A bit delayed in getting this out this week, but here we go.....
RECORDED VOTES
This week marked a week of pretty contentious votes on some big issues. The biggest, of course, was the ongoing struggle over the emergency supplemental spending bills. There was also a Homeland Security bill, and a vote on the 2008 budget.
H.RES.387 - Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2237) to provide for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces and defense contractors from Iraq, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2206) making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2207) making supplemental appropriations for agricultural and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes.This is another one of the procedural bills that sets up the debate process for the bills being considered. Congress took the first supplemental spending bill that Bush vetoed, and split it up into three new bills, complete with several changes.
There were 2 votes on this bill: the first on “ordering the previous question”, or to stop debate, and the second on “agreeing to the resolution”. Both votes were
party line, and the resolution was passed. (As usual, Republicans against, and Democrats for passage).
Right after this passed, a
Privileged Motion was made to resolve the house into a secret session. The Motion
FAILED on a nearly
party-line vote (Republicans voting FOR, Democrats voting AGAINST).
This would have essentially blocked the public from seeing or having access to the debate on the bills.H.R.2237 - To provide for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces and defense contractors from Iraq.This bill would require that troops and defense contractors begin to be withdrawn from Iraq within 90 days after the enactment of the bill, and to be completed 180 days after that. It would prohibit any further increases in numbers in Iraq. Some troops would be permitted to stay for security of the embassy or diplomatic missions, to protect American citizens serving as diplomats, to engage in targeted actions of killing or capturing members of Al-Qaeda or other terrorist organizations, and to continue training Iraqi Security Forces. All interests held by the US would be transferred to the Iraqi Government. It would NOT restrict where the redeployed US troops would be transferred, it would not restrict DOD funds being sued to assist or equip the Iraqi Security Forces or multinational forces providing training, or to carry out reconstructive activities at the request of the Iraqi government, and it would not restrict the ability to provide asylum for Iraqi citizens.
On a
motion to recommit to the committee, the motion
FAILED with all but 13 of the Democrats, joined by 2 Republicans, voting against the motion.
Smith voted with his party.The bill then
FAILED to pass on a vote of
171-255-7.FOR: 169 Democrats, 2 Republicans
AGAINST: 59 Democrats, 196 Republicans
NO VOTE: 4 Democrats, 3 Republicans
Smith voted AGAINST the billThis bill was expected to fail passage, but was more of a symbolic vote than anything. The next bill was the one that held the supplement emergency funding.
But before it could be considered, yet another Republican made a
Privileged Motion take the House into a secret session. This motion
FAILED on a party-line vote with Republicans all voting for the secrecy.H.R.2206 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes.Also known as the
U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007, the CRS Summery states:
Makes emergency supplemental FY2007 appropriations for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as specified activities, including international and security-related activities, of the Departments of Defense (Military, including funds for Iraqi and Afghan security forces), of Justice, of Energy, of Homeland Security, of Defense (military construction and base closure), of State (including international peacekeeping operations), related agencies, and the House of Representatives and the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The bill provides humanitarian and reconstruction funds for Iraq and Afghanistan, requires at least annual inspections of military medical treatment facilities, provides ongoing financial aid to the Iraqi government for going after militias and other armed groups, provides funds to educational agencies in areas that are affected by changes in military population, prohibits he use of the funds to redeploy units to Iraq unless the President has certified with the Appropriations Committee that the units are fully mission capable. Sets maximum number of days for redeployment, and authorizes the requirements to all be waived for reasons of national security. Specifically states this does not require a withdrawal of troops to meet 1/10/2007 levels. Prohibit’s the closing of Walter Reed and other facilities, unless or until equivalent facilities have been built and equipped. It sets out benchmarks for the Iraqi’s, in that as they become mission capable, their troops will replace US troops, allowing US troops to withdraw, and it calls for regular reports on proficiency and progress.
Additional items that needed emergency funding remained in the bill. It authorizes the President to aware the Medal of Honor to Woodrow Keeble, who served in the Korean War; sets specific conditions for assistance to Lebanon; provides debt assistance to Liberia; Requires clearance to be given to GAO staff to establish a presence in Iraq for at least 45 days to assess the situation; provide additional hurrican disaster relief; provides funds for setting up a response to an influenza pandemic; further funds the shortfalls in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); adds in Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 and the Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007.
There was only one amendment by the House Rules committee, which was agreed to without objection.
Once again, the Republicans attempted a
motion to recommit to committee, which
failed in a party-line vote.The bill then
PASSED on a vote of
221-205-7.FOR: 219 Democrats, 2 Republicans
AGAINST: 10 Democrats, 195 Republicans
NO VOTE: 3 Democrats, 4 Republicans
Smith, of course, voted AGAINST this bill.The President has, once again, threatened to veto this bill, still finding it too restrictive and not what he wants for funding Iraq. Essentially, he, and people who continue to follow him blindly (like Adrian Smith) want that blank check without conditions. It’s not going to happen, and until they are ready to do some compromising, they will continue to deny the funding the troops need. They have only themselves to blame for not properly funding the troops in the appropriate budget bills in the past. They underestimated the needs.
Before the final bill in the group could be considered, yet another Republican
Priveleged Motion was made to hold a secret session.
House Majority Leader Hoyer moved immediately to table the motion. The vote to table the motion (to not consider it) was voted on, and passed on a party-line vote.
H.R.2207 - Making supplemental appropriations for agricultural and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes.Also known as the
Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act, 2007. This provides funds for the ongoing drought that Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers face.
The Grand Island Independent, in its usual attempt to try and make Smith look good, reported on this bill:
House passes separate agriculture disaster aid bill.
Bush threatens veto, saying assistance is unnecessary; Smith votes for aid billThey quote Smith quite a bit, but fail to report how he voted against this previously because it was attached to the Iraq bill....he put partisan politics before his constituents.
However, Sen. Ben Nelson does speak up and provides insight on what could happen in the Senate:
Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said he doesn't favor splitting emergency agricultural disaster aid from the supplement war spending bill.
"They are both emergency spending," Nelson said. "They may be different in their nature, but they are both for emergency spending."
Nelson said members of Congress, such as himself, have been trying to pass emergency agricultural disaster assistance for several years.
He said state agriculture producers in 2006 suffered losses of $342 million.
Nelson said he doesn't know whether the Senate would support a separate agricultural emergency spending bill.
"If you start picking it apart, some of it will get through and some of it will not," he said.
"We shouldn't have to pick your emergency and it should be handled all together. Farmers and ranchers have waited for years and they shouldn't have to wait any longer."
Another House Rules amendment was offered and accepted without objection.
A motion was made
to recommit to committee. The motion
failed with 221 Democrats and 12 Republicans voting against the motion.
Smith voted FOR it.The bill then
PASSED on a vote of
302-120-10FOR: 222 Democrats, 80 Republicans
AGAINST: 5 Democrats, 115 Republicans
NO VOTE: 4 Democrats, 6 Republicans.
This represented the third time out of 335 votes that Smith voted with the Democrats, whereas a majority of Republicans voted against it. His hand was forced, really, because he knew the state needed it. However, if Sen. Nelson is correct, it could be combined again with the other bills in the Senate. If that happens in Conference, we could yet again see Smith voting for an ongoing war at the expense of his constituents.
H.R.1025 - To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of implementing a water supply and conservation project to improve water supply reliability, increase the capacity of water storage, and improve water management efficiency in the Republican River Basin between Harlan County Lake in Nebraska and Milford Lake in Kansas.Per the CRS Summary:
Lower Republican River Basin Study Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of implementing a water supply and conservation project that will: (1) improve water supply reliability in the Republican River Basin between Harlan County Lake in Nebraska and Milford Lake in Kansas; (2) increase the capacity of water storage through projects that serve areas in the Republican River Basin; and (3) improve water management efficiency in the Republican River Basin and, where appropriate, evaluate integrated water resource management and supply needs in the Republican River Basin. Terminates the Secretary's authority to carry out this Act 10 years after its enactment.
Smith has done his best to try and claim as much credit as possible for this bill, both in the
announcement of the bill, and in the
passage of the bill in the House. But really, his only act has been to put his name on it.
This bill was introduced in the 109th. The sponsor was Tom Osborne, with Rep. Moran as the cosponsor. When you read the text of
H.R.4750, you find that the only change is that Sec. 2(e), a Sunset of Authority, was added. Otherwise it's word for word the same bill Osborne sponsored. So this is another example, just like the CAFO tax bill, where Smith has his name on the bills, but he had no part in writing them. Maybe he should credit Osborne sometime for that work?
The bill
passed with no objections, on a roll call vote of
370-1-61.
H.RES.370 - Providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 21) setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012.Another procedural bill, another Party-line Vote. Smith and his fellow Republicans fighting progress every step of the way……
S.CON.RES.21 - An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012.This is the Senate version of the Budget bill. It passed
212-207-13, nearly party line, with 13 Democrats joining all the Republicans.
They then voted to instruct the Conferees, insisting on adding the House version, and send it back to the Senate to request a conference. The vote passed
364-57-11, with the No votes being all Democrats. All Republicans voted for this motion.
H.RES.382 - Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1684) to authorize appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes.Two votes - both party line. This is getting old………
Smith, however, failed to vote on this one. Like the previous time he didn’t vote, he states on the record:
Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 310 I was absent due to a meeting with constituents. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''
Now we know what his reasoning will be every time he misses a vote. The irony is that the last time he was present to vote on Roll Call No. 220 at 2:15PM, but then failed to vote on Roll Call No. 221 at 2:25PM, just 10 minutes later.
H.R.1684 - To authorize appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes.Also known as the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, it:
- Sets out the appropriations for FY2008; calls for a Comprehensive Homeland Security Review;
- Requires review of Secure Border Initiative contracts worth more than $20 Million;
- Creates new position to provide timely financial information to homeland security committees;
- Requires Customs and Border Protection positions to be treated the same as law enforcement officer positions for retirement purposes; calls for a plan addressing under-representation of minorities;
- Calls for a review of security clearance procedures;
- Creates a new Chief Security Officer position;
- Expands the medical officer’s role and responsibilities;
- Directs the Secretary to establish a National Biosurveillance Integration Center;
- Establishes an Office of Cybersecurity and Telecommunications;
- Supports research, development, testing, evaluation, and transition of cybersecurity technology;
- Calls for a plan to be submitted to Congress to enhance the Directorate for Science and Technology workforce;
- Contracts with the National Research Council to assess DHS's university programs; and - Establishs the Science and Technology Homeland Security International Cooperative Programs Office;
- Call for a comprehensive strategy for the biometric entry and exit data system (US-VISIT), and to complete the exit portion for airports or seaports by December 31, 2008;
- Steps to control costs of hiring, training, and deploying new Border Patrol agents;
- Calls for an assessment of the personnel, infrastructure, and technology required to reduce border crossing wait times to times comparable to prior to September 11, 2001.
- Modifies HSA information sharing provisions, by establishing a State and Local Fusion Center Program to facilitate information sharing;
- Sets up a program of privacy, civil liberties, and civil rights protection training for fusion center employees;
- Expands homeland security training to local and tribal governments located in rural areas;
- Establishes a Metropolitan Medical Response System Program.
There were 17 Amendments offered on this bill, of which a whooping 15 passed without objection and by voice vote. What this means is that everything that was offered was acceptable. Or, at least you’d think so. But let’s look at the 2 Amendments with Roll Call votes.
H.AMDT.146 , offered by Bennie Thompson of Mississippi,
to add reporting requirements, revise annuitant provisions, and require a GAO report on law enforcement retirement systems. The amendment also adds a provision related to travel efficiency. The amendment also strikes some provisions of the bill.Thompson explained this amendment removed some things, calling it a managers amendment. Rep. King stood up and felt it weakened the bill. However, a letter was presented from the Judiciary Committee, signed by the leading Democrat and Republican on the committee, which stated:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY,
Washington, DC, May 1, 2007.
Hon. BENNIE G. THOMPSON, Chairman,
Hon. PETER T. KING, Ranking Minority Member,
Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
DEAR MR. THOMPSON AND MR. KING: We are writing regarding the bill H.R. 1684, the ``Department of Homeland Security authorization act for Fiscal Year 2008.'' We understand that the Committee on Homeland Security intends to report this bill in the next few days, and that it may come to the House floor as early as next week.
H.R. 1684 is an ambitious bill that contains a number of provisions that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary rather than the Committee on Homeland Security. Our Committee was not furnished the text of the bill as it will be reported until almost a month after your Committee approved it, and was not consulted regarding any of the provisions in question. As there is not adequate time now for our Committee to take a referral of this bill and appropriately consider these provisions, we would request that they be removed from the bill before its consideration on the floor.
The provisions in question include: section 305; section 507; section 901; section 904; section 906; section 1104; new subsection (d)(2) of 6 U.S.C. 455 as it would be added by section 1109; section 1110; section 1111; section 1120; section 1121; and all of title XII.
Thank you for your attention to our request.
Sincerely,
John Conyers, Jr.
Chairman.
Lamar Smith,
Ranking Minority Member.
The items reviewed could be handled within a different bill.
The amendment did pass on a vote of 216-209-12, nearly party-line. But then Rep. Tom Price objected and demanded a separate (new) vote on the amendment due to procedural questions (Price, I’ve come to find, seems to be the designated bulldog, set out to question every move in the Democratically controlled Congress.)
It still passed on a vote of 212-209-12. If you haven’t figured it out by now,
Smith always votes with the Republicans on votes like this.H.AMDT.147, offered by Rep. Tom Davis of Virginia,
to remove section 407 of the bill, which requires that identification cards, uniforms, protective gear, and badges of Homeland Security personnel be manufactured in the United States.Sounds good at first, but then the arguments against this bill were that this could cause problems for those serving outside of the United States. Also, it would prevent the purchase of items that may be developed by other countries but haven’t been fully developed here, especially protective gear.
The amendment
FAILED on a vote of 36-390-11. Smith voted AGAINST this amendment.A motion was made to
recommit to the Homeland Security Committee, which
PASSED on a vote of
264-160-8, with ALL Republicans and 66 Democrats voting Yes.
The bill then had the final vote, and
PASSED on a vote of 296
-126-10.FOR: 223 Democrats, 73 Republicans
AGAINST: 2 Democrats, 124 Republicans
NO VOTE: 6 Democrats, 4 Republicans
Smith voted AGAINST this bill.The President has threatened to veto this bill because it allows for better bargaining unit rights for the employees. The same rights other federal employees have. The Republicans also came out and claimed this bill was too weak, especially since some of the new programs were removed on the Thompson Amendment. Essentially, by voting NO, Adrian Smith did not agree with the rights of workers, and would rather reject an entire bill, endangering national security, instead of working with what there was and working later to offer additional new programs through the Judiciary. He and his party attempted more partisan politics.
H.RES.388 - Providing for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 2082) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.Two votes, and the party-line is drawn....
H.R.2082 - To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.Also known as the
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, it authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities.
There were 9 Amendments offered, of which, 6 were passed by voice vote. The remaining three had roll call votes.
H.AMDT.174, offered by Peter Hoekstra of Michigan,
required that a National Intelligence Estimate on global climate change be submitted to Congress.It
FAILED on a vote of
185-230-22. It was almost party line with Republicans FOR and Democrats AGAINST. Why? Well, it was pointed out that these studies were already being done in other areas of the government, and that the money should be spent allowing intelligence agencies to focus on intelligence and the pursuit of terrorists.
H.AMDT.177, offered by Mike Rogers of Michigan, to
place a limit on the number of personnel in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). ODNI would only be authorized the number of personnel as were serving in the office on May 1, 2007.This Amendment
PASSED 297-122-18, with all but 3 of the Republicans, and about half the Democrats voting FOR.
Smith voted FOR also.H.AMDT.182, offered by Adam Schiff of California, to
state that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) shall be the exclusive means by which domestic electronic surveillance for the purpose of gathering foreign intelligence information may be conducted, and makes clear that this applies until specific statutory authorization for electronic surveillance, other than as an amendment to FISA, is enacted.Remember the wiretaps Bush had been authorizing without going after warrants or the FISA court? Remember the Republicans saying that those against the wiretaps they way Bush did it were for the terrorists? This works to correct that issue once and for all and makes it clear that the FISA rules must apply. (
I even wrote an article in the Grand Island Independent after they wrote an editorial that said a Judge that ruled against the Bush Administration was basically supporting terrorism).
The Amendment
PASSED 245-178-14, with 23 Republicans and 222 Democrats voting for it.
Adrian Smith voted AGAINST it.The usual
motion to recommit to committee was made, and
FAILED, with
Smith voting with his party as usual.
The Bill then
PASSED on a vote of
225-197-10. With the exception of 5 Republicans and 6 Democrats voting against their parties, the vote was a
party-line vote, with Smith joining his party.So much for fighting terrorism through intelligence, in Smith’s world.
H.RES.383 - Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1873) to reauthorize the programs and activities of the Small Business Administration relating to procurement, and for other purposes.Did someone say party-line vote? Just debate and vote already!!
H.R.1873 - To reauthorize the programs and activities of the Small Business Administration relating to procurement, and for other purposes.Also known as the
Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act, it:
- Adds requirements concerning contract bundling;
- Increases the government-wide goal for participation, including overseas contracts;
- Requires certain small businesses to annually recertify compliance with maximum small business size standards for eligibility for SBA-awarded contracts and subcontracts;
- Calls for a databases to assist small businesses with marketing to large corporations that have not achieved their small business goals;
- Keep small businesses appraised of federal contracting opportunities;
- Sets up regulations governing SBA review of subcontracting plans;
- When a business loses a protest related to size, notification is placed by the listing in the Central Contractor Registry; and
- Ensure a biannual review of such Registry to purge businesses no longer considered small businesses.
There were 8 Amendments offered, of which 5 passed by voice vote, and the remaining three had roll call votes. Those votes had very few objections, and all three amendments passed.
A motion was made to recommit the bill to committee, but failed on a near party-line vote.
The bill then
PASSED on a vote of 409-13-10, with Smith voted FOR it.
Needless to say, went through with only the usual Republican attempts to stall.
H.R.407 - To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing the Columbia-Pacific National Heritage Area in the States of Washington and Oregon, and for other purposes.Per the CRS Summary:
Columbia-Pacific National Heritage Area Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of designating the coastal areas of Clatsop County, Oregon, and Pacific County, Washington (also known as the North Beach Peninsula) and areas relating to Native American history, local history, Euro-American settlement culture, and related economic activities of the Columbia River within a corridor along such River eastward in Clatsop County and Pacific, Columbia, and Wahkiakum Counties, Washington, as the "Columbia-Pacific National Heritage Area."
This bill was sponsored by one member of Congress from Washington, and one from Oregon. The Senate version was supported by all 4 Senators from Washington and Oregon.
Republicans rose and argued against this bill saying it was “rushed” and didn’t go through the full committee process. They acknowledge that it went through in the previous Republican-controlled Congress with no opposition to the bill. Suddenly they oppose. Then a group is quoted as being against this bill, called the American Land Rights Association.
Democrats, however, pointed out that nearly the same legislation was in the committee the year before, and that the Bush Administration and local business leaders gave their support for the bill. It was also originally sponsored by Republicans. It was further pointed out that the group mentioned opposes ALL heritage area study proposals on ideological grounds, but never made their concerns known the previous year. The bill only authorized a study, nothing more.
On a motion to
suspend the rules and pass without further debate, the bill did
PASS, on a vote of
294-80-58.
FOR: 199 Democrats, 95 Republicans
AGAINST: 80 Republicans
NO VOTE: 32 Democrats, 26 Republicans
Smith voted AGAINST this bill. Probably because he believes in private ideological groups, rather than the greater good. He was even in the minority of his own party.
H.RES.377 - Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1294) to extend Federal recognition to the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, the Chickahominy Indian Tribe-Eastern Division, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc., the Monacan Indian Nation, and the Nansemond Indian Tribe.Yet another
Party-line vote to prevent debate and consideration from going forward. But...this is another of those examples of just how partisan and stupid these votes are by Adrian Smith and his fellow Republicans. How so?
Well.....
after voting AGAINST the rules for consideration, the House PASSED H.R.1294 on a VOICE VOTE WITHOUT OBJECTION.H.R.1595 - To implement the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission.Also known as the
Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, it:
- Recognizes the suffering and the loyalty of the people of Guam during the Japanese occupation of Guam in World War II;
- Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make specified compensation payments to victims and their families;
- Directs the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission to specify injuries that would constitute a severe personal injury or a personal injury. Authorizes the Commission to adjudicate claims and determine payment eligibility.
- Requires claims to be filed within one year after the Commission publishes public notice of the filing period in the Federal Register, and to make such information available to the public through the media in Guam.
- Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a grant program for research, educational, and media activities that memorialize the events surrounding the occupation of Guam during World War II, honor the loyalty of the people of Guam during such occupation, or both.
Per the floor statements on this bill, The Guam War Claims Review Commission was authorized by Public Law 107-333 to review the war claims program for Guam, which Congress provided for following the occupation of Guam from December 8, 1941 to July 21, 1944. The review commission, appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton, in September of 2003, was mandated to determine whether there was parity of war claims paid to the residents of Guam under the Guam Meritorious Claims Act as compared with awards made to similarly affected United States citizens or nationals in territory occupied by the Imperial Japanese military forces during World War II. Further, the review commission was mandated to advise on any additional compensation that may be necessary to compensate the people of Guam for death, personal injury, forced labor, forced march and internment.
The review commission found that there was a lack of parity between the war claims program authorized for Guam versus the programs authorized for all other Americans similarly affected and recommended that Congress remedy this injustice.
There were some questions between Guam and American Samoa Reps on the Floor:
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I ask the gentlelady, were there any provisions where it required the Japanese Government to restore or to provide some form of compensation as part of this treaty arrangement?
Ms. BORDALLO. Not to my knowledge. The U.S. inherited this.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. So the Japanese Government just simply said, well, don't ask us; ask the United States Government to provide this.
Ms. BORDALLO. Due to the treaty of peace.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. So there was never any compensation or any support even from the Japanese Government to make whole what they did against the people, the residents of Guam?
Ms. BORDALLO. That is correct. It is the United States responsibility to make Guam whole.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank the gentlelady.
All other speakers, from both parties, rose and spoke up in support of this bill. They told of the tortures, rapes, and murders endured while occupied, and how the War Acts Bill had never recognized what the residents of Guam had endured. This had been a long time in coming, apparently.
A motion was made to
suspend the rules and vote on the bill. It
PASSED on a vote of
288-133-11.
FOR: 222 Democrats, 66 Republicans
AGAINST: 2 Democrats, 131 Republicans
NO VOTE: 7 Democrats, 4 Republicans.
Smith voted AGAINST this bill.Again, this had been studied, but never followed through with. This was finally keeping a promise that had been made a very long time ago. Smith didn’t care.
H.R.890 - To establish requirements for lenders and institutions of higher education in order to protect students and other borrowers receiving educational loans.Also known as the
Student Loan Sunshine Act, it passed
almost unanimous with only 3 NO Votes. Smith voted for it.
H.RES.371 - In observance of National Physical Education and Sports Week.Passed unanimous.
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So, to recap this weeks votes, Adrian Smith voted for drought relief, but on the conditions that it was separated from other emergency needs, thus risking it’s defeat or combination in the Senate with the other emergency appropriations. He voted for secrecy in the legislative process, trying to prevent the public from seeing the debates on the emergency spending bills. And he voted for protecting small businesses with regards to government contracts.
On the other hand, Adrian Smith voted AGAINST funding the troops, against the budget for the nation, against Homeland Security, against funding intelligence agencies, against protecting the rights of US citizens from being wiretapped without a warrant through the FISA courts, against a study looking at how to protect a National Heritage site, against finally seeing to the war claims of the residents of Guam during the Japanese occupation in World War II, and he tried to prevent the consideration of several native tribes.
Aren’t you just proud of him?
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SPONSORED/COSPONSORED BILLS
Adrian Smith did not submit any new bills as a Sponsor this week, leaving his long-standing total at 3. He did add his name as a cosponsor to 8 bills.
H.RES.216 -
Commending the Juniata College volleyball team for winning the NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championship.Introduced back on 3/6/2007, Smith added his name on 5/10/2007. The question, though is WHY?!?! They aren’t a Nebraska team, and it’s a nothing bill. But I guess this is one way to get those numbers up.
H.R.552 -
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation services.Also known as the Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Act of 2007. This bill was introduced clear back on 1/18/2007. Smith just now added his name on 5/8/2007
H.R.621 -
To amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to restore the Medicare treatment of ownership of oxygen equipment to that in effect before enactment of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.Also known as the Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act of 2007, this bill was introduced clear back on 1/22/2007, and Smith just now added his name on 5/8/2007.
H.R.1400 -
To enhance United States diplomatic efforts with respect to Iran by imposing additional economic sanctions against Iran, and for other purposes.This is just further support of the ongoing hardliner stance of the Bush Administration. It was introduced clear back on 3/8/2007, and Smith just now added his name on 5/8/2007.
H.R.1459 -
To improve Medicare beneficiary access by extending the 60 percent compliance threshold used to determine whether a hospital or unit of a hospital is an inpatient rehabilitation facility.This bill was introduced back on 3/9/2007. Smith just added his name on 5/72007.
H.R.2005 -
To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve health care for veterans who live in rural areas, and for other purposes.Introduced back on 4/23/2007, and Smith added his name on 5/9/2007.
H.R.2054 -
To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, and for other purposes.Introduced on 4/26/2007, Smith added his name on 5/9/2007.
H.R.2060 -
To nullify the March 2, 2007, determination of the Copyright Royalty Judges with respect to webcasting, to modify the basis for making such a determination, and for other purposes.Introduced on 4/26/2007, Smith added his name on 5/9/2007. They essentially want to overturn a judgement.
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FLOOR STATEMENTS
Smith made 4 statements on the record this week:
Lower Republican River Basin Study Act - May 7, 2007Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1025 would authorize one of the requirements of the Republican River Compact Settlement negotiated between the States of Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado and approved by the Supreme Court in 2003. It is not only necessary to ensure the States remain in compliance with this agreement, but to make certain the agriculture, industrial and domestic use of the water is carried out in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
The Lower Republican River Basin Study will examine how to better utilize opportunities to increase water storage in the river basin. I am hopeful the results of this study will lead to an increase in water availability while we continue to encourage more efficient water use.
As many of you know, especially those from the Midwest, the current water shortage has made this a very critical issue for my congressional district. So if we can, through this study, allocate more water, allocate water more effectively, it will help farmers, ranchers, municipalities both in Nebraska and Kansas in the long term.
I want to thank Mr. Rahall, Mr. Young, and the Natural Resources Committee staff for bringing forth this bill. I appreciate the cooperation on both sides of the aisle. I urge Members of Congress to approve this legislation.
It would have been nice if he had also thanked the Sponsor, and former Congressman Tom Osborne for originating the bill….
Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2008 - May 8, 2007:Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great concern for our economy. I rise because we hear about the debt and certainly my concern is that if we are not careful, we will make the debt even worse than it is now because an economy can turn south with overtaxation. Right now we are headed to tax increases that concern me a great deal.
In Nebraska, the average tax increase per taxpayer is almost $2,400 a year as proposed. More than that though, I am concerned about small businesses, farmers and ranchers who face tax increases whether it is the estate tax or other taxes.
When I have a small business person come up to me and say, we need to do something about the estate tax, the death tax because it will devastate their business, that gets my attention.
My concerns are that we have available capital in our economy because, with available capital, we see good things happening, whether it is investing in the stock market or whether it is expanding a small business or whether it is putting money away for a child or grandchild heading to college. The fact is, available capital does great things, and that is why I rise with extreme concern about our budget because the budget calls for a tax increase, and that is what concerns me so much because tax increases are bad for economic growth. Tax increases lead to a downturn in the economy.
I not only believe we can do better than this proposed budget, but we must do better.
I’ve covered some of this before, but noticed yet another discrepancy.
This time he says “In Nebraska, the average tax increase per taxpayer is almost $2,400 a year as proposed.”
A previous press released stated: “…the average Nebraska taxpayer would see a tax increase of more than $2,800 a year.”
But as I
pointed out before, that number is extremely misleading. How? Well, by taking an average of ALL taxpayers, the very wealthy pull those rates up considerably.
From 2000 to 2004 (the years that state data is available), about 70% to 75% of Nebraska taxpayers earned $50,000 a year or less. Of those taxpayers, the average taxes paid per taxpayer in 2000 was $2,489. In 2004, the average taxes paid per taxpayer was $1,779. Not taking the time to try and figure inflation, but simply subtracting, the average increase for nearly 75% of Nebraska's taxpayers would be $710. That's a far cry from the $2,800 that Smith tried to pass off.
Teacher Appreciation Week - Extensions of Remarks - May 10, 2007SPEECH OF
HON. ADRIAN SMITH
OF NEBRASKA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2007
Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, for the past 15 years, communities across the United States have set aside the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week.
As the school year winds down in many areas of the country, this week gives us the opportunity to thank these individuals for making a difference and for helping all of us succeed in school and in life.
As a former educator, and the son of one of the best teachers I know, I wanted to take the time to recognize the educators who give so much of their time and personal freedom to accomplish so much for the future of our country.
As Henry Adams said, ``A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.''
Today I encourage my colleagues to remember those teachers whose influence continues in these Chambers and throughout the world.
As a “former educator”? Didn’t he say in his debates that he never actually taught school? I remember that clearly because I was sitting in the front row of the Kearney debate when he said it. Also the
Project Vote Smart site says he was a “Staff Development Project Manager, Educational Service Unit #13, 1994-1997”.
Tribute to 1st Lt. Kevin Gaspers and Staff Sgt. Kenneth Locker - Extensions of Remarks - May 8, 2007SPEECH OF
HON. ADRIAN SMITH
OF NEBRASKA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2007
Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to offer my condolences to the families of 1st Lt. Kevin Gaspers , of Hastings, and Burwell native Staff Sgt. Kenneth Locker, who were laid to rest last week with honor. They lost their lives, along with seven other soldiers of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, in a terrorist attack in Iraq.
These young men represented some of the best qualities of Nebraskans, and our State mourns their loss.
Locker has been described as compassionate, caring, thoughtful, and generous. Before he died, he told his father he was fighting in Iraq for the children, that they might have a safer world to live in. His sacrifice for that idea should be inspiring for us all.
Gaspers also had a reputation of generosity, sincerity, and dedication. He touched so many lives during his time with us, and the outpouring of support from the community has been nothing short of inspiring.
These young men led lives rich in meaning, and it is tragic to see those lives cut short. They were sons, friends, and role models. They were filled with kindness, selflessness, and humor. My heart and thoughts go out to their families during this difficult period.
I’d still like to know why it took Smith so long to issue the tribute on the two soldiers that died on April 23rd. It took him over 2 weeks to do it. Chuck Hagel, at least,
did it a full week earlier, and gave much more thought and detail into honoring these two young men.
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Until next post......
