary schools should display a copy of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights; to the Committee on Education and Labor. Source: GPO [H7853]

This next bill would allow veterans to use some financial education assistance promised to them to establish and operate businesses. There will likely be an awful lot of qualifying language in the legislation, but think this is great idea for the vets who want to go the entrepreneurial route instead of college.

By Mr. FORTENBERRY (R-NE):
H.R. 6850. A bill to allow veterans to elect to use, with the approval of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, certain financial educational assistance to establish and operate certain business, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Source: GPO [H7955]

This final bill seems like a great idea to me in light of all the issues we've had in recent years with mortgage fraud.

By Mr. MEEK (D-FL):
H.R. 6853. A bill to establish in the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force to address mortgage fraud in the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H7955]

Getting Money Back from Iraq & Family Members of Aliens in Military: September 8, 2008

2008-09-09T12:12:00.001-07:00

Members came back yesterday and Congress started back up for a busy 3 week run until next break.

In the Senate, a couple interesting bills that will likely be controversial. The 1st bill calls for pulling back funds appropriated to rebuild Iraq. There have been many reports of enormous surpluses in Iraq, which probably led to this bill being introduced.

The 2nd bill calls for adjusting status of family members of aliens fighting for the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan. I personally feel that any person who volunteers to fight for our country and serve in our military deserves all we can give to them and their family.

By Mr. COLEMAN (R-MN):
S. 3450. A bill to provide for the rescission of funds made available for fiscal year 2009 for Iraq reconstruction; to the Committee on Appropriations. Source: GPO [S8130]

By Mr. MENENDEZ (D-NJ):
S. 3453. A bill to authorize the adjustment of status for immediate family members of aliens who served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States during the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S8131]

Nothing to report from the House from yesterday. Unfortunately, our country lost Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Democrat from Ohio's 11th District over the summer recess, so the House spent parts of the day paying tribute. Always sad to lose someone who spent their life serving the public, regardless of party affiliation.

Back to Work - Senate and House Back in Session Today - Two Imporant Links!

2008-09-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

The August recess has ended with the close of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions and the Members of Congress have come back for a furious 3 weeks of work before they break for the year (though it is looking more and more likely they will need to comeback before year's end for a 'lameduck' session to wrap up some much needed legislation).

With work beginning today, I'll start the posting of introduced bills again tomorrow. In the meantime, I wanted to share 2 websites during these important months before the Presidential elections.

The first site is FactCheck.org - There has been a lot of misinformation, misleading info, stretching the truth and outright lies in the campaigns over past few months. Fact Check provides a non-partisan approach and looking at the facts, and nothing but the facts. They simply take speeches and advertisements from both campaigns and point out any misinformation within.

The second site is RealClearPolitics.com - This is the best site I have found for polling information. Each day they list national, state and local polling data for variety of sources and is great site to get feel of all the polls together. The homepage also list the days top editorials from major daily newspapers and periodicals (with links). Really an excellent resource for anyone following the Presidential race along with the Congressional races.

Recess is Here! Back September 8, 2008!

2008-08-03T15:19:00.001-07:00

August recess is here and the House and Senate will be taking 6 weeks off. See you September 8, 2008!!!!

Last Day before August Recess: Tax Return Savings & Novelty Lighters: July 31, 2008

2008-08-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

August recess will begin tonight unless some drastic events happen this afternoon. The House did not have any bills of note introduced, but there were a few in the Senate.

This first one would provide a government matching funds as incentive to put tax returns in savings account.

By Mr. MENENDEZ (D-NJ):
S. 3372. A bill to promote savings by providing a match for eligible taxpayers who contribute to savings products and to facilitate taxpayers receiving this match and open a bank account when they file their Federal income tax returns; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S7903]

This next bill is sort of an odd one and makes me wonder what happened to create need for bill of this sort:

By Mr. WYDEN (D-OR) (for himself, Ms. COLLINS (R-ME) and Mr. DODD (D-CT)):
S. 3375. A bill to prohibit the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of novelty lighters, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Source: GPO [S7903]

Land Shark: July 30th, 2008

2008-07-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

You got to give it to any Senator who pulls out the Land Shark from Saturday Night Live. Here's Republican Senator from Iowa, Chuck Grassley, yesterday on the floor during the pissing match Senate Republicans and Democrats are having over the tax extenders and drilling:

"By portraying themselves as fiscal conservatives, while in reality playing the same old tax-and-spend game, the Blue Dogs remind me of the land shark character played by Chevy Chase on ``Saturday Night Live.'' This was many years ago, so maybe some of you will not remember. But we have a picture of the land shark skit with the theme from ``Jaws'' playing in the background.

The land shark knocks on a person's door. With the door still closed, the person would ask: Who is at the door?

The land shark would reply: Flower delivery.

The person answering the door then said: You are that clever shark, aren't you?

And in response, the land shark said: Candygram.

If you don't know how the skit ended, the person eventually let the land shark in the door because that person believed the land shark when the land shark said he was a dolphin. And, yes, the land shark ate that person.

The moral of the land shark story is, don't let yourself be fooled that the Blue Dogs are fiscal conservatives because they are pursuing the same old tax-and-spend Washington game. Don't let the House of Representatives Blue Dogs' insatiable appetite for spending swallow the much-needed tax relief contained in the tax extenders." Source: GPO [S7728]

Invasive Plants, Tax Credit for Commuting, Background Checks & Homeless Shelters: July 30, 2008

2008-07-31T13:27:00.000-07:00

On the Senate side, here is a bi-partisan bill to get rid of invasive plants that are hurting the fish and wildlife in many areas of the country:

By Mr. NELSON (D-FL)(for himself, Ms. STABENOW (D-MI), Ms. COLLINS (R-ME) , Mr. CARDIN (D-MD), and Mr. MARTINEZ (R-FL)):
S. 3366. A bill to protect, conserve, and restore native fish, wildlife, and their natural habitats at national wildlife refuges through cooperative, incentive-based grants to control, mitigate, and eradicate harmful nonnative plant species, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Source: GPO [S7780]

A couple interesting bills in the House, the first would surely be appreciated by many working citizens, but the question is how to pay for it. The second bill deals with providing incentives to build homeless shelters. The last one makes a lot of sense to me, requiring background checks for anyone who will need a firearm.

By Mr. CAMPBELL (R-CA) (for himself, Mr. SHADEGG (R-AZ), Mr. PENCE (R-IN), Mr. FEENEY (R-FL), Mr. BROUN (R-GA), Mr. LAMBORN (R-CO), Mr. DAVIS (R-KY), Mr. CHABOT (R-OH), Mrs. BACHMANN (R-MN), Mr. BARTLETT (R-MD), Mr. DAVID DAVIS (R-TN), Mr. DOOLITTLE (R-CA), Mr. WALBERG (R-MN), Mr. KUHL (R-NY), Mr. BARRETT (R-SC), Mr. GOODE (R-VA), Mrs. MYRICK (R-NC), Mr. KLINE (R-MN), Mrs. MUSGRAVE (R-CO), Mrs. SCHMIDT (R-OH), Mr. BISHOP (R-UT), Mr. LATTA (R-OH), Mr. POE (R-TX), Mrs. BLACKBURN (R-TN), Ms. FOXX (R-NC), Mr. GINGREY (R-GA), Mr. WESTMORELAND (R-GA), Mr. MCHENRY (R-NC), and Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN (R-CA)):
H.R. 6667. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a deduction for the cost of fuel used for commuting to and from work whether or not the taxpayer itemizes other deductions; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H7628]

By Mr. JEFFERSON (D-LA):
H.R. 6674. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for building homeless shelters in areas warranting assistance due to incidents of national significance; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H7628]

By Mrs. McCARTHY (D-NY)(for herself, Mr. Kirk (R-IL), Mr. Conyers (D-MI), Mr. Moran (D-VA), Mr. Shays (R-CT), Mr. Rangel (D-NY), Mr. Castle (R-DE), Mr. Rothman (D-NJ), and Mr. Kennedy (D-RI)):
H.R. 6676. A bill to amend chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, to require background checks for employees authorized to possess or transfer firearms or ammunition in the course of a licensed firearms business; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H7628]

Food Protection, Social Program Drug Testing & Dyed Diesel: July 29, 2008

2008-07-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

On the Senate side, here is a great bill, I don't think we could ever do enough food protection, espcially in light of the many recent issues with food-borne illnesses:

By Mr. REID (D-NV)(for Mr. OBAMA (D-IL)):
S. 3358. A bill to provide for enhanced food-borne illness surveillance and food safety capacity; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S7629]

This is a very interesting, and sure to be controversial, bill from the Senate. It would require families received TANF, which is financial assistance from the government, to be drug tested. I'm certain their will be issues with cost, privacy, accuracy, etc. but it would be a way of determining that government assistance is not getting smoked or snorted.

By Mr. VITTER (R-LA):
S. 3361. A bill to amend title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to implement a drug testing program for applicants for and recipients of assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S7629]

On the House side, another bill that may be controversial to allow dyed diesel to be used on rural highways. At the moment, dyed diesel fuel is only allowed in off-road vehicles such as tractors and recreational vehicles:

By Mr. HILL (D-IN):
H.R. 6634. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow dyed diesel to be sold in rural areas for use in highway vehicles; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H7306]

Troubled Schools & Drugged Submersibles: July 28, 2008

2008-07-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

On the Senate side, here are a couple bills. One that would providing monies for additional counselors at troubled schools and the other bill deals with drug-trafficking and submersibles.

By Mr. CASEY (D-PA):
S. 3347. A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to create a demonstration project to fund additional secondary school counselors in troubled title I schools to reduce the dropout rate; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S7573]

By Mr. BIDEN (D-DE) (Mr. GRASSLEY (R-IA), and Mrs. FEINSTEIN (D-CA)):
S. 3351. A bill to enhance drug trafficking interdiction by creating a Federal felony for operating or embarking in a submersible or semi-submersible vessel without nationality and on an international voyage; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Source: GPO [S7573]

There were no bills introduced in the House.

Working Weekends & Child Porn Task Forces: July 26, 2008

2008-07-29T18:40:00.000-07:00

The Senate was in on Saturday and Sunday this past weekend, the House was out of session. Here's one of the few bills introduced in the Senate Saturday and it's a great one:

By Mr. COBURN (R-OK):
S. 3344. A bill to defend against child exploitation and child pornography through improved Internet Crimes Against Children task forces and enhanced tools to block illegal images, and to eliminate the unwarranted release of convicted sex offenders; read the first time. Source: GPO [ S7526]

Kids of Vietnam Vets with Spin Bifida, Horse for Human Consumption and Gitmo Prisoners Coming to DC: July 24, 2008

2008-07-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

In the Senate, this bill made me wonder what instances, and how many, took place to provide impetus for creation of this bill:

By Mr. BAYH (D-IN)(for himself and Mr. LUGAR (R-IN)):
S. 3332. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide comprehensive health care to children of Vietnam veterans born with Spina Bifida, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Source: GPO [S7279]

Here are a couple more bills in the Senate with great intentions:

By Mr. GREGG (R-NH)(for himself and Mr. SUNUNU (R-NH)):
S. 3323. A bill to provide weatherization and home heating assistance to low income households, and to provide a heating oil tax credit for middle income households; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S7279]

By Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY):
S. 3334. A bill to strengthen communities through English literacy, civic education, and immigrant integration programs; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S7279]

On to the House, for the love of all things big and small....

By Mr. CONYERS (D-MI)(for himself, Mr. BURTON (R-IN), Mr. RAHALL (D-WV), Mr. JONES (R-NC), Mr. MORAN (D-VA), Mr. CHABOT (R-OH), Mr. GRIJALVA (D-AZ), Mr. SCOTT (D-VA), Mr. SMITH (R-NJ) , Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (D-IL), Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (D-FL), Mr. NADLER (D-NY), and Ms. SUTTON (D-OH)):

H.R. 6598. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain conduct relating to the use of horses for human consumption; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H7163]

All I can say for this one is wow, can you image having the gitmo detainees brought to DC:

By Mr. GOHMERT (R-TX):
H.R. 6615. A bill to provide for the transport of the enemy combatants detained in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to Washington, D.C., where the United States Supreme Court will be able to more effectively micromanage the detainees by holding them on the Supreme Court grounds, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H7163]

Polygamy, Video Games and Emergency Tomato Assistance: July 23, 2008

2008-07-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

In the Senate on the 23rd, a couple interesting bills. One is to create a polygamy task force (huh?) and another bill that yet again takes aim at video games and adult content.

By Mr. REID (D-NV):
S. 3313. A bill to establish a Federal Polygamy Task Force, to authorize assistance for victims of polygamy, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S7148]

By Mr. WICKER (R-MS):
S. 3315. A bill to prohibit the distribution or sale of video games that do not have age-based content rating labels, to prohibit the sale or rental of video games with adult content ratings to minors, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Source: GPO [S7148]

On the House side, here is a bill to help out the tomato producers who took a hit during the salmonella scare of recent weeks:

By Mr. MAHONEY (D-FL) (for himself, Mr. BOYD (D-FL), Mr. PUTNAM (R-FL), and Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (D-FL)):
H.R. 6581. A bill to appropriate funds for the provision of emergency financial assistance to producers and first handlers of fresh tomatoes for losses incurred as a result of the removal of fresh tomatoes and products containing fresh tomatoes from the market and other actions undertaken in response to a public health advisory regarding tomatoes issued by the Food and Drug Administration in June 2008; to the Committee on Agriculture. Source: GPO [H7057]

Vet's Benefits, Smoking near Federal Buildings and Children's Arrows: July 22, 2008

2008-07-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

There were no bill introduced on Monday, July 21st, but quite a few introduced yesterday, the 22nd. Here is a great bill, though will likely add to admin costs, I think it would be important for our vets to truly understand what benefits they are eligible to receive. Would be a great step away from the generic form letters sent out to everyone:

By Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY)(for Herself and Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY)):
S. 3307. A bill to provide veterans with individualized notice about available benefits, to streamline application processes for the benefits, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Source: GPO [S7030]

Here are a few bills introduced in the House yesterday. The first one will be controversial for any smokers out there (I myself have been in process of quitting smoking for a couple years now). This bill would ban smoking anywhere 'near' pretty much every major federal government building in DC:

By Mr. ENGEL (D-NY) (for himself and Mr. PLATTS (R-PA)):
H.R. 6571. A bill to prohibit smoking near executive, legislative, and judicial branch buildings and entryways; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on House Administration, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H6824]

And this one is a bit peculiar, but you never know what a member of Congress will find important on any given day:

By Mr. KIND (D-WI) (for himself and Mr. RYAN (R-WI)):
H.R. 6564. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the rate of the excise tax on certain arrows designed for use by children; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H6824]

Estate Tax and Sex Offenders: July 18, 2008

2008-07-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

In the Senate, this bill deals with a point of great controversy - the estate tax (some call it 'death tax' or 'inheritance tax') and there is sure to be lot of debate in coming 12 months over the extension of Bush's estate tax cut, or whether to repeal the tax all together or allow it to go back to its previous rate before the Bush cut:

By Mr. CARPER (D-DE)(for himself, Mr. VOINOVICH (R-OH), and Mr. LEAHY (D-VT)):
S. 3284. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the estate tax as in effect in 2009, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S6937]

In the House, here's a bill introduced dealing with registering sex offenders in a New Hires directory. I'm all for excess notification and warnings when it comes to sex offenders.

By Mrs. BACHMANN (R-MN):
H.R. 6539. A bill to provide for the use of information in the National Directory of New Hires in enforcing sex offender registration laws; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H6725]

Nanotechnology & Nonimmigrant Aliens Medical Treatment: July 16, 2008

2008-07-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

On the Senate side, a bipartisan bill introduced to promote achievement in nanotechnology (applied science at atomic and molecular scale). I'm behind any program to improve our sciences:

By Mr. WYDEN (D-OR)(for himself and Ms. SNOWE (R-ME)):
S. 3269. A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce to establish an award program to honor achievements in nanotechnology, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Source: GPO [S6868]

In the House, this bill may create some controversy. It would allow nonimmigrant aliens to come to US for medical treatment. As much controversy as there is over immigration, it would be terribly difficult to turn someone away from the U.S. who needs medical service, regardless of nationality:

By Mr. COHEN (D-TN)(for himself and Mr. ISSA (R-CA)):
H.R. 6519. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to temporary admission of nonimmigrant aliens to the United States for the purpose of receiving medical treatment, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H6673]

Food Inspection & Forced Labor by Japanese: July 15, 2008

2008-07-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

In the Senate, here is a great bill introduced to deal with the increasingly tainted food supply here in the U.S.:

By Mr. BROWN (D-OH):
S. 3267. A bill to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Egg Products Inspection Act, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for improved public health and food safety through enhanced enforcement, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Source: GPO [S6244]

And in the House, a bill to compensate those forced into labor by Japan:

By Ms. HOOLEY (D-OR):
H.R. 6497. A bill to require the payment of compensation to members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the United States who were forced to perform slave labor by the Imperial Government of Japan or by corporations of Japan during World War II, or the surviving spouses of such members, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H6576]

Women Entrepreneurs & Drug Test Masking Agents: July 14, 2008

2008-07-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Only a few bills introduced in the Senate and most of them deal with annual appropriations, however, here is a bull to reauthorize program dealing with women's business development:

By Mrs. HUTCHISON (R-TX):
S. 3262. A bill to reauthorize the women's entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Source: GPO [S6650]

On the House, an interesting bill introduced to combat drug masking agents:

By Mr. ENGEL (D-NY)(for himself, Mrs. SCHMIDT (R-OH), and Mr. TERRY (R-NE)):
H.R. 6486. A bill to prohibit the manufacture, marketing, sale, or shipment in interstate commerce of products designed to assist in defrauding a drug test; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H6472]

Wildfires & Volunteer Fire Stations: July 11, 2008

2008-07-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

The House was not in session on Friday, only the Senate was in, and they were only in briefly. There were small number of bills introduced, but there is one that is timely with all the problems wildfires are causing out west:

By Mr. REID (D-NV) (for Mrs. BOXER (D-CA)):
S. 3256. A bill to provide a supplemental funding source for catastrophic emergency wildland fire suppression activities on Department of the Interior and National Forest System lands, to require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a cohesive wildland fire management strategy, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Source: GPO [S6604]

Sticking with the fire fighting theme, here is a bill from early last week in the House to help volunteer fire stations with rising fuel costs:

By Mr. ALTMIRE (D-PA)(for himself, Mr. PLATTS (R-PA), and Mr. RYAN (D-OH)):
H.R. 6461. A bill to assist volunteer fire companies in coping with the precipitous rise in fuel prices; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H6407]

Foot and Mouth Argentina & National Speed Limit: July 10, 2008

2008-07-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

In the Senate, here is a bipartisan bill introduced to deal with growing food concerns. This bill deals solely with Argentina and Foot and Mouth disease:

By Mr. JOHNSON (D-SD)(for himself, Mr. ENZI (R-WY), Mr. TESTER (D-MT), Mr. BARRASSO (R-WY), Mrs. MCCASKILL (D-MO), Mr. DOMENICI (R-NM), Mr. DORGAN (D-ND), Mr. ALLARD (R-CO), Mr. SALAZAR (D-CO), and Mr. NELSON (D-NE):
S. 3238. A bill to prohibit the importation of ruminants and swine, and fresh and frozen meat and products of ruminants and swine, from Argentina until the Secretary of Agriculture certifies to Congress that every region of Argentina is free of foot and mouth disease without vaccination; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Source: GPO [S6559]

On the House side, I imagine this one will cause some controversy, as I think any bill dealing with speed limits (increase or decrease) would be. Rep. Speier is the newest Member of Congress:

By Ms. SPEIER (D-CA):
H.R. 6458. A bill to establish a national maximum speed limit of 60 miles per hour on highways, and 65 miles per hour on portions of the National Highway System located outside of an urbanized area; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H6405]

Fisherman Fuel Credits & Health Coverage For All: July 9, 2008

2008-07-10T10:14:00.001-07:00

Only a couple bills introduced in the Senate yesterday, he's one of the many bills Congress and Senate have introduced in recent weeks to help offset the rising fuel costs in different industries throughout the country:

By Ms. MURKOWSKI (R-AK) (for herself and Mr. STEVENS (R-AK)):
S. 3234. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a temporary income tax credit for commercial fisherman to offset high fuel costs; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S6504]

In the House, a major bill with decent support to provide affordable and guaranteed private health coverage:

By Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (D-FL)(for herself, Mrs. EMERSON (R-MO), Mr. BAIRD (D-WA), Mr. BLUMENAUER (D-OR), Mr. COOPER (D-TN), Mr. DAVIS (D-AL), Mr. ENGLISH (R-PA), Ms. ESHOO (D-CA), Ms. HARMAN (D-CA), Mr. HASTINGS (D-FL), Mr. HINOJOSA (D-TX), Ms. HOOLEY (D-OR), Mr. LIPINSKI (D-IL), Mr. MEEK (D-FL), Mr. MORAN (D-VA), Mr. SNYDER (D-AR), Ms. TSONGAS (D-MA), Mr. WELCH (D-VT), Mr. WU (D-OR), Mr. DICKS (D-WA), and Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN (R-FL)):

H.R. 6444. A bill to provide affordable, guaranteed private health coverage that will make Americans healthier and can never be taken away; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Education and Labor, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H6342]

Green Roofs & Fuel-Efficient Vehicles: July 8, 2008

2008-07-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Both the House and Senate are back in full force. On the Senate side, here's a bill to offer tax credits for 'green roofs'. I have to admit i love the look of green roofs and the more plant life we can add is some areas of the country, the better.

By Mr. SMITH (R-OR) (for himself and Ms. CANTWELL (D-WA)):
S. 3228. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit for green roofs; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S6441]

On the House side, Rep. Paul introduced a bill to provide tax incentives to replace your vehicle with a more fuel-efficient vehicle:

By Mr. PAUL (R-TX):
H.R. 6441. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for replacing an automobile with a more fuel-efficient automobile; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H6229]

Welcome Back & Iran Sanctions: July 7, 2008

2008-07-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome back from 4th of July break. There are 4 weeks in the legislative calendar until the big August recess (which lasts 5 weeks) so there is an awful lot for Members to get done before the break for the summer.

It was a quiet start to the month yesterday, the House was not in session but the Senate started back up and there were only a few bills introduced in the Senate, but this one could have some implications. I'll need to read the text to see the specifics once it is published, but Senator Baucus introduced a bill to impose sanctions on Iran. I don't know if this is to avoid any type of military battle or if this is a precursor to one:

By Mr. BAUCUS (D-MT):
S. 3227. An original bill to impose sanctions on Iran and for other purposes; from the Committee on Finance; placed on the calendar. Source: GPO: [S6362]

4th of July Recess: June 28 through July 7

2008-07-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

Congress is on recess until Tuesday, July 8th - Have a great 4th of July break!

Mentoring & Quitting Smoking: June 26, 2008

2008-06-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

In the Senate, here is a bill to create and support mentoring programs - I'm a big believer in the power and positive influence of mentoring:

By Mr. KERRY (D-MA)(for himself, Mr. SPECTER (R-PA), Mr. COLEMAN (R-MN), and Mr. AKAKA (D-HI)):
S. 3200. A bill to develop capacity and infrastructure for mentoring programs; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S6286]

On the House side, as someone who knows full well the power of tobacco addiction, here is a bill to use several different health programs to promote quitting tobacco:

By Ms. DEGETTE (D-CO) (for herself and Mr. PLATTS (R-PA)):
H.R. 6393. A bill to amend titles V, XVIII, and XIX of the Social Security Act to promote tobacco use cessation under the Medicare Program, the Medicaid Program, and the maternal and child health program; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H6174]

Mental Health Youths & Cops with Guns: June 25, 2008

2008-06-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

On the Senate side, a vague bill which will require reading of legislative language to see how they plan to do this, but it certainly has good intentions to help younger folks with serious mental disorders:

By Mr. SMITH (R-OR) (for himself and Mr. DODD (D-CT)):
S. 3195. A bill to provide assistance to adolescents and young adults with serious mental health disorders as they transition to adulthood; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S6158]

In the House, this may be a controversial bill, it provides an exception to firearm mandatory minimums for law enforcement offices who is going after suspects:

By Mr. BRADY (R-TX) of (for himself, Mr. MCCAUL (R-TX), Mr. MARCHANT (R-TX), Mr. SAM JOHNSON (R-TX), Mr. BILBRAY (R-CA), Mr. SULLIVAN (R-OK), Mr. SHADEGG (R-AZ), Mr. ROHRABACHER (R-CA), Mr. JONES (R-NC), Mr. POE (R-TX), and Mr. CULBERSON (R-TX)):

H.R. 6367. A bill to provide an exception to certain mandatory minimum sentence requirements for a law enforcement officer who uses, carries, or possesses a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence committed while pursuing or apprehending a suspect; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H6089]

LIHEAP & Public Safety Officials Disability: June 24, 2008

2008-06-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

On the Senate Side, Sen. Sanders introduces a bill to give additional monies into the LIHEAP program. This is an important program for low-income Americans who cannot afford heat/air:

By Mr. SANDERS (I-VT)(for himself, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. BROWN, and Mr. CARDIN):
S. 3186. A bill to provide funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program; read the first time. Source: GPO [S6019]

In the House, a great bill by Rep. Kuhl to provide benefits to public safety officials who were disabled before the original benefits law was put into law:

By Mr. KUHL (R-NY) of New York:
H.R. 6360. A bill to provide public safety officer disability benefits to officers disabled before the enactment of the Federal public safety officer disability benefits law; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H6009]

Vet's Dental & Price Gouging: June 23, 2008

2008-06-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

On the Senate side, Sen. Burr introduced a bill providing dental benefits to veterans. The more we can do for our soldiers and vets, the better:

By Mr. BURR (R-NC):
S. 3178. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize dental insurance for veterans and survivors and dependents of veterans, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Source: GPO [S5962]

In the House, another bill I'd love to see more of, in light of the huge increases in gas/oil prices:

By Mr. STUPAK (D-MI):
H.R. 6346. A bill to protect consumers from price-gouging of gasoline and other fuels, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H5864]

Foster Family Treatment Centers & Iraqi Refugees: June 10, 2008

2008-06-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

Sad news this morning on the passing of comedic legend George Carlin, may he rest in peace.

On the Senate side Friday, a bill introduced by Sen. Rockefeller regarding foster children and their family in treatment centers:

By Mr. ROCKEFELLER (D-WV):
S. 3173. A bill to amend part E of title IV of the Social Security Act to allow children in foster care to be placed with their parents in residential family treatment centers that provide safe environments for treating addiction and promoting healthy parenting; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S5941]

On the House side, a bill to deal with needs of Iraqi refugees:

By Mr. BERMAN (D-CA) (for himself, Mr. ACKERMAN (D-NY), Mr. DELAHUNT (D-MA), Mr. SHAYS (R-CT), and Ms. ZOE LOFGREN (D-CA) ):
H.R. 6328. A bill to develop a policy to address the critical needs of Iraqi refugees; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Source: GPO [H5796]

Aliens with Shady Pasts & Commercial Product Packaging: June 19, 2008

2008-06-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

In the Senate, here is a bill that sends strong message about helping immigrants with shady pasts, though there is bound to be criticisms about whether you need to (and how to) prove the individual knew of the aliens past:

By Mr. SESSIONS (R-LA) (for himself, Mr. DURBIN (D-IL), Mr. COBURN (R-OK), and Mr. CORNYN (R-TX):
S. 3166. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to impose criminal penalties on individuals who assist aliens who have engaged in genocide, torture, or extrajudicial killings to enter the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S5832]

In the House, Rep. Weiner introduced a bill, as Congress continues to move towards more conservation programs and initiatives, to reduce packaging in commercial products:

By Mr. WEINER (D-NY):
H.R. 6325. A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a plan to reduce the total amount of packaging used on consumer products in the United States; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H5789]

Commercial Volume & Submersible Vessels: June 18, 2008

2008-06-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

In the Senate, two competing bills (that look exactly the same) and is Senate's equivalent to Rep. Eshoo's bill from June 9th dealing with the volume of commercials. Not too sure why they did not co-sponsor a bill together, but nonetheless, I love the concept of the bills:

By Mr. SCHUMER:
S. 3154. A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe a standard to preclude commercials from being broadcast at louder volumes than the program material they accompany; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Source: GPO [S5753]

By Mr. WICKER:
S. 3156. A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe a standard to preclude commercials from being broadcast at louder volumes than the program material they accompany; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Source: GPO [S5753]

On the House side, quite a peculiar bill. I wonder if the odd submarine that appeared in New York last year had anything to do with this:

By Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California (for himself and Mr. POE):
H.R. 6295. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit operation by any means or embarking in any submersible or semi-submersible vessel that is without nationality and that is navigating or has navigated into, through or from waters beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea of a single country or a lateral limit of that country's territorial sea with an adjacent country, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. the State; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Source: GPO [H5570]

Infant Death & Double Decker Horse Transport: June 17, 2008

2008-06-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

On the Senate side, will need to read legislative text to understand how the bill will execute the plan, but here is a bill by Sens. Reid and Obama to enhance activities related to stillborn or sudden infant death:

By Mr. REID (for Mr. OBAMA):
S. 3142. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance public health activities related to stillbirth and sudden unexpected infant death; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S5697]

In the House, here is kind of an odd bill. I'm frightened to think of what incident(s) took place that led to them pushing for this bill.

By Mr. KIRK (for himself, Mr. COHEN, Mr. REICHERT, Mr. WHITFIELD of Kentucky, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. FOSTER, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. JONES of North Carolina, and Mr. MOORE of Kansas):
H.R. 6278. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to prohibit the transportation of horses in interstate transportation in a motor vehicle containing 2 or more levels stacked on top of one another; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H5481]

Text Message Spam & Federal Contracting Transparency: June 16, 2008

2008-06-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

The House was not in session yesterday, they will return to work today. On the Senate side, here is a bill introduced by Sen. Smith that I greatly appreciate:

By Mr. SMITH (for himself, Mr. NELSON of Florida, Mr. PRYOR, and Ms. SNOWE):
S. 3138. A bill to prohibit text message spam; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Source: GPO [S5657]

Since the House was out, here is another bill from the Senate. Will need to look at details on how it would work, but it is to increase accountability and transparency of contracting process within Federal Government.

By Mrs. CLINTON:
S. 3139. A bill to provide for greater accountability and transparency in the Federal contracting process, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Source: GPO [S5657]

ANWR Drilling Argument: June 13, 2008

2008-06-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

The House and Senate were not in session on Friday, the 13th. Well, the house was in session very briefly, but nothing significant was done.

Since no bills were introduced, here is an interesting argument made by Rep. Brown of GA for oil drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Of course, there are many arguments that can be made in opposition to ANWR drilling from the financial and environmental cost of shipping (pipeline) the oil, as well as arguments about the minimal impact ANWR oil would has on America's dependence on foreign oil.

However, I thought Rep. Broun framed his argument well and like when folks use real life items instead of massive numbers and stats that are hard to wrap one's head around:

Mr. BROUN of Georgia:
'The entire area of ANWR is larger than the combined areas of five States--Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware--yet the proposed drilling area is equal to one-sixth the size of Dulles Airport here in Washington, D.C.' Source: GPO: [H5188]

Hill Watching, June 12, 2008 - Community College Climate Change & Huntington's Disease

2008-06-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

On the Senate side, here's a bill to provide climate change workforce training and education at community colleges:

By Mr. SMITH (for himself and Mr. WYDEN):
S. 3124. A bill to require the Secretary of Labor to establish a program to provide for workforce training and education, at community colleges, in the fields of renewable energy and efficiency, green technology, and sustainable environmental practices; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S5592]

On the House side, here is a bill to help those affected by the genetic neurological disorder Huntington's Disease:

By Mr. FILNER:
H.R. 6259. A bill to require the Commissioner of Social Security to revise the medical criteria for evaluating disability in a person diagnosed with Huntington's Disease and to waive the 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility for individuals disabled by Huntington's Disease; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H5407]

Hill Watching, June 11, 2008 - 14th Amendment Addition & American Made American Flags

2008-06-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

On the Senate side, this bill will likely cause some debate. Appears to be pro-life bill, adding 'pre-born' humans to the 14th amendment:

By Mr. WICKER (for himself, Mr. BROWNBACK, Mr. BUNNING, Mr. BURR, Mr. DEMINT, Mr. ENZI, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. MARTINEZ, Mr. THUNE, Mr. VITTER, and Mr. VOINOVICH):
S. 3111. A bill to implement equal protection under the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution for the right of life of each born and preborn human person; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S5523]

In the House, a bill that makes a lot of sense, can't really fathom thought of an American flag hanging over the Capitol being made in China:

By Mr. BRALEY of Iowa:
H.R. 6235. A bill to require the purchase of domestically made flags of the United States of America for use by the Federal Government; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Source: GPO [H5327]

Hill Watching, June 10, 2008 - Felony DNA & Bisphenol A

2008-06-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

On the Senate side, a bill that will likely be controversial, though seems to make sense to me - requiring felons to give DNA sample.

By Mr. VITTER:
S. 3104. A bill to require that all individuals convicted of a felony under State law provide a DNA sample; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source GPO: [S5447]

On the House side, an bill to ban a controversial compound found in many food and beverage containers:

By Mr. MARKEY (for himself and Mr. GRIJALVA):
H.R. 6228. A bill to ban the use of bisphenol A in food and beverage containers; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H5214]

Hill Watching, June 9, 2008 - Commercial Volume & Vet's Mental Health

2008-06-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

House and Senate have a busy week ahead of them. No bills of note introduced in the Senate, but I love this bill introduced in the House which will work to fix annoying issue of commercials being broadcast louder than program you are watching:

By Ms. ESHOO:
H.R. 6209. A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe a standard to preclude commercials from being broadcast at louder volumes than the program material they accompany; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H5110]

Since there was no bills of note introduced in the Senate yesterday, here is an older bill (June 5th, 2008) providing increased mental health care for vets living in rural areas who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring freedom:

By Mr. BAUCUS:
S. 3095. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program to increase the delivery of mental health services and other health services to veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and to other residents of rural areas, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [bill text]

Hill Watching, June 6, 2008 - Electoral College & Constitutional Marriage Ban

2008-06-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

Just the Senate was in session on Friday, the House was out of session.

In Senate, here is a bill I think is great, though certainly controversial, to do away with the electoral college system. I have yet to hear a solid argument for the Electoral College in modern American politics:

By Mr. NELSON of Florida:
S.J. Res. 39. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the electoral college and to provide for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President of the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S5366]

Since the House was not in session, here is a bill introduced in the House at the end of May. Surely, many folks will agree strongly with the bill, but I am against any sort of discrimination being added as a law to the Constitution. I have a hard time understanding why anyone would care of 2 men or 2 women get married:

By Mr. BROUN of Georgia (for himself, Mr. FEENEY, Mr. PITTS, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mr. WALBERG, Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. HOEKSTRA, Mr. MCCOTTER, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mrs. CUBIN, Mr. AKIN, Mr. JONES of North Carolina, Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. HALL of Texas, Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey, Mr. BROWN of South Carolina, Mr. GOODE, Ms. FOXX, Mr. LINDER, Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland, Mr. SOUDER, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. HUNTER, Mr. MILLER of Florida, Mr. HAYES, Mr. KING of Iowa, and Ms. FALLIN):
H.J. Res. 89. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to marriage; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [bill text]

Hill Watching, June 5, 2008 - Alzheimer's & Stop-Loss Payments

2008-06-06T12:23:00.001-07:00

On the Senate side, Menendez introduced a bill to improve Alzheimer's disease research and education. Alzheimer's, much like Cancer, seems to be one of those horrible diseases that touches nearly every family.

By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself and Ms. MIKULSKI):
S. 3092. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure sufficient resources and increase efforts for research at the National Institutes of Health relating to Alzheimer's disease, to authorize an education and outreach program to promote public awareness and risk reduction with respect to Alzheimer's disease (with particular emphasis on education and outreach in Hispanic populations), and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S5204]

On the House side, here is a bill to ensure our soldiers given a stop-loss order are being financially compensated. We must take care of those who are sacrificing so much for our country:

By Ms. SUTTON (for herself, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. KAGEN, Mr. ARCURI, Mr. HARE, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. CONYERS, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. BRALEY of Iowa, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Mr. PERLMUTTER, Ms. RICHARDSON, Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. COHEN, Mr. HINCHEY, Ms. WOOLSEY, and Mr. YARMUTH):

H.R. 6205. A bill to amend title 37, United States Code, to require the payment of monthly special pay for members of the uniformed services whose service on active duty is extended by a stop-loss order or similar mechanism; to the Committee on Armed Services. Source: GPO [H5043]

Hill Watching, June 4, 2008 - Family Tax Relief & Vet's Housing Tax Credit

2008-06-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

Senate spent most of yesterday (and this week) debating the Climate Change bill and the both Chambers are working on the '09 budget this week, so very few bills introduced this week.

That being said, here is a bill in the Senate to provide tax relief to families. Any tax relief for low and middle income folks is key in these critical economic times :

By Mr. SMITH (for himself and Mrs. LINCOLN):
S. 3079. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide income tax relief for families, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO: [S5039]

In the House, here is a bill to assist vets in purchasing of a principal home:

By Mr. BILIRAKIS (for himself and Mr. PUTNAM):
H.R. 6181. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow certain current and former service members to receive a refundable credit for the purchase of a principal residence; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H4970]

Hill Watching, June 3, 2008 - Gov't Spending & Child Sex Crime Penalties

2008-06-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

In the Senate today, a somewhat vague bill introduced on transparency and accountability of federal spending (the more the better), will have to read legislation in closer detail.

By Mr. REID (for Mr. OBAMA (for himself, Mr. COBURN, Mr. CARPER, and Mr. MCCAIN)):
S. 3077. A bill to strengthen transparency and accountability in Federal spending; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Source GPO: [S4969]

On the House side, I'm all for anything that strengthens penalties for sexual offenses against kids:

By Mr. KELLER of Florida (for himself and Mr. SCALISE):
H.R. 6167. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to strengthen penalties for child pornography offenses, child sex trafficking offenses, and other sexual offenses committed against children; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H4877]

Hill Watching, June 2, 2008 - Welcome Back From Recess - Birth Control & Elder Abuse

2008-06-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome back from the Memorial Day Recess, hope everyone had a happy and healthy holiday.

Only the Senate was in session yesterday and the House is off until today.

No bills of note introduced yesterday, so here are a couple bills from before the Memorial Day recess, these were introduced May 22nd.

On Senate side, this is bound to be a controversial bill, requiring equitable coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices:

By Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Mr. REID, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. WARNER, Mr. KERRY, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. DODD, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Mrs. LINCOLN, and Mr. MENENDEZ):
S. 3068. A bill to require equitable coverage of prescription contraceptive drugs and devices, and contraceptive services under health plans; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S4792]

On the House side, an interesting bill to battle elder abuse:

By Mr. YARMUTH:
H.R. 6141. A bill to establish pilot programs that provide for emergency crisis response teams to combat elder abuse; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H4869]

Hill Watching, May 26-30 - Memorial Day Recess (Happy Memorial Day!)

2008-05-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

Congress is on recess over Memorial Day week, they'll be back in session Monday June 2, 2008.

Hill Watching, May 22nd, 2008 -

2008-05-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

Things were wrapping up before Memorial Day recess Thursday, a lot of work done on the Farm Bill, the '09 budget, the '08 supplemental war funding bill.

In the Senate, Sen. Lautenberg introduced a bill to help those soldiers struggling financially through stop-loss:

By Mr. LAUTENBERG (for himself, Mr. CASEY, and Mr. MENENDEZ):
S. 3060. A bill to amend title 37, United States Code, to require the payment of monthly special pay for members of the uniformed services whose service on active duty is extended by a stop-loss order or similar mechanism, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services. Source GPO: [S4792]

On the House side, an interesting bill involving trade agreements. When a bill is subject to 'Point of Order', any member may raise a point of order if they feel a rule has been breached, thus requiring a 60% vote for that bill to pass.

By Mr. DEFAZIO (for himself, Mr. TAYLOR, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. MELANCON, Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. HINCHEY, Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, Ms. WOOLSEY, and Mr. HARE):
H.R. 6148. A bill to make bills implementing trade agreements subject to a point of order unless certain conditions are met, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source GPO: [H4830]

Hill Watching, May 21st, 2008 - FDA Approval & Firefighter Health

2008-05-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

Busy day in House and Senate yesterday as they worked on override of the President's veto of the Farm Bill (which contains many provisions from Food Stamp Program - to subsidies to farmers - to international food aid and much more), and did work on the budget for next fiscal year, as well as an emergency supplemental bill to provide additional funds for the War (which are running out sooner than earlier projected).

So very few bills introduced, but this is one to allow conditional approval of drugs or devices for those who are seriously ill:

By Mr. BROWNBACK (for himself, Mr. CASEY, Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. SPECTER, and Mr. INHOFE):
S. 3046. A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to create a new conditional approval system for drugs, biological products, and devices that is responsive to the needs of seriously ill patients, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S4621]

And in the House, a bill to provide long-term health monitoring services to firefighters who responded to certain disaster area emergencies:

By Mr. BACA:
H.R. 6112. A bill to provide for the monitoring of the long-term medical health of firefighters who responded to emergencies in certain disaster areas and for the treatment of such firefighters; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H4453]

Hill Watching, May 20th, 2008 - Special Needs Adoption & Domestic Violence Attorneys

2008-05-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

Busy week in Congress, they will be taking next week off for the Memorial Day recess and have a lot to get done before leaving this week.

In the Senate, Sen. Grassley introduced a bill providing incentives to promote adoption of special needs kids.

By Mr. GRASSLEY:
S. 3038. A bill to amend part E of title IV of the Social Security Act to extend the adoption incentives program, to authorize States to establish a relative guardianship program, to promote the adoption of children with special needs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GOP [S4487]

On the House side, Rep. Conyers introduced a bill to create a volunteer domestic violence attorney network.

By Mr. CONYERS (for himself and Mr. POE):
H.R. 6088. A bill to establish a domestic violence volunteer attorney network to represent domestic violence victims; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source GPO: [H4320]

Hill Watching, May 19th, 2009 - Foreclosed Tenants and Older Foster Kids

2008-05-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

Not much happening on the Senate side yesterday. More sad news today seeing that Sen. Kennedy has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He certainly has had his controversies and tragedies, but no denying the influence he has in Congress and the work he had done for the American people.

On the legislative side, this bill works on addressing a rising issue of what happens to tenants/renters of homes that are being foreclosed on - this bill is to 'protect the interests' whatever that may mean:

By Mr. REID (for Mr. KERRY (for himself and Mr. KENNEDY)):
S. 3034. A bill to protect the interests of bona fide tenants in the case of any foreclosure on any dwelling or residential real property, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Source: GPO: [S4375]

On the House side, not much happening either, but here is bill on older kids in foster care:

By Mr. LEWIS of Georgia:
H. Res. 1208. A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that youth who age out of foster care should be given special care and attention; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H4151]

Hill Watching, May 16th, 2008 - Emergency Workers Tax Credit

2008-05-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

The House and Senate were not in session on Friday, May 16th. They'll be back Monday the 19th. Over the weekend, Senator Kennedy suffered a seizure. As far as I know, people don't have seizures without some strong underlying reason, but I hope it is nothing serious and he'll be back in Congress soon.

Since there were no bills introduced on Friday, here is a bill offered in early April to give tax credit to emergency workers. I don't think we do enough for our volunteer fire fighters and emergency medical volunteers, so this is a nice little benefit for them.

By Mr. SCHUMER:
S. 2846. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a $1,000 refundable credit for individuals who are bona fide volunteer members of volunteer firefighting and emergency medical service organizations; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S2947]

Hill Watching, May 15th, 2008 - College Coaches & Hotel Bed Bugs

2008-05-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

In the Senate, a bill introduced by Reid to provide 'college coaches' to high school high-acheivers in low & middle-income communties:

By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON):
S. 3027. A bill to amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to establish a program to provide college coaches to low- and middle-income high-achieving high school students; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S4282]

In the House, kind of an odd bill, but as someone who occasionally stays in hotels and gets freaked out an thought of how dirty/big-ridden the beds may be, I like it:

By Mr. BUTTERFIELD (for himself, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. MATSUI, and Mr. JEFFERSON):
H.R. 6068. A bill to establish a grant program to assist States in inspecting hotel rooms for bed bugs; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source GPO: [H4059]

Hill Watching, May 14th, 2008 - Anti-Internet Crime & Life-in-Prison for Child Rape

2008-05-15T13:12:00.001-07:00

Not much to offer in terms of interesting Senate bills introduced yesterday, but here is one to provide more funding for internet crime prevention:

By Mr. KERRY (for himself, Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. COLEMAN, and Mr. LIEBERMAN):
S. 3016. A bill to direct the Attorney General to provide grants for Internet Crime prevention education programs; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GOP [S4182]

In the House, a bill to strongly penalize anyone who rapes a child - hard not to agree with sending child rapists away for life:

By Mr. REICHERT:
H.R. 6050. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide mandatory imprisonment for life for persons raping young children; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H3884]

Hill Watching, May 13th, 2008 - Sex Crimes on Kids & Foreign Language/Culture for Military

2008-05-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

In the Senate today, a strong bill by Senator Grassley:

By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Mr. KYL, and Mr. VITTER):
S. 3014. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to strengthen penalties for child pornography offenses, child sex trafficking offenses, and other sexual offenses committed against children; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source GPO: [S4106]

Pretty creative bill by Rep. Giffords, the second part of bill especially seems like good idea to me:

By Ms. GIFFORDS (for herself, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, and Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia):
H.R. 6037. A bill to amend titles 10 and 37, United States Code, to create the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Irregular Warfare, Cultural Training, and Social Science Initiatives and to authorize a new skill incentive pay and proficiency bonus to encourage members of the Armed Forces to train in critical foreign languages and foreign cultural studies; to the Committee on Armed Services. Source GPO: [H3776]

Hill Watching, May 12th, 2008 - Detainee Health & Housing Bill Exclusions

2008-05-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

On Senate side, this bill will likely be controversial, but I have no objections. In America, we need to treat all individuals the same when it comes to providing health care, whether detainees or not.

By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. AKAKA, and Mr. LIEBERMAN):
S. 3005. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish procedures for the timely and effective delivery of medical and mental health care to all immigration detainees in custody, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [S4028]

Not much happening in the House today either, but here is a bill by Rep. Foster stating drug dealers, sex offenders and those who have committed mortgage fraud are not allowed to participate in Housing/Foreclosure Prevention bill provisions:

By Mr. FOSTER:
H.R. 6021. A bill to prohibit the purchase or lease of housing acquired using Federal loan or grant funds appropriated for the purchase and rehabilitation of foreclosed housing under the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 by any individual convicted under Federal or State law of a drug-dealing offense, a sex offense, or mortgage fraud; to the Committee on Financial Services. [H3408]

Hill Watching - May 9th, 2008 - Sex Crimes on Minors

2008-05-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Both the House and Senate were off on Friday, May 9th. Here are a couple of bills introduced last week that are a bit nutty, though I can't say I disagree with them. He doesn't have any cosponsors, but attempts to address one of the worst crimes there are - sexual attacks on minors.

H.J.RES.82 : Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States allowing castration after conviction for the rape of a child under 16 years of age.
Sponsor: Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (introduced 5/8/2008)
Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 5/8/2008 Referred to House committee.
Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

H.J.RES.83 : Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that the Constitution does not preclude a penalty of death, including when it is imposed for the rape of a child under 16 years of age.
Sponsor: Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (introduced 5/8/2008)
Cosponsors (None) Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 5/8/2008 Referred to House committee.
Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

[H3402]

Hill Watching, May 8th, 2008 - Cancer Trials & Adoption

2008-05-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

On the Senate side, here is bill introduced by Sen. Brown to provide coverage to folks undergoing clinical cancer trials. There are countless stories of people who are forced to give up fighting their cancer and if we can require coverage for clinical trials, at least there will be hope:

By Mr. BROWN (for himself, Mr. SPECTER, and Mr. WHITEHOUSE):
S. 2999. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans to provide coverage for individuals participating in approved cancer clinical trials; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [S3975]

On the House side, this is an interesting bill. If I understand it correctly, it allows birthmothers that give their children up for adoption to receive a tax credit. I'm all for adoption, but it seems to me that the folks raising the children are the ones who need to tax credits, but that is just one person's opinion:

By Mrs. SCHMIDT:
H.R. 6014. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against tax for birthmothers whose children are adopted; to the Committee on Ways and Means. [H3403]

Hill Watching, May 7th, 2008 - Vet's Housing & Credit Card Rate Increase Cap

2008-05-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

In Senate, another Veteran Housing relief bill introduced, the more vets benefits the merrier as far as I'm concerned:

By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON (for herself and Mr. SCHUMER)):
S. 2992. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance housing loan authorities for veterans and to otherwise assist veterans and members of the Armed Forces in avoiding the foreclosure of their homes, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. [S3891]

On the House side, it is great the government is looking into shady credit card processes that are hurting many americans. Here is a bill introduced to put a cap on interest rates the card companies can charge:

By Mr. HINCHEY (for himself, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. LEE, Mr. KUCINICH, and Ms. WOOLSEY):
H.R. 5988. A bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act to impose a cap on the rate of interest that may be charged on consumer credit card accounts, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [H3186]

Hill Watching, May 6th, 2008 - Vet's Foreclosure & Infrastructure

2008-05-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

In the Senate, another nice bill to help protect our servicemen who have been injured from housing crisis:

By Mr. CASEY (for himself and Mr. ISAKSON):
S. 2981. A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide a one-year period of protection against mortgage foreclosures for certain disabled or severely injured servicemembers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
[S3790]

On the House side, I have no idea what the 'nuts and bolts' of this would eventually be, but I like the idea behind - anything to increase chances of improving our country's infrastructure is good to me. We just can't have bridges collapsing and roads deteriorating:

By Mr. BLUMENAUER (for himself, Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Ms. VELÁZQUEZ, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. FARR, Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, Ms. DELAURO, Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. EMANUEL, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. PETRI, Mr. SHAYS, and Mr. WELCH of Vermont):

H.R. 5976. A bill to establish the United States Commission on Rebuilding America for the 21st Century, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
[H3108]

Hill Watching - May 5th, 2008 - Vet's Business & Marijuana

2008-05-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

Senate was not in session. On House side, here is bill regarding veterans benefits. I'm of the thinking that we should give as much as possible to any and all vets. They have served our country in ways many of us never will and should be rewarded:

By Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia:
H.R. 5969. A bill to amend the Small Business Act to make service-disabled veterans eligible under the 8(a) business development program; to the Committee on Small Business. [H3050]

And since Senate was not in session, here are a couple old bills (April 17th, 2008) that Barney Frank introduced. Another travesty in our country is the great penalties given to those who possess and use marijuana. The amount of resources we use to regulate and police our current drug laws, along with resources wasted through incarceration, yet alone the lives destroyed for use for marijuana is unreasonable. Thankfully, Rep. Frank has a pair of cajones:

H.R.5842 : To provide for the medical use of marijuana in accordance with the laws of the various States.Sponsor: Rep Frank, Barney [MA-4] (introduced 4/17/2008) Cosponsors (5) Committees: House Energy and Commerce Latest Major Action: 4/17/2008 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R.5843 : To eliminate most Federal penalties for possession of marijuana for personal use, and for other purposes.Sponsor: Rep Frank, Barney [MA-4] (introduced 4/17/2008) Cosponsors (2) Committees: House Judiciary; House Energy and Commerce Latest Major Action: 4/17/2008 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Hill Watching - May 2, 2008 - Gas Tax & G.W. Wild Card Red Sox Statement

2008-05-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

On Senate side, this is a bill that is similar to plan McCain and Clinton have both been touting in their campaign, and it makes little sense. It is another call to suspend highway fuel taxes. Reports estimate that the average person would save roughly $25 to $30 over the summer vacation with suspended fuel tax. However, our roads are falling apart. There are weekly stories of giant sinkholes, bridges collapsing, etc...sometimes making me think we live in a third world nation. I'd rather have roads without car-sized holes and bridges that stay up than an extra $25 bucks for the entire summer.

By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON (for herself and Mr. MENENDEZ)):
S. 2971. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a suspension of the highway fuel tax, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance.
Source: [S3742]

The House was not in session today, so here is funny statenment from Rahm Emmanuel on the House floor last Thursday, the 1st of May:

PRESIDENT BUSH IS 0 FOR 2 -- (House of Representatives - May 01, 2008)

(Mr. EMANUEL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, in 1993, when professional baseball owners were deciding how to rehabilitate the reputation of baseball after the players' strike, they debated whether to enact a wild-card rule to allow the second place team into the playoffs. Only one owner at the time voted against this, Texas Rangers general partner, George Bush.

When the rule passed 27-1, at the time the President said, ``I made my arguments and went down in flames. History will prove me right.''

Since then, nearly a third of the World Series Champions have been wild-card teams, including the 2004 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. The rule helped save baseball, as history has shown.

And just like his baseball predictions, President Bush sings a very similar tune about Iraq. He says, as recently as yesterday, ``History will prove whether I'm right, and I think I'll be right.''

Really? Five years today since his speech on ``Mission Accomplished.'' And let's take stock. More than 4,000 lives have been lost, tens of thousands of American men and women have been injured, we've spent over 475 billion taxpayer dollars in Iraq, with the price tag continually going up.

History will judge whether, once again, George Bush's record and America's reputation will go down in flames. At this rate, he's 0 for 2.
[Page: H2951] GPO's PDF

Hill Watching - May 1st, 2008 - Farm Bill & Trauma Centers

2008-05-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

On Senate side, an all-important two week farm bill extension was passed to keep things status quo until they work out deal on the final new Farm Bill (includes nutrition programs like Food Stamps)

By Mr. HARKIN:
S. 2954. A bill to amend Public Law 110-196 to provide for a temporary extension of progress authorized by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 beyond May 2, 2008; considered and passed.

On House side, I like this bill to help with our flailing health care system, particularly trauma centers:

By Mr. TOWNS (for himself, Mr. BURGESS, Mr. WAXMAN, and Mrs. BLACKBURN):
H.R. 5942. A bill to ensure the continued and future availability of lifesaving trauma health care in the United States and to prevent further trauma center closures and downgrades by assisting trauma centers with uncompensated care costs, core mission services, emergency needs, and information technology; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [H3018]

Hill Watching - Wednesday, April 30th - Health & American Made Products for Infrastructure

2008-05-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

In Senate Side, Sen. Brown introduced a bill that is vague, though nice thought, will need to see how he wants to go about accomplishing the bill's goals:

By Mr. BROWN:
S. 2948. A bill to provide quality, affordable health insurance for small employers and individuals; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

[Source GPO: S3595]

And in the House, like this bill's desire to help the American economy:

By Mr. VISCLOSKY (for himself, Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. WILSON of Ohio, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, Mr. STUPAK, Mr. SOUDER, and Mr. ALTMIRE):
H.R. 5935. A bill to require certain Federal agencies to use iron and steel produced in the United States in carrying out projects for the construction, alteration, or repair of a public building or public work, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
[GPO: H2947]

Hill Watching - Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 - DoD Chemical Tests & Community Service

2008-04-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

On the Senate side, one of the many bills aimed at assisting issues our veterans are forced to deal with. This one by Sen. Tester will basically provide support to the vets who have been used as lab rats, as if their jobs were not bad enough in these times of war:

By Mr. TESTER:
S. 2937. A bill to provide permanent treatment authority for participants in Department of Defense chemical and biological testing conducted by Deseret Test Center and an expanded study of the health impact of Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Source: [Page: S3507]

In the House, love this bill from Moran saying a Federal employee can use up to 2 sick days a year to perform community service. Nice! Here it is:

By Mr. MORAN of Virginia:
H.R. 5922. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that a Federal employee may use up to 2 days of sick leave a year in the performance of community service; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Source: [Page: H2852]

Hill Watching - Monday, April 28th, 2008 - Describing a Billion & Strategic Petroleum Reserve

2008-04-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Quiet day on the hill. Senate had short day and House was not in session.

Most interesting bill introduced in the Senate:

By Mr. BARRASSO (for himself and Mr. BOND):
S. 2927. A bill to increase the supply and lower the cost of petroleum by temporarily suspending the acquisition of petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to include additional acquisition requirements for the Reserve; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Source: Thomas, LOC

On days that either the House or Senate are not in session, I'll add something from a statement on the floor.

Today's piece of statement comes from Senator Cornyn on March 3rd:

"Now, a friend of mine in Texas likes to remind me from time to time how much a billion is because we throw numbers around up here—a million here, a billion there. A billion seconds ago it was 1976. A billion seconds ago it was 1976. We do not even seem to flinch at a budget that Congress passed that exceeded the President’s request by $23 billion." [Page s4160]

Welcome to Hill Watcher

2008-04-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

April 29th, 2008. Hill Watcher meekly begins. This blog will be a daily quick post of an interesting bill introduced the previous day by U.S. House and U.S. Senate. I may include any provocative or insightful statements from the the House or Senate floor. The actual official post will be up later today.

This blog will be non-partisan. There will be plenty of bills introduced and statements from Democrats, Republicans and Independents.