-- Randy's Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

April 30, 2012

Labor Department Withdraws Farm Child Labor Rule

Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor withdrew a proposed rule that would have made it illegal for workers under 16 to operate power equipment, work with livestock, or perform other chores that the government deems too dangerous on farms not owned or operated by the worker’s parents. I am glad the Administration came to its senses and withdrew this ridiculous rule. The government should not be involved in every decision made by families on farms and ranches across the country. I will continue to oppose regulations that interfere with those rights in American homes, farms and ranches.

Cyber Security – Protecting Information Online

Last week, the House passed H.R. 3523, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act. We know that foreign hackers, including some foreign governments, specifically the Chinese, North Koreans, and Iranians, are illegally trying to gain access to sensitive information online. It is crucial for our national security that we enhance our cyber networks to prevent these breaches from happening. Contrary to the Obama Administration’s preferred approach of more control and regulation by the federal government, H.R. 3523 would allow private sector entities to defend their own networks and those of their corporate customers, and to share cyber threat information with others in the private sector and the federal government on a voluntary basis. While we must begin making efforts to prevent catastrophic cyber attacks from happening, I will make sure that each piece of legislation I vote for does not infringe on the privacy rights of American citizens.

19th District Events

This week, I look forward to visits in Graham, Albany, Breckenridge, Abilene and Lubbock. Today, I visited with city and county officials in Albany and Breckenridge to discuss issues affecting their respective cities. Tomorrow, I will be in Graham to meet with local school and Chamber of Commerce officials. On Wednesday in Abilene, I will tour the Melvin Martin Center for Children’s Safety. I will also attend the commissioning ceremony for the new air traffic control tower at the Abilene Municipal Airport. I will tour the Dr. Royce Money Wellness Center at Abilene Christian University where I will also attend the National Peace Officer Memorial Day Service. On Friday in Lubbock, I will visit with second grade students at Murfee Elementary School about the importance of being involved in issues that affect our country. I will also have lunch with up and coming Hispanic leaders in Lubbock to discuss issues in the Hispanic community and culture in Texas.