Opposed raising the debt ceiling. Congressman Forbes cosponsored a resolution of disapproval, H.J.Res.77, regarding an increase in the debt ceiling. The Budget Control Act called for a reduction of spending of $917 billion over 10 years, which would allow the President to immediately seek a $900 billion increase to the debt limit. Under the bill, $400 billion of that increase occurred with passage of the bill in August, but the other $500 billion remains subject to a congressional resolution of disapproval. 

Supported transparency in "supercommittee" negotiations. Congressman Forbes cosponsored a bill, H.R. 2796, to guarantee that all of the supercommittee’s work sessions will be open to the general public and the press in order to enhance transparency and accountability.  The supercommittee was created under the Budget Control Act that was signed into law in August.  This committee is comprised of 12 Members - 3 Senate Republicans, 3 Senate Democrats, 3 House Republicans, and 3 House Democrats - and is tasked with finding at least $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction over ten years. 

Discussed the future of the U.S. military with former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs.  Congressman Forbes participated in a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee to discuss the future of national defense and the U.S. military.  Witnesses included General Richard Myers, U.S. Air Force (ret.) and General Peter Pace, U.S. Marine Corps (ret.), both former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  The third witness was Admiral Edmund Giambastiani, Jr., U.S. Navy (ret.), a former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  All three of these distinguished military veterans emphasized that the world is an increasingly dangerous place and that U.S. leadership is vital in preventing conflict and maintaining stability.  They also stressed that a consistent and cohesive national defense strategy is necessary to provide the military with a clear mission.  In his questions, Congressman Forbes emphasized that while the United States military has not been given a clear national security strategy to follow and faces ever-increasing budget cuts, China has recognized that a strong economy is closely linked to a strong military and therefore, has diligently grown and modernized its military forces.  He also questioned whether the future of national defense would be decided by bureaucrats with budget spreadsheets or the Generals and Admirals who have served our nation for the last few decades.  A video of Congressman Forbes' questions is available here.

Questioned the Administration on the delayed release of the China Power Report. Congressman Forbes sent letters to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and National Security Advisor Thomas Donillon, requesting for a second time this year that the Department of Defense release the Annual Report to Congress on the Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China. The letter highlights the fact that the annual report provides vital information to Congress on China's intentions and capabilities as Members of Congress begin the national defense authorization process each spring. It also raises the point that the failure to provide the report by the legal deadline paints the picture that the delay is a direct result of the Administration's diplomatic calendar with Beijing rather than any interagency or analytical challenges. The Department of Defense released the report two days later; 177 days after the March 1^st legal deadline set by Congress. 

Supported a strong national defense. Congressman Forbes spoke at a “Defending Defense” conference on Capitol Hill on the defense budget and current and future challenges confronting the United States military. The event was co-hosted by the Foreign Policy Initiative (FPI), the American Enterprise Institute (AIE), and the Heritage Foundation. He was joined by Congressmen Duncan Hunter and Allen West and Senators Lindsey Graham, Jon Kyl, and Kelly Ayotte.  A video of Congressman Forbes’ remarks is available here.

Supported background checks in the security systems industry. Congressman Forbes cosponsored the Electronic Life Safety and Security Systems Federal Background Check Act, H.R. 1331, to direct the Attorney General to establish a method to permit employers in the fire and burglar alarms installation and monitoring industry, to access criminal history records and other information to conduct background checks of existing and prospective employees.  Allowing professional installers of fire and security alarm systems to access this information will help keep their customers safe and ensure potential employees have no relevant criminal record. 

Called on Supreme Court to hear Arizona's appeal to uphold its immigration law. Congressman Forbes joined 58 other Members of Congress and the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) in urging the Supreme Court to hear a case involving the Administration's challenge to several key provisions of Arizona's law targeting illegal immigration. In an amicus curiae brief, or "friend of the court" brief supporting Arizona's Petition for a Writ of Certiorari, Congressman Forbes urged the high court to reverse the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and contended that Arizona's S.B.1070 is constitutional because it mirrors federal immigration law and incorporates federal standards.  As other states consider similar laws to do the same, it is important that the Supreme Court take this case and put an end to any questions about the validity and constitutionality of the Arizona law.  A copy of the brief is available here.

Petitioned the President to enforce our immigration laws.  Congressman Forbes joined 73 other members of the bipartisan Immigration Reform Caucus in sending the President a letter to voice opposition to a recent announcement by the Department of Homeland Security of a change in policy to bypass Congress and use prosecutorial discretion to achieve amnesty for individuals who are illegally residing in the U.S.  The manner with which the Administration has introduced this policy not only robs the public of a thorough vetting, but it also fails to appreciate the negative consequences of this policy shift.  A copy of the letter is available here.

Protecting Virginia’s Farmers from discriminatory trade policies.  Congressman Forbes joined several members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation in urging U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk not to exclude tobacco and tobacco products from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.  Tobacco is the fifth largest exported agricultural product from Virginia, and the Commonwealth is the fourth largest tobacco exporter in the country.  Congressman Forbes remains dedicated to supporting Virginia’s farmers who provide important jobs throughout the Commonwealth.  A copy of the letter is available here.