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

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]