Note: Representatives and Senators have ended the use of real email addresses and only use web forms.
Tip: Fax your letters instead of mailing them because Congressional mail security screening can delay postal letters by a few weeks, particularly during security alerts.
Find Contact information here: http://www.conservativeusa.org/
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE--MAY 22, 2012
- Protecting Women — Wednesday, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 4970, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2012, by a vote of 222-205. The bill would reauthorize funding for VAWA grant programs for five years, and would authorize $660 million in funding per year to help prevent domestic violence and protect victims of abuse. In addition, the bill would: streamline and consolidate some grants for maximum benefit; would increase resources for sexual assault investigations, prosecutions, and victim services; would increase penalties for sexual assault, sexual abuse, and stalking; would promote educational awareness to prevent violence and improve services for young victims; would improve emergency and transitional housing services for victims; and would enhance immigration laws to protect victims of violence.
- National Defense — On Friday, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 4310, National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2013, by a vote of 299-120. The bill would authorize appropriations for the Department of Defense (DoD) and for the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DoE) for Fiscal Year 2013. This authorization is intended to enhance national security through the procurement of materiel, the modernization of the Armed Forces, and continued funding for overseas contingency operations (OCO). H.R. 4310 would authorize a total discretionary budget authority of $637 billion for Fiscal Year 2013 ($3.6 billion above the President’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget request) for programs within the jurisdiction of the Armed Services Committee. Of this amount, $546.8 billion is for “base” DoD programs (representing a $0.2 billion decrease below the levels provided for in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 [P.L. 112–81]), including $18.1 billion for Department of Energy national security programs and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, and $88.5 billion for OCO requirements. Among other items, the bill would: provide funds to modernize three guided missile cruisers scheduled to be retired before the end of their service life; would preserve tactical airlift critical to the ability of the United States to project power, such as C-130 Hercules and C-27J Spartan aircraft proposed for early retirement; and would ease strain on the heavily stressed military by slowing the pace of the Obama administration’s end-strength reductions.
VOTES:
Butterfield, G.K. (D):Nay Ellmers, Renee (R):Yea Jones, Walter (R):Nay Price, David (D):Nay Foxx, Virginia (R):Yea Coble, Howard (R):Yea McIntyre, Mike (D):Yea Kissell, Larry (D):Yea Myrick, Sue (R):Yea McHenry, Patrick (R):Yea Shuler, Heath (D):Yea Watt, Mel (D): Nay Miller, Brad (D):Nay
Comments: The House passed HR 4310 which authorizes budgets and policy for National Defense for fiscal year 2013. The budget continues fiscal support for military projects and infrastructure improvements in Guam. In addition, the budget provides military service members a 1.6 percent pay increase. The budget did not support proposed increases in TRICARE fees and copayments for service member's healthcare services. HR 4310 will face more significant opposition in the Senate, where Senator John McCain, Chair on the Armed Services Committee, opposes the military build-up costs in Guam, projected to total $101,904,000. The Senate is expected to pass a revised edition of the bill, which will then need to be reconciled before final passage.
H.R.4119: Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2012--Sponsor: Rep Reyes, Silvestre [TX-16] (introduced 3/1/2012). Committees: House Judiciary; House Ways and Means; House Homeland Security. Latest Major Action: 5/17/2012 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Received in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. Latest Action: 5/17/2012 Message on Senate action sent to the House. Summary: To Prevent the construction and use of tunnels and subterranean passages between Mexico and the U.S. for drug trafficking, human smuggling and illegal activity.
Votes: Butterfield, G.K. (D): Yea; Ellmers, Renee (R): Yea; Jones, Walter (R): Yea; Price, David (D): Yea; Foxx, Virginia (R):Yea; Coble, Howard (R): YeaMcIntyre, Mike (D): Yea Kissell, Larry (D): Yea; Myrick, Sue (R): Yea; McHenry, Patrick (R):Yea; Shuler, Heath (D): YeaWatt, Mel (D): Yea; Miller, Brad (D): Yea.
Comments: H.R. 4119 passed both the House and Senate and is expected to be signed by the President. The legislation strengthens law enforcement's ability to reduce the trafficking of drugs and to prevent human smuggling across the Southwest Border by deterring the construction and use of border tunnels. The House and Senate recognized tunnels and subterranean passage ways are frequently used for drug trafficking and smuggling between Mexico and the U.S. Law enforcement discovered 149 tunnels along the Mexico and the U.S. border, with 139 found since 2001. The significant increase in subterranean passages into the U.S. especially on the Arizona and California borders demonstrates the need for legislation to deter activity supporting the construction and use of tunnels crossing the U.S. borders. The legislation prohibits permitting the construction or use of a tunnel on a person's private property to smuggle aliens, weapons, drugs, terrorists, or illegal goods. Those convicted will face enhanced penalties and prosecution. http://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20120514/BILLS-112hr4119-SUS.pdf
Introduced Legislation:
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.R.5799: To modernize voter registration, promote access to voting for individuals with disabilities, protect the ability of individuals to exercise the right to vote in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Lewis, John [GA-5] (introduced 5/17/2012. Latest Major Action: 5/17/2012 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Science, Space, and Technology, Veterans' Affairs, Oversight and Government Reform, and Education and the Workforce, 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.
H.R.5795: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce the rate of tax on domestic manufacturing income to 20 percent. Sponsor: Rep Kind, Ron [WI-3] (introduced 5/17/2012). Committees: House Ways and Means. Latest Major Action: 5/17/2012 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
U.S. SENATE
S.3205: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that persons renouncing citizenship for a substantial tax avoidance purpose shall be subject to tax and withholding on capital gains, to provide that such persons shall not be admissible to the United States, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Schumer, Charles [NY] (introduced 5/17/2012). Committees: Senate Finance. Latest Major Action: 5/17/2012. Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Comments: Facebook Co-founder Eduardo Saverin has upset tax hungry Democrats with his move to renounce his U.S. citizenship in order to save up to $67 million in taxes. Senator Charles Schumer was so upset he has introduced a bill that some are calling the "Ex-Patriot Act." Senate Bill 3205 would force "Ex-Patriots" to pay a 30% tax on all future U.S. business ventures and prevent "Ex-Patriots" from returning to the U.S. Although Republicans have also expressed surprise at Saverin's decision, they are lukewarm on the need for this type of legislation. Perhaps, the Democrats should consider why someone would have to renounce their U.S. citizenship in order to save their business assets. A better use of their legislative pen would be to introduce legislation to significantly lower corporate and capital gains taxes, which would make the U.S. a more business friendly nation. http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/international-taxes/228427-norquist-compares-schumers-tax-dodger-bill-to-the-nazis
S.3200 & S.3198: S. 3200 bill to require the Small Business Administration to submit a regular National Small Business Index to Congress to assess how policies provide incentives or impediments to small business development. S.3198 to improve the entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration. Sponsor: Sen Landrieu, Mary [LA] (introduced 5/17/2012) Cosponsors (None). Committees: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Latest Major Action: 5/17/2012 Both bills were referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
HR 140: Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011. Sponsored by Rep. Steve King [R-IA5] on January 5, 2011, this bill has 70 co-sponsors. H.R. 140 addresses the concerning issue of “birth tourism,” a growing global industry due to the significant benefits of U.S. citizenship. Birth Tourism is practiced by locations such as the Marmara Manhattan, a Turkish-owned luxury hotel that markets birth tourism packages to entice pregnant guests and their families to the U.S. to give birth. The hotel estimates the cost of the full package which includes a one-bedroom suite for a month, airport transfer, and baby cradle, to be approximately $45,000. The newborn is automatically granted U.S. citizenship and all the benefits that go along with it. This is a clear misinterpretation of the 14th amendment to our Constitution. Not only was a “birth tourism” industry not the original intention of this particular amendment, but it has now also become a detriment to our national security. H.R. 140 would address this problem by providing specific requirements for birthright citizenship. This important issue is one that requires your attention, and H.R. 140 is a legislative proposal that requires your support. STATUS: Jan 24, 2011: House Committee on the Judiciary: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement. ACTION: Contact your U.S. House member and tell them you want them to co-sponsor and support The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011 (HR 140). H.R. 140: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.140:
HR 495: See Something, Say Something Act of 2011. This is a bill to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide immunity for reports of suspected terrorist activity or suspicious behavior and response. Sponsored by Rep. Peter King [R-NY 3] on January 26, 2011. H.R. 495 is a timely and common-sense proposal, providing legal protections to individuals who report suspicious activity that may reflect a terrorist threat. We have already witnessed the thwarting of several attempted terrorist attacks due to the conscientious observations and action of everyday citizens. This bill would encourage more of the same. Will this make us safer—or further infringe our freedoms? STATUS: Feb 28, 2011: House Committee on the Judiciary: Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution. BAD BILL!
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.495:
Tip: Fax your letters instead of mailing them because Congressional mail security screening can delay postal letters by a few weeks, particularly during security alerts.
Find Contact information here: http://www.conservativeusa.org/
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE--MAY 22, 2012
- Protecting Women — Wednesday, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 4970, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2012, by a vote of 222-205. The bill would reauthorize funding for VAWA grant programs for five years, and would authorize $660 million in funding per year to help prevent domestic violence and protect victims of abuse. In addition, the bill would: streamline and consolidate some grants for maximum benefit; would increase resources for sexual assault investigations, prosecutions, and victim services; would increase penalties for sexual assault, sexual abuse, and stalking; would promote educational awareness to prevent violence and improve services for young victims; would improve emergency and transitional housing services for victims; and would enhance immigration laws to protect victims of violence.
- National Defense — On Friday, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 4310, National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2013, by a vote of 299-120. The bill would authorize appropriations for the Department of Defense (DoD) and for the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DoE) for Fiscal Year 2013. This authorization is intended to enhance national security through the procurement of materiel, the modernization of the Armed Forces, and continued funding for overseas contingency operations (OCO). H.R. 4310 would authorize a total discretionary budget authority of $637 billion for Fiscal Year 2013 ($3.6 billion above the President’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget request) for programs within the jurisdiction of the Armed Services Committee. Of this amount, $546.8 billion is for “base” DoD programs (representing a $0.2 billion decrease below the levels provided for in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 [P.L. 112–81]), including $18.1 billion for Department of Energy national security programs and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, and $88.5 billion for OCO requirements. Among other items, the bill would: provide funds to modernize three guided missile cruisers scheduled to be retired before the end of their service life; would preserve tactical airlift critical to the ability of the United States to project power, such as C-130 Hercules and C-27J Spartan aircraft proposed for early retirement; and would ease strain on the heavily stressed military by slowing the pace of the Obama administration’s end-strength reductions.
VOTES:
Butterfield, G.K. (D):Nay Ellmers, Renee (R):Yea Jones, Walter (R):Nay Price, David (D):Nay Foxx, Virginia (R):Yea Coble, Howard (R):Yea McIntyre, Mike (D):Yea Kissell, Larry (D):Yea Myrick, Sue (R):Yea McHenry, Patrick (R):Yea Shuler, Heath (D):Yea Watt, Mel (D): Nay Miller, Brad (D):Nay
Comments: The House passed HR 4310 which authorizes budgets and policy for National Defense for fiscal year 2013. The budget continues fiscal support for military projects and infrastructure improvements in Guam. In addition, the budget provides military service members a 1.6 percent pay increase. The budget did not support proposed increases in TRICARE fees and copayments for service member's healthcare services. HR 4310 will face more significant opposition in the Senate, where Senator John McCain, Chair on the Armed Services Committee, opposes the military build-up costs in Guam, projected to total $101,904,000. The Senate is expected to pass a revised edition of the bill, which will then need to be reconciled before final passage.
H.R.4119: Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2012--Sponsor: Rep Reyes, Silvestre [TX-16] (introduced 3/1/2012). Committees: House Judiciary; House Ways and Means; House Homeland Security. Latest Major Action: 5/17/2012 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Received in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. Latest Action: 5/17/2012 Message on Senate action sent to the House. Summary: To Prevent the construction and use of tunnels and subterranean passages between Mexico and the U.S. for drug trafficking, human smuggling and illegal activity.
Votes: Butterfield, G.K. (D): Yea; Ellmers, Renee (R): Yea; Jones, Walter (R): Yea; Price, David (D): Yea; Foxx, Virginia (R):Yea; Coble, Howard (R): YeaMcIntyre, Mike (D): Yea Kissell, Larry (D): Yea; Myrick, Sue (R): Yea; McHenry, Patrick (R):Yea; Shuler, Heath (D): YeaWatt, Mel (D): Yea; Miller, Brad (D): Yea.
Comments: H.R. 4119 passed both the House and Senate and is expected to be signed by the President. The legislation strengthens law enforcement's ability to reduce the trafficking of drugs and to prevent human smuggling across the Southwest Border by deterring the construction and use of border tunnels. The House and Senate recognized tunnels and subterranean passage ways are frequently used for drug trafficking and smuggling between Mexico and the U.S. Law enforcement discovered 149 tunnels along the Mexico and the U.S. border, with 139 found since 2001. The significant increase in subterranean passages into the U.S. especially on the Arizona and California borders demonstrates the need for legislation to deter activity supporting the construction and use of tunnels crossing the U.S. borders. The legislation prohibits permitting the construction or use of a tunnel on a person's private property to smuggle aliens, weapons, drugs, terrorists, or illegal goods. Those convicted will face enhanced penalties and prosecution. http://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20120514/BILLS-112hr4119-SUS.pdf
Introduced Legislation:
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.R.5799: To modernize voter registration, promote access to voting for individuals with disabilities, protect the ability of individuals to exercise the right to vote in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Lewis, John [GA-5] (introduced 5/17/2012. Latest Major Action: 5/17/2012 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Science, Space, and Technology, Veterans' Affairs, Oversight and Government Reform, and Education and the Workforce, 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.
H.R.5795: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce the rate of tax on domestic manufacturing income to 20 percent. Sponsor: Rep Kind, Ron [WI-3] (introduced 5/17/2012). Committees: House Ways and Means. Latest Major Action: 5/17/2012 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
U.S. SENATE
S.3205: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that persons renouncing citizenship for a substantial tax avoidance purpose shall be subject to tax and withholding on capital gains, to provide that such persons shall not be admissible to the United States, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Schumer, Charles [NY] (introduced 5/17/2012). Committees: Senate Finance. Latest Major Action: 5/17/2012. Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Comments: Facebook Co-founder Eduardo Saverin has upset tax hungry Democrats with his move to renounce his U.S. citizenship in order to save up to $67 million in taxes. Senator Charles Schumer was so upset he has introduced a bill that some are calling the "Ex-Patriot Act." Senate Bill 3205 would force "Ex-Patriots" to pay a 30% tax on all future U.S. business ventures and prevent "Ex-Patriots" from returning to the U.S. Although Republicans have also expressed surprise at Saverin's decision, they are lukewarm on the need for this type of legislation. Perhaps, the Democrats should consider why someone would have to renounce their U.S. citizenship in order to save their business assets. A better use of their legislative pen would be to introduce legislation to significantly lower corporate and capital gains taxes, which would make the U.S. a more business friendly nation. http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/international-taxes/228427-norquist-compares-schumers-tax-dodger-bill-to-the-nazis
S.3200 & S.3198: S. 3200 bill to require the Small Business Administration to submit a regular National Small Business Index to Congress to assess how policies provide incentives or impediments to small business development. S.3198 to improve the entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration. Sponsor: Sen Landrieu, Mary [LA] (introduced 5/17/2012) Cosponsors (None). Committees: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Latest Major Action: 5/17/2012 Both bills were referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
=========================================
HR 140: Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011. Sponsored by Rep. Steve King [R-IA5] on January 5, 2011, this bill has 70 co-sponsors. H.R. 140 addresses the concerning issue of “birth tourism,” a growing global industry due to the significant benefits of U.S. citizenship. Birth Tourism is practiced by locations such as the Marmara Manhattan, a Turkish-owned luxury hotel that markets birth tourism packages to entice pregnant guests and their families to the U.S. to give birth. The hotel estimates the cost of the full package which includes a one-bedroom suite for a month, airport transfer, and baby cradle, to be approximately $45,000. The newborn is automatically granted U.S. citizenship and all the benefits that go along with it. This is a clear misinterpretation of the 14th amendment to our Constitution. Not only was a “birth tourism” industry not the original intention of this particular amendment, but it has now also become a detriment to our national security. H.R. 140 would address this problem by providing specific requirements for birthright citizenship. This important issue is one that requires your attention, and H.R. 140 is a legislative proposal that requires your support. STATUS: Jan 24, 2011: House Committee on the Judiciary: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement. ACTION: Contact your U.S. House member and tell them you want them to co-sponsor and support The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011 (HR 140). H.R. 140: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.140:
HR 495: See Something, Say Something Act of 2011. This is a bill to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide immunity for reports of suspected terrorist activity or suspicious behavior and response. Sponsored by Rep. Peter King [R-NY 3] on January 26, 2011. H.R. 495 is a timely and common-sense proposal, providing legal protections to individuals who report suspicious activity that may reflect a terrorist threat. We have already witnessed the thwarting of several attempted terrorist attacks due to the conscientious observations and action of everyday citizens. This bill would encourage more of the same. Will this make us safer—or further infringe our freedoms? STATUS: Feb 28, 2011: House Committee on the Judiciary: Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution. BAD BILL!
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.495:
HR 504: The First Responders Fighting Terrorism Protection Act. This is a bill to provide immunity from civil liability to first responders engaged in lawful efforts to prevent acts of terrorism, and for other purposes. Sponsored by: Rep. Sue Myrick [R-NC9] on January 26, 2011, no co-sponsors. Our country’s first responders, such as firefighters, police and emergency medical providers, put their lives on the line each and every day to protect us from various harms, including terrorism. Yet, as hard as it may be to believe, they are threatened by lawsuits from individuals who they may approach to question or take action against! This makes no sense and the issue should be addressed, so that these brave men and women can do their jobs protecting our citizens and communities. H.R. 504 achieves this by granting qualified immunity from civil liability for our nation’s first responders. STATUS: Feb 14, 2011: House Committee on the Judiciary: Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution. ACTION: Contact your U.S. House of Representative member and tell them to co-sponsor, support and vote for The First Responders Fighting Terrorism Protection Act (H.R. 504). http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.504
HR 668: Secure High-voltage Infrastructure for Electricity from Lethal Damage Act (The Shield Act). This bill would amend the Federal Power Act to protect the bulk-power system and electric infrastructure critical to the defense and well-being of the United States America
HR 910: Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011. To amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from promulgating any regulation concerning, taking action relating to, or taking into consideration the emission of a greenhouse gas to address climate change, and for other purposes. Sponsored by Rep. Frederick Upton [R-MI6] with 95 co-sponsors. STATUS: Passed the House on April 7, 2011. Apr 8, 2011: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
HR 1091: The Unlawful Border Entry Prevention Act. Introduced by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine , CA
HR 1134: Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act. The bill would amend Section 241(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to prohibit state and local governments with “sanctuary city” policies in place from receiving federal reimbursements for incarcerating illegal aliens. (§2) Under the bill, state and local governments would also be ineligible for SCAAP funds if they prohibit law enforcement officials from “gathering” information regarding the citizenship or immigration status of any individual. Sponsored by: Rep. Duncan Hunter [R-CA52] and 19 co-sponsors. STATUS: Mar 16, 2011: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
HR 1165: Constitutional Protection Act of 2011. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (OGR), and Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL), a member of the OGR Subcommittee on Health Care, introduced on March 17, 2011, the Constitutional Protection Act – legislation that will delay the regulatory and administrative implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act until federal court challenges to its Constitutionality are resolved.
http://issa.house.gov/images/stories/BILLS-112hr1185ih.pdf
HR 1196: Leave Act (Loophole Elimination and Verification Enforcement). H.R.1196, which is a comprehensive immigration enforcement bill that would require the use of E-Verify for all employers nationwide, end the practice of birthright citizenship, prohibit states from granting in-state tuition benefits to illegal aliens, increase the number of border patrol and immigration and customs enforcement agents, and assist local municipalities in the enforcement of federal immigration laws, among other things. Sponsored by: Rep. Gary Miller [R-CA42]. Rep. Miller is a long-time champion for reducing overall immigration levels and was identified as a "True Reformer" during the mid-term elections. He also helped create the Reclaim American Jobs Caucus with House Judiciary Chair Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Rep. Sue Myrick (R-N.C.). The LEAVE Act was introduced with three original co-sponsors, including Rep. Myrick, Rep. John Campbell (R-Calif.) and Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-Texas).
The LEAVE Act (H.R. 1196) would:
• Prohibit dealings that assist or encourage an illegal alien to cross the border or remain in the United States.
• Increase alien smuggling penalties including 3 and 30 year prison sentences, depending on the type of offense.
• Uphold identification security by specifying what forms of identification may be accepted by the federal government or financial institutions. Accepted forms of identification include a Social Security card with a photo ID, a REAL ID Act compliant identification card, a passport, or a USCIS photo identification card.
• Require federal agencies to coordinate with states to develop an electronic birth and death registration system, which would reduce the number of stolen identities and help prevent Social Security fraud.
• Mandate new fines and penalties for passport fraud. Make E-Verify (Basic Pilot program) permanent. Require all employees to be verified with the E-Verify program after four years of enactment.
• Prevent illegal aliens from working in the U.S. Capitol Complex by prohibiting the House of Representatives and the Senate from awarding contracts to any contractor or subcontractor who does not participate in the E-Verify program.
• Close the self-employed subcontractor loophole by withholding funds to a state or local government that does not require all business license applicants to comply with E-Verify. A company can currently hire a subcontractor to provide goods and services, bypassing the E-Verify process.
• Prohibit states from issuing driver’s licenses unless they first verify citizenship or lawful immigration status. Require the SSA (Social Security Administration) and IRS (Internal Revenue Service) to share information related to the investigation and enforcement of no-match letters.
• Prevent children born to illegal aliens in the United States from obtaining birthright citizenship. Prohibit an illegal alien from renting or owning a home, and make them ineligible for public and Section 8 housing. Specifically, applicants would be required to present an accepted form of identification such as a Social Security card accompanied by a photo ID, a REAL ID compliant identification card, a passport, or a USCIS photo identification card in order to obtain a mortgage or apply for housing benefits.
• Prohibit Social Security totalization agreements that benefit illegal aliens, including the 2004 agreement between the United States and Mexico. Prohibit illegal aliens from receiving Social Security credit for illegal work in the United States.
• Prohibit financial and nonfinancial institutions from accepting Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) or any other foreign-source of identification from an illegal alien, such as a Matricula Consular card. Forms of accepted identification include a Social Security card with a photo ID, a REAL ID compliant identification card, a passport, or a USCIS photo identification card. These requirements also apply to the U.S. Postal Service’s “Dinero Seguro” program and the Federal Reserve’s “Directo a Mexico” program.
• Prohibit states from granting in-state tuition to illegal aliens while U.S. citizens and nationals are excluded from the same benefit.
• Reinstate the Secure Fence Act by requiring two-layered fencing along the Southwest Border by July 31, 2011. This amends provisions of the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill that has hindered construction of the border fence.
• Add an additional 8,000 Border Patrol agents and 3,000 ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents by 2015.
• Affirm the right of state and local authorities to enforce immigration laws in the course of carrying out routine law enforcement activities.
• Require the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) to provide immigration enforcement training for state and local law enforcement officials.
• Reimburse states and localities for costs associated with immigration enforcement by making grants available for equipment, technology, facilities, and other products that directly relate to investigating, apprehending, arresting, detaining, or transporting illegal aliens.
• Make the Institutional Removal Program available to all states, which would expedite the deportation of criminal aliens after incarceration.
• List all immigration violators in the (NCIC) National Crime Information Center Database.
• Expand the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) to include illegal aliens that have been convicted or charged with a crime.
• Prevent the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture from impeding border enforcement activities on public lands.
• Prohibit the DHS and DOJ (Department of Justice) from making funds available to cities that provide sanctuary to illegal aliens.
STATUS: Mar 23, 2011: House Natural Resources: Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. ACTION: THIS IS IMPORTANT, contact your U.S. House of Representative member and tell them to co-sponsor, support and vote for The LEAVE Act of 2011 (H.R. 1196). It’s time to stand up for America first! H.R.1196: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.1196:
S. 413: Cybersecurity and Internet Freedom Act of 2011. The Obama administration is playing "semantics" with us by changing the wording on the highly-unpopular Internet "Kill Switch" bill (from the last session of Congress) to the newly-improved "Cyber Security and Internet Freedom Act of 2011," or "Internet Freedom Act" for short. Sponsored by: Sen. Joseph Lieberman [I-CT]. STATUS: Feb 17, 2011: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
S. 482: Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011. A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from promulgating any regulation concerning, taking action relating to, or taking into consideration the emission of a greenhouse gas to address climate change, and for other purposes. Introduced 3/3/11 by Sen. James Inhofe [R-OK] the bill has 43 co-sponsors and was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (H.R. 910 in the House)
U.S. Congress Update--March 18th, 2011
Continuing Resolution for Current Fiscal Year: On March 17, 2011 the Senate passed another short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) for this fiscal year, which extends funding of the government until April 8. The vote was 87 to 13. Both Senators Burr and Hagan voted for the bill.
Some notable conservative Republicans such as Senators Jim Demint (R-SC), Rand Paul (R-KY), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) were among the nine Republicans voting against the CR because it only cut $6 billion in funding from current levels that both Republicans and Democrats had targeted. In addition they may have considered that mandatory federal spending as of March 16th exceeded all federal revenue (Weekly Standard cited by Red State). The $6 billion in CR cuts were mostly for earmarks, wildfire-suppression efforts, and technology funds for the Social Security Administration.
The two parties are $50 billion apart on cuts to the budget for the current fiscal year, that include riders identified by the House such as funding for Obamacare, Planned Parenthood, Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air regulations, and other liberal priorities. (The Wall Street Journal)
The House voted on the CR on March 15 where it passed 271 to 158 with 3 not voting.
NC Representatives voting for the CR: G. K. Butterfield (D-1st), Renee Ellmers (R-2nd), David E. Price (D-4th), Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Howard Coble (R-6th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Sue Myrick (R-9th), Patrick Mc Henry (R-10th), Heath Shuler (D-11th), and Brad Miller (D-13th).
NC Representatives voting against the CR: Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R-3rd), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), and Melvin L. Watt (D-12th).
The House of Representatives
Federal Funding of National Public Radio (NPR): On March 17the House voted on HB 1076 to end federal funding of NPR, and to prohibit federal funds from being used to acquire radio content. The vote passed 228 to 192 with 1 voting present and 11 not voting. For NC Representatives, the vote was along party lines with Republicans voting to end federal taxpayer funding of NPR and Democrats voting to continue the funding.
Final Vote on Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Termination: On March 16, the House passed legislation to end the NSP program enacted in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The bill was for the "redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes and residential properties" as assistance to local and state governments. The bill cancels all funding balances that are unobligated (have no legal liability).
The vote was 242 to 182 with 8 not voting. NC Republican Representatives voted for the bill and NC Democrat Representatives against it.
FEDERAL WATCHDOG REPORT, MARCH 15, 2011
THE WHITE HOUSE: Obama unveiled his proposal for revamping federal aid to public schools this morning and called on Congress to send him a No Child Left Behind law rewrite before the next academic year begins in September. “In the 21st century, it’s not enough to leave no child behind,” he said at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, Va. “We need to help every child get ahead.”
It sounds at first like an unrealistically ambitious goal: writing in just 21 weeks a new law guiding federal influence over elementary and secondary education. But if there’s any top-shelf domestic goal that could bring the parties together by this summer, it’s overhauling No Child Left Behind.
Mainstream Republicans (the ones who don’t want to shutter the Department of Education) give Obama more credibility and rhetorical support on education than any other policy. Given the profoundly weak political position that public-employee unions are in these days, there’s every reason to believe the GOP and the administration will be able to brush back the teachers’ unions at the margins. The deadline for rewriting the law is fast approaching. And last week both the GOP chairman of the House’s education committee, Jon Kline, and his Senate Democratic counterpart, Tom Harkin, agreed to the accelerated timetable.
So it’s very reasonable to bet that the president will be granted today’s wish to put his pen down, after signing such a law, before the new school year begins.
The president’s plan is essentially a revival of the package Education Secretary Arne Duncan released almost exactly a year ago. It calls for shifting the federal emphasis from proficiency testing in math and reading to measures that gauge gains in student achievement. It would expand formula funding but also boost spending on competitive grants such as the Race to the Top program. It would increase local control by providing greater flexibility for teachers and principals, support the nation’s better teacher-preparation programs and offer incentives for the best teachers to serve in the neediest districts.
U.S. House of Representatives
The National Debt and Most Recent Votes
For February 2011, the deficit was $222.5 billion, according to the Treasury Department and reported by the Wall Street Journal. The Obama administration has indicated that for this fiscal year, the U.S. will have the largest deficit in American history at $1.65 trillion.
House Republicans are chipping away at decreasing spending and terminating various programs. Two bills were passed last week:
• On March 11, 2011 the House passed H.R. 836, bill title: "To rescind the unobligated funding for the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program and to terminate the program." The bill takes appropriated funds for which there is no legal liability, and returns the funds to the Treasury's General Fund. The bill passed with a vote of 241 to 177 with 13 not voting. NC Representatives voted along party lines with Republicans voting for the bill and Democrats voting against it. (house.gov)
• On March 10, 2010 the House passed the FHA Refinance Program Termination Act. The legislation rescinds and "permanently cancels all unexpended balances" allocated to the FHA Refinance Program under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). The vote was 256 to 171 with 5 not voting. (house.gov). NC Representatives voting for the bill: Renee Ellmers (R-2nd), Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R-3rd), Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Howard Coble (R-6th), Sue Myrick (R-9th). Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th), and Heath Shuler (D-11th). NC Representatives voting against the bill: G.K. Butterfield (D-1st), David E. Price (D-4th), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Melvin L. Watt (D-12th), and Brad Miller (D-13th).
Upcoming Legislation
• Continuing Resolution (CR) - To extend funding for three weeks (to April 8) beyond the March 18th date when the current CR expires, and has $6 billion in cuts for the current FY 2011 budget. This CR has no riders such as cutting Planned Parenthood funding or defunding Obamacare or the Obama Czars. The CR vote will be Wednesday, March 16. Representatives Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and Steve King (R-IA) have written a letter to Speaker Boehner, Majority Leader Cantor and Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers to include provisions for defunding Obamacare and rescinding $105,464,000,000 in funding for Obamacare implementation. Conservative groups including the Heritage Foundation are calling on Republican House members to vote against the CR. According to Rep. Huelskamp (R-KS), the CR does not address priorities that American voters mandated in the November elections which are to stop the funding for liberal priorities such as Planned Parenthood abortions, Obamacare, and EPA regulations that destroy jobs.
• House Energy and Commerce Committee - Chairman Rep Fred Upton (R-MI) has said he has 21 additional co-sponsors of his legislation that will "block the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating greenhouse gas emissions." Three Democrats have joined with Republicans and more are expected, according to Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY). Republicans are getting help from union leaders on EPA regulations focused on pollution at coal-fired power plants, saying that jobs will be lost especially in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and that Democrats will be affected in the 2012 elections. In the Nov 2010 elections nine states that Obama won in 2008 replaced Democrats with Republicans in congressional and gubernatorial elections. The nine states include Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Mexico and represent about one-third of U.S. coal-fired power plants that are affected with the EPA's greenhouse emissions' regulations, according to the Wall Street Journal.
• Gas Prices and Energy - Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) who sits on the Natural Resources Committee said that the Obama administration has no energy policy and that Republicans are reviewing drilling permits to determine their exact status. House Republicans are also saying that the U.S. needs an energy plan that addresses the development of domestic resources. Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC) stated on March 9th that some Democrats are joining with Republicans on this issue.
The Investors Business Daily editorial of March 11th, stated that "Obama Comes Up Short on Oil." In his news conference, President Obama presented "a mélange of deceptive facts and useless proposals, all pointing to a lack of interest in serious solutions." Obama said that "U.S. energy production has increased On his watch." However, industry experts say that is due to leases issued years ago, preceding his administration. Also, the Energy Information Agency has stated that "oil production on federal land and waters is 16% less than what was projected four years ago." Obama did not address the fact that he had stopped production in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and off both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. In Alaska he revoked permits that had already been issued for offshore drilling leases. The Congressional Research Service says the U.S. has 17% or 164 billion barrels of the world's petroleum reserves and has "1 trillion barrels that could come from shale." Instead of having an energy plan that includes drilling, the administration is intent on investigating price speculation where they have at least 35 federal investigations that have resulted in nothing.
• Defunding National Public Radio (NPR) - Hearings are being held on defunding NPR. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) has vowed to proceed with legislation to defund NPR. Predictably the Democrats are calling on Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street to stop the Republican backed legislation to end NPR funding, according to the Media Research Center.
U.S. Senate
Most Recent Votes
• On Wednesday, March 9 the Senate voted on H.R. 1 the "Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011" which the House recently passed that reduced the federal government's spending by about $60 billion. The bill was defeated 44 to 56. Senator Burr voted for the bill and Senator Hagan voted against it. Senator Burr said that he was "disappointed that a majority" of his colleagues were not "taking our fiscal crisis seriously." No Democrats voted with Republicans.
• About 20 minutes later, the Senate voted on the Democrat amendment to H.R. 1 (No. 149) which was a substitute that cut only about $4.7 billion. That vote failed with 42 voting for it and 58 against it. Both Senators Burr and Hagan voted against the measure. No Republicans voted with most of the Democrats.
• The Senate passed a resolution that Senator Burr sponsored to make March 30th a day to "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." This commemorates March 30, 1973 when all U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam under the terms of the Treaty of Paris.
• On March 10 the Senate voted to confirm Max Oliver Cogburn, Jr. from N.C. to be a U.S. District Judge for the Western District of N.C. The vote was 96 to 0 with 4 not voting. President Obama nominated Cogburn and both Senators Burr and Hagan spoke in his favor and voted for Judge Cogburn's nomination. According to the NC Board of Elections data, Max Oliver Cogburn, Jr. is a registered Democrat in Buncombe County.
=========================================
Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) introduced the “Access to Repair Parts Act” in June 2009. The identical bills, H.R. 3059 and S.1368, strike a balance between protecting intellectual property and ensuring free competition by creating a limited design patent exception for collision repair parts. Joining Rep. Lofgren in support of the House legislation are original cosponsors Reps. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), William D. Delahunt (D-Mass.), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas) and Charles A. Wilson (D-Ohio). Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.) is a cosponsor. Adoption of this legislation would bring the U.S. in line with a number of nations that ascribe to free competition in the collision repair parts market. The European Union is in the process of adopting a similar design directive.
http://www.keepautopartsaffordable.org/about/history.html
http://www.keepautopartsaffordable.org/about/history.html
HR 692: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make changes related to family-sponsored immigrants and to reduce the number of such immigrants, and for other purposes. Sponsored by: Rep. John Gingrey [R-GA11]. STATUS: Introduced 2/14/11 and Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Patriot Act: On Feb 14, 2011 the final vote was taken on HR 514, "To extend expiring provisions of the USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 relating to access to business records, individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers, and roving wiretaps until December 8, 2011." The bill passed with a vote of 275 to 144 with 14 not voting. NC Representatives voting for the bill: G.K. Butterfield (D-1st), Renee Ellmers (R-2nd), Walter B. Jones, Jr.(R-3rd), Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Howard Coble (R-6th), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Sue Myrick (R-9th), Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th), Heath Shuler (D-11th), and Brad Miller (D-13th). NC Representatives voting against the bill: David E. Price (D-4th) and Melvin L. Watt (D-12th).
February 5, 2011: Senate Bill - S.91 - "Life at Conception Act" (Could legislatively overturn Roe v. Wade)
Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) is sponsoring the "Life at Conception Act" (S.91), which will define personhood from the moment of conception. Sen. Wicker has 13 co-sponsors thus far.
In Harry Blackmun's 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, he wrote that "if personhood is established, the appellant's case (i.e., 'Roe'), of course collapses, for the fetus' right to life is then guaranteed specifically by the [14th] amendment."
Under S.91, a "human person" and a "human being" includes every individual "at all stages of life, including, but not limited to, the moment of fertilization, cloning and other moment at which an individual...comes into being."
If this bill is enacted into law, it thus will not only provide protection for unborn babies, it will follow the path Justice Blackmun laid out 38 years ago for overturning Roe v. Wade, an act of judicial activism that has led to the deaths of 53 million infants before they have drawn their first breath.
Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) has introduced a parallel bill in the House (H.R.374) which currently has 53 co-sponsors.
Stop Obama and the EPA: Please call your Senators and urge them to cosponsor S. 228, the Defending America's Affordable Energy and Jobs Act. Introduced by Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), S. 228 will put a permanent end to the EPA's rogue behavior on climate change and stop backdoor cap and trade regulations. The EPA must be stopped to prevent further damage to our fragile, recovering economy. We must build support for this bold legislation in Congress!
http://action.freedomworks.org/4066/call-your-senators-cosponsors-228-to-stop-epa/
February 3, 2011: Senate repeals part of health care law!! February 3, 2011: North Carolina ALERT!! The Take over of our farms and food! Call your state house rep now!
The Senate voted Wednesday for the first time to repeal a piece of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, rolling back a new tax reporting requirement that’s been universally panned by business owners. The amendment to repeal the 1099 reporting requirement passed 81-17 with broad bipartisan support.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/48726.html#ixzz1CqdiDyMz
S. 510, the Food Modernization and Safety Act, uses a patchwork of rules and regulations on the food “industry” to throw America’s heartland under the government-subsidized corporatist bus as it crushes local and community producers of healthy food.
Call Tim Moffitt and other house members from your area now! Unless something is done, I expect we will see more raids on small local food Co-ops of citizens who want Organic alternatives, like the raid in California where the FDA came into one Co-op looking for “organic milk” with their guns drawn.
Government agents kicking in the barn doors, ordering women and children to get on the floor? Innocent Amish families being rounded up… for selling milk? The only food is government-approved food? Do you think some corporate lobbyists may try to get rid of competition?
Fortunately, something is being done. Freshman NC Representative Glen Bradley is preparing to introduce the NC Farmer’s Freedom Act into the NC House of Representatives. This bill will nullify S. 510 and interpose real legal penalties against any attempt to enforce it. Tim Moffitt is still not one of the representatives that have signed on!
Many nullification bills being passed by state legislatures do not include interposition. The NC Farmer’s Freedom Act does. The bill, which you can read here, makes any attempt to enforce S. 510 in North Carolina a Class 1A misdemeanor.
If you want to put the federal government back in its constitutional box and tell the FDA to get out of your kitchen, sign Campaign for Liberty’s petition to nullify the Food Takeover here. Then find your NC House and Senate representation here and tell them to cosponsor the NC Farmer’s Freedom Act.
Also, call Speaker Thom Tillis at (919) 773-3451 and House Majority Leader Paul “Skip” Stam at (919) 733-2962 and tell them to bring the Farmer’s Freedom Act to the floor for a roll call vote as soon as possible.
Representative Bradley needs to introduce this bill quickly to prevent the FDA’s goons from swooping through North Carolina’s farms and Co-ops like they did in California. Please sign our petition and contact your representatives by Friday, February 7th to ensure we build unstoppable momentum!
January 27, 2011: Congress Defies Obama, Moves To End Federal Funding of Presidential Elections
The House passed a resolution to end federal funding of presidential election campaigns and political conventions, despite President Obama’s opposition to the bill. Rep. Tom Cole (R.-Okla.) sponsored the bill, which will reduce the budget deficit by $617 million over 10 years. The bill passed on Wednesday by a vote of 239-160, with 10 Democrats voting in favor.
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=41416
National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) Act--Obama Calls For Internet ID To Track YOU!
The Obama administration is currently drafting the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) Act. The new law will create a trackable ID for every single internet user in the U.S. Officials claim the Internet ID will eliminate fraud and identity theft while streamlining online transactions. In reality, the Internet ID will give the government an open door to spy on your private life. From your banking transactions to the websites you visit, Big Brother will be keeping a close eye on you.
How will the new Internet ID work? First, you will have to request a smart identity card from your home state. The process of obtaining an ID card will be somewhat similar to the hugely inconvenient process of obtaining a drivers license. You will then be required to use the card to authenticate your identity for a plethora of online services including: Credit card purchases; Online banking; Accessing electronic health care records; Securely accessing your personal laptop computer; Anonymously posting blog entries; and Logging onto Internet email services using a pseudonym.
So, next time you want to make an anonymous comment on a forum or buy a new book from Amazon, you will be required to use a government smart card to do your business on the Internet. There is no reason the government needs to stick its nose in your personal online activity.
Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act
Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.), also working with Rep. Lipinski, is reintroducing the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act" which seeks to get taxpayers completely out of the abortion business and why Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) reintroduced the "Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act."
From 2002-2008, Planned Parenthood received $657,100,000 from federal taxpayers alone. Probably hoping to avoid further scrutiny during tough economic times, Planned Parenthood never released their 2008-2009 annual report until just before Christmas -- months later than usual. What were they trying to hide? For one, the abortion giant received $363,200,000 in government grants and contracts during that time period, a $13,600,000 increase from the prior year. At the same time they were making a killing off of taxpayers, they were busy killing future ones by performing an unprecedented 324,800 abortions.
Of course, Planned Parenthood is not the only abortion company that receives government funds, but they are certainly the largest and growing. Given that we have the most pro-life Congress in recent history, now is the time to act on stopping government subsidies to kill innocent life. It is long past time for taxpayers to get out of the abortion business.
Please sign our petition asking Members of Congress to support ALL efforts in getting taxpayers out of the abortion business.
https://www.frcaction.org/get.cfm?c=CHECKOUT&dmy=616CA689-A837-779D-BCAD08BD10605867&CFID=35539407&CFTOKEN=a2db4a45a47ba7f1-502307E8-AB0D-F7C9-DF2F94E2FCD03D07
===================================
LAMEDUCK SESSION
Dec 23, 2010
President Obama at a White House press conference on Dec 22, 2010 was jubilant that the so-called "lame-duck" Congress delivered victories for him on a number of initiatives. "Obama said Congress had its 'most productive post-election period' in decades." "And it comes on the heels of the most productive two years that we've had in generations." (Bloomberg News) Recall that when Republicans were the "lame duck" Congress they passed zero legislation.
President Obama's only one regret is that the DREAM Act did not pass, but he has vowed to continue again with the next Congress. A true picture of "accomplishments" includes a 2011 annual budget that was not passed but temporary extensions were granted to keep the government running, a 2010 unemployment rate of 9.8%, and a deficit of $1.3 trillion.
Most Recent Congressional Actions
Senate
New START Treaty.
On Dec 22 the Senate ratified the new START treaty, a nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia. The vote was 71 to 26 and 3 did not vote. Senator Burr voted against it and Senator Hagan voted for the treaty. Eleven Republicans broke rank and voted with the Democrats and they are: Senators Alexander (TN), Brown (MA), Cochran (MS), Collins (ME), Corker (TN), Gregg (NH), Isakson (GA), Johanns (NE), Lugar (IN), Murkowski (Alaska), and Snowe (ME).
A key problem with the treaty is that it allows Russian coordination over U.S. plans for a global missile defense system. Interestingly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently warned the U.S. Senate that the New START treaty "cannot be reopened, becoming the subject of new negotiations," according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010
The legislation passed on Dec 18, which allows gays and lesbians in the military services to openly flaunt their sexual preferences. The vote was 65 to 31 with 4 not voting. All Democrats voted for the repeal, except Senator Manchin (D-WV) who did not vote. Both Senator Burr and Senator Hagan voted for the repeal.
Eight Republican Senators voted with the Democrats including Senators Burr, Kirk (IL), Ensign (NV), Brown (MA), Voinovich (OH), Murkowski (Alaska), Collins and Snowe (ME).
Senator Burr's vote was a surprise since he did not indicate his support for the repeal previously, and initially agreed with Republicans in a procedural vote in bringing the measure to the floor. However, when the final vote was taken he voted for repeal. Politico reported that Senator Burr said, "It's just that we've had a generational change and I have vehemently objected to making a policy change of this magnitude at this time. When cloture was passed, that settled that," "It's not accepted practice anywhere in our society, and it only makes sense. But again, I was vehemently opposed to the timing of this."
[In checking Senator Burr's website several times, no comment is posted concerning his vote, as of Dec 23, 2010. His office is closed for Christmas, but they will be contacted for a comment upon reopening.]
According to Politico, Senator Collins said, "I didn't expect eight. I was delighted but surprised with the vote from Sen. Burr. I think that was a gutsy vote and I was delighted. But he was not someone who I thought to lobby on the issue." [A lot of people were surprised.]
Gay-rights leaders and White House officials were on hand to congratulate themselves for legislation which just a week ago was thought to be dead. Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell is "historic," according to Obama and reported by Politico. Joe Solmonese, president of the gay-rights group Human Rights Campaign said, "Today, we pulled out a victory from what was almost certain defeat just a few days ago."
Pat Buchanan believes this is a "political payoff" to the "homosexual rights lobby," at the "expense of our military." Among the military most opposed to the repeal are combat veterans who "warn that this will create grave problems of unit cohesion and morale." Buchanan also stated, "Marines have been sacrificed by the Democratic Party and Barack Obama to the homosexual lobby, with the collusion of no fewer than eight Republican senators."
Continuing Appropriations Act 2011
On Dec 21, the Senate passed a fiscal year (FY) 2011 funding bill to keep the government running through March 4, 2011. Senator Burr voted against it and Senator Hagan voted for it. The funding continues at the FY 2010 levels since the Congress has not passed a 2011 budget. The 2010 budget deficit is about $1.3 trillion, but the accumulated debt is nearly $13.9 trillion while the debt ceiling is at $14.3 trillion, according to the Wall Street Journal.
9/11 Healthcare Bill
The Senate unanimously approved the bill on Dec 22 for first responders who became ill as a result of 9/11. The $4.3 billion bill funds healthcare for the first responders at $1.8 billion and allows $2.5 billion to "re-open the Victim's Compensation fund," according to Senator Gillibrand's (D-NY) office. [Note: Exact cost figures are slightly different in other publications, but approximate these.]
House of Representatives
Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act
On Dec 22, the House agreed with the Senate amendments and passed legislation in a vote of 215 to 144 with 74 not voting.
NC Representatives voting for the act: G.K. Butterfield (D-1st), Bob Etheridge (D-2nd), David E. Price (D-4th), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Heath Shuler (D-11th), Melvin L. Watt (D-12th), and Brad Miller (D-13th).
NC Representatives voting against it: Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Sue Myrick (R-9th), and Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th). Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R-3rd), and Howard Coble (R-6th) did not vote.
9/11 Health and Compensation Act
The House passed legislation to fund the healthcare of 9/11 responders on Dec 22, and the vote tally was 206 to 60 with 168 not voting.
NC Representatives voting for the act: G.K. Butterfield (D-1st), Bob Etheridge (D-2nd), David E. Price (D-4th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Melvin L. Watt (D-12th), and Brad Miller (D-13th).
NC Representatives voting against it: Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Sue Myrick (R-9th), and Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th). Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R-3rd), Howard Coble (R-6th), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th), and Heath Shuler (D-11th) did not vote.
Continuing Appropriation Bill 2011
On Dec 21, the House agreed with the Senate on a $250 billion bill to keep the government running through March 4, 2011. The vote was 193 to 165 with 75 not voting.
NC Representatives voting for the bill: G.K. Butterfield (D-1st), Bob Etheridge (D-2nd), David E. Price (D-4th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Melvin L. Watt (D-12th), Heath Shuler (D-11th), and Brad Miller (D-13th).
NC Representatives voting against it: Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Sue Myrick (R-9th), and Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th). Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R-3rd) and Howard Coble (R-6th) did not vote.
Annualized Cost: $200 billion ($400 billion over two years)
The State and Local Spending Will Help Save America Act was introduced in late September by Congressman Dennis Kucinich (OH-10). The bill would authorize $200 billion in FY 2011 and another $200 billion in FY 2012 in federal funds to supplement state budgets.
The payments would be made on a quarterly basis and each state -- including the District of Columbia and U.S. territories -- would receive funds based on its population size.
http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:h.r.06300:
A bill to establish the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, to establish the Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities, to establish a comprehensive planning grant program, to establish a sustainability challenge grant program, and for other purposes.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-1619
Chris Dodd's last act: 'Control the people'
Alarms raised over Democrat senator's likely final major piece of legislation
September 7, 2010
Alarms are being raised over what probably is retiring Sen. Christopher Dodd's last major piece of legislation – the Livable Communities Act, which has been approved by the Senate Banking Committee and now is heading to the Senate floor – for its likely U.N. inspiration and goal of controlling people.
The plan would create a new federal bureaucracy, the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, armed with some $4 billion in federal grants, to pressure local communities into a more "green" development agenda. Read the article: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=200637
Dec 19, 2010: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 716.
=====================
LAMEDUCK SESSION
Dec 23, 2010
President Obama at a White House press conference on Dec 22, 2010 was jubilant that the so-called "lame-duck" Congress delivered victories for him on a number of initiatives. "Obama said Congress had its 'most productive post-election period' in decades." "And it comes on the heels of the most productive two years that we've had in generations." (Bloomberg News) Recall that when Republicans were the "lame duck" Congress they passed zero legislation.
President Obama's only one regret is that the DREAM Act did not pass, but he has vowed to continue again with the next Congress. A true picture of "accomplishments" includes a 2011 annual budget that was not passed but temporary extensions were granted to keep the government running, a 2010 unemployment rate of 9.8%, and a deficit of $1.3 trillion.
Most Recent Congressional Actions
Senate
New START Treaty.
On Dec 22 the Senate ratified the new START treaty, a nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia. The vote was 71 to 26 and 3 did not vote. Senator Burr voted against it and Senator Hagan voted for the treaty. Eleven Republicans broke rank and voted with the Democrats and they are: Senators Alexander (TN), Brown (MA), Cochran (MS), Collins (ME), Corker (TN), Gregg (NH), Isakson (GA), Johanns (NE), Lugar (IN), Murkowski (Alaska), and Snowe (ME).
A key problem with the treaty is that it allows Russian coordination over U.S. plans for a global missile defense system. Interestingly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently warned the U.S. Senate that the New START treaty "cannot be reopened, becoming the subject of new negotiations," according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010
The legislation passed on Dec 18, which allows gays and lesbians in the military services to openly flaunt their sexual preferences. The vote was 65 to 31 with 4 not voting. All Democrats voted for the repeal, except Senator Manchin (D-WV) who did not vote. Both Senator Burr and Senator Hagan voted for the repeal.
Eight Republican Senators voted with the Democrats including Senators Burr, Kirk (IL), Ensign (NV), Brown (MA), Voinovich (OH), Murkowski (Alaska), Collins and Snowe (ME).
Senator Burr's vote was a surprise since he did not indicate his support for the repeal previously, and initially agreed with Republicans in a procedural vote in bringing the measure to the floor. However, when the final vote was taken he voted for repeal. Politico reported that Senator Burr said, "It's just that we've had a generational change and I have vehemently objected to making a policy change of this magnitude at this time. When cloture was passed, that settled that," "It's not accepted practice anywhere in our society, and it only makes sense. But again, I was vehemently opposed to the timing of this."
[In checking Senator Burr's website several times, no comment is posted concerning his vote, as of Dec 23, 2010. His office is closed for Christmas, but they will be contacted for a comment upon reopening.]
According to Politico, Senator Collins said, "I didn't expect eight. I was delighted but surprised with the vote from Sen. Burr. I think that was a gutsy vote and I was delighted. But he was not someone who I thought to lobby on the issue." [A lot of people were surprised.]
Gay-rights leaders and White House officials were on hand to congratulate themselves for legislation which just a week ago was thought to be dead. Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell is "historic," according to Obama and reported by Politico. Joe Solmonese, president of the gay-rights group Human Rights Campaign said, "Today, we pulled out a victory from what was almost certain defeat just a few days ago."
Pat Buchanan believes this is a "political payoff" to the "homosexual rights lobby," at the "expense of our military." Among the military most opposed to the repeal are combat veterans who "warn that this will create grave problems of unit cohesion and morale." Buchanan also stated, "Marines have been sacrificed by the Democratic Party and Barack Obama to the homosexual lobby, with the collusion of no fewer than eight Republican senators."
Continuing Appropriations Act 2011
On Dec 21, the Senate passed a fiscal year (FY) 2011 funding bill to keep the government running through March 4, 2011. Senator Burr voted against it and Senator Hagan voted for it. The funding continues at the FY 2010 levels since the Congress has not passed a 2011 budget. The 2010 budget deficit is about $1.3 trillion, but the accumulated debt is nearly $13.9 trillion while the debt ceiling is at $14.3 trillion, according to the Wall Street Journal.
9/11 Healthcare Bill
The Senate unanimously approved the bill on Dec 22 for first responders who became ill as a result of 9/11. The $4.3 billion bill funds healthcare for the first responders at $1.8 billion and allows $2.5 billion to "re-open the Victim's Compensation fund," according to Senator Gillibrand's (D-NY) office. [Note: Exact cost figures are slightly different in other publications, but approximate these.]
House of Representatives
Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act
On Dec 22, the House agreed with the Senate amendments and passed legislation in a vote of 215 to 144 with 74 not voting.
NC Representatives voting for the act: G.K. Butterfield (D-1st), Bob Etheridge (D-2nd), David E. Price (D-4th), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Heath Shuler (D-11th), Melvin L. Watt (D-12th), and Brad Miller (D-13th).
NC Representatives voting against it: Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Sue Myrick (R-9th), and Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th). Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R-3rd), and Howard Coble (R-6th) did not vote.
9/11 Health and Compensation Act
The House passed legislation to fund the healthcare of 9/11 responders on Dec 22, and the vote tally was 206 to 60 with 168 not voting.
NC Representatives voting for the act: G.K. Butterfield (D-1st), Bob Etheridge (D-2nd), David E. Price (D-4th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Melvin L. Watt (D-12th), and Brad Miller (D-13th).
NC Representatives voting against it: Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Sue Myrick (R-9th), and Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th). Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R-3rd), Howard Coble (R-6th), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th), and Heath Shuler (D-11th) did not vote.
Continuing Appropriation Bill 2011
On Dec 21, the House agreed with the Senate on a $250 billion bill to keep the government running through March 4, 2011. The vote was 193 to 165 with 75 not voting.
NC Representatives voting for the bill: G.K. Butterfield (D-1st), Bob Etheridge (D-2nd), David E. Price (D-4th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Melvin L. Watt (D-12th), Heath Shuler (D-11th), and Brad Miller (D-13th).
NC Representatives voting against it: Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Sue Myrick (R-9th), and Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th). Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R-3rd) and Howard Coble (R-6th) did not vote.
============================
The Bill: H.R. 6300, State and Local Spending Will Help Save America ActAnnualized Cost: $200 billion ($400 billion over two years)
The State and Local Spending Will Help Save America Act was introduced in late September by Congressman Dennis Kucinich (OH-10). The bill would authorize $200 billion in FY 2011 and another $200 billion in FY 2012 in federal funds to supplement state budgets.
The payments would be made on a quarterly basis and each state -- including the District of Columbia and U.S. territories -- would receive funds based on its population size.
http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:h.r.06300:
Livable Communities Act of 2009 |
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-1619
Chris Dodd's last act: 'Control the people'
Alarms raised over Democrat senator's likely final major piece of legislation
September 7, 2010
Alarms are being raised over what probably is retiring Sen. Christopher Dodd's last major piece of legislation – the Livable Communities Act, which has been approved by the Senate Banking Committee and now is heading to the Senate floor – for its likely U.N. inspiration and goal of controlling people.
The plan would create a new federal bureaucracy, the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, armed with some $4 billion in federal grants, to pressure local communities into a more "green" development agenda. Read the article: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=200637
Dec 19, 2010: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 716.
=====================
Debt Free America Act |
A one percent transaction fee (TAX), proposed by President Obama's finance team, is recommending a transaction tax. His plan is to sneak it in after the November elections to keep it under the radar. This is a 1% tax on all transactions at any financial institution. Banks, Credit Unions, Savings and Loans, etc..
Any deposit you make, or even a transfer within your account, will have a 1% tax charged. If your pay check or your social security or whatever is direct deposit, it will get a 1% tax charged for the transaction. If your paycheck is $1000 then you will pay Obama ten bucks just for the privilege of depositing your pay check in your bank. Even if you hand carry your paycheck or any check in to your bank for a deposit, 1% tax will be charged. You receive a $5,000 stock dividend from your broker, Obama takes 50 bucks just to allow you to deposit that check in the bank. If you take $1,000 cash in to deposit at your bank, 1% tax will be charged.
Mind you, this is from the man who promised that if you make under $250,000 per year, you will not see one penny of new tax. Keep your eyes and ears open, you will be amazed at what you learn about this guy's under the table moves to increase the number of ways you are taxed. Oh, and by the way, you receive a refund from the IRS next year....and you have it direct deposited or else you walk in to deposit that check, you guessed it. You will pay a 1% charge of that money just for putting it in your bank.
Mind you, this is from the man who promised that if you make under $250,000 per year, you will not see one penny of new tax. Keep your eyes and ears open, you will be amazed at what you learn about this guy's under the table moves to increase the number of ways you are taxed. Oh, and by the way, you receive a refund from the IRS next year....and you have it direct deposited or else you walk in to deposit that check, you guessed it. You will pay a 1% charge of that money just for putting it in your bank.
Remember, any money, cash check or whatever no matter where it came from, you will pay a 1% fee if you put it in the bank.
Some will say, oh well, it's just 1%. Are you kidding me, it's a 1% tax increase across the board. Remember, once the tax is there, they can also raise it at will. And if anyone protests, they will just say oh, that's not really a tax, it's a user fee!
Think this is no big deal? Go back and look at the transactions from last years banking statements. When you add the total of all the transactions you did last year, then deduct 1%. Still think it's no big deal???
This should clue us in to the extent to which this President and Congress will go to keep the money flowing in to fund the paybacks and other wasteful spending.
Fattah claims this bill would "eliminate the national debt and replace the income tax on individuals". Anybody out there believe this?
Here is the text of the proposed bill:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-4646
Call or write your representatives to tell them to vote NO on HR 4646.
Some will say, oh well, it's just 1%. Are you kidding me, it's a 1% tax increase across the board. Remember, once the tax is there, they can also raise it at will. And if anyone protests, they will just say oh, that's not really a tax, it's a user fee!
Think this is no big deal? Go back and look at the transactions from last years banking statements. When you add the total of all the transactions you did last year, then deduct 1%. Still think it's no big deal???
This should clue us in to the extent to which this President and Congress will go to keep the money flowing in to fund the paybacks and other wasteful spending.
Fattah claims this bill would "eliminate the national debt and replace the income tax on individuals". Anybody out there believe this?
Here is the text of the proposed bill:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-4646
Call or write your representatives to tell them to vote NO on HR 4646.
=========================
HOUSE BILL H.R. 5741
There is a bill currently in committee in the House, H.R. 5741, titled The Universal National Service Act. This bill could come to the floor of the house at almost any time. The most likely time it will be voted on is during the (hopefully) upcoming ‘Lame Duck’ session of congress. That is the period of time when a party in power has, via elections, lost the majority they hold, and know they will no longer be calling the shots in the next congress. But, since the elections this year are on Nov. 2, and the new congress is not seated until early January, those 60+ days are available to the outgoing party in power to do with as they please. And they have already adequately demonstrated their determination to shove anything they desire down the throats of the American People, whether the people are for it or not.http://www.operationsitin.com/
HR 3534: Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources Act of 2009 (CLEAR Act), passed the house July 30, 2010 with a roll call vote, Ayes, 193 Nays, 31. Walter Jones and other House Republicans voted against. It is now in the Senate, but no official Senate Bill number exists as of yet. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-3534
We will in all probability have only one chance to stop this horrendous bill, which includes provisions that literally place power in the hands of ‘the President’ to form a new national service organization and then to compel virtually any American to serve for two years in it (providing they do not volunteer to serve is an existing military or designated civilian service organization). That is ALL, male and female, between the ages of 18 and 42. And the provisions in this bill granting ‘the President’ the power to form any new organization he ‘deems appropriate’ do not set ANY parameters or restrictions as to the nature of the new organizations, THUS this makes the President all but a DICTATOR, and in the case of President Obama, this will allow him to proceed to accomplish that which he spoke of on the campaign trail, to build a civilian force, just as well financed and armed as the U.S. military. The one opportunity we will have that gives us the most likely chance of defeating the passage of this law is to prevent the U.S. Senate from voting on it. We all know the results of writing letters, making phone call, sending emails etc. And I remind you that the definition of insanity is ‘to do the same thing, and expect a different result’.
This is the globalist bill designed to give away our land, oceans, adjacent land masses and Great Lakes to an international body, and makes us pay $900 millionper year until 2040.
HOUSE BILL H.R. 5741
There is a bill currently in committee in the House, H.R. 5741, titled The Universal National Service Act. This bill could come to the floor of the house at almost any time. The most likely time it will be voted on is during the (hopefully) upcoming ‘Lame Duck’ session of congress. That is the period of time when a party in power has, via elections, lost the majority they hold, and know they will no longer be calling the shots in the next congress. But, since the elections this year are on Nov. 2, and the new congress is not seated until early January, those 60+ days are available to the outgoing party in power to do with as they please. And they have already adequately demonstrated their determination to shove anything they desire down the throats of the American People, whether the people are for it or not.http://www.operationsitin.com/
HR 3534: Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources Act of 2009 (CLEAR Act), passed the house July 30, 2010 with a roll call vote, Ayes, 193 Nays, 31. Walter Jones and other House Republicans voted against. It is now in the Senate, but no official Senate Bill number exists as of yet. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-3534
We will in all probability have only one chance to stop this horrendous bill, which includes provisions that literally place power in the hands of ‘the President’ to form a new national service organization and then to compel virtually any American to serve for two years in it (providing they do not volunteer to serve is an existing military or designated civilian service organization). That is ALL, male and female, between the ages of 18 and 42. And the provisions in this bill granting ‘the President’ the power to form any new organization he ‘deems appropriate’ do not set ANY parameters or restrictions as to the nature of the new organizations, THUS this makes the President all but a DICTATOR, and in the case of President Obama, this will allow him to proceed to accomplish that which he spoke of on the campaign trail, to build a civilian force, just as well financed and armed as the U.S. military. The one opportunity we will have that gives us the most likely chance of defeating the passage of this law is to prevent the U.S. Senate from voting on it. We all know the results of writing letters, making phone call, sending emails etc. And I remind you that the definition of insanity is ‘to do the same thing, and expect a different result’.
This is the globalist bill designed to give away our land, oceans, adjacent land masses and Great Lakes to an international body, and makes us pay $900 millionper year until 2040.
Aug 4, 2010: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 510.
H.R. 140: Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.140
To amend section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify those classes of individuals born in the United States who are nationals and citizens of the United States at birth. Introduced January 5th, 2011 and Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsored by: Rep. Steve King [R-IA5] with 45 Republican Co-sponsors.
BACKGROUND: H.R. 140 would change federal law (not the constitution) and end the practice of giving away U.S. citizenship to the children of illegal aliens and tourists. "Birthright citizenship is a major anchor for illegal workers already here who are led to feel that their birthright citizen children may give them a claim to remain. Note that one of the loudest arguments for giving illegal workers permanent work permits is that it would be wrong to make them go back home if they have U.S. citizen children," argues a USA Today guest op-ed.
The op-ed is absolutely true. Many pro-illegal alien, anti-American worker firebrands argue that illegal aliens with U.S.-born children cannot be deported because it would be unfair to separate the family. However, this argument ignores the fact that illegal aliens are gaming the system by exploiting the current birthright citizenship provision in federal law and counting on their offspring being born in the U.S. to keep them from being deported.
The Congress must remove the onus of deporting illegal aliens with U.S.-born children by preventing these children from becoming U.S citizens. Every day this practice is allowed to continue is another day that illegal aliens have a major incentive of immigrating illegally. The above information was taken from a fax sent from the www.numbersusa.com website.
ACTION: E-mail your U.S. representative and let them know that you want them to support H.R. 140 and end the rape and pillage of the American way by illegal aliens.
====================================================
Alert! CLEAR Act introduced in new Congressional session!
CLICK HERE to learn more and to take action!
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.140
To amend section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify those classes of individuals born in the United States who are nationals and citizens of the United States at birth. Introduced January 5th, 2011 and Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsored by: Rep. Steve King [R-IA5] with 45 Republican Co-sponsors.
BACKGROUND: H.R. 140 would change federal law (not the constitution) and end the practice of giving away U.S. citizenship to the children of illegal aliens and tourists. "Birthright citizenship is a major anchor for illegal workers already here who are led to feel that their birthright citizen children may give them a claim to remain. Note that one of the loudest arguments for giving illegal workers permanent work permits is that it would be wrong to make them go back home if they have U.S. citizen children," argues a USA Today guest op-ed.
The op-ed is absolutely true. Many pro-illegal alien, anti-American worker firebrands argue that illegal aliens with U.S.-born children cannot be deported because it would be unfair to separate the family. However, this argument ignores the fact that illegal aliens are gaming the system by exploiting the current birthright citizenship provision in federal law and counting on their offspring being born in the U.S. to keep them from being deported.
The Congress must remove the onus of deporting illegal aliens with U.S.-born children by preventing these children from becoming U.S citizens. Every day this practice is allowed to continue is another day that illegal aliens have a major incentive of immigrating illegally. The above information was taken from a fax sent from the www.numbersusa.com website.
ACTION: E-mail your U.S. representative and let them know that you want them to support H.R. 140 and end the rape and pillage of the American way by illegal aliens.
====================================================
Alert! CLEAR Act introduced in new Congressional session!
CLICK HERE to learn more and to take action!
The CLEAR Act of 2011 would assist local governments and officers in removing criminal illegal immigrants. HR 100, the Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal Act by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), states that local and state officers have the "inherent authority" to assist in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.
The legislation would also discontinue certain reimbursement funds to states that have "sanctuary" laws prohibiting such law enforcement assistance, and it would provide funds to localities for training and equipment.
