Posted by tx on September 15, 2009 under Home Page, Texas candidates, US Constitution | 
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The 111th Congress could go down in American history as the “House of Hypocrisy” after Democrats today followed months of ignoring potentially criminal tax evasion by U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and House Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-NY), while scheduling an immediate vote against Republican Congressman Joe Wilson for an inappropriate verbal outburst during last week’s Joint Session of Congress.
“We are witnessing perhaps the most blatant display of moral and legal hypocrisy in the history of this body,” says House Republican Conference Secretary John R. Carter of Texas. “Speaker Pelosi and President Obama have allowed Democrats at the highest levels of the federal government to violate the tax laws of the United States with impunity, blocked all attempts by this body to hold them accountable, and have made a mockery of our system of justice and the Rule of Law. Yet they find it important to hold a vote against a Republican for two words blurted out during a speech by the President, for which he has already apologized. We are witnessing truly malignant partisanship of historic proportion.” Carter has joined other Members of the House in support of Wilson’s apology being adequate to address any breach in House rules for his comment.
Carter introduced a privileged resolution earlier this year calling for removal of Rangel as Chairman of House Ways and Means, the House committee that oversees the IRS, while Rangel remained under investigation for tax violations, among other ethics charges. The resolution was blocked from consideration or debate on a party line vote by Democrats, in spite of the removal being supported by the editorial boards of the New York Times, Washington Post, and numerous other major daily newspapers historically favorable to Democrats.
Carter also introduced the Rangel Rule legislation that would provide the same waiver of penalties and interest on back taxes for all Americans as that enjoyed by Rangel. That measure has also been blocked by House Democrats.
“It is becoming increasingly apparent that the only way this House will restore the Rule of Law is for the American people to overthrow it,” says Carter. “It is time for a revolution at the polls in November 2010.
Carter last night on the House Floor on this issue:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swIfOf5lJ9E
Thank you Congressman Carter for standing up for your constituents!
Posted by tx on August 12, 2009 under US Constitution |
WASHINGTON — Six Texas congressmen are in the middle of a summertime political tempest sweeping the nation’s capital over legislation to require future presidential candidates to show birth certificates to prove they are “natural born citizens” of the United States eligible to serve as president.
The effort by the lawmakers, including Houston-area Reps. Ted Poe, R-Humble, and John Culberson, R-Houston, stems from a so-called “birther movement” mounted by some conservative Republicans and talk-show hosts who continue to question whether President Barack Obama is a natural born citizen.
The Texans have not adopted the prove-it’s-not-true approach pressed by talk-show hosts such as Rush Limbaugh, who insists “Barack Obama has yet to prove he’s a citizen” and “all he’d have to do is show a birth certificate.” But the lawmakers’ effort lends credence to what some dismiss as a fringe movement fanned by unsubstantiated rumors swirling on the Internet thanks to bloggers such as Californian Orly Taitz. “I believe it is a serious concern” that requires Congress to “subpoena all of Obama’s vital records,” Taitz writes.
The Constitution stipulates that “no person except a natural born citizen” shall be eligible to serve as president. The Presidential Eligibility Act proposed in March by Rep. Bill Posey, R-Fla., would require campaign committees to submit a copy of the candidate’s birth certificate to the Federal Election Commission with other documentation as necessary to prove eligibility.
Little League test
Poe, a former prosecutor and criminal court judge, says he “never said” Obama was born “anywhere but the United States,” but adds: “To ensure that we eliminate future debates and adhere to the Constitution, we simply should do what Little Leagues all across our country do and require that birth certificates be provided at the time of registration.”
Culberson says any candidate seeking federal elective office “should be required to prove that they meet the requirements laid out in our Constitution.”
Other former candidates have faced similar questions, including Republican presidential nominee John McCain, who was born in the Panama Canal Zone in 1936.
“Requiring future presidential candidates to provide their birth certificates in 2012 and thereafter is a commonsense way to avoid unnecessary controversies and conspiracy theories,” adds Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler.
Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, collaborated on the bill in hopes of quelling stubborn controversies that are distractions and “not good for our nation,” said spokeswoman Michelle Ozanus.
Of the 10 co-sponsors enlisted by Posey, six are from Texas, including Poe, Culberson, Gohmert, Neugebauer, Kenny Marchant, R-Coppell and John Carter, R-Round Rock.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, challenged what she described as a bid to impeach Obama’s birthright as the first black president.
“In all my lifetime whether you are the winner or the loser, I have never heard of anyone raising the question of the birthplace of the duly elected president.”
State officials in Hawaii vouched for Obama’s birth last month. They said state law prevents public release of an individual’s birth certificate.
Posted by tx on August 11, 2009 under Home Page, US Constitution |
This column originally appeared in the Washington Examiner on July 28, 2009
Gun owners are increasingly concerned with the White House’s citing of foreign law when it comes to gun rights. Look no further than the recent Senate confirmation of Professor Harold Koh to be State Department legal advisor in June. Koh, a committed transnationalist, is a passionate opponent of gun ownership.
Koh, recently the dean of Yale Law School, was confirmed as State Department Legal Advisor with 35 votes against him. He now becomes the top U.S. authority on international law, and the top advisor to the president and secretary of state about America’s obligations and treaty commitments with the United Nations and other countries.
Harold Koh is also one of the most far-left legal advocates anywhere in this country, on issues ranging from affirmative action to same-sex marriage to the reach of the federal government into people’s lives. While many on the Left believe that foreign law should be considered by American courts in interpreting the Constitution, as a true transnationalist, Koh believes that U.S. courts should directly cite foreign law to decide cases, and that foreign policy actions such as war-making are illegal without express U.N. approval.
There is no issue on which Koh is further from the mainstream, however, than the right to keep and bear arms. He openly advocates a global gun-control regime, run by the international community and based on foreign law, that would ban all handguns and subject all other firearms to draconian restrictions.
The Koh nomination is only one of three nominations thus far to push an extreme anti-gun agenda using foreign law.
Here’s a little history: Senate Democrats’ sustained opposition to John Bolton’s nomination as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. originated from his service as the undersecretary of state for arms control early in the Bush administration. Some aggressively pushed at the time for an international treaty banning handguns and severely restricting all private firearm ownership worldwide.
Bolton spoke at the U.N., declaring that the United States would never join a treaty that violated the Second Amendment rights of American citizens. That treaty never died, however. Anti-gun forces at the U.N. continue to push for adoption of this global gun ban treaty and for the U.S. to join it.
That’s why it’s important that Obama’s nominee as undersecretary of state for arms control is Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.), who was also confirmed on June 25. Tauscher is a fierce opponent of gun rights who holds an “F” rating by the National Rifle Association. Tauscher is the Obama administration’s point person on these pending gun ban treaties, advised by Koh.
The third nominee is Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court. In addition to Judge Sotomayor’s support of using international law in U.S. courts, her longtime opposition to gun rights became a central issue in her confirmation battle.
Legal experts are all aware that Harold Koh is himself on the short list for the Supreme Court. Now that he holds this prestigious position, he could next be nominated for the D.C. Circuit federal appeals court.
After a year of service on the bench, then-Judge Koh, with his scholarly credentials, would be an ideal pick for President Obama to make the first Asian-American nominated to the High Court, where he would then be the most liberal justice in U.S. history.
Thus Harold Koh’s nomination becomes part of a broader pattern, where adherents of foreign law and extreme gun control intersect both at the U.N. and the Supreme Court. Supporters of American sovereignty and the Second Amendment had better join forces quickly, because this part of President Obama’s agenda is moving faster than many believed possible.
Posted by tx on July 29, 2009 under Home Page, US Constitution |
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In this MegaVote for Texas’ 31st Congressional District:
Recent Congressional Votes -
- Senate: Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010
- Senate: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010
- House: Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act
- House: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010
- House: Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriation, 2010
- House: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010
Upcoming Congressional Bills -
- Senate: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010
- House: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010
- House: Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010
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| Recent Senate Votes |
Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010 – Vote Passed (67-25, 7 Not Voting)
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The Senate passed this $3.1 billion bill to fund the legislative branch, which includes a provision to post Senate expenses online for the public to access.
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Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Sen. John Cornyn voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 – Vote Passed (84-6, 10 Not Voting)
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On Thursday, the Senate passed this $42.9 billion bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security for Fiscal Year 2010, which includes a provision requiring at least 700 miles of a border fence with Mexico be completed by 2010.
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Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Sen. John Cornyn voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
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| Recent House Votes |
Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act – Vote Passed (386-41, 5 Not Voting)
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On Wednesday, the House voted to reauthorize two federal programs that provide research and development grants to entrepreneurs.
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Rep. John Carter voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 – Vote Passed (266-160, 6 Not Voting)
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The House approved this $123.8 billion bill to fund the USDA, FDA and other related agencies and programs.
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Rep. John Carter voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriation, 2010 – Vote Passed (318-106, 8 Not Voting)
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This $48.8 billion bill funding the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for Fiscal Year 2010 was passed on Thursday.
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Rep. John Carter voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010 – Vote Passed (415-3, 14 Not Voting)
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The House passed this $133.7 billion bill funding veterans programs and military construction.
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Rep. John Carter voted YES……send e-mail or see bio
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| Upcoming Votes |
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 – S.1390
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The Senate is scheduled to work on this bill to set funding levels for the military and authorize Department of Defense programs.
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Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.___
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The House is scheduled to vote on this bill funding the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers and related agencies and programs.
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Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.3170
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The House is expected to vote on this bill funding the Treasury Department, the executive branch, the judicial branch, the District of Columbia and independent agencies.
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Posted by tx on July 24, 2009 under New American Revolution, US Constitution, Uncategorized |
From Having an Austin Tea Party -
This message came to us via friends in the non-partisan group Americans for Prosperity. We believe the information will be of use to Travis County Republicans and friends.
This Saturday in Austin, proponents of a government-run health care system are planning a huge publicity stunt to raise support for the $1 trillion health care plan in Congress.
This misguided rally is being headed up by Texans for Obama, and in attendance will be none other than Congressman Lloyd Doggett. Last week, more than 150 Central Texans protested the proposed health care plan outside of Rep. Doggett’s office – apparently, he missed the message.
We need to counter this with a HUGE showing! Doggett needs to know that a vote for government-run healthcare is a vote AGAINST our ability to direct our own healthcare.
We don’t want bureaucrats between us and our doctor!
Plans are to meet at the AFL-CIO Hall on 11th Street & Lavaca and at 1 p.m. The government-run health care supporters will march to a nearby park (about a block away) to form a “Human Texas Shape” to represent 5.5 million uninsured Texans. We need to outnumber them!
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, July 25
Place: AFL-CIO Hall, 1106 Lavaca St # 200, Austin, TX 78701
Posted by tx on under Texas patriots, US Constitution, Uncategorized |
Join us for a “Stand Up For Texas” Tea Party
on the south steps of the Texas Capitol in Austin!
On September 5th, patriots and lovers of freedom will gather at the Capitol building in Austin to encourage our elected officials to Stand Up For Texas! We’ll address the federal government’s power grabs regarding Cap and Trade, Health Care, stimulus packages and bailouts, and ask our elected officials to sign a pledge to Stand Up for Texas with their votes, whether in the local councils, state legislatures or the US Congress.
All Texans who are concerned about runaway government spending and the trashing of our Constitution can join us to make a loud noise that will be heard in Washington! All elected officials at every level should be invited to hear our concerns and sign the pledge, so make sure to extend an invitation to YOUR elected officials!
Date: Saturday, September 5th, 2009 (Labor Day Weekend)
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Place: South steps of the Texas State Capitol
1100 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
If you are joining the March on Washington D.C. on September 12th,
be sure to join us in Austin to connect with others who will be going as well!
We’ll send you off in style!
Transportation – Groups are organizing charter buses from different areas of Houston (and, if demand exists, other parts of the state) to make the trip together. Jennifer Heiden (Katy Tea website www.katytea.com and email address tea.katy@yahoo.com) is offering to assist you in ordering and organizing charter buses for the Houston area (with other information to come if there is statewide demand), with the goal of synchronizing a caravan which will arrive at the Capitol at the same time. We are planning to have all buses meet at a central staging point and then travel together up Congress Avenue to the Capitol! There will be more details to come.
If instead you prefer to handle your own bus charters, here are a couple of links that might be helpful:
Parking: http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/Plan/Map.htm
Hotels
A. intercontinental Stephen F Austin Hotel
- www.austin.intercontinental.com - (512) 457-8800 – 406 reviews
B. The Driskill Hotel
- www.driskillhotel.com - (800) 252-9367 – 271 reviews
C. Omni Hotels: Austin Southpark
- www.omnihotels.com - (512) 448-2222 – 358 reviews
D. Omni Hotels: Downtown Austin
- www.omnihotels.com - (512) 476-3700 – 803 reviews
E. Hotel San Jose
- www.sanjosehotel.com - (512) 852-2350 – 115 reviews
F. Radisson Hotel & Suites Austin
- www.radisson.com - (512) 478-9611 – 202 reviews
G. Four Seasons Austin: A Luxury Hotel in TX –
www.fourseasons.com - (512) 478-4500 – 146 reviews
H. Sheraton Austin Hotel
- specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com - (866) 716-8134 – 260 reviews
I. Embassy Suites Hotel Austin-Downtown/Town Lake
- www.embassysuites.com - (512) 469-9000 – 65 reviews
J. Mansion at Judges Hill Austin Texas Hotel – Hotels in Austin TX
- www.mansionatjudgeshill.com - (512) 495-1800 – 112 reviews
Hotels in surrounding areas
A. Renaissance Austin Hotel
– marriott.com - (512) 343-2626 – 150 reviews
B. Super 8 Austin/ Airport Area
- www.super8.com - (512) 334-4130 – 82 reviews
C. Hyatt Regency Austin
- austin.hyatt.com - (512) 477-1234 – 680 reviews
D. Radisson Austin North
- www.radisson.com - (512) 451-5757 – 255 reviews
E. Sheraton Austin Hotel
- specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com - (866) 716-8134 – 260 reviews
F. Embassy Suites Hotel Austin-Downtown/Town Lake
- www.embassysuites.com - (512) 469-9000 – 65 reviews
G. Omni Hotels: Austin Southpark
- www.omnihotels.com - (512) 448-2222 – 358 reviews
H. Staybridge Suites Austin Arboretum Extended Stay Hotel
- www.staybridge.com - (888) 299-2208 – 77 reviews
I. Econo Lodge Austin
- www.econolodge.com - (512) 835-7070 – 26 reviews
J. Doubletree Guest Suites Austin
- www.doubletree.com - (512) 478-7000 – 239 revie
Posted by tx on July 23, 2009 under US Constitution |
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today wrote to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, to inquire as to why the $3 billion in emergency drought relief funding, which was approved and signed into law more than one year ago as part of the 2008 Farm Bill, has yet to be released.
Thousands of Texas farmers, ranchers, and landowners are losing crops and animals to the current record temperatures and severe drought. As of today, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicated Texas has the most land in the worst stage of drought in nearly a decade.
“A prolonged and excessive heat wave is devastating farm families in central and south Texas this year. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s July 14 update indicates that the bulk of central and south Texas are experiencing Extreme and Exceptional drought—the two worst possible conditions,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The SURE disaster fund was signed into law as part of the Farm Bill over one year ago to provide upwards of $3 billion in assistance, yet farmers in many Texas counties are still waiting for word on the help they have been told they will qualify for. These producers have done all that USDA has asked of them in order to prove their dire conditions and confirm eligibility, and yet they wait for the SURE program to be finalized. It is imperative this important program is finalized as quickly as possible as Texas farmers and ranchers continue to wait for this badly needed assistance.”
–The full text of the letter is below–
July 16, 2009
The Honorable Tom Vilsack
Secretary
United States Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, Southwest
Washington, DC 20250
Dear Secretary Vilsack:
I write concerning the delay in implementing much needed drought assistance. As you know, Congress enacted a standing disaster trust fund in the 2008 Farm Bill. The purpose of the Supplemental Revenue Assurance (SURE) program was to fill holes in our nation’s farm safety net—holes particularly noticeable during long periods of drought.
A prolonged and excessive heat wave is devastating farm families in central and south Texas this year. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s July 14 update indicates that the bulk of central and south Texas are experiencing Extreme and Exceptional drought—the two worst possible conditions. No other state is experiencing either condition this summer.
The SURE disaster fund was enacted over one year ago to provide upwards of $3 billion in assistance, yet farmers in many Texas counties are still waiting for word on the help they have been told they will qualify for. These producers have done all that the USDA has asked of them in order to prove their dire conditions and confirm eligibility, and yet they wait for the SURE program to be finalized.
I strongly urge you to finalize this important program soon, and I request an update on USDA’s progress thus far.
Sincerely,
JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator
Posted by tx on July 21, 2009 under Home Page, US Constitution |
July 20, 2009 Presented by “Congress.org”
In this MegaVote for Texas’ 31st Congressional District:
Recent Congressional Votes -
- Senate: Cloture Motion; Nomination of Robert M. Groves, to be Director of the Census
- Senate: Cloture Motion; To provide Federal assistance to States, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes
- House: Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010
- House: Restore Our American Mustangs Act
- House: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010
Upcoming Congressional Bills -
- Senate: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010
- House: Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009
- House: Department of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010
- House: Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Act, 2010
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| Recent Senate Votes |
Cloture Motion; Nomination of Robert M. Groves, to be Director of the Census – Vote Agreed to (76-15, 9 Not Voting)
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The Senate agreed to this procedural vote allowing a vote on the nomination of Robert Groves to be the Director of the Census, who was later confirmed by a voice vote.
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Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison voted Not Voting……send e-mail or see bio
Sen. John Cornyn voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Cloture Motion; To provide Federal assistance to States, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes – Vote Agreed to (63-28, 9 Not Voting)
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The Senate agreed to end debate on this amendment to the Military Construction authorization bill that would include gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability in the definition of hate crimes. The amendment was later approved by voice vote.
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Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Sen. John Cornyn voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
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| Recent House Votes |
Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010 – Vote Passed (219-208, 1 Present, 5 Not Voting)
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On Thursday, the House voted on this $24.1 billion bill funding the Treasury Department, the executive branch, the judicial branch, the District of Columbia and independent agencies.
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Rep. John Carter voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Restore Our American Mustangs Act – Vote Passed (239-185, 9 Not Voting)
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On Friday, the House passed this bill that intends to improve the management and long-term health of wild free-roaming horses and burros.
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Rep. John Carter voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 – Vote Passed (320-97, 16 Not Voting)
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The House approved this $33.3 billion bill funding the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers and related agencies and programs.
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Rep. John Carter voted NO……send e-mail or see bio
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| Upcoming Votes |
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 – S.1390
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The Senate is scheduled to continue work on this bill to set funding levels for the military and authorize Department of Defense programs.
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Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009 – H.R.2920
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The House is scheduled to vote on this bill intended to reinstitute and update the Pay-As-You-Go requirement of budget neutrality on new tax and mandatory spending legislation.
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Department of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.___
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The House is scheduled to work on this bill funding transportation and housing programs for the next fiscal year.
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Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.___
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The House is also expected to work on this funding bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and other related agencies and programs.
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Posted by tx on July 19, 2009 under Home Page, Principles and Values, US Constitution |
Contact Your U.S. Senators TODAY And
Urge Them To Support Your Right To Self-Defense
The U.S. Senate is now considering the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1390). As a part of the consideration of that legislation, Senators John Thune (R-SD) and David Vitter (R-LA) will offer an amendment on Monday to provide for interstate recognition of Right-to-Carry permits. There is a very high likelihood of a Senate floor vote on this important and timely pro-gun reform on Monday or Tuesday.
While the right to possess firearms for self-defense within the home has long been respected under the law, for most of our nation’s history, state and local governments have prohibited ordinary citizens from possessing firearms for self-defense in many settings outside the home. Recently, however, most state legislatures have taken steps to reduce those restrictions. In the last twenty years, the number of states that respect the right to carry has risen from 10 to 40 – an all-time high.
Now is the time for Congress to acknowledge these changes in state laws and recognize that the right to self-defense does not end at state lines. Under the Thune-Vitter amendment, an individual who has met the requirements for a carry permit, or who is otherwise allowed by his home state’s state law to carry a firearm, would be authorized to carry a firearm for protection in any other state that issues such permits, subject to the laws of the state in which the firearm is carried.
Contrary to “states’ rights” claims from opponents who usually favor sweeping federal gun control, the amendment is a legitimate exercise of Congress’s constitutional power to protect the fundamental rights of citizens (including the right to keep and bear arms and the right of personal mobility). States would still have the authority to regulate the time, place and manner in which handguns are carried.
Expanding Right-to-Carry will enhance public safety, and certainly poses no threat to the public. Criminals are deterred from attempting crimes when they know or suspect that their prospective victims are armed. A study for the Department of Justice found that 40 percent of felons had not committed crimes because they feared the prospective victims were armed.
And, carry permit holders have demonstrated that they are more law-abiding than the rest of the public. For example, Florida has issued more carry permits than any other state (1.5 million), but revoked only 166 (0.01 percent) as a result of firearms-related crimes by permit holders.
The Thune-Vitter amendment recognizes that competent, responsible, law-abiding Americans still deserve our trust and confidence when they cross state lines. Passing interstate Right-to-Carry legislation will help further reduce crime by deterring criminals, and—most important of all—will protect the right of honest Americans to protect themselves when deterrence fails.
The Thune-Vitter Amendment represents a giant step forward in the protection of the basic right to self-defense. Its passage will recognize that the rights of law-abiding Right-to-Carry permit holders should be respected, even when they travel outside their home state.
Please be sure to contact both of your U.S. Senators today, and urge them to cosponsor and support the Thune-Vitter amendment. E-mail them today and call them on Monday.
Posted by tx on July 17, 2009 under Home Page, US Constitution |
Sen. Cornyn also recognized by colleagues for his unyielding efforts to improve military voting
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who has been a long-time Senate advocate of military voting reform, successfully incorporated several of his initiatives into legislation passed today out of the Senate Rules Committee.
Sen. Cornyn strengthened the MOVE Act by adding two major pieces of legislation – one based on his Military Voting Protection (MVP) Act and another based on his Military Voters’ Equal Access to Registration (MVEAR) Act – to ensure that overseas troops are provided expedited delivery of their completed ballots and also given, along with their families, on-base voter assistance when they need it.
His efforts and leadership on the issue of military voting were also recognized by several of his Senate colleagues who are on the committee, including Rules Committee Chairman Chuck Schumer, Ranking Member Robert Bennett and Sen. Saxby Chambliss.
“Sadly, our troops and their family members face tremendous roadblocks when it comes to voting in U.S. elections, as formally documented in report after report. I am working with my Senate colleagues to tear down these barriers and ensure that every military service member and family member is able to participate in the democratic process and have his or her vote counted.
“It’s highly encouraging the committee has adopted the MOVE Act, which includes comprehensive military voting reforms, many of which I’ve been pushing in the U.S. Senate. We are now one step closer to enacting these important reforms into law and helping our troops get the assistance and resources they need to vote in U.S. elections,” Sen. Cornyn said.
Background
Following the markup, Sen. Cornyn signed onto the MOVE Act, as amended with his military voting reforms included.
Sen. Cornyn has spearheaded efforts on military voting reform, including the MVP Act, which ensures that the completed ballots of troops overseas are delivered to the appropriate state election officials in time to be counted; it passed the Senate last year. He reintroduced it this Congress with bipartisan support, and it currently has 33 co-sponsors. In addition, it has received an overwhelming number of endorsements from prominent Veterans Service Organizations and military support groups.
Building on the success of the MVP Act, Sens. Cornyn and Begich introduced a second military voting reform bill to make sure troops and their family members have voter registration assistance through ‘motor voter’-style services provided to them on military installations. This second, complimentary bill – the MVEAR Act – would help make sure blank absentee ballots reach troops at their current addresses, so they can cast their votes and send their completed ballots back to their home election offices in time to be counted on Election Day.
