http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/legislation/ en-us Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:59:40 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2088910/posts Clinton Signs Legislation Overhauling Banking Laws WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (Reuters) - President Clinton signed into law today a sweeping overhaul of Depression-era banking laws. The measure lifts barriers in the industry and allows banks, securities firms and insurance companies to merge and sell each other's products. "This legislation is truly historic," President Clinton told a packed audience of lawmakers and top financial regulators. "We have done right by the American people." The bill repeals parts of the 1933 Glass-Steagall Act and the 1956 Bank Holding Company Act to level the domestic playing field for United States financial companies and allow... Ratical http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2088910/posts#comment Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:59:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2085236/posts Democrats and the MSM are pointing to John McCain's vote for the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 (S. 900, Gramm-Leach-Bliley) as evidence that he contributed to the recent financial collapse of Lehman Brothers, AIG, et. al. The truth is that Alan Greenspan, then Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, and Donna Tanoue, then Chairman of the FDIC, not only supported the legislation but testified in front of the Senate Committee that the legislation was essential for economic growth and absolutely necessary. Read the Senate Committee Report at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/?&dbname=cp106&sid=cp1064MJzX&refer=&r_n=sr044.106&item=&sel=TOC_12543& President Clinton signed the bill into law on November 12, 1999.... US Senate http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2085236/posts#comment Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:34:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2083531/posts IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 31, 2008 Mr. Childers (for himself, Mr. Altmire, Mr. Cazayoux, Mr. Dingell, Mr. Ross, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Stupak, Ms. Herseth Sandlin, Mr. Ellsworth, Mr. Melancon, Mr. Chandler, Mr. Lincoln Davis of Tennessee, Mr. Boyd of Florida, Mr. Matheson, Mr. Cardoza, Mr. Carney, Mr. Kagen, Mr. Holden, Mr. Shuler, Mr. Lampson, Mr. Hill, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Space, Mr. Barrow, Mr. McIntyre, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Mr. Gene Green of Texas, Mr. Gordon of Tennessee, Mr. Peterson of Minnesota, Mr. Boren, Mr. Donnelly, Mr. Walz of Minnesota, Mrs. Boyda of Kansas, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Souder, Mr.... U.S. Congress http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2083531/posts#comment Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:52:54 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2063277/posts To require the Department of Defense to grant access to accredited members of the media at military commemoration ceremonies and memorial services for members of the Armed Forces who have died on active duty and when the remains of members of the Armed Forces arrive at military installations in the United States. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `Fallen Hero Commemoration Act’. SEC. 2. MEDIA ACCESS TO MILITARY COMMEMORATION CEREMONIES, MEMORIAL SERVICES, AND ARRIVAL CEREMONIES FOR... Walter Jones NC3 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2063277/posts#comment Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:51:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2057978/posts I was getting ready to send a blistering email to congressman Tanner to demand drilling, opening up oil shale development, and more nuclear energy. When I went to his website, I found this. August 6, 2008 TANNER INTRODUCES 'FUEL ACT' Democratic bill calls for domestic drilling, seeks to lessen dependence on oil Congressman John Tanner has introduced legislation to address the nation’s energy crisis by lifting the ban on domestic drilling, encouraging the development of alternative fuels and investing in nuclear energy. The “Fulfilling U.S. Energy Leadership Act” (“FUEL Act”) was introduced August 1 by U.S. Reps. John Tanner (D-TN),... John Tanner website http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2057978/posts#comment Thu, 7 Aug 2008 12:52:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2055480/posts A bipartisan group of U.S. senators seeking to end the energy wars raging in Congress unveiled new legislation Friday that would allow some offshore oil drilling but also would invest heavily in wind and solar power, electric vehicles and alternative fuels. The new proposal arose as tempers flared anew over energy in Congress on Friday. As the House adjourned for its August break without a vote on new oil drilling, Republicans refused to leave, continuing the debate in a darkened chamber with the microphones off. Democrats called it a stunt. Republicans likened it to "a Boston tea party on energy"... sfgate.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2055480/posts#comment Sat, 2 Aug 2008 20:32:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2055399/posts -Throughout the 2008 campaign, Obama has made a point of refusing the liberal label. While running for Congress against Bobby Rush in late 1999 and early 2000, however, Obama showed no such compunction. At a November 1999 candidate forum, the Hyde Park Herald reported that "there was little to distinguish" the candidates, who "struggled to differentiate themselves" ideologically. Acknowledged Obama, "[W]e're all on the liberal wing of the Democratic party." -The most interesting characterization came from Obama himself, who laid out his U.S. Senate campaign strategy for the Defender in 2003: "[A]s you combine a strong African-American base with progressive... http://www.weeklystandard.com/ http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2055399/posts#comment Sat, 2 Aug 2008 16:51:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2051312/posts Gitmo Merry-Go-Round by: Emily Miller, July 25, 2008 The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) held a congressional hearing last week to revisit Guantanamo policies in the wake of Boumediene v. Bush, a recent Supreme Court decision that extends habeas corpus rights to detainees in Guantanamo Bay. Co-Chairman Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) says that in light of Boumediene the U.S. should “reopen entirely the question of how we handle terrorism suspects.” Calling Guantanamo a “lightning rod for international human rights criticism of the United States,” he encourages the U.S. to look abroad to see how... Campus Report http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2051312/posts#comment Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:14:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047063/posts (CNSNews.com) - Anxious to look like they’re doing something about rising oil and gas prices -- but unwilling to expand domestic oil drilling -- Democrats have introduced a bill that’s supposed to ease pain at the pump by offering alternatives to driving. The bill does nothing to increase domestic energy supply. Instead, it’s focused on the demand side of the equation, and that’s earned it kudos from environmental activists. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, the bill -- called the Transportation and Housing Options for Gas Price Relief Act of 2008 -- would allocate taxpayer money to: -- expand public... CNS http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047063/posts#comment Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:55:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2037351/posts First Amendment At Risk by: Emily Ham, June 27, 2008 For many congressional representatives, this year Fourth of July is not only a day to observe the freedoms Americans hold dear, its also the deadline to sign a petition that could be the dividing line between broadcast freedoms and a form of governmental censorship and control. At a press conference held on June 11 (Radio Independence Day), members of Congress, the press and organizations throughout Washington D.C. gathered on the steps of the Cannon Senate Building to ask Congress members to stand up for broadcasters’ rights. Speakers beseeched the House... Campus Report http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2037351/posts#comment Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:06:00 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036700/posts (English-language translation) With six weeks to go before the United States Congress adjourns, [pro-statehood] New Progressive Party (PNP) candidate for Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi considers "uphill" the effort to address the political-status bill PNP Chairman [and incumbent Resident Commissioner] Luis Fortuño is promoting. During a visit to Washington, D.C., Pierluisi met yesterday with Senator Ken Salazar, who is promoting in that chamber the status bill Fortuño drafted in the House of Representatives and who warned him that he foresees difficulties in its being considered before the current session ends. Although Salazar reiterated his commitment to the status issue, "he was... El Vocero de Puerto Rico (Spanish-language article) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036700/posts#comment Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:00:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2031702/posts A29-MEMBER independent task force of the Council on Foreign Relations released a report Friday that adds another authoritative voice to the clamor for U.S. leadership on climate change. Co-chaired by former New York governor George E. Pataki (R) and former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack (D), the bipartisan document makes an argument that has fallen on deaf ears at the White House. "As the United States takes increasingly aggressive action at home," the authors correctly note, "it will be in a stronger position to ask more of others." "Confronting Climate Change: A Strategy for U.S. Foreign Policy" endorses a reduction in... Washington Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2031702/posts#comment Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:12:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2028368/posts “[T]he government of the United States is a definite government, confined to specified objects. It is not like the state governments, whose powers are more general. Charity is no part of the legislative duty of the government.” —James Madison The Patriot Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2028368/posts#comment Mon, 9 Jun 2008 16:38:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2010231/posts After more than a decade of debate, Congress has reached agreement on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which will protect the rights of patients who undergo genetic screening, specifically preventing discrimination by employers and insurers. Conditions that can cause sudden cardiac arrest, such as Long QT and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy can often be identified through genetic testing, and the enactment of GINA is an important step to remove potential legal and financial barriers for individual and family screening. SCAA http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2010231/posts#comment Fri, 2 May 2008 14:28:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2000817/posts Bill would hold funds from city unless it retracts Marines remarks SACRAMENTO — The lone Republican Bay Area lawmaker wants to withhold state transportation funding from the city of Berkeley until it rescinds a resolution that grants protesters a parking space in front of a U.S. Marines recruiting office. Assemblyman Guy Houston, R-San Ramon, said the Berkeley City Council is making a political war zone out of what should be a public right of way for those who want to join the military. His bill, Assembly Bill 2615, would suspend $3.3 million in Local Road and Street funding over... InsideBayArea.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2000817/posts#comment Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:54:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2000687/posts WASHINGTON: A legislation targeting India and seven other countries which allegedly refuse to take back illegal immigrants convicted of crimes in the United States has been introduced in the House of Representatives. The bill requires reports being sent to Congress every 90 days on the countries which inhibit repatriation that will automatically trigger denial of foreign aid as well as suspension of visa issuances to them. The bill, a companion to the Accountability in Immigrant Repatriation (AIR) Act of 2008 introduced last month in the US Senate, was introduced by Congressmen Charlie Dent and Michael Castle. Times of India http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2000687/posts#comment Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:57:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2000498/posts Items 1 through 100 of 122 1. S.CON.RES.5 : A concurrent resolution honoring the life of Percy Lavon Julian, a pioneer in the field of organic chemistry and the first and only African-American chemist to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 1/31/2007) Cosponsors (5) Committees: Senate Judiciary Latest Major Action: 1/31/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. S.CON.RES.25 : A concurrent resolution condemning the recent violent actions of the Government of Zimbabwe against peaceful opposition party activists and members of civil society. Sponsor: Sen... thomas.loc.gov http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2000498/posts#comment Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:18:58 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1999831/posts IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 3, 2008 Mr. Hensarling (for himself, Mr. Akin, Mr. Barrett of South Carolina, Mr. Bartlett of Maryland, Mr. Bishop of Utah, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Brady of Texas, Mr. Broun of Georgia, Mr. Campbell of California, Mr. Cannon, Mr. Cantor, Mr. David Davis of Tennessee, Ms. Fallin, Mr. Feeney, Mr. Flake, Mr. Fortuno, Ms. Foxx, Mr. Franks of Arizona, Mr. Gingrey, Mr. Hoekstra, Mr. Kline of Minnesota, Mr. Lamborn, Mr. Marchant, Mr. McCarthy of California, Mrs. Musgrave, Mr. Neugebauer, Mr. Paul, Mr. Pence, Mr. Ryan of Wisconsin, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Shadegg, Mr. Tancredo, Mr. Walberg,... Thomas, Library of Congress http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1999831/posts#comment Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:02:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1999562/posts Today’s title may defend itself against the risk of being read. Before deciding to keep reading or move on, let me ask you a question: Do you have enemies? Focal Point USA http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1999562/posts#comment Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:40:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1997780/posts Heavenly Father we thank and praise You that You are raising up Your people to send out the battle cry against the killing fields of the abortuaries across the country. Father, we thank You for those who have stood in prayer, and those who are doing sidewalk counseling in front of Planned Parenthoods across this country. Father continue to strengthen and energize them, protecting them in the battle they are waging. Father we thank You for raising up people to bring forth legislation that protects the lives of ALL the unborn. Father we bring up the issues in Colorado in... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1997780/posts#comment Mon, 7 Apr 2008 03:44:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1994679/posts Chief scientist revolts over biofuel legislation 29 March 2008 From New Scientist Print Edition. Could biofuels do more damage to the climate than the fossil fuels they replace? That's the fear casting doubt on the wisdom of a law that from next month will require a certain proportion of vehicle fuel to come from biological sources. On Monday, Bob Watson, chief scientist at the UK's Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs, called into question the idea of switching to biofuels. This follows the publication of studies showing that more carbon is emitted in producing some biofuels than is saved... New Scientist http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1994679/posts#comment Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:29:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1985769/posts Coulda been worse. With mega-majority control by the Democrats of the House, Senate, and Governor's mansion, it's critical to highlight the good, not just the bad: * The legislative jihad against the initiative process totally imploded thanks to all of us working together. Bills that would have shut down the signature gathering process were clearly illegal, unconstitutional, and aimed at endangering citizens -- that's why the Democrats pushed so hard for their approval. But six weeks on non-stop emails, phone calls, faxes, and letters from all of you -- and scathing editorials and columns in every newspaper -- successfully beat... Email to supporters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1985769/posts#comment Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:36:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1983143/posts Canada warns US over oil sands By Sheila McNulty in Houston Published: March 9 2008 20:47 | Last updated: March 9 2008 22:12 Canada has warned the US government that a narrow interpretation of new energy legislation would prohibit its neighbour buying fuel from AlbertaÂ’s vast oil sands, with “unintended consequences for both countries”. In a letter to Robert Gates, US defence secretary, Canada said that it “would not want to see an expansive interpretation” of the Energy Independence and Security Act 2007. A copy of the letter, from Michael Wilson, Canadian ambassador, and copied to Condoleezza Rice, US secretary... FT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1983143/posts#comment Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:01:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1982259/posts Tell Your Senators to Support the DeMint-McCain Amendment! Right now, Sens. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) are offering an amendment to the 2009 budget resolution that will impose a year-long moratorium on congressional earmarks. Earmarking invites fraudulent behavior, hollows out or national defenses, and diverts lawmakers' attention from important national business like saving Medicare and Social Security for our children and grandchildren. Many congressional offices even have one or more staffers dedicated solely to procuring earmarks. A year-long moratorium is a critical step forward to stopping Congress’s addiction to earmarking. It will give members time to reform the... Citizens Against Government Waste http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1982259/posts#comment Sat, 8 Mar 2008 01:33:22 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1981199/posts State Bill Would Allow Guns on Campus By RANDAL C. ARCHIBOLD, The New York Times PHOENIX (March 5) - Horrified by recent campus shootings, a state lawmaker here has come up with a proposal in keeping with the Taurus .22-caliber pistol tucked in her purse: Get more guns on campus. The lawmaker, State Senator Karen S. Johnson, has sponsored a bill, which the Senate Judiciary Committee approved last week, that would allow people with a concealed weapons permit — limited to those 21 and older here — to carry their firearms at public colleges and universities. Concealed weapons are generally... The New York Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1981199/posts#comment Thu, 6 Mar 2008 12:02:57 GMT