Weeks of June 25-29 and July 9-13

Defense

Ensured the readiness of our Navy.  Congressman Forbes met with the President of the Navy’s Board of Inspection & Survey (INSURV), Rear Admiral Robert O. Wray, Jr., to discuss matters of Navy readiness and to gain a greater understanding of the INSURV process. INSURV was established by Congress 130 years ago to thoroughly inspect our Navy ships and to report on their readiness. 

Discussed the importance of aircraft carriers.  Congressman Forbes authored an OpEd for the prominent naval discussion blog, Information Dissemination, underscoring the critical capability nuclear-power aircraft carriers provide the nation, and offered his thoughts on the future of the carrier's strike mission. The OpEd is available in its entirety here.

Provided long term guidance on America’s security commitment to the Asia-Pacific. Congressman Forbes was the keynote speaker for a panel discussion hosted by the Heritage Foundation entitled, “Resourcing America’s Long-Term Security Commitment to the Asia-Pacific.” At this event, Congressman Forbes highlighted the bi-partisan nature of the need for an effective Asia-Pacific strategy but emphasized his concern that the size of the U.S. Navy continues to decline even while the global demand for naval forces has increased. The event in its entirety can be found here.

Questioned the Air Force on proposed force structure reductions.  Congressman Forbes chaired a House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee hearing on Air Force Aircraft Force Structure Reductions.  Chairman Forbes and Members of the subcommittee questioned two panels regarding this year’s Air Force budget request that proposed significant reductions in the service’s aircraft inventory.  Congressman Forbes stressed his disagreement with the short-sighted, budget-driven decisions by Air Force and Defense Department leadership which ultimately resulted in these proposed force structure cuts. 

Recognized significant career milestone for leadership at Ft. Lee.  Congressman Forbes submitted a statement for the Congressional Record recognizing the outstanding achievements of Brigadier General Gwen Bingham. BG Bingham was recently selected as the first woman ever to take command of the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The White Sands Missile Range encompasses nearly 3,200 square miles and is the largest military installation in the United States, used by the Army, Navy, Air Force, NASA, and other government agencies and private enterprises for research, development, and training.  BG Bingham currently serves as Quartermaster General and Commandant of the U.S. Army Quartermaster School at Fort Lee where she has been assigned since November 2010. She is also the first woman ever to hold this position, where she is responsible for overseeing the training of more than 20,000 military students annually. In his statement Congressman Forbes said, “This milestone marks yet another impressive achievement in an already distinguished 31-year career for BG Bingham. It is a testament to her professionalism, character, and selfless sacrifice to her country." 

Called on Department of Defense to explain removal of branch emblems from military-themed Bibles. Congressman Forbes joined 22 Members of Congress in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta expressing concern over the recent removal of branch emblems from military-themed Bibles. In 2003, Holman Bible Publishers obtained permission from each branch of the military to use their official emblems on the Bibles. The “Soldier’s Bible,” “Sailor’s Bible,” “Marine’s Bible,” and “Airman’s Bible” displayed the official emblems, and in addition to the Biblical text, contained items such as patriotic quotes and historic prayers. 

Addressed Supreme Court stolen valor ruling.  The Stolen Valor Act makes it a crime to falsely claim receipt of mili­tary decorations or medals and provides an enhanced penalty if the Congressional Medal of Honor is involved.  On June 28th, the Supreme Court ruled (United States v. Alvarez) that the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 was unconstitutional, declaring the law was in violation of the First Amendment. In light of the decision, Congressman Forbes co-sponsored H.R 1775, the Stolen Valor Act, which seeks to address the constitutional shortcomings in the original law identified by the Supreme Court and sanctions those who misrepresent their military service with the intention of personal financial gain or obtaining anything of value.

Honored Korean War veterans. Congressman Forbes co-sponsored H. Res. 618, a bipartisan resolution expressing Congressional support for designation of 2012-2013 as the “Year of the Korean War Veteran” and recognizing the 60^th anniversary of the Korean War. This resolution will enhance efforts to spearhead this year’s national commemoration of veterans who served in what is often known as the “Forgotten War.”

Supported veterans' transition into civilian workforce. Congressman Forbes supported the Veterans Skills to Jobs Act, H.R. 4155, which directs the head of each federal department and agency to consider—and possibly accept—any relevant training that members of the armed forces have received that could satisfy training or certification requirements for federal licenses. Each year, approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition to the civilian workforce. Under current law, the training and certification requirements for the federal licensing process do not take into account many of the skills obtained in the military. As a result, veterans are often required to go through redundant training for jobs they are already qualified for. The bill aims to streamline the federal certification process, making it easier for veterans to utilize the skills they acquired in the military to find work at home. The bill passed the House by a vote of 369-0 and passed the Senate by unanimous consent.

Called for a report on effect of sequestration.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored the Sequestration Transparency Act, H.R.5872, to require the President to submit a report to Congress that includes an estimate of the sequestration percentages and amounts necessary to achieve the required reduction for each spending category on an account level. The bill will also require the report to include additional data or explanations that would enhance public understanding of the looming sequester and actions to be taken under it.

Held the Attorney General in contempt.  Congressman Forbes supported two resolutions recommending that the House of Representatives find Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice, in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with a subpoena by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The criminal contempt resolution, H.Res.711, authorizes a criminal referral to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. The civil contempt resolution, H.Res.706, allows the Oversight and Government Reform to seek a civil enforcement action to force compliance with the subpoena, in the event that the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia does not move forward.  Both resolutions passed the House by votes of 255-67-1 and 258-95-5, respectively.

Supported efforts to combat child exploitation.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored and supported the Child Protection Act, H.R.6063, during a Judiciary Committee markup. This bill ensures tough penalties for those who victimize the youngest and most vulnerable of our society by increasing the maximum penalty from 10 to 20 years for offenses involving prepubescent minors or minors under the age of 12. The bill provides federal courts with the means to control intimidation of children through effective protection orders, and a new felony penalty for violation of such orders will strengthen the deterrent effect of a restraining order and prevent intimidation. Finally, this bill reauthorizes the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforces and removes the cap on funding for training for ICAC's. This bill passed the Judiciary Committee by voice vote.

Called for increased penalties for tampering with medication. Congressman Forbes supported the Strengthening and Focusing Enforcement to Deter Organized Stealing and Enhance Safety Act (SAFE Doses Act), H.R.4223, which increases criminal penalties for medical product cargo theft – a crime that is posing significant health risks to patients who are unaware that their medicines have been stolen and improperly cared for before being sold back into the legitimate supply chain.  This bill passed the House by voice vote.

Recognized sacrifice of those killed or injured in line of duty. Congressman Forbes supported the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvements Act, H.R. 4018, making changes to the Public Safety Officers' Benefits program, which provides for the payment of benefits to certain survivors of public safety officers who are killed or permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty. The legislation expands coverage for some non-profit personnel serving the public such as members of rescue squads or ambulance crews who suffer fatal or catastrophic injury as a result of their official duties. This bill passed the House by voice vote.

Homeland Security

Demanded analysis of gaps in the security of our ports.  Congressman Forbes supported the Gauging American Port Security Act, H.R. 4005, which requires the Department of Homeland Security to submit to Congress a classified report on gaps in our nation’s port security and to develop a plan to address them.  This bill passed by a vote of 411-9.

Joined the Congressional Ports Caucus.  Congressman Forbes joined the Congressional Ports Caucus, a group of nearly 65 bipartisan Members of Congress, working to promote the importance of ports to the nation’s economy and the need to secure them by encouraging dialogue and coordination between Congress, the Administration and federal agencies. Our nation’s ports are a critical component of economic growth, job creation and opportunity. The United States is served by more than 350 commercial sea and river ports that support 3,200 cargo and passenger handling facilities. 

Supported securing our ports.  Congressman Forbes supported the Securing Maritime Activities through Risk-based Targeting for Port Security Act, H.R. 4251, which requires the Department of Homeland Security to work with multiple agencies to ensure that Department assets and practices are being used as effectively as possible to enhance port security, combat terrorism, and prevent supply chain security breaches.  This bill passed by a vote of 402-21.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Authorized critical infrastructure programs to protect jobs and ensure certainty.  Congressman Forbes supported the conference report to the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act, H.R. 4348, which authorizes critical infrastructure programs for 2 years and 3 months, bringing much needed certainty to an industry that creates jobs across the country. This Highway Bill will ensure the transportation projects that our communities depend on will not be bogged down in unnecessary and duplicative federal government bureaucracy. This bill passed by a vote of 373-52.

Supported responsible funding of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development programs.  Congressman Forbes supported passage of H.R. 5972, a bill to fund Transportation, Housing and Urban Development government programs for the Fiscal Year 2013. This bill reduced spending by $4 billion below last year’s level and $2 billion below the Administration’s budget request, while ensuring the continuance of transportation and housing programs that ensure safe highways, mass transit, and housing for the elderly and veterans. This bill passed by a vote of 261-163.

Foreign Affairs

Opposed U.N. control over the Internet.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored a resolution, H. Con. Res.127, to reject the proposed international takeover of the Internet. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the specialized agency for information and communication technologies at the United Nations. December 2012, the ITU will hold a conference in Dubai to renegotiate a 1988 treaty known as the International Telecommunication Regulations. During the renegotiation process, the jurisdiction and legal authority of the ITU could be expanded, resulting in greater influence over the Internet, specifically in the areas of data privacy and cyber security.

Education

Supported reduced student loan rates.  Congressman Forbes supported an extension of the current rate of 3.4% for new subsidized Stafford loans for undergraduate students for one-year, through July 1, 2013. This extension was included in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act, H.R.4348,  which fully offset the cost of the one-year extension through changes to the method used to determine business contributions to defined-benefit pension plans and increases in the premiums that employers pay for insurance provided by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. This bill passed by a vote of 373-52.  

Family Values

Protected the rights of parents from unnecessary government interference.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored the Parental Rights Amendment, H.J.Res.110,  which would amend the U.S. Constitution to ensure that parents have a fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children. Additionally, the amendment declares that no federal or state government action, including ratification of an international treaty, can infringe upon this right without demonstrating a governmental interest of the highest order.

Supported the freedom of legislative bodies to open meetings with invocation. Congressman Forbes led 12 Members of Congress in submitting an amicus curiae brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in support of voluntary legislative prayer, generally asserting that courts do not have the jurisdiction to delve into the inner workings of a deliberative body’s meetings because of the constitutional separation of powers between the branches of government. In 1983, the Supreme Court acknowledged that “The opening of sessions of legislative and other deliberative public bodies with prayer is deeply embedded in the history and tradition of this country.” 

Defended employers from infringement of their religious beliefs.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored the Religious Freedom Tax Repeal Act, H.R. 6097, which would allow employers to refrain from offering service in their employee health care plans if the services conflict with their religious beliefs or moral convictions. The bill would protect employers from facing taxes, penalties, or enforcement actions for their non-compliance with the mandate issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would force scores of employers to provide health plans that directly violate their religious beliefs.

Natural Resources

Cut red tape to secure minerals critical to U.S. national security.  Congressman Forbes supported the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act, H.R. 4402, which requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to more efficiently develop sources of minerals that are strategic or of critical importance to the U.S. economy and national security. These include “rare-earth” minerals that are used in electronics ranging from cell phones to missile technology. Right now the People’s Republic of China controls over 90% of the world’s rare-earth minerals, leaving the United States and its allies to rely on Chinese exports for critical resources. At a time when millions of Americans are looking for work, the federal government should not delay the mining of these critical minerals that will protect our national security and put Americans to work. This bill passed by a vote of 256-160.

Financial Services

Reduced regulations that have led to frivolous lawsuits. Congressman Forbes supported H.R. 4367, legislation to repeal an ATM machine regulation that has led to an increase in frivolous lawsuits for banks and credit unions.  The Electronic Fund Transfer Act enacted in 1978 required that ATM machines display warnings on both the computer screen and on a sign on the exterior of the machine notifying customers that they may be charged a fee if they are not members of the bank. The law allowed consumers to file a lawsuit if the ATM operator failed to display the warnings. H.R. 4367 removed the part of the regulation that required a sign to be posted on the outside of the machine. The bill was aimed at preventing lawsuit fraud that has increased as people have been ripping the placards off ATMs and then suing the financial institutions. The bill maintains the existing requirement that such warnings appear on the computer screen before the customer is committed to the transaction. The bill passed by a vote of 371-0.