Increasing the Petroleum Reserves by Peter Volberding, Aug 21, 2008 (8:43pm)
Balancing Work and Family by Peter Volberding, Aug 21, 2008 (8:07pm)
HR 2392 makes it easier for parents to balance their work and family responsibilities. The legislation will provide for paid family and medical leave assistance and will expand the Family and Medical Leave Act to cover more workers and additional family responsibilities. The bill also provides expanded child care opportunities, incentives for family friendly work places, and benefits for part-time and temporary workers. This would be a enormously beneficial, especially in the rapidly changing labor market.
Better Technologies by Peter Volberding, Aug 21, 2008 (5:31pm)
HR 2377 amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the deduction of the purchase of qualified health care information technology. All of this aimed at providing incentives for doctors to upgrade to the latest technologies for medicine, ranging from electronic medical records to e-prescriptions.
Helping the Homeless by Peter Volberding, Aug 18, 2008 (11:39pm)
HR 840 aims to amend all of the HUD McKinney-Vento housing programs into one broad program. It would expand the set of eligible activities, including homelessness prevention, permanent or transitional housing for any homeless population and supportive services. It also aims to improve privacy protection, increase funding, and discourages ordinances that criminalize homelessness. All in all, while some groups claim that it needs to be stronger, it does provide a good basis for reform.
Helping Reporters by Peter Volberding, Aug 18, 2008 (10:19pm)
HR 2331 helps ensure that national communication is maintained during natural crises. First of all, it establishes a Primary Entry Point radio station that can broadcast alerts to all communities. Secondly, it ensures that the reporters can keep their fuel, food, and water supplies that are essential. It also expedites access to certain areas and gives control to the local authorities. All of this is meant to ensure that lines of communication stay open during emergencies.
Another Energy Bill by Peter Volberding, Aug 18, 2008 (9:56pm)
HR 2354, sponsored by Peter Visclosky, aims to make the US more energy independent by the following steps:
• giving automakers a $100 tax credit for every hybrid vehicle produced
• creating a Director of Energy Security who would advise the president on energy policy
• requiring 2 billion gallons of alternative diesel fuel to be blended into the 40 billion gallons of diesel produced annually by 2016
• demanding that federally-funded public transit agencies purchase clean-fuel buses
• giving a tax credit to producers of cellulosic ethanol, a more sustainable form of ethanol that can be made from any form of plant matter
As donations continue, discussion grinds to a halt by Peter Volberding, Aug 18, 2008 (9:13pm)
HR 5632 has made nearly no progress recently—it has been mired in lawsuits and regulatory compliance issues. It is not expected that the NRC will deliver a ruling anytime soon, perhaps not until September 2009. But that hasn’t stopped donations from continuing as usual.
Ever since the Italian waste deal was announced back in December 2007, EnergySolutions has been tailoring their donations to targeted members of congress. Over 75% of the donations have been to members with close ties—either from an effected state or on an Energy Committee. In the past month, that number has increased. Rep. Bishop (R-UT), who represents the district of the facility in Utah, has received $25,000 from them since April (see story under “In the News”). Large donations have also been made to other representatives and both Utah Senators. All of this is having a huge effect—any progress has effectively stalled.
This story has huge implications for the company. Their second quarter profits seemed to be good, since profits doubled. But “revenues were down in the commercial services division and in logistics, where revenue declined primarily because of lower volumes of waste being disposed at the company’s low-level radioactive and hazardous waste site in Tooele County” (EngerySolutions profits double in second quarter, 8/11/08, Salt Lake Tribune). Even worse, EnergySolutions is in talks with the government of the United Kingdom for possible importation of low-level radiation from there.
It is clear that a discussion needs to take place over the policies and regulation of nuclear waste. But that doesn’t seem like it will happen anytime soon.
Shorter Depreciation...and More Profits by Peter Volberding, Aug 18, 2008 (5:42pm)
HR 2280 shortens the depreciation length from seven to five years for heavy agricultural equipment. Current tax policy, according to the proponents, does not adequately account for today’s farming practices. Farm equipment is not easily interchangeable, and the heavy use depreciates the value faster than seven years. By doing so, the American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that it would increase ranch and farm income by $800 million annually by allowing them to purchase safer, more reliable, and more efficient equipment. However, the CEO of NAEDA also points out that they can use the “most environmentally friendly” technologies. I’m sure that’s precisely why an equipment manufacturer would support a bill that increases sales of equipment—the environment. It may be true that seven years is too long, but the prospect of new sources of profit are a compelling reason as well.
A Great Gift Idea! by Peter Volberding, Aug 15, 2008 (10:44pm)
HR 2268 creates a commemorative coin for Mother’s Day, with the proceeds going to the National Osteoporosis Foundation and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Not only does it help cure diseases, it just made my Mother’s Day shopping a whole lot easier. Thanks mom!
Revamped SBIR by Peter Volberding, Aug 15, 2008 (5:59pm)
How it is written today, S 3362 is significantly different than the version of the House bill that passed earlier this year. It refines the language and adds a few other provisions that tailor it to better suit the needs of small businesses. The main worry is that large companies, principally venture capital and biotech industries, would be able to exploit small businesses by quietly controlling them with investment, but still reap the benefits from government subsidies. This bill, however, is likely to disappoint at least the biotech industry a little, since the compromise aims to close some of those loopholes. However, this new compromise also is beginning to split small business owners. The National Small Business Association is now at odds with the American Small Business League because the NSBA sees the compromise as workable. The ASBL vows to continue the fight. Even if the Senate bill passes, it still must be reconciled with the vastly different House version, which heavily favors the biotech and venture capital industries. Regardless, it will be an interesting fight because the SBIR and STTR programs are set to sunset next month.
Coordinated Healthcare by Peter Volberding, Aug 14, 2008 (10:38pm)
HR 2244, the Geriatric Assessment and Chronic Care Coordination Act of 2007, would authorize Medicare coverage of two more services, both of which would increase the effectiveness of medical care and decrease costs. The first is a geriatric assessment, which is a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s condition and a plan to keep the person healthy. The second service the Act authorizes is coordination of medical care for individuals who have multiple chronic conditions. Since 70% of seniors have two or more chronic illnesses, coordinating them would clearly help reduce costs, promote efficiency, and provide better services.
Is Bidding Bad? by Peter Volberding, Aug 14, 2008 (9:15pm)
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 established a national competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment. Included in that are complex rehabilitation and assistive technology products. While normally bidding would bring down the price, in the case for complex equipment, it also brings down the quality and effectiveness. Therefore, Medicare beneficiaries would lose out on the effective treatments they need. HR 2231 aims to exempt these category from the process because these technologies are not easily interchangeable, fails to allow for levels of services, and are not necessarily properly fitted to each patient. So, in the end, while the outright cost may be less, it is heavily outweighed by the extra costs that arise with improperly applied equipment. The moral—complex equipment is highly tailored to each individual, and a standard procedure will only limit options and increase the costs.
Reintroduced in 2008 by Peter Volberding, Aug 14, 2008 (5:11pm)
More Incentives, More Insurance by Peter Volberding, Aug 14, 2008 (5:00am)
HR 2233 provides incentives for states to update their unemployment insurance rules to count more of the unemployed now excluded from benefit. It updates the unemployment programs, so as to more accurately reflect contemporary problems. For example, women are disproportionally affected, and this allows for more flexibility to claim unemployment for compelling family reasons, such as domestic violence.
Beating Diabetes by Peter Volberding, Aug 14, 2008 (3:51am)
HR 2241 allocates approximately $130 million over the next four years. The CDC would partner with state and local governments to help gather information about diabetes and then establish programs to help fight its spread. Even though the cost may seem high, the American Diabetes Association estimates that diabetes accounts for over $174 billion in terms of direct medical expenditures and lost productivity, and the number of Americans diagnosed has doubled in 15 years.
No more fillings? by Peter Volberding, Aug 11, 2008 (7:53pm)
HR 2101, at least at first glance, seems like it would be a great thing. Why wouldn’t we want to prevent mercury from leeching into our mouths from fillings? However, there is much debate as to whether or not those fillings for cavities are dangerous. While many consumer advocates say they’re harmful, the dental associations have flatly rejected it. Also, there are currently only two methods for fillings—the mercury amalgam or a composite. However, there is also much controversy about the composite, as it gives off bisphenol-A. There’s currently legislation in the works to ban that as well. What are we left with? Apparently, nothing.
Extending Tax Credits by Peter Volberding, Aug 7, 2008 (9:41pm)
HR 2075 would extend these tax incentives to stimulate investment and economic growth in low income urban neighborhoods until 2013. Many non-profits agree that it helps revive blighted areas. And the investments do pay off, since over $7.7 billion has been invested to date.
Safer Drinking Water by Peter Volberding, Aug 7, 2008 (9:12pm)
HR 2076 would establish a maximum contaminant level for lead in drinking water. It revises the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to provide tougher, and healthier, standards on lead levels. It would increase funding for water testing and removal of antiquated lead pipes.
Incorporated into HR 6331 by Peter Volberding, Aug 4, 2008 (7:00pm)
HR 6252 was incorporated into HR 6331, a bill that was passed in a veto override on July 15, 2008. The text of HR 6252 has become Sec 154 of HR 6331. However, it is important to note that support and opposition for HR 6331 does not necessarily mean the same support and opposition for HR 6252, since HR 6331 is much more comprehensive. Also, changes may have been made to the text of HR 6252 when it was incorporated into HR 6331.
Keeping the FSAs open by Peter Volberding, Jul 10, 2008 (7:45pm)
HR 1649 would keep open many offices of the Farm Service Agency across parts of the rural lands. Consolidation, proponents argue, would decrease costs and improve efficiency. But opponents, principally agriculture interests, say that during this time of changing farm policies, there need to be local offices for assistance. That is, at least, until a lot of the confusion have been worked out. And that doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon.
Roofing Depreciation by Peter Volberding, Jul 10, 2008 (7:16pm)
HR 165 (R2T2) aims to reduce the depreciation cycle of commercial roofs from 39 years to 20 years, thereby saving businesses money. However, it is virtually unopposed, as this timeline is much more realistic. This bill has been superseded by HR 4126 (REETA), and therefore very little has been done for this specific bill.
A win-win for American and its allies by Peter Volberding, Jul 3, 2008 (8:55pm)
HR 1543 would alter the Visa Waiver Program, which would allow for more countries to not require its citizens to obtain a visa before entering the US. This is widely supported because it would reduce protectionism, allow for more tourism and trade, and improve relations internationally. America would benefit from more visitors, and the allies would gain from more business. So it’s a rare win-win piece of legislation.
Helping Workers by Peter Volberding, Jul 3, 2008 (8:38pm)
HR 1542 would mandate that all businesses provide paid leave to employees in the event of personal, or a family member’s, illness. It is a classic example of employers vs. employees, where they are at odds over everything. Estimates at coverage vary, but about 80% of businesses already do and perhaps maybe 40% of total workers (the discrepancy arises from the fact that many small businesses don’t provide these). Regardless, that still leaves a sizeable portion that is not covered.
Proponents say the solution is simple—everyone should be entitled to sick leave. And this does provide around 7 days per year, among other things. Opponents claim that it will increase costs and reduce flexibility, and there is risk that workers will abuse it.
All things weighed, it seems that the benefits to the workers in cases of emergency must be protected. That is not to say employers don’t already provide a lot, or that abuse won’t happen. It will always be an imperfect system. But in this position, we always must err giving people the benefit of the doubt, and ensuring that they will be helped during difficult times.
DOER Act; also H. Res. 897 by Peter Volberding, Jul 3, 2008 (7:01pm)
While the title of this bill may have changed for an unknown reason, this is the Deep Ocean drilling act. There has been a nearly identical bill introduced in the 110th Congress, HR 6108. Therefore, this bill does provide a good clue as to how they would vote a second time around.
Helping Medicare by Peter Volberding, Jul 3, 2008 (1:07am)
HR 1536 reforms Part D of Medicare, where it describes prescriptions. This bill would further expand coverage to those who need it, though at a cost, which angers people who view it as a handout. There is no question that the system is fraught with complexities; while this reform is generally regarded as necessary, a sweeping reform of the entire system is necessary. But since they refuse to reform it during an election year, and every other year is one, it seems like reform is an action that will go unused for a very long time.
Mercury Ban by Peter Volberding, Jul 2, 2008 (11:13pm)
HR 1534 would ban the export of mercury from the US and require that it be stored safely. While this would undoubtedly reduce the effects of mercury in the US, many criticize how hastily the bill was put together, and also that by reducing exports, it would tighten supply, increase prices, and create unsafe mining of mercury in places like China. However, a ban on mercury is always beneficial, hence why it passed unanimously in the House.
Unnecessary Oversight by Peter Volberding, Jul 2, 2008 (10:05pm)
HR 1531 is a reincarnation of a bill from the 109th congress, which never made it past committee. The bill is in response to hidden, and rather explicit, minigames in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which managed to slip by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). So, in order to keep the ‘decency’, it would allow the FTC to oversee and approve all of the ratings.
The FTC is already everyone’s favorite agency, but granting them control over video games seems unwise. There is already a penalty system in place that is working, and more oversight in this case does not seem to be warranted. It will simply add more cost and unneeded bureaucracy. Surprisingly, there were very few resources with opinions on this legislation, probably because it has very little traction.
Helping the biotech industry by Peter Volberding, Jul 1, 2008 (10:24pm)
HR 1508 rescinds a measure in a previous act that imposes more costs on smaller biotechnology companies. Considering that the measure is questionable, this provides a welcome relief to the industry. This seems like a logical move to help one of the upcoming industries.
Provdies More Affordable Housing by Peter Volberding, Jun 30, 2008 (11:32pm)
HR 1491 aims to create more affordable housing units, and keep more of them affordable when they are resold. This has broad support from agencies and organizations that promote affordable housing, but also from real estate agents, mortgage providers, and builders, mainly because of the incentives.
Serving more patients by Peter Volberding, Jun 30, 2008 (10:59pm)
When Congress implemented the 75% rule, it was meant to help treat more patients by requiring that 3/4ths of all patients fall under these conditions: stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, neurological disorders, burns, amputation, fracture of the femur, polyarthritis, major multiple trauma, and congenital deformity. However, it has also reduced the number of people eligible for Medicare, so health providers are aiming to cap it at its current rate of 60%. This will better help them serve more patients.
Relief for hurricane victims...and more by Peter Volberding, Jun 30, 2008 (10:26pm)
HR 1445 exempts the grants from Louisiana’s and other state’s programs to help people rebuild their homes lost in the hurricanes. The problem? When people receive their grants, it bumps them up to the next income bracket, which they are frequently unable to afford. This bill thus exempts that income, the clearly logical step. However, in good fashion, they have included other natural disasters as well in new amendments.
Try number 6 by Peter Volberding, Jun 30, 2008 (10:07pm)
This bill amends the PRWORA bill of 1996, which ended welfare as an entitlement program, requires recipients to begin working after 2 consecutive years of receiving benefits, and places a lifetime limit of 5 years on benefits. This bill attempts to amend that bill. However, it has died 5 times in the past 10 years. Somehow I doubt this will be the year for it.
More Sunshine or More Litigation? by Peter Volberding, Jun 30, 2008 (9:47pm)
S 2449 allows for more transparency in the court process. During civil cases involving out of court settlements, many plaintiffs are required to sign a secrecy clause; ie, they are not allowed to talk about anything in the lawsuit. This has shrouded the legal process in secrecy. So why wouldn’t we want a bill that ‘enlightens’ us with more information? The response is two-fold. Firstly, many (especially lawyers and legal experts) say that it will create a new litany of lawsuits against companies. It will further delay and overwhelm an already overburdened system. It will cost more, create longer cases, and most importantly increase the number of cases. The second argument is privacy—many businesses are angered that they may be subject to more media press (gasp!) but also perhaps a revealing of trade secrets, etc.
However, it seems the benefits from this could also be substantial. Watchdog groups point to the plethora of examples where the suppression of information can be to the detriment of consumers, such as “Firestone tires, Graco childrens’ products, the Shiley heart valve, the Dalkon Shield contraceptive device and the anti-depressant Prozac.” By not revealing the potential problems, it is creating safety hazards for the rest of us.
It is clear that more transparency is needed in the courts when exposing safety hazards. In fact, judges still have the prerogative to determine whether or not to release the info, if it happens to be for the benefit of the community at large. Thus, while definitely not perfect, this bill enough sunshine to warrant its approval.
More Mass Transit by Peter Volberding, Jun 27, 2008 (11:45pm)
This bill promotes the use of mass transit and discourages driving a car alone. Its incentives are weak. And, because it is a mass transit bill, stands little hope for ever passing. But, with the price of gas, anything is possible.
Not much change by Peter Volberding, Jun 27, 2008 (11:29pm)
S 2816 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to repeal a provision that includes the Chief Human Capital Officer among the officials of the Department of Homeland Security to be appointed by the President. So instead of the President appointing someone, his appointment appoints someone.
The Energy Fiasco continues by Peter Volberding, Jun 27, 2008 (11:15pm)
Whether or not speculation is to blame for the rapid increase in oil prices, one thing remains certain—the prices are high, and they don’t seem to be going anywhere. Both Republicans and Democrats have proposed their own pieces of legislation to no avail, since nothing has made it off the hill. So, is this piece any different? Not really, but there are two interesting points.
First of all, there are very few vocal supporters of this measure. And there is some merit, principally because it is not certain whether or not this legislation would actually change the price of oil. In fact, it is probably not the best scheme ever devised to deal with energy costs. So to those voted for it, not too helpful, but points for at least trying.
Second, the vocal opposition is also noteworthy. They are the bastions of conservative ideology—fiscal responsibility groups, oil & gas, and manufacturing. And their campaign donations reflect that as well, since the vote fell largely along party lines. This influence of money cannot be denied—it’s clearly there, and preventing any real reforms of our system.
A real solution or politicking? by Peter Volberding, Jun 27, 2008 (9:35pm)
HR 6331 is the crown jewel of sprawling amendments and provisions possible with legislation. It has become so complex and nuanced that it is hard to tell what it even does anymore. Provisions on hospitals, physician services, and low income healthcare muddy the waters further. And so perfectly timed, the Senate failed to achieve cloture before their Congressional Recess, while millions of Americans are still uninsured.
The question with this legislation becomes a weighing of bad and worse. There is no doubt that it will cost billions to keep up the level of Medicare, and this bill does little to change that price tag. However, millions of Americans are uninsured, and by reducing the payments to doctors, it is estimated that doctors would cut services to Medicare patients by around 10%, only worsening our already bad health care system. So we are left in a dilemma of bad and worse—is it better to keep the cost high but still provide the services, or should we cut services to save some money?
One final thing should be considered—the supporters and opponents. Healthcare providers, hospitals, doctors, etc, are supportive. Only the medical insurance companies stand to really lose (think Aetna, UnitedHealth, and Humana), with estimates at around $13 billion. While they are one of everybody’s favorite industries to bash, it is certainly not without merit. Profits and business interests must always be taken into account, but when it comes to healthcare, I’d place my trust in my doctor rather than an insurance group. That said, this legislation is by no means a panacea; in fact, it may be something on the contrary. But with a health crisis looming, maybe more emphasis should be placed on real solutions rather than reelection in November.
Surpassed by other climate legislation by Peter Volberding, Jun 27, 2008 (7:40pm)
H.R. 1451 provides incentives for consumers to use less oil, including a climate neutral combustion credit, credits for solar energy property, credits residential energy efficient property, and credits for property used in the refining of ethanol, methanol, and biodiesel. However, it is one of dozens of pieces of legislation that have been proposed in the last few years. This one, sadly, didn’t make the cut. Maybe next year.
Safer Buildings by Peter Volberding, Jun 27, 2008 (6:18pm)
The Dire Need for Alternative Energy by Peter Volberding, Jun 13, 2008 (11:42pm)
HR 6049 is principally focused on extending the tax breaks for renewable sources of energy, which are set to expire at the end of this year. It received fairly partisan support in the House, but, somewhat surprisingly, looks to be stalled in the Senate. But who doesn’t love tax breaks? Apparently the Republicans. The bill, with an estimated price tag of $54 billion, would be paid for by closing the tax loopholes available to multinational corporations, for hedge-fund managers, and for overseas accounts. But, to the ire of Republicans and anti-tax advocates, and with the best interest of American citizens at heart, they are crying fowl that new tax breaks shouldn’t be paid for by tax increases. However, since when did closing a tax loophole become a tax increase? Other claims, such as the necessity to reform the alternative minimum tax, are warranted, but are egregiously irrelevant to the discussion.
One of the main arguments is we should allow for the free market, through supply and demand, to allocate and develop clean technologies. However, in order to expedite the process, some subsidies are needed (it should also be noted that many supporters of this argument also oppose any reduction in oil subsidies, since it will “harm consumers”). Additionally, an independent economic organization, Navigant, found that “112,000 jobs in the wind and solar industries and $19 billion in investment” are at risk over the next 6-8 months.
Nearly every aspect of America has also realized this. The laundry list of nearly every Fortune 500 company shows that corporate America is highly supportive (albeit many of them are poised to become huge beneficiaries). Even more surprising, a poll found that 74% of Independents, 72% of Democrats and 72% of Republicans favor an extension of Federal tax credits for renewable technologies. How can there be such disparate views?
Conspicuously absent from all of the support are the oil companies—huge contributors and virtually the only industry that stands to lose, since it does not reap any benefits and loses some tax exemption. 5 of the 6 major corporations—ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, and Total—and many of their associations (like American Petroleum Institute) are suspiciously quiet. Only BP, which stands to gain a lot, has said anything (it is in favor). Anecdotal evidence has suggested their opposition, but very few links could be found.
The stall tactics need to come to an end. America urgently needs new energy solutions, such as alternative sources. The time to act is now.
A good educational tool by Peter Volberding, Jun 13, 2008 (2:47pm)
This bill, along with HR 1245, aims to provide $10 million in funding for pre-dialysis education. It’s sponsors point to the ultimate financial savings- the education of patients, which helps them with lifestyle changes and alternative methods of treatment, ultimately reduces the costs to Medicare. As is said, preventative health is always the best and cheapest way at reducing costs and promoting a healthy citizenry. The lack of pork and overwhelming benefit to overall health makes this a decent piece of legislation.
A good educational tool by Peter Volberding, Jun 13, 2008 (2:46pm)
This bill, along with S. 432, aims to provide $10 million in funding for pre-dialysis education. It’s sponsors point to the ultimate financial savings- the education of patients, which helps them with lifestyle changes and alternative methods of treatment, ultimately reduces the costs to Medicare. As is said, preventative health is always the best and cheapest way at reducing costs and promoting a healthy citizenry. The lack of pork and overwhelming benefit to overall health makes this a decent piece of legislation.
Certainly prioritizing resources...but for whom? by Peter Volberding, Jun 12, 2008 (1:52am)
HR 4279 is the hallmark legislation for tightening restrictions and improving the enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights, as it overshadowed S. 522 and raced through committee largely thanks to Rep. Conyers (D-MI). In fact, this legislation was overwhelmingly approved by the House (a 409-11 vote) and was broadly supported by nearly all the industries and unions, clearly signifying its importance, impartiality, and necessity as a law. Or is it?
First of all, this bill is much stronger than S. 522. It greatly increases the penalties that can be reaped in civil courts, toughens restrictions, pours resources into enforcement, and establishes an “IP-Czar” at the executive level. In its original conception, one of the most controversial sections was its allowance of suing per component, instead of the whole. For instance, downloading a CD illegally could be sued for $150,000 under the old legislation. However, if the CD had 10 songs on it, the lawsuit could jump ten-fold to $1,500,000, or a fine for each component. Thankfully, this was taken out, but many other harsh sections (per the request of the RIAA) still remain. It is also interesting to note that S. 522, though broadly supported by everyone, conspicuously lacked the support of the RIAA, MPAA, and telecommunications industry. The Copyright Alliance (a thinly-veiled coalition of corporations) is also a big contributor. It appears that without them on board, intellectual property rights legislation would go nowhere.
While legislators tout the broad support, it is actually fervently opposed by many. If all the corporations and unions support it, who’s left? Citizens. Opposition has grown with technology users (aka, everyone) and consumer advocacy groups because of the stringent, and unfair, laws that infringe upon people’s legal rights over the internet and created plausible fears of government monitoring and reduced liberties. The other opposition, ironically, comes from the Department of Justice (who doesn’t want to see their power diminished). Then why are legislators not more adequately reflecting the will of the people? Well, both groups don’t exactly wield enormous amounts of cash or political power.
Over the next four years, this bill is expected to also be enormously expensive, coming in at a projected $435 million. Ending with that, it seems that there really shouldn’t be enough to get this bill passed so solidly, so how did it get this far, so fast? Enter Rep. Conyers. It always helps to have the Chairman of the House Judicial Committee on your side. Some of his largest contributors are, unsurprisingly, the television, music, and telecommunication industries. Enough said.
It is apparent that intellectual property rights legislation will continue to evolve, as modes of communication rapidly change. But legislation should keep the interests of consumers, not just the profit margins of companies, in mind as well.
See HR 4279 by Peter Volberding, Jun 11, 2008 (8:07pm)
Protecting Intellectual Property by Peter Volberding, Jun 9, 2008 (10:38pm)
Protecting intellectual property has become more difficult in recent years—with the advent of faster and widespread internet access and with more unmonitored foreign trade, many unregistered (and illegal) products and services are widely available. This, however, harms all forms of American business. Counterfeits and illegal downloads undermine the legal processes that the US has put into place. This legislation is so clear-cut that it is difficult to find anyone opposed, because the only losers are individuals making illegal profits. However, this bill has become overshadowed by HR 4279 as the pioneering piece of intellectual property protection.
Expanding Women's Business Centers by Peter Volberding, Aug 21, 2008 (9:29pm)
HR 2397 expands the reach of Women’s Business Centers and increases the services in underserved communities. By reallocating and increasing funding, it ensures the effectiveness and stability of the program.