LEGISLATIVE UPDATE NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Thanks to the NC Federation of Republican Women for this update!

U.S. House of Representatives - Recent Votes


1. "To direct the Securities and Exchange Commission to eliminate the prohibition against general solicitation as a requirement for a certain exemption under Regulation D" (HR 2940) - The bill directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to revise its rules concerning exemptions "from public offering requirements for limited offers and sales without regard to the dollar amount of the offering (Regulation D)." The measure passed in the House on Nov 3, 2011 in a vote of 413 to 11 with 9 not voting.   All NC Representatives voted for the bill except Reps. David E. Price (D-4th) and Brad Miller (D-13th).

2. "Entrepreneur Access to Capital Act" (HR 2930) - "Authorizes an issuer to rely upon certifications provided by investors," and "amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1933 to exempt such crowdfunded securities from state regulation of securities offerings," among other provisions. The measure passed in a vote of 407 to 17 with 9 not voting on Nov 3, 2011.  All NC Representatives voted for the measure except Reps. David E. Price (D-4th) and Brad Miller (D-13th).

3. "Small Company Capital Formation Act"(HR 1070) - "Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to direct the SEC to exempt from its regulation a class of securities for which the aggregate offering amount is between $5 million and $50 million, subject to specified terms and conditions," among other provisions. The vote on Nov 2, 2011 was 421 to 1 with 11 not voting.  All NC Representatives voted for the bill.


4. "Reaffirming 'In God We Trust' as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions" (H Con Res 13) - Passed on Nov 1, 2011 in a vote of 396 to 9 with 2 indicating present, and 26 not voting.  All NC Representatives voted for the Resolution except Rep. Melvin L. Watt (D-12th) who answered "present." Only two Congressmen answered "present" the other one was Keith Ellison (D-MN).

Recall that Congressman Ellison is a Muslim who took his oath of office using the Koran from President Thomas Jefferson's library. Interestingly, in 1801 Jefferson sent a small military force to protect American citizens and ships from the Barbary pirates who were Muslims (Wikipedia).

5. "Modify Income Calculation for Eligibility for Certain Heath Programs" (HR 2576) - The bill considers "Social Security benefits when determining eligibility for government health care programs." [Megavote] The 2010 health care law (Obamacare) does not consider social security payments when determining eligibility. The vote on Oct 27, 2011 was 262 to 157 with 14 not voting. 

NC Representatives voting for the bill: Renee Ellmers (R-2nd), Walter B. Jones (R-3rd), Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Howard Coble (R-6th), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Sue Myrick (R-9th), Patrick T. Mc Henry (R-10th), and Heath Shuler (D-11th).

NC Representatives voting against the bill: G. K. Butterfield (D-1st), David E. Price (D-4th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Melvin L. Watt (D-12th), and Brad Miller (D-13th).

6. "Government Contractor Withholding Repeal Act" (HR 674) - "The House voted to repeal a requirement that government agencies withhold 3 percent of payments to government contractors." [Megavote] The vote on Oct 27, 2011 was 405 to 16 with 12 not voting.  All NC Representatives voting for the bill that will be sent to the Senate.

7. "Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act" (HR 1904) - The "bill is to transfer a parcel of federal land near Superior, AZ to Resolution Copper Mining." [Megavote] The measure passed on Oct 26, 2011 in a vote of 235 to 186 with 12 not voting. 

NC Representatives voting for the bill: Renee Ellmers (R-2nd), Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Howard Coble (R-6th), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Sue Myrick (R-9th), and Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th).

NC Representatives voting against the bill: G. K. Butterfield (D-1st), Walter B. Jones (R-3rd), David E. Price (D-4th), Heath Shuler (D-11th), Melvin L. Watt (D-12th), and Brad Miller (D-13th).

U.S. Senate - Recent Votes

1. "Rebuild America Jobs Act" (S1769) - A $60 billion stimulus bill for "rebuilding and repairing infrastructure like roads and rail lines," failed in a vote of 51 to 49 on Nov 3, 2011, as 60 votes were needed. All Republicans, including Senator Burr, voted against the bill along with Democrat Ben Nelson (NE) and Independent Joe Lieberman (CT). Senator Hagan voted with all other Democrats to spend more money on another "stimulus" bill, eventhough the others have failed to boost the economy.


2. "Long-Term Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011" (S1786) - The bill would use unspent funding in domestic programs "to facilitate job creation by reducing regulatory uncertainty," and giving flexibility to the states and local entities for "infrastructure spending." The bill failed in a vote of 47 to 53, along party lines. Senator Burr voted for the bill and Senator Hagan voted against it. [Fox News and Senate.gov]

3. "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012" (HR 2112) - The bill consolidates 2012 appropriations for "Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and related programs." The measure passed on Nov 1, 2011 in a vote of 69 to 30 with 1 not voting. Senator Burr voted against it and Senator Hagan voted for the bill.

Senate's Lack of Action on Jobs Bills

See Rep. Renee Ellmers on Fox News about jobs bills:  interview video
and click here for list of jobs bills  http://www.gop.gov/indepth/jobs


North Carolina General Assembly


1. "Joint Statement on Justice Department's Approval of Redistricting Maps" - On Nov 1, 2011 a press release from the President Pro Tem's Office (Senator Berger) stated that the Department of Justice had "pre-cleared North Carolina's 2011 State Senate, State House, and Congressional redistricting maps. this is the first time in 30 years all three plans have been pre-cleared by the Justice Department during the initial 60-day review period." (LAW SUITS HAVE NOW BEEN FILED AGAINST THE REDISTRICTING)

Senator Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenberg) and Representative David Lewis (R- Harnett), Chairmen of the Redistricting Committees in the Senate and House stated: 

"The Obama Justice Department's stamp of approval on our redistricting plans confirms what we've said all along: these are fair and legal maps that give a strong voice to all voters. It also should silence the racially-charged rhetoric and put to rest the baseless claim that these maps were somehow discriminatory."


"Today's historic decision by the Obama Justice Department, after thorough review by Attorney General Holder, proves that we followed the letter and intent of the law in protecting the voting rights of minorities."

Sources:  house.gov; Megavote:NC6th, 10/31/2011; senate.gov; Foxnews.com, "Senate GOP Blocks Obama's $60 Billion Infrastructure Plan," Nov 3, 2011; Wikipedia; email from Rep. Renee Ellmers, Nov 4, 2011.