House Votes to Require Redeployment from Iraq

On July 12, the House of Representatives voted 223 to 201 to adopt legislation [H.R. 2956, the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act] to require the Secretary of Defense to begin the redeployment of U.S. combat troops from Iraq within 120 days of enactment, and complete the reduction in U.S. forces by April 1, 2008.  The debate occurred on the same day that the Bush Administration released an interim report on Iraq.  In the report, the Administration conceded that the Iraqi government has failed to meet key benchmarks endorsed by the President in January.

Speaking in support of H.R. 2956, Rep. Levin said, “It has become painfully obvious that the White House is incapable of changing course in Iraq.  The Bush Administration’s talking points about the situation in Iraq change from week to week, but the fundamental strategy remains the same.  The President is determined that our troops will remain in Iraq no matter what.”  President Bush has vowed to veto any legislation that sets a timetable for redeployment of U.S. troops in Iraq. 

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House Approves Largest Investment In College Aid since GI Bill

On July 11, the House vote of 273 to 149 to approve legislation [H.R. 2269, the College Cost Reduction Act] to boost college financial aid by $18 billion over the next five years.  The measure would provide nearly $513 million over 5 years in loans and grant aid for Michigan students and families.  The legislation would be paid for by reducing excessive federal subsidies paid to lenders in the college loan industry by $19 billion. 

Speaking in support of H.R. 2269, Rep. Levin said, “Two thirds of the new jobs created in the next decade will require a college degree.  Improving access to higher education is vital to expanding opportunity for Michigan students and building Michigan’s economic future. This has to be an ongoing priority for the federal government and this legislation is an important step in the right direction.”  The Senate is expected to vote on similar legislation this month.

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Lawmakers Introduce Social Security Number/Identity Theft Protection Bill

On July 16, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act [H.R. 3046].  Recent reports indicate that between ten and 15 million individuals are victims of some form of identity theft every year.  Law enforcement experts have reported that the Social Security number (SSN) is the most valuable piece of information for identity thieves because it unlocks access to other personally identifiable information and is often relied upon by creditors and other businesses to authenticate identity.  The goal of the new legislation is to reduce the ease with which SSNs are obtained by identity thieves by restricting their sale, purchase and display.  Rep. Levin is a cosponsor of the bill.

The Week Ahead

This week, the House of Representatives will continue working on the annual funding bills for fiscal year 2008, which begins on October 1.  The House will debate funding levels for energy and water programs as well as the appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Service and Education.  

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