Dairy Policies by Ryan Birss, Sep 11, 2008 (8:06pm)
H.R. 2462 would improve federal dairy policies by offering better risk protection for dairy producers. This would help protect dairy farmers from price fluctuations and revenue lost during natural disasters. This is an important step to help farmers and their families whose lives depend on the dairy industry.
Two Year Budget by Ryan Birss, Sep 11, 2008 (7:10pm)
This bill would have the first session of Congress submit a budget that would last two years. This would hopefully encourage Congress to think more long term. This idea comes up almost every year in Congress. It is an interesting idea that might be worth a shot.
Open Fields initiative by Ryan Birss, Sep 10, 2008 (11:55pm)
This bill became a part of the Farm Bill for this year. It will create an “Open Fields Initiative” which would give grants to states to give to owners of private land such as farms and forests. These grants would encourage the land owners to allow hunters and fisherman use their land. It is supported by the NRA and the National Farm Union.
Cancer Awareness by Ryan Birss, Sep 10, 2008 (10:56pm)
This bill would ammed the Public Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase awareness of ovarian and cervical cancer and expand public services targeted at low-income women. This is a good idea because these cancers can impact many women, and low income women might not be as informed about the potential risks. The bill has over 20 cosponsors so it could potentially get some action.
Reducing Violent Crime by Ryan Birss, Sep 10, 2008 (10:29pm)
This bill aims to curb violent crime. Interesting enough, it shares the same name as H.R. 638. The Violent Crime Reduction Act of 2007 will impose mandatory minimum prison terms for racketeering related violent crimes and increase penalties for using firearms during a drug trafficking crime. The bill is aimed at gang members. Although this is a good cause, mandatory minimum sentencing take power away from the judiciary branch to use proper discretion. I feel Judges should be able to decide the fate of criminals, not legislators.
The Free Market and Financial Aid by Ryan Birss, Sep 10, 2008 (9:59pm)
This bill would start a direct income-dependent education assistance loan program. It would allow students to consolidate previous student loans into this new program. The loan repayments would come through the income tax collection system. This repayment model was developed by free-market economist Milton Friedman, “ as the optimal way for all students, no matter their income, to repay their student loans.” Students would repay their loans based on what their income is. This seems like an inovative and interesting way to handle financial aid.
Helping Native Americans by Ryan Birss, Sep 9, 2008 (7:30pm)
This bill will provide funds and scholarships for Native Americans. The funds will be used for training Native Americans in tribal leadership, policy, and management. This should help community leaders improve the quality of life on Indian Reservations. Presidential canidate John McCain sponsored S. 952.
Oregon Tribes by Ryan Birss, Sep 9, 2008 (7:07pm)
GI Bill by Ryan Birss, Sep 9, 2008 (6:30pm)
Encouraging Public Transportation by Ryan Birss, Sep 8, 2008 (11:46pm)
This bill aims to reduce the average citizen’s dependency on energy. It does this by providing tax deductions for certain mass public transportation expenses. This will hopefully encourage the use of public transportation as people will spend less money on gas and their cars. It seems like a good and innovative idea to give people incentives to take public transportation. Even if people don’t care about the environment, they may be encouraged to take public transportation if it keeps more money in their wallets.
Correlation between Meth Use and Identity Theft? by Ryan Birss, Sep 8, 2008 (11:19pm)
This bill directs the Attorney General to conduct a study evaluating a possible connection between Meth abuse and Identity Theft. It will study the connection and evaluate if new laws should be put in place. I think this is a very good idea that can help law enforcement crack down on these growing epidemics.
Acrtlic Fiber Tow by Ryan Birss, Sep 8, 2008 (11:06pm)
This bill will temporarily suspend the duty on acrylic fiber tow. Acrylic fiber is used in sweaters, socks, blankets, luggage, craft yarns, and concrete reinforcement. It has many uses, and suspending the duty would make it cheaper to purchase. This could help businesses who use acrylic fibers in their products. Hopefully businesses could pass on these savings to the consumer.
Mexican Trucks by Ryan Birss, Sep 8, 2008 (10:48pm)
This bill would terminate the Mexican truck demonstration program. It would make the Department of Transportation evaluate the results of the one year pilot program before Mexican trucks could continue to work in the U.S.
This is a definite clash between Congress and the executive branch as they try to bully each other over this program.
Saving Horses by Ryan Birss, Sep 8, 2008 (10:04pm)
This bill will make it a federal offense to process, ship, or engage in any behavior that contributes to horses being used for human consumption. Americans typically do not eat horse meat. However, tens of thousands of American horses are slaughtered every year to satisfy the markets for horse meat in Europe and Asia.
One of the problems is that horses are not raised like traditional livestock, so for them to be sold into slaughter after a life time of being treated as a pet is very inhumane and cruel. This bill is supported by many animal rights groups.
Re: Saving Horses by Mellony Forrester, Sep 15, 2008 (12:24am)
H.R. 6598 is just another attack on our personal property rights and horse ownership rights! This bill would further complicate the plight of horses and horse-related businesses following the closure of U.S. processing plants. H.R. 6598 stems from animal rights activists’ misguided and damaging efforts to permanently ban horse slaughter. The anti-slaughter movement campaigns on emotion, ignores the facts, and denies the unintended consequences of the ban. Since the last U.S. processing plant was closed almost a year ago, horses have been abandoned in greater numbers; many more horses now suffer inhumane journeys and painful deaths at slaughter facilities outside our borders; and honest, hard-working people involved in the horse industry find their livelihood in danger. The animal rights movement has a well established and well-funded political machine already in place. Its voice is drowning out the voice of the horse industry. We, the people who care the most and know the most about horses and their management, should have the greatest influence on the laws that affect our industry and the animals we are devoted to.
Part of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act by Ryan Birss, Sep 8, 2008 (8:18pm)
This bill has been incorporated in the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (H.R. 1108). H.R. 1108 passed the House on July 30th.
The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act modernizes the Thrift Savings Plan for federal employees by providing “self directed” investment options and allows employees to make contributions to a qualified Roth program.
This section of the bill will save the federal government money. This will offset the potential loss of tobacco tax revenues that the CBO predicts stemming from the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
Bond Ratings by Ryan Birss, Sep 4, 2008 (10:28pm)
This bill would require the SEC to make each credit rating agency evaluate the risk of municipal and corporate bonds using the same scale. This would make it easier for investors to evaluate and decide the risk on potential investments.
The Municipal Bond Fairness Act will most likely raise the ratings of municipal bonds and encourage investing in city and local governments. This is a good idea because citizens can benefit from their local governments having more money to work with for city projects. It benefits potential investors because they will have more accurate knowledge.
The bill is supported by financial and municipal organizations.
Honoring Iraq War Veteran with Post Office Name by Ryan Birss, Sep 4, 2008 (9:20pm)
Honoring Veteran with a Post Office by Ryan Birss, Sep 4, 2008 (8:58pm)
This bill would rename a post office in Saint Charles, Missouri, after Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver. Weaver, who grew up in Saint Charles, died at the age of 20 in Iraq. Naming a post office after Weaver is the least the government can do to honor his service and sacrifice.
Hybrid Trucks by Ryan Birss, Sep 4, 2008 (8:42pm)
This bill will encourages hybrid research for trucks by offering grants to truck manufacturers to build, test, and eventually sell hybrid heavy duty trucks. It will also encourages the Department of Energy to expand its advanced energy storage technology research to include hybrid trucks.
This bill will hopefully jump start a new truck market, help the environment, and reduce American businesses dependency of foreign oil. It seems like new research and information is a win-win for everybody involved.
Helping Immigrant Spouses by Ryan Birss, Sep 4, 2008 (7:34pm)
This bill will change the laws regarding citizenship for immigrant spouses. Currently, if a citizen dies, their spouse (if not a citizen yet) can be deported if they haven’t been married for more then two years.
This bill will fix this problem. It seems unfair to deport someone just because they miss an arbitrary date. Families have been torn apart by this law and it should be changed.
Energy's role in National Security Concerns by Ryan Birss, Sep 2, 2008 (7:12pm)
This bill aims to require the director of national intelligence to conduct an assessment on the relationship between rising energy prices and national security concerns. The focus of the assessment will most likely be on Iran. The bill passed the House and is now on its way to the Senate.
Transfer to the Highway Trust Fund by Ryan Birss, Sep 2, 2008 (6:38pm)
This bill would allow the Internal Revenue Code to transfer from the Treasury $8.017 billion to the Highway Trust Fund. It has already passed in the House.
This bill will bailout the Highway Trust Fund that will soon have insuffient funds to operate. One reason it will be running out of money is because it relies on gas taxes. When less people buy gas, there’s less taxes collected.
Investment in transportation infastructure can provide jobs and also maintain the current highway system. The bill is supported by manufacturers, engineers, and public transportation groups. It is opposed by conservative tax groups and the Bush Administration.
Oil Speculation by Ryan Birss, Sep 2, 2008 (5:28pm)
This bill has already passed in the House and is on the calender in the Senate. The bill aims to have the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to use all its authority to stop excessive oil speculation. Excessive speculation can distort prices and can undermine the traditional forces of supply and demand. The bill passed the House by wide margins as Congress tries to keep gas prices down.
Biodiesels used for CAFE Purposes by Ryan Birss, Sep 1, 2008 (1:29am)
H.R. 2454 aims to include B20
biodiesel blends as an alternative fuel for corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) purposes. CAFE regulations are intended to improve the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks. It regulates how car companies make cars and how many miles per gallon cars can have. By including biodiesels, it may encourage companies to build and manufacture cars that can benefit from biodiesel.
Expanding Deductions and Incentives for Education by Ryan Birss, Aug 28, 2008 (9:16pm)
The DIPLOMA Act will ammend the Internal Revenue code to allow for more tax deductibles for tutition and related expenses. It will also allow greater tax deductions on education loans. Overall, this bill make it easier for people to finance an education. This is a good idea because it will encourage people who were thinking about it to have incentives to go to college.
Lower Taxes on Car Rentals by Ryan Birss, Aug 28, 2008 (8:52pm)
This bill would eliminate discriminatory state taxes on car rentals and lower the cost of renting a car. This would benefit consumers, business travelers, and rental car companies. It would hurt local and state governments who use the car rental taxes to help fund programs. The debate is whether vistors in a community should pay taxes that will benefit the locals.
Tax Incentives for College by Ryan Birss, Aug 28, 2008 (7:54pm)
This bill will give tax credits to students. Traditional students and nontraditional students will benefit the most for this. The credits could be used for non-tutition expenses. Older students could use the inventives to go back to school, learn new skills, and get ready for a career change. Overall, this bill will make it easier for people to educate themselves.
End of the War in Iraq? by Ryan Birss, Aug 28, 2008 (2:38am)
This bill would repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution. A noble cause for Rep Tauscher, it seems highly unlikely this issue will be resolved until after the Presidential election. However, Nancy Pelosi has indicated that she intends to allow a floor vote on H.R. 2450 as an amendment to the Defense Appropriations bill.
Investing in One's Health by Ryan Birss, Aug 28, 2008 (1:48am)
This bill aims to curb the rising obesity rates and unhealthy lifestyles in America. It uses tax credits to encourage citizens to buy health equipment, play youth sports, and purchase gym memberships. This plan can save money over the long run because it will hopefully keep people healthier which will lower health care costs down the line.
Technology in the Classroom by Ryan Birss, Aug 28, 2008 (12:42am)
This bill aims to make sure students are technologically literate before the end of 8th grade. The bill gives grants to improve teaching and learning through technology and reform schools through technology integration. The bill is based on input from many education stakeholders.
It is very important for students to be tech savvy. Not only will it improve their status in the classroom, it will also help them down the line when they apply for jobs and compete in a competitive global market.
The bill is supported by educational groups and teacher’s unions. Interestingly enough, it is also supported by computer companies like Dell and Intel. Hopefully these big businesses are sincere in their support for education reform and are not looking for a way to sell more computers.
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network by Ryan Birss, Aug 26, 2008 (9:54pm)
This is a pretty uncontroversial bill that aims to reauthorize the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. This has been used to combat financing for terrorism and money laundering. A bill like this is essential to combating terrorism at home and abroad.
Afghanistan by Ryan Birss, Aug 26, 2008 (9:26pm)
This bill reauthorizes U.S. efforts in Afghanistan. It will continue to fund development, security assistance, and economic programs. Some of the new components are funds to combat the drug trade and assitance to women and girls.
I was surprised there was not more support and opposition for this bill. It passed the House and is on its way to the Senate.
Ideological Debate by Ryan Birss, Aug 26, 2008 (8:44pm)
This bill aims to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. In 2006, the Supreme Court ruled that the Army Corps had overstepped its boundries regulating “navigable waters”.
In response, Congress is trying to pass this bill to clarify the law and allow the federal government to regulate all bodies of water. However, it is turning into a fierce ideological debate that lies in the fabric of the Constitution.
The debate is about federal and environmental regulation, due process, private property rights, as well as state’s rights. Environmental groups, construction groups, business, and farmers are some of the many segments of the population that will be impacted by this legislation.
Opponents claim that this is one of the largest attempts ever of the federal government trying to restrict private property. This bill will be very important as it makes it way through the legislative process.
Benefits for Veterans by Ryan Birss, Aug 25, 2008 (7:10pm)
This bill would authorize the payment of special compensation to any member of the Armed Services who retired due to disability and was rewarded the Purple Heart. Currently, this compensation is only for members that have at least 20 years of active service.
It is important to extend the benefits to all qualified members. These men and women who have to retire early due to disability deserve the full support from their government and country.
Bioenergy Research by Ryan Birss, Aug 25, 2008 (6:26pm)
This bill would encourgae bioenergy research by giving grants to five different universities in different regions of the United States. These univerities would make up a Bio Energy Consortium. The Bio Energy Consortium will “identify talents and expertise that contributes to advancing biomass for energy and incorporate teams to address priority issues and to accelerate biomass for energy technologies.”
Overall, I support the idea of researching alternative energy solutions. However, due to recent reports of biofuels driving the price of corn and other foods up, which in turn leads to food shortages, I am not completely sold on biofuels. However, hopefully this can be one of the concerns that could be researched under this new program. More research information is not going to make anything worse. It will be neccessary for Congress and other leaders to have adequate information about biofuels before they make any important decisions regarding it.
Ethanol Pipelines by Ryan Birss, Aug 25, 2008 (5:59pm)
This bill aims to fund studies for ethanol pipelines. It has been incorporated into H.R. 2701, the Transportation Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation Act of 2007. This new bill has passed through committee and has been placed on the legislative calander.
Researching ethanol is a good idea. It is important for Congress to have all the data and information it needs to make informed decisions about energy policy. Researching the logisitics of ethanol production will hopefully give Congress and the American people another option to combat climate change and rising gas prices. However, if the research shows that these potential pipelines are a bad idea, Congress and the American people can move on from the ethanol debate and focus their time and energy on more realistic solutions. No matter the findings, new information and data will not hurt the current situation and hopefully bring the ethanol debate to a close.
A Piece of the Larger Energy Bill by Ryan Birss, Aug 25, 2008 (5:33pm)
HR 2420 would establish an Office on Global Climate Change, support clean and efficient energy technologies in developing countries, and create the International Clean Energy Foundation. All these measures deal with the foreign affairs aspect of the climate change crisis.
This bill was incorporated into the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007 (HR 3221). HR 3221 passed the House and Senate and is now public law. It is important for America to play a pro-active role and be a leader when it comes to environmental policy. This bill will encourage America to lead by example as the international community deals with climate change and global warming.
Breast Cancer Research by Ryan Birss, Aug 25, 2008 (4:48pm)
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer. American women have a 1 in 8 chance of getting breast cancer in their lifetime. The Better Sceening Test for Women Act would authorize appropriations for the National Institutes of Health to conduct early detection research as well as research regarding the link between early detection and the reduction in mortality rates. Research in these areas can hopefully reduce the number of breast cancer deaths each year.
Helping Small Businesses by Ryan Birss, Aug 23, 2008 (8:25pm)
This bill will establish association health plans. This means small businesses can purchase health insurance as part of a group. This will lower costs because of economics of scale as well as give small businesses more bargaining power with insurance providers.
This bill will level the playing field a bit and give small businesses a better chance to succeed. It will lower costs as well as continue to allow small businesses to give adequate insurance to their employees.
Child Care by Ryan Birss, Aug 23, 2008 (7:27pm)
This bill will set up a grant program to encourage public and private partnerships for child care businesses. The grants can be used to pay for new employees and new technologies. These grants will help enhance the quality of child care in America.
Bribes by Ryan Birss, Aug 23, 2008 (1:02am)
This bill would increase the punishment for government officials convicted of felonies related to bribes. I think this is a good idea. It is important to deter officials from accepting bribes. Recent corruption scandals show that some officials have no respect for the current laws. Increasing prison sentences can hopefully make a government official think twice before accepting a bribe.
Smart Meters by Ryan Birss, Aug 23, 2008 (12:26am)
This bill would encourage the use of “Smart Meters.” Smart meters are electrical meters that can identify consumption in more detail then regular meters. They also usually communicate the information back to the utility company.
This can hopefully conserve energy because people will have better information and also be more accountable for the energy they use.
Holding States Accountable for Schools by Ryan Birss, Aug 20, 2008 (7:57pm)
Every student deserves a good education. The Student Bill of Rights would allow the Secretary of Education to determine if state’s were providing a proper education. The bill would allow the federal government to withhold funding from schools that are underperforming and not meeting goals. The bill also allow students or parents aggrieved by violations of this new law to bring civil actions for enforcement in federal district courts.
It is time for states to be accountable for their schools and education. They’ve had many opportunities to fix their systems themselves. Now it is time for the federal government to put more pressure on states to provide a proper education for its students.
There is an identical bill in the Senate, S 2189.
Helping Small Business by Ryan Birss, Aug 20, 2008 (7:24pm)
H.R. 2359 passed in the House and is now on its way to the Senate. The bill will expand Small Business Development Centers. These centers are used by small businesses to get help dealing with health-care and energy burdens and regulatory issues. The bill also deals with SCORE, a service that provides entrepreneurs with free counseling assistance by former executives.
These provisions should help small businesses. In a struggling economy, it is important for the government to provide resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs so they have better chances to be successful.
Health Insurance for Children by Ryan Birss, Aug 20, 2008 (6:25pm)
This bill aims to provide all children with health insurance. A very noble cause, which seems to be long overdue. The program is modeled after Medicare. If passed, all children (and people up to the age of 23) would have basic health insurance. Also, it sets up a system where poor families would have to pay less compared to wealthier families. The bill is supported by many health and children’s organizations. Unfortunately, the bill is opposed by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.
Overall, the issue of uninsured children will not go away. It is time for Congress to finally act and use their power to help the many children who can not have their basic health needs met.
Helping New Farmers by Ryan Birss, Aug 19, 2008 (6:34pm)
This is a very important farm bill. Farmers over the age of 65 outnumber those under 35 by more than two to one. The majority of farmers are part of older demographics. Most farm equipment and land is also owned by older generations. This bill aims to help younger farmers and also encourage younger people, new immigrants, and women to go into the farming business.
The bill will offer grants, financial and entrepreneurial training, apprentice programs, and other opportunities. These measures will help make a smooth transition from the “old” farmers to the “new” farmers.
Taxes by Ryan Birss, Aug 19, 2008 (5:12pm)
This bill aims to curtail tax abuses by disallowing tax benefits that arise from transactions without substantial economic substance or business purpose. It will help keep businesses honest and keep them from finding tax loopholes. The bill has over fifty cosponsors, so look for it to gain some support and opposition as it makes it way through the legislation process.
Protection from High Energy Costs by Ryan Birss, Aug 19, 2008 (4:39pm)
This bill aims to curb price gouging in the sale of gasoline, fuel, and oil. The bill also creates criminal and civil penalties for violaters. Hopefully this bill will help keep gas sellers honest and keep prices a bit lower.
Researching Children's Well-Being by Ryan Birss, Sep 11, 2008 (8:37pm)
This bipartisan bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect data and develop comprehensive indicators to assess child well-being in each state. This would allow the government to see where the problem areas are so they will have better knowledge to make decisions that can improve the lives of children everywhere. This is a very necessary piece of legislation that hopefully makes it way to the floor as soon as possible.