Congress Passes Compromises on Terrorist Surveillance, Appropriations
During the month of June, the full United States House of Representatives passed two compromise measures. The first would help ensure intelligence agencies have the tools they need to monitor the communications of terrorists located outside the country. The second would provide much-needed funding for U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as expand “GI Bill” education benefits for veterans.
The aforementioned terrorist surveillance bill (H.R. 6304) restored authority previously given to intelligence agencies to quickly and easily monitor overseas terrorist communications. This authority had lapsed in February 2008 (see the March 2008 E-Newsletter) due to a disagreement over whether telecommunications companies that began cooperating with the terrorist surveillance program after September 11, 2001 should be subject to lawsuits. The compromise bill provides immunity from lawsuits so long as a telecommunications company relied on the assurances of the federal government that the terrorist surveillance program was legal. Supporters of this immunity provision argued that it was necessary to ensure future cooperation with the terrorist surveillance program.
Consideration of the troop funding bill (H.R. 2642) had unfortunately been delayed for months. The final, bipartisan compromise included a significant expansion in veterans’ education benefits. Specifically, under H.R. 2642, veterans who have served since September 11, 2001 — including members of the National Guard and Reserves — would qualify for educational assistance up to the highest tuition rate of a public college or university in their state. Qualifying veterans would also receive a stipend for books and other education costs. Benefits could be transferred to a spouse or dependent. Other provisions in H.R. 2642 included emergency funds to assist with flooding in the Midwest and an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits for qualifying workers.
Congressman Platts voted in favor of both H.R. 6304 and H.R. 2642. The first bill passed by a margin of 293-129, and the second bill by a margin of 266-155. Both bills are now pending in the Senate.
Discharge Petition Begins for Energy Bills
A number of Members of the United States House of Representatives—including Rep. Todd Platts—have joined in an effort to force consideration of several energy bills currently stuck in committee. These bills include the No More Excuses Energy Act (H.R. 3089), which would allow environmentally-responsible energy exploration within the United States and its territorial waters, and legislation to expedite the construction of more domestic oil refineries (H.R. 2279).
The House Members are attempting to obtain a floor vote on these bills by means of a so-called “discharge petition.” If 218 Members sign a discharge petition, a committee must send the bill to the floor for consideration by the full House. So far, over 140 Members have signed both petitions. This follows Congressman Platts’ previous efforts to increase fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks (see the January 2008 E-Newsletter) and to promote the use of alternative energy.
Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
Platts Legislation to Promote Early-Childhood Development Passes the House Education and Labor Committee
On June 18, 2008, the House Education and Labor Committee approved the Education Begins at Home Act (EBAH), bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Congressmen Danny Davis (IL-7) and Todd Platts (PA-19) that authorizes state grants for the establishment or expansion of early childhood home visitation programs.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/EBAH.shtml)
Please do not attempt to reply to this message, as it is an unattended mailbox. If you wish to contact me about an issue addressed in this newsletter, or would like more information on what is happening in Congress, please visit my Web site at www.house.gov/platts for more information.
To unsubscribe to this newsletter, please visit my Web site and click the "E-Newsletter" link and follow the instructions.