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Healthcare
Increased funding for federal HIV/AIDS programs. Congressman Forbes voted for S. 1793, which continues HIV/AIDS treatment programs. There are more than 50,000 new cases of HIV infection in the United States each year. The bill would strengthen care for those living with HIV/AIDS by increasing resources by five percent, or about $2.5 billion annually, for emergency relief, comprehensive care and early intervention programs. Promoted the awareness of inflammatory skin disease. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H. Res. 656, to support the goals and ideals of National Inflammatory Skin Disease Awareness Month. One in three people in the United States suffer from inflammatory skin disease at any given time, which can often lead to serious illness or infection if not detected early. Housing
Supported fairness in home appraisals. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 3044 to postpone implementation of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) for 18 months. The HVCC is a series of new regulations required by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which significantly disadvantages independent appraisal companies and in-house appraisal companies by forcing them to partner with Appraisal Management Companies whose employees can lack local knowledge necessary for accurate appraisals. The HVCC was intended to combat inflated home appraisals by creating professional distance between mortgage lenders and home appraisers. Unfortunately, the implementation of the HVCC significantly disadvantages many appraisers who have not been accused of any wrongdoing. H.R. 3044 would suspended the HVCC until a more equitable solution can be reached. Economy
Supported reasonable small business flexibility with identity theft regulations. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R. 3763 to provide more flexibility for healthcare providers, accounting practices, and legal practices that have less than 20 employees regarding Federal Trade Commission rules that require financial businesses to implement written identity theft prevention programs. The current federal regulations force small businesses to comply with burdensome regulations that significantly increase their expenses. Judiciary
Protected States’ rights to regulate insurance. Congressman Forbes voted against H.R. 3596 in a House Judiciary Committee mark-up. The bill provided an unnecessary layer of federal oversight on illegal conduct that is already being successfully regulated by States. Protected the rights of institutionalized patients. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 1255, to protect the interests of residents of intermediate care facilities for the mentally challenged in class action lawsuits.
Education
Encouraged literacy among teenagers. Congressman Forbes voted for H. Res. 836 to support the goals and ideals of Teen Read Week. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reports that over the last 20 years there have been only modest gains in reading achievement in the United States. Teen Read Week encourages reading programs for teens in schools, public libraries, and bookstores. Recognized the contributions of school principals. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res. 811 to designate October 2009 as National Principals Month. Called for the removal of School Safety Czar Kevin Jennings. Congressman Forbes sent a letter to President Obama expressing his concerns with the appointment of Kevin Jennings as Assistant Deputy Secretary for the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. There is growing concern that Mr. Jennings lacks the appropriate qualifications and ethical standards to serve in this important position. Transportation
Enhanced the safety of handicapped pedestrians. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 734, which would study the best way of alerting blind persons and other pedestrians as a result of quiet hybrid and electric vehicle traffic. Arts & Humanities
Supported the arts and humanities. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 1126, which would allow individuals who create artistic works to deduct the fair market value of their work if they donate it to certain tax-exempt organizations. Defense
Honored USS NEW YORK and the legacy associated with the ship. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.Res. 856 commending the ship on her entry into active service. USS NEW YORK’s hull is forged with steel from the World Trade Center. The ship sponsor is Dotty England, wife of former Deputy Secretary of Defense, Gordon England. Science & Technology
Supported the importance of computer science. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res. 558 to establish National Computer Science Week, December 7-11, 2009, to encourage educators and policymakers to improve education and participation in computer science. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs requiring science, engineering or technical training will increase 24 percent between 2004 and 2014 to 6.3 million. However, the United States share of the world's science and engineering doctorates is predicted to fall to 15 percent by next year. Supported Cyber Security Awareness Month. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res. 797 which declares the House of Representatives intention to enhance the state of cyber security in the United States. |
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About Washington Update
Washington Update serves as a resource to the constituents of the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia on the work of Congressman Forbes. It is published weekly while Congress is in session. Hyperlinks to bill information are provided if the information disseminated by the House of Representatives is available at the time of distribution. As always, Congressman Forbes welcomes your comments. To share your thoughts on legislation, votes or issues, please visit http://randyforbes.house.gov to send an e-mail or call any of Congressman Forbes' three district offices. Home | Contact | Forward to a Friend | Unsubscribe | Subscribe | Privacy | Office Locations Please do not reply to this message. This email address does not accept incoming messages. To send an email, click here. |