House Completes June Session, Passes Line-Item Veto and Off-Shore Energy Legislation
During the month of June, the House of Representatives passed a number of significant measures, including a line-item veto bill (H.R. 4890) and legislation allowing more off-shore energy exploration (H.R. 4761). Congressman Platts voted for both of these measures.
Under H.R. 4890, the President would be allowed to force Congress to vote individually on certain individual provisions contained within larger appropriations or tax bills. Specifically, within 45 days of a bill being enacted into law, the President could propose the rescission of any dollar amount contained in the bill for a specific appropriation or targeted tax benefit. Congress would either have to approve or reject the proposed rescissions within twelve legislative days. Similar "line-item veto" authority is currently provided to 43 state governors, including the governor of Pennsylvania. Supporters of the line-item veto argue that it will reduce the current bias in the budget process in favor of special interests, and that the mere authority to veto line items in a bill is a deterrent to wasteful spending. H.R. 4890 passed by a vote of 247 to 172 and is now pending in the Senate.
Under H.R. 4761, the current across-the-board moratorium on additional off-shore energy exploration would be replaced with a more balanced, flexible process. Specifically, the moratorium would continue for 50 miles off the coastline, unless a nearby coastal state acts with the passage of legislation authorizing natural gas or oil activities within that area. The moratorium would be lifted from 50 to 100 miles off the coastline, unless a nearby coastal state acts with the passage of legislation to continue the ban within that area. The moratorium would be lifted altogether for natural gas and oil activities more than 100 miles off the coastline. No leases for natural gas or oil exploration activities could be signed without a study to determine the impact of the proposed activities on the environment. Supporters of H.R. 4761 argued that it adequately protects the interests of coastal states while helping to increase energy independence. H.R. 4761 passed by a vote of 232-187 and is now also pending in the Senate.
Other matters considered by the House during the June session include a bill aimed at increasing competition in cable television and expanding access to broadband, a mine safety bill, and passage of most of the remaining ten annual appropriations measures which fund the federal government. More information on some of these measures can be found below in "The Month in Review."
Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
Congressman Platts Votes Against Congressional Pay Raise
On June 13, 2006, Congressman Platts voted against a 2% cost-of-living increase for Members of Congress.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/nopayraise.html)
In Support of the Mission in Iraq and Afghanistan
On June 16, 2006, the United States House of Representatives voted 256-153 to adopt a resolution (H. Res. 861) honoring all Americans who have served in the War on Terror, declaring that it is not in the interests of the United States to set an arbitrary date for withdrawal from Iraq, and calling upon the nations of the world to promote global peace and security by standing with the United States and other Coalition partners in supporting the efforts of the Iraqi and Afghan people to live in freedom. Congressman Platts voted in favor of the resolution. A copy of his remarks on the House floor can be found on the web site.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/pa19_platts/support.html)
Improving Protections for Whistleblowers
On June 28, 2006, the House Committee on Government Reform, on which Congressman Platts serves, held a hearing regarding a recent Supreme Court decision finding "whistleblowing" is not a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment. Congressman Platts' statement before the Committee is posted on the web site.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/pa19_platts/whistle.html)
Trade Adjustment Assistance Seminar
Congressman Platts recently hosted a Trade Adjustment Assistance Seminar for manufacturers throughout the 19th District of Pennsylvania.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/taa.html)
The Month in Review
The following is a list of some key votes taken by the United States House of Representatives during the month of June of 2006:
Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act (H.R. 5252)
The House voted 321-101 to pass legislation creating a process to allow for national franchises of cable television and broadband services. National franchises would still be subject to certain local and state requirements, but the proposed uniform, nation-wide system would make it easier for new competition to enter local cable and broadband markets. The bill would also codify the current requirement that Internet service providers not deny customers access to any legal web site. Congressman Platts voted in favor of this legislation.
Mine Safety Legislation (S. 2803)
The House voted 381-37 to pass legislation that requires mines to regularly update emergency response plans and guarantee that at least two certified rescue teams are always ready to reach a mine within an hour. S. 2803 would also increase penalties for violations of mine safety regulations. Congressman Platts voted in favor of this legislation, and the President signed the measure into law on June 15, 2006.
Oil Subsidies (H. Amdt. 1005)
The House voted 228-178 to reject an amendment to the Foreign Operations appropriations bill ending Ex-Im Bank loan subsidies for the oil industry. Critics denounced the subsidies as corporate welfare. Congressman Platts voted in favor of the amendment and therefore in favor of ending the subsidies.
School Background Checks (H.R. 4894)
The House voted 415-1 to pass legislation requiring the Department of Justice, if requested by state officials, to conduct background checks within national crime databases for any candidates for employment within schools or agencies that work with children. Congressman Platts voted in favor of this legislation.
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.