H.R. 1728 - Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act – I supported this bill because it prohibits many of the mortgage lending practices that marked the subprime lending boom. This bill seeks to curb abusive and predatory lending by requiring the licensing and registration of all mortgage lenders and by requiring that lenders establish that borrowers have a “reasonable ability” make payments both during any discount introductory period and after their rates rise to market levels. This bill includes language requiring refinanced loans to have a "net tangible benefit" for borrowers, and it applies legal liability to others who assume ownership of a mortgage, typically known as assignees. CBO estimates that H.R. 1728, as reported from the Financial Services Committee, would authorize appropriations of $419 million over the FY2009-FY2014 period. The bill would also increase mandatory spending by $13 million over five years. Lastly, the bill would increase revenues by $13 million over five years. YES – The bill passed 300-114.

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H.R. 1913 - Hate Crimes Legislation - I voted against this bill because to me, all violent crimes are, in effect, hate crimes. This legislation amends the federal criminal code to punish those who commit crimes based on the victim's actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. While I agree that crimes engendered by racism and bigotry are detestable, I remain opposed to hate crimes legislation. As a practicing attorney, I simply cannot support any effort that would classify crimes against one class of individuals as more important or more egregious than those against another class.

H.Res. 273 - Recognizing the 188th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy - This resolution costs nothing and extends best wishes to the people of Greece on the 188th anniversary of Greek independence. It expresses support for Greek democracy and notes the political importance of Greece in Europe. YES – The resolution passed unanimously.

S. 383 - Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program Act – This bill expands the authority of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) Special Inspector General (SIG) that was established to oversee how TARP funds are spent. It would allow the SIG to conduct, supervise, and coordinate audits and investigations on TARP. The legislation would also grant the SIG with authority to hire up to 25 retired inspectors general as auditors. S. 383 has no budgetary impact. YES –The bill passed unanimously.

H.Res. 240 (YES)  - To support the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day:  This bill acknowledges the diligent efforts of individuals and groups who promote the importance of social work and who are observing Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day.

H.Res. 210 (YES) - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that providing breakfast in schools through the National School Breakfast Program has a positive impact on classroom performance.  This bill recognizes the importance of the National School Breakfast Program and its overall positive effect on the lives of low-income children and families, as well as its effect on helping to improve a child's overall classroom performance. 

H.R. 146 (YES) - Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Protection Act.  The American Battlefield Protection Act of 1996 (Battlefield Act) was enacted to protect and preserve battlefields and sites associated with historic battles fought on American soil that influenced the course of American history.  I voted in favor of this bill, which would provide financial assistance to state or local governments to purchase land that has been identified by the National Park Service (NPS) as eligible for protection through the American Battlefield Protection Program but is not contained within the boundaries of a unit of the National Park System.  This bill authorizes $42 million.  

H.R. 44 (NO) - Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act.  On December 10, 1941, the U.S. territory of Guam fell to the Japanese, becoming the first American territory lost in World War II. According to the Department of Interior, in the months that followed, some 10,000 to 15,000 residents of Guam were forced to march to concentration camps in the central and southern jungles. Men, women, and children over the age of 12 were forced to build airfields, military installations, and bunkers. These were tragic circumstances suffered at the hands of the Japanese.  I voted against this bill because it authorizes $126 million in reparations to family members of residents of Guam who experienced suffering at the hands of our enemy in WWII, Japan, and not because of a policy or action of the United States Government.  

H.Res. 154 (YES) - Honoring John Dingell for holding the record as the longest serving Member of the House of Representatives: This bill recognizes the Honorable John D. Dingell for his tireless advocacy on behalf of his constituents in the State of Michigan in the past, present, and future and honors the Honorable John D. Dingell for his lifelong commitment to public service. 

H.Res. 82 (YES) - Raising Awareness and Encouraging Prevention of Stalking by Establishing January 2009 as National Stalking Awareness Month:  In a 1-year period, an estimated 3,400,000 people in America reported being stalked; National Stalking Awareness Month provides an opportunity to educate the people of the United States about stalking; does not authorize expenditures.