I voted “no” on H.R. 2052 – the Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2013. This bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct an interagency review of and report to Congress on ways to increase the global competitiveness of the United States in attracting foreign direct investment. Essentially, it directs top presidential officials to tell Congress what is good for America. I do not believe we need another report; we already know what attracts foreign investment: a fair tax system, sensible regulations, an education system which prepares individuals for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and a government that does not pick winners and losers. The bill passed 379-32. I voted “yes” on H.R. 2844 – the Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act of 2013. This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report biennially by consolidating eight separate reports into one singe report. It requires the report to include a list of areas with no internet service providers. Also, the bill repeals and consolidates twelve reports previously authorized under the Communications Act of 1932. The bill passed 415-0. I voted “yes” on H.R. 1155 – the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act. This bill creates a non-profit board to serve as a clearinghouse for insurance agents and brokers who want to do business in multiple states. Currently, the process for agents and brokers who want to register in multiple states is cumbersome and duplicative. State insurance commissioners will continue to be responsible for regulating market conduct in their states. This bill has no cost to the federal government. It passed 397-6. I voted “yes” on S.130 – the Powell Shooting Range Land Conveyance Act, which directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Powell Recreation District (in the state of Wyoming) 322 acres of land, which is currently managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Powell Recreation District will operate a shooting range on the property and can also use the property for other public and recreational purposes. The bill passed 408-1. I voted “yes” on S. 304 – the Natchez Trace Parkway Land Conveyance Act of 2013. The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey back to the State of Mississippi two parcels of land totaling 67 acres. The state had acquired and donated these parcels to the National Park Service. The City of Natchez wishes to use a portion of the land for a recreational complex. The bill passed 419-1. I voted “yes” on S. 256 – to amend public law 93-435 to provide parity between the Northern Marianas and Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. This legislation provides the Northern Mariana Islands with the same ownership and jurisdiction over offshore submerged lands as has been provided to other United States territories. This legislation helps to put United States’ territories on a more equal footing, giving the same respect and control to the Northern Marianas as has been granted to our other territories. The bill passed 415-0. I voted “yes” on S.459 – the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act. This bill transfers almost 29 acres (in South Dakota) from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Secretary of Interior for a visitor center. The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site was established in 1999 and is intended to display the historical significance of the Cold War and the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). The site once housed 150 missiles, 15 launch control centers, and covered 13,500 square miles. The bill passed 414-5.
Posted on: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:40:00 +0000