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Judiciary Eminent Domain I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 3135, Private Property Rights Protection Act, authored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI). H.R. 3135 prohibits the use of federal funds for any projects in which states and localities use eminent domain for economic development purposes. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce the eminent domain power over that project. Also prohibits the federal government from using economic development as a reason for exercising its power of eminent domain.” I also voted in favor of H.Res. 340, which expressed the House of Representatives' strong disapproval of the majority opinion. The resolution also indicates the House of Representatives' agreement with the dissenting opinion authored by retiring Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. H.Res. 340 was passed by the House by a vote of 365-33 on June 30, 2005. Federal Judges Two of the most fundamental constitutional principals upon which our government is built are the separation of powers between the three branches of government and the system of checks and balances that prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The legislative branch check established by the U.S. Constitution over the judicial branch is the "advice and consent" requirement. According to the U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court justices, court of appeals judges, and district court judges are appointed to the bench for a life term. For that reason, and to prevent the appointment of unqualified individuals, the founding fathers included a clause in the Constitution requiring the “advice and consent” of the Senate for federal judicial nominees. The 109th Congress will likely have the opportunity to confirm a number of federal judges. I will continue to support President Bush’s judicial nominees and will urge my Senate colleagues to confirm judges that will abide by these strict constitutionalist values. This Congress has recently confirmed two justices to the Supreme Court, including Chief Justice John G. Roberts and Associate Justice Samuel A. Alito. Chief Justice Roberts was confirmed on September 29, 2005, by a vote of 78-22. Justice Alito was confirmed on January 31, 2006, but a vote of 58-42. Litigation Reform I believe it is extremely important for individuals to have a legal recourse to address injuries; however, our current system is rampant with abuse. As a result of this abuse, American consumers must pay higher prices for goods and services, including medical services, and receive diminished returns on retirement plans. This abuse has many negative effects, including diminished economic growth and more limited access to critical health care. I will support legislation that will curb this abuse while protecting the rights of American citizens to seek reasonable redress for their injuries. Identity Theft In an effort to reduce the burdens of identity theft on businesses and consumers, the 108th Congress passed legislation that will help deter identity theft, by strengthening penalties for those who steal identities and will help prevent identity theft, by allowing consumers to gain one free credit report per year from each of the credit reporting agencies. This will allow consumers to monitor their financial records to ensure their accuracy. I will continue to closely monitor this important issue. USA Patriot Act As you may know, H.R. 3199, The USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005, was introduced by Judiciary Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-Wisconsin) on July 11, 2005. Prior to the introduction of H.R. 3199, the House Judiciary Committee held 12 bipartisan hearings to review issues related to reauthorization of the Patriot Act. H.R. 3199 permanently reauthorizes many of the expiring provisions in the Patriot Act. After several extensions, H.R. 3199 was signed into law on March 9, 2006 (P.L. 109-177). The Patriot Act allows law enforcement to use many of the same tools that have been used to fight organized crime and drug dealers to fight terrorists. Specifically, the Patriot Act allows law enforcement to conduct surveillance against more crimes of terror, such as the use of chemical weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, allows Federal agents to follow sophisticated terrorists trained to evade detection, and allows law enforcement to conduct investigations without tipping off terrorists. I voted in favor of H.R. 3199 because I believe this law is effectively thwarting terrorism as it protects our civil rights. I will continue to review and evaluate it as it is implemented. For more information, please visit the following websites: U.S. Department of Justice Related Documents:
Floor Statements
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Floor Remarks on the Dr. DeBakey Congressional Gold Medal
10.2.2007
Related Files:
Alan Nathan: State of the Union
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