Worked to guarantee pay for our military members.  Congressman Forbes cosponsored the Guarantee Paychecks for America’s Military Families Act, H.R.1551.  This bill would direct the Secretary of the Treasury to continue to make payments to military members and federal civilians working in combat zones in the event the government runs out of money to make all outstanding payments, or if there is a lapse in federal funding. This bill would establish the following payment priorities: (1)  Interest on the debt to prevent a technical default; (2)  Strictly uniformed military members wherever they are serving; and, (3) Military and civilian defense personnel serving in combat zones.  Military men and women should not have to worry about whether or not they will continue to receive their well-deserved paychecks, allowing their families at home to put food on the table.

Strengthened border security and the safety of America's ports.  Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.2017, which fully funds the current border security force of 21,370 border patrol agents (as compared to 12,349 in 2006) while funding border protection fencing and infrastructure improvements by $510 million.  A recent GAO report points out that the U.S. Border Patrol has less than 44 percent of the southwest border under operational control and less than two percent of the northern border under control.  This bill funds air and marine operations to fight illegal immigration and drug trafficking and ensures that our nation’s new and expanded ports of entry will receive new Customs and Border Protection officers for security inspections and enforcement.

Worked to protect first responders.  Congressman Forbes fought to ensure that the funding for Firefighter Assistance Grants is maintained so that our nation’s first responders are provided the support they need in protecting the American people.  Congressman Forbes voted to support an amendment to H.R.2017 that increased funding for these grants by $320 million and gave the grant recipients the authority to re-hire first responders who have been laid off.  In so doing, Congressman Forbes stood up for our nation’s first responders to provide the support they need in protecting the American people.  Congressman Forbes also supported an amendment that removed a cap on the number of cities that are eligible for funds from the Urban Area Security Initiative.  The removal of this cap does not increase spending, but it does keep all of our nation’s urban areas eligible for federal aid in disaster mitigation planning and first responder training.

Enhanced disaster relief programs. Congressman Forbes also supported critical disaster relief programs in H.R.2017 by increasing Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Relief & Prevention Programs by 47% to $2.7 billion.  This funding will ensure that disaster assistance loans and the National Flood Mitigation Fund are fully funded.  Recent disasters in Virginia and around the country have demonstrated the great need for federal relief in adversely affected states and localities.  This legislation helps ensure that local officials have the resources they need to relieve citizens and rebuild cities and localities.

Invested in needed transportation security improvements.  In voting for H.R.2017, Congressman Forbes helped to make significant investments in our nation’s transportation security.  The bill provides $555 million for explosive detection equipment for screening airport baggage, $121 million for inspections of air cargo, and increases funding for federal air marshal programs.  Additionally, this bill substantially increases funding for surface transportation security, including $91 million for rail security inspectors.

Improved the appeals process at the Veterans Administration.  Congressman Forbes supported a bill, H.R.1484, that would improve the Veterans Administration's appeals process by requiring that appeals evidence be submitted directly to the national board rather than a regional office.  The bill would also establish a commission to conduct an evaluation and make decisions to improve the administration of the appeals process.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 419-1.

Recognized businesses that support veterans.  Congressman Forbes supported a bill, H.R.802, which would establish an annual award program to recognize businesses for their contributions and commitment to veterans’ employment. 
This bill passed the House by a vote of 408-11.

Promoted innovation in child welfare programs.  Congressman Forbes supported H.R.1194, a bill to Renew Authority for State Child Welfare Demonstration Programs.  This legislation authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to approve projects designed to test innovative strategies in state child welfare programs.  The purpose of this bill is to promote programs that reduce barriers and delays to adoptive placements, as well as to provide early intervention and crisis intervention services.  By allowing innovation in the child welfare system, Congressman Forbes believes the United States can promote more efficient and effective methods to protect our children and improve their futures.
This bill passed the House by voice vote.

Removed financial incentives for frivolous lawsuits targeting public expressions of religion. Congressman Forbes cosponsored the Public Expression of Religion Act, H.R.2023, which prohibits activist groups that target public expressions of religion from recovering legal fees when they successfully sue localities for violating the Establishment Clause. Currently, many state and local governments are coerced into settling these lawsuits, even if their public expressions of religion are constitutional.  This is due to the fear that if they lose at any stage in the case, they will have to pay their opponents’ legal fees. The bill would modify the law so that each side pays its own attorney fees, removing the monetary incentive that activist groups have in bringing these types of cases, and reducing the likelihood that localities will halt constitutionally permissible activity because of intimidation.