Congressman Graves in the news 6/12/2009

I found a couple things about Graves that I think are worth mentioning.

First an article in the falling Star discussing a Republican alternative to health care.

Second, I am not sure that I like this. Mr. Graves has proposed a bill, HR 2767, that would change the definition of what a small business owner is. The new definition would include venture capitalists who are much different than the independent small business entrepreneur. Not sure that this is a good idea.

Congressman Sam Graves-This Week in Washington June 4th, 2009

Below is the most recent This Week in Washington from Congressman Sam Graves.

This Week in Washington- June 4th, 2009

1. H.R. 2200 - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Authorization Act –This bill authorizes $15.7 billion for TSA programs and activities for FY2010 and FY2011. This bill funds the programs and directs the policy of the TSA, among other things.

Congressman John Mica and I offered an amendment to focus TSA’s resources where they can be most effective. There are roughly 51 security directives from TSA that have never been through the rule-making process. Some of those directives really aren’t applicable to smaller airports or general aviation enthusiasts.

However, because these directives did not go through the normal rule-making process, those voices of the public, industry, employees, pilots, etc have never been heard. My amendment simply says that after 180 days of a security directive being in place, the rule making process must begin. In other words, TSA will hear from the public, industry and others how a security directive affects them. It does not prohibit TSA from issuing a security directive.

The bill passed by a 397-25 vote, and my amendment was adopted by a 219-211 vote and is included in the bill.

2. H.R. 626 - Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2009 – Currently, federal employees are guaranteed 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. HR 626 would allow federal employees to substitute 4 weeks of paid leave and expands coverage to foster children as well. It is estimated that this bill will cost over $938 million over five years. This bill pertains only to federal employees. At a time when Missouri families are struggling to find and keep jobs, I am not going to ask them to pick up the tab for a benefit that many of them do not have. The bill passed the House and now heads to the Senate. (Thanks Sam! I am sure that Bond and McCaskill will let us down on this.)

3. H. Res 232 - Toys for Tots- This was my resolution recognizing and commending the Toys for Tots Literacy Program for its contributions in raising awareness of illiteracy, promoting children’s literacy, and fighting poverty through the support of literacy. Through this initiative comes an inspiring story. Alferd Williams, a son of sharecroppers, had a simple and uncomplicated dream – he wanted to learn to read. That is how the then 70-year-old came to enroll in Alesia Hamilton’s first grade class at Edison Elementary School in St. Joseph. With help from Alesia, Alferd learned to read. And in the process he inspired a movement to do more to combat illiteracy. The Toys for Tots Literacy program was started with the goal of providing the nation’s least fortunate children with books and educational material.

Small Business Hearing
The House Small Business Committee convened to discuss health care reform and the impact of its costs on small businesses. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) nearly 46 million Americans are without health care coverage and more than 26 million of those are small business owners, employees and their dependents. (I am a little bit confused on this one, if you are smart enough to run your own business, shouldn't you be smart enough to know that you should have health insurance? I new I needed health insurance at 19 years old, what's their excuse?)

As Congress gets set to consider comprehensive health care legislation, my principal objective is to make health care more affordable without sacrificing access to quality doctors. Allowing businesses to pool together to negotiate better health insurance rates would help bring down the cost. The Chairwoman, Nydia Velázquez, and I have introduced the bi-partisan CHOICE Act, which would do just that.

A federal mandate that employers provide health insurance for their employees is one option that may be included in a comprehensive health care reform bill. NFIB estimates that an employer mandate could cost our economy roughly 1.6 million jobs, including one million alone in small businesses. Any health care proposal must first consider small businesses.

A mandate would only reduce job creation and could mean the end of many small businesses. The House will be in session next week.

Have a good weekend.

Sincerely,
Sam Graves

Straight Talk with Congressman Sam Graves

Below is the most recent Straight Talk with Sam Graves. Mr. Graves addresses the issue of energy independence. This is one that has continued to fascinate me. We have oil resources in this country and because of those on the left that have little sense we have failed to capitalize upon them. ANWR should have a straw stuck in the middle of it, put as many oil rigs as you need in the gulf, and keep up the research on harvesting shale oil. When gas prices go back up don't blame the "evil" oil companies, blame our stupid politicians who are unwilling to stand up to a bunch of wining environmentalists. Luckily Mr. Graves is a little more rational than his peer group.

Energy Independence Should Still Be Our Goal

Last summer we all dreaded every trip to the gas pump. Prices soared to $4 a gallon, putting a strain on every Missouri family and business. Today, gas prices are about half as much as they were last summer.

However, we are still dependent on foreign sources of oil. Now is the time for Congress to take action so that we do not see the return of $4 gas. We need to increase the use of renewable and alternative energy, we need to increase the number of refineries, we need a smart energy conservation plan and we need to keep exploring for energy in America.

Congress should act quickly to pass legislation to allow energy exploration in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). I have supported this legislation every time it has been brought up for a vote in the House of Representatives.

ANWR is an area the size of South Carolina with billions of barrels of recoverable oil. New technology means that we could explore the entire region while leaving a footprint the size of Kansas City International Airport.

Last year, the ban on exploring for energy on the OCS expired. Yet, many new leases are tied up in bureaucracy or litigation. Congress should send a strong signal that it is serious about energy independence by authorizing energy exploration on the OCS. We are the only developed country in the world that does not allow for exploration that far off our coast.

We need to take advantage of our own resources and act now before $4 gas returns.

Sincerely,
Sam Graves

Congressman Graves on Climate Change

Below you will find a recent response that I recieved from Congressman Graves regarding climate change legislation. I am gravely concerned about the recent climate change legislation (HR 2454) that has been proposed.

Dear Andrew:

Thank you for contacting me regarding climate change legislation before Congress. I appreciate your comments and this opportunity to address your concerns.

Congress is now considering what type of federal action is needed to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. No matter what path we choose, success will require an aggressive and sustained commitment by industry and policymakers to the development and deployment of a wide range of technologies over several decades.

The underlying goal of all bills being considered is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to levels significantly below current levels. This will be achieved, in most instances, by capping emissions and then allowing industry to focus on an array of options to reduce emissions or buy credits on the market. My concerns are that the goals would undermine America's economic security and force consumers and industries to pay significantly higher energy prices. Also, because of the global nature of the climate change problem, solutions should require the participation of the entire world, including developing nations like China and India; however these bills remains silent on this international component.

I believe that we need an all-of-the-above approach to our energy needs. It is important to continue to develop the resources we currently have while supporting efforts like the research and development tax credit that will lead to advancements in energy technology. Also, it is important to extend the production tax credit so we can further develop our wind power in a way that is affordable to both industry and consumers.

I remain committed to working towards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. However, I do not believe we should do that at the detriment of crippling our economy. Please know that I will take a balanced approach considering both the environmental and economic impacts of all legislation regarding climate change that come to the floor in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance in the future or visit my website at www.house.gov/graves for more information.

Sincerely,
Sam Graves
Member of Congress

Straight Talk with Congressman Sam Graves 5/22/2009

Below is the most recent Straight Talk with Congressman Graves, this is his weekly email newsletter.

This Week in Washington-

Congress often likes to use the hurry up and wait approach to legislation. After having very little legislation on the floor for the entire month of May, there were a lot of bills on voted on this week.

Legislation

Small Business Bill: On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 2352, the Job Creation through Entrepreneurship Act by a strong bi-partisan vote of 406-15. The bill expands programs like Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Women's Business Centers (WBCs) and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). The bill also creates new support services for veteran-owned and Native American-owned small businesses. In addition, new online learning programs are included in the bill to assist entrepreneurs in rural regions and underserved communities. Finally, it creates a grant program for SBDCs designed to assist small firms in securing capital and credit.

Defense Procurement: On Thursday, the House passed the conference report for S. 454, the Weapons Acquisition System Reform through Enhancing Technical Knowledge and Oversight Act of 2009. This was legislation authored by my Missouri colleague Ike Skelton and it passed unanimously. The conference report reforms the Department of Defense's weapons acquisition process and requires the President to nominate a senior official within DoD for cost assessment and program evaluation. The conference report also requires the Secretary to assign responsibility to independent officials within the Pentagon for oversight of developmental test and evaluation, systems engineering, and performance assessment.

FAA Reauthorization: On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009 by a vote of 277-136. The bill would reauthorize Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding and safety oversight programs for four years with a total authorized spending level of $70 billion. The bill also increases the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) on airline flights from $4.50 to $7. I opposed this legislation because there were a number of provisions that I felt were bad public policy. The bill now goes to the Senate who will draft their own version.

Mortgage Fraud Bill: On Monday, the House passed S. 386, the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009, by a vote of 338-52. The bill broadens the coverage of current laws against financial crimes, including fraud affecting mortgages, securities, and federal assistance and relief programs. The bill also established a Congressional Financial Markets Commission to examine all causes, domestic and global, of the current financial and economic crisis. The bill was sent to the President and signed into law on Wednesday, May 20.

Mortgage Foreclosure Bill: The House passed an amended version S. 896, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, by a vote of 367-54-1. The bill will make a number of changes to current law regarding federally insured mortgages, increase federal bank deposit insurance, and expand federal mortgage modification programs in an attempt to encourage home mortgage modifications. S. 896, as passed by the House and Senate did not contain a "cramdown" provision. The bill was also signed into law on Wednesday.

Credit Card Bill: The House passed H.R. 627, Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act, with Senate amendments. The bill prohibits a creditor from adjusting any annual percentage rate on preexisting balances, except in certain circumstances, requires increased disclosures, requires 45 days notice before interest rates are increased, and outlaws providing a credit card to an individual under the age of 21 without a cosigner. The bill also included a Senate amendment that protected second amendment rights on federal land by prohibiting a ban on the possession of a firearm in compliance with State law in a National Park. I supported the bill, which passed 361-64. The final bill now awaits the President's signature sometime on Friday.

Memorial Day Recess Events

Congress will be in recess next week for the Memorial Day recess. I will be in King City for a Memorial Day event on Sunday, several area cemeteries on Monday and in St. Joseph on Tuesday at the National Guard Armory for a Veterans' Expo event.

Enjoy the long weekend and remember to thank a veteran for their service this week.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves

Our representatives in the news 5/23/2009

This is an open letter that Sam Graves signed on to regarding the adverse effects of HR 2454 on farmers. If you don't know HR 2454 is the Waxman-Markey Cap and Trade Bill. This ignorant legislation is dangerous and misguided. The science of global warming is still not fully understood and the sky is falling mentality of liberals, leftists, and global warming hacks should be received with caution. If you want to see food prices and everything else go up in this country then this is the bill for you!

This article discusses comments Mr. Graves made regarding the reauthorization of the Entrepreneurial Development Programs of the Small Business Administration.

Good ole' Claire McCaskill thinks we can safely house terrorists in our prisons. Yeah, we probably could house them but not safely. These are radicals and there are plenty of potential candidates in prison who could be radicalized. Good idea Claire!

It seems we have a substance abuse problem in the military too. I can't say that I am surprised. I will actually give McCaskill credit on this one. This does need addressed and it looks like she is trying to do something.

Our Representatives in the news 5/21/2009

A few articles below are of interest to us Clay Countians.

Sam Graves: REALLY IMPORTANT!!! It's here! Cap and Trade has officially been introduced into Congress. HR 2454, the bill has been sent to committee. This article discusses the response from agriculture, this is the industry among many (not to mention you and I) that will be hurt the most.

Claire McCaskill:
Article on the new credit card bill.

Kit Bond: Bond and his homeless bill.

Straight Talk with Congressman Graves 5/18/2009

Below is the most recent Straight Talk with Sam.

Keep Terrorists in Cuba

The United States' economy is the largest in the world. We are a large exporter of some goods like agriculture and a large importer of other products like petroleum. Nations import the products and goods they need, not products and goods that others do not want. That is why I oppose importing terrorists to our shores from Guantanamo Bay.

Since 2001, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba has been home to a military prison for enemy combatants of the United States. It is heavily fortified, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and over a hundred miles from the United States' shore. However, the administration would now like to close that facility and possibly bring those held there onto U.S. soil. Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas has been mentioned as an option.

I think that is a bad idea. The Guantanamo Bay prison holds some of the world's most dangerous terrorists from across the globe. They have threatened Americans, and in some instances, they have killed Americans. Having terrorists held so close to Americans would pose a significant risk if they were to escape or if the prison were to become a target for other terrorists.

I have signed onto H.R. 2294, the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act. I am confident our military can safeguard these terrorists in America if given the order. However, Guantanamo Bay is the best place for those terrorists, and I see no reason to move them from that facility.

Terrorists' intent on harming the United States and our allies should not be imported into American communities by our own government.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves

Sam Graves-This Week in Washington-May 14th, 2009

Below is the most recent This Week in Washington from Congressman Sam Graves. I think the most important thing to take from what Sam says below is the fact that the US government is borrowing 50 cents on every dollar it spends! To put that in perspective it is like an American family spending $3000 a month on a monthly income of $1500. The family would be bankrupt quickly, and if we keep this stupidity up this nation will be bankrupt as well. I don't know what it is going to take to wake people up. This is not sustainable. I can't figure out how adults are making decisions like this. I think it's more proof that those that are really mature grownups and make rational decisions are a minority of Americans. There is no other way to explain it.

It was another week with very few votes on the floor.

H.R. 2187 - 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act – his legislation would direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to state educational agencies for the modernization, renovation or repair of public school facilities. The Congressional Budget
Office estimates that H.R. 2187 would spend $20 billion in school construction funds over the next five years.

Just two months ago, Congress passed the stimulus bill which provided billions for the greening” of school buildings. Those funds have not been spent yet and still Congress is already trying to spend more. We need to take a breath before we spend billions more that we do not have.

Currently, the federal government is borrowing roughly 50 cents for every dollar it spends, and this year alone Washington will spend approximately $2 trillion more than it collects from the American taxpayer. We do not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem.

H.R. 2346 - Fiscal Year 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Bill – This bill funds our military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan for the rest of the fiscal year. It is important for our troops to have the tools they need to battle terrorists.

I supported the bill, but I’m hopeful that it will come back to the House without the unrelated spending that has been dumped into it. We should not turn a bill that is designed to fund our
troops into an omnibus spending bill. There is plenty of time to debate each of those programs on their own merits.

I joined with Rep. Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota this week to introduce the Rural Education
Achievement Program reauthorization. The federal program was created as a part of the No Child Left Behind law and is the only program designed to help rural school districts overcome the increased expenses caused by geographic distance.

REAP helps rural school districts that lack the resources to apply for federal competitive grants and do not have access to large amounts of funding due to small populations. Federal grant funding helps schools to more effectively meet the unique challenges posed by educating students in rural areas.

The quality of our children’s education should not be defined by where they live. Programs like
REAP ensure that all students have the same opportunities to succeed in life. This is bi-partisan legislation that I hope the House will consider this year.

The Small Business Committee held several different hearings this week. The struggle of auto companies has far reaching effects, including the small firms that supply automakers.

Auto parts manufacturers are the number one employer in U.S. manufacturing. According to data from the Center for Automotive Research, suppliers contribute over $388 billion to the U.S. economy and are responsible for over 3.29 million direct and indirect jobs.

A subcommittee heard testimony from small businesses that have to contend daily with the confusing and often contradictory rules of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Small manufacturers are forced to pay for the testing of products they purchase or risk selling products that do not conform to the standards established by CPSIA. Limiting the amount of lead that our children are subjected too is good policy. However, common sense says that the law needs to be clearer and equally applied.

On Tuesday, May 26th, I will be hosting a Veterans' Expo at the Missouri National Guard armory in St. Joseph. At the expo will be organizations that serve veterans. Colonel Jack Jackson will be the keynote speaker and we will also have a question and answer session. It will run from 2-5 p.m. If you'd like to attend, please contact Shawna Searcy at 816-792-3976 or email her at shawna.searcy@mail.house.gov.We will be back in session next week.

Sincerely,
Sam Graves