Lodge #12 News
July 30th, 2010 ()
Washington Watch: Legislative Update, Week of 26 July 2010
Washington Watch: Legislative Update
For the Week of 26 July 2010
I. Legislative News and Activity
II. This Week in Congress
III. Update on FOP Top Legislative Priorities
IV. Update on LEOSA
I. LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND ACTIVITY
Executive Director Jim Pasco received a call from Julius Genachowski, Chairman of the federal Communications Commission, to thank the FOP for its ongoing, cooperative working relationship. Chairman Genachowski also requested a meeting with FOP National President Canterbury during his next visit to Washington, DC.
Executive Director Pasco met with Robert Chaney, Senior Advisor for State, local and tribal law enforcement in the Office of Intergovernmental and Public Liaison, to discuss immigration reform and the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act.
Executive Director Pasco met with Bruce Cohen, Majority Chief Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, to discuss S. 1132, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act Improvements Act" and microstamping of ammunition.
II. THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS
The House and the Senate were both in session this week. The House goes into recess on Friday and is not expected to reconvene until after Labor Day. The Senate will be in session next week.
Action in the House
The House considered and passed H.R. 415, the "Fallen Heroes Flag Act," under a suspension of the rules by voice vote. The bill, which the FOP supports, would provide a U.S. flag, which has been flown over the U.S. Capitol, to the immediate family of any law enforcement or other public safety officer who died in the line of duty.
The House considered and passed H.R. 4899, the "Supplemental Appropriations Act," under a suspension of the rules on a 308-114 vote. The bill provides funding for the U.S. war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as financial aid for the Gulf Coast areas effected by the Deep Horizon oil spill. The bill was a vehicle for the FOP's collective bargaining legislation, but that language along with other provisions, were stripped out by Senate action last week. The bill will now go to the President for his signature.
The House considered and passed H.R. 5143, the "National Criminal Justice Commission Act," on a voice vote. The bill, which the FOP supports, would establish a National Commission to study our nation's criminal justice systems. The bill will now go to the Senate for further consideration. The Senate companion bill, S. 714, has already been favorably reported by the Committee on the Judiciary.
The House considered and passed H.R. 5662, the "Simplifying the Ambiguous Law, Keeping Everyone Reliably Safe (STALKERS) Act," which expands the applicability of Federal anti-stalking laws to cyberstalking as well. The bill was passed by voice vote and will now go to the Senate for further consideration.
The House considered and passed H.R. 5827, the "Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act," under a suspension of the rules on a 307-113 vote. The bill, which would exempt firearms from repossession during the bankruptcy process, now goes to the Senate for further consideration. The National Legislative Office staff is working with staff of Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, to craft a companion measure.
The House considered and passed S. 1789, the "Fair Sentencing Act," by voice vote under a suspension of the rules. The bill, which passed the Senate by unanimous consent in March, lowers the sentences for crack cocaine by replacing the current 100 to 1 ration of crack to powder cocaine which made the ratio 18 to 1. While the FOP took no position in support of S. 1789, we did successful defeat efforts to reduce the sentences to a 1 to 1 ratio.
Action in the Senate
The Senate continued its consideration of H.R. 5297, the "Small Business Lending Fund Act," and held several procedural votes on the measure. The legislation, which has not yet been put to a final vote, would establish the Small Business Lending Fund Program to make capital investments in eligible institutions in order to increase the availability of credit for small businesses.
The Senate considered and passed, S. 1749, the "Cell Phone Contraband Act," by unanimous consent. The bill, which the FOP supports, would prohibit the possession of cellular phones or similar wireless technology devices by Federal inmates. The bill, which was amended and passed by the house last week, now goes to the president for his signature.
III. UPDATE ON FOP TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
For the complete list of cosponsors for all of our top legislative priorities, or to find out if your Representative and Senators are cosponsors of specific bills, check out <http://thomas.loc.gov/>http://thomas.loc.gov .
A. Social Security Issues
(1) Support H.R. 235/S. 484, the "Social Security Fairness Act"
We currently have a total of three hundred and twenty-two (322) cosponsors on H.R. 235--more than a House majority! Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including six (6) Representatives who are no longer serving in Congress, nor the four (4) Delegates, who have limited voting rights on the floor.
We currently have thirty (30) cosponsors on S. 484. Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including in our count Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), who died last year. Senator Kennedy's successor, Senator Scott P. Brown (R-MA), is not currently a cosponsor of the bill.
(2) Opposing any legislation that would require the participation of public employees in Social Security
The FOP will continue to lobby against this scheme and oppose any legislation which would mandate participation in Social Security.
B. Support H.R. 413/S. 1611/S. 3194, the "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act"
As reported last week, the Senate rejected all House amendments to H.R. 4899, the "Supplemental Appropriations Act," including our provision on collective bargaining. The Majority Leaders in both chambers, Senator Harry M. Reid (D-NV) and Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), both pledged that they intend to hold a vote on our bill in this Congress, be it as a stand alone measure or as part of another vehicle.
We added two (2) cosponsors to H.R. 413, bringing our current total to two hundred and twenty-one (221) cosponsors on H.R. 413--more than a House majority! Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including in our count three (3) Representatives no longer serving in Congress, nor the three (3) Delegates, who have limited voting rights on the floor.
We currently have twenty-three (23) cosponsors on S. 1611. Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including in our count Senators Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), who died last year, or Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL), who resigned his seat last year. Senator Scott P. Brown (R-MA), who succeeded Senator Kennedy is now a cosponsor, but Senator George LeMieux (R-FL), who succeeded Senator Martinez, is not.
In addition to S. 1611, Senator Reid introduced S. 3194, which is identical to S. 1611.
C. Support H.R. 1972, the "Law Enforcement Officer's Procedural Bill of Rights Act"
We added one (1) cosponsor to H.R. 1972, bringing our current total to ten (10) cosponsors.
The Senate companion bill has not yet been introduced.
D. Support H.R. 673, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Equity Act"
We added two (2) cosponsors to H.R. 673, bringing our current total to thirty-four (34) cosponsors. Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including in our count two (2) Representative no longer serving in Congress.
The Senate companion bill has not yet been introduced.
IV. UPDATE ON LEGISLATION AMENDING LEOSA
In May, the Senate passed S. 1132 by unanimous consent. This legislation has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.
Earlier this month, National Legislative staff met with staff members for the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee regarding S. 1132. This week, staff held several conversations with staff members in the office of the House Majority Leader to discuss how the bill might be considered on the House floor.
We added two (2) new cosponsors to H.R. 3752, bringing our current total to fifteen (15). Please note we are not including in our count two (2) Representatives who are no longer serving in Congress. The bill is similar in most respects to the Senate companion bill, S. 1132. The House bill includes language that would also clarify the status of retired military personnel that served as law enforcement officers in their respective branch of service.
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National Fraternal Order of Police PAC
Contribution Form
Please return the form and contribution to:
National Fraternal Order of Police PAC
328 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
Name of Contributor ______________________________________
Occupation _____________________________________________________
Employer ______________________________________________________
Home Address _____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Phone # ________________________________________________
E-mail Address __________________________________________
Contribution Amount (Please circle one):
$25 $50 $100 $150 $200 Other $______
Date ______________________________
Is contributor a member of the F.O.P.? Y N
A. If YES, please list:
F.O.P. State Lodge __________________________________
F.O.P. Local Lodge __________________________________
F.O.P. Membership # ________________________________
B. If NO, please list:
F.O.P. Member's Name ____________________________________
Your Relationship to F.O.P. Member _________________________
(son, daughter, spouse, etc.)
Contributions or gifts to the National Fraternal Order of Police PAC are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Only PERSONAL or NON CORPORATE checks may be accepted. A contribution of $25 is suggested, but please contribute more if you are able, and a lesser amount if you are not. Contributions to the NATL FOP PAC are strictly voluntary and FOP members have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Your contribution will be used to support candidates for federal office who support law enforcement. Federal law requires political action committees to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 per calendar year.
Recent Lodge #12 News
Washington Watch: Legislative Update
For the Week of 26 July 2010
I. Legislative News and Activity
II. This Week in Congress
III. Update on FOP Top Legislative Priorities
IV. Update on LEOSA
I. LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND ACTIVITY
Executive Director Jim Pasco received a call from Julius Genachowski, Chairman of the federal Communications Commission, to thank the FOP for its ongoing, cooperative working relationship. Chairman Genachowski also requested a meeting with FOP National President Canterbury during his next visit to Washington, DC.
Executive Director Pasco met with Robert Chaney, Senior Advisor for State, local and tribal law enforcement in the Office of Intergovernmental and Public Liaison, to discuss immigration reform and the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act.
Executive Director Pasco met with Bruce Cohen, Majority Chief Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, to discuss S. 1132, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act Improvements Act" and microstamping of ammunition.
II. THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS
The House and the Senate were both in session this week. The House goes into recess on Friday and is not expected to reconvene until after Labor Day. The Senate will be in session next week.
Action in the House
The House considered and passed H.R. 415, the "Fallen Heroes Flag Act," under a suspension of the rules by voice vote. The bill, which the FOP supports, would provide a U.S. flag, which has been flown over the U.S. Capitol, to the immediate family of any law enforcement or other public safety officer who died in the line of duty.
The House considered and passed H.R. 4899, the "Supplemental Appropriations Act," under a suspension of the rules on a 308-114 vote. The bill provides funding for the U.S. war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as financial aid for the Gulf Coast areas effected by the Deep Horizon oil spill. The bill was a vehicle for the FOP's collective bargaining legislation, but that language along with other provisions, were stripped out by Senate action last week. The bill will now go to the President for his signature.
The House considered and passed H.R. 5143, the "National Criminal Justice Commission Act," on a voice vote. The bill, which the FOP supports, would establish a National Commission to study our nation's criminal justice systems. The bill will now go to the Senate for further consideration. The Senate companion bill, S. 714, has already been favorably reported by the Committee on the Judiciary.
The House considered and passed H.R. 5662, the "Simplifying the Ambiguous Law, Keeping Everyone Reliably Safe (STALKERS) Act," which expands the applicability of Federal anti-stalking laws to cyberstalking as well. The bill was passed by voice vote and will now go to the Senate for further consideration.
The House considered and passed H.R. 5827, the "Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act," under a suspension of the rules on a 307-113 vote. The bill, which would exempt firearms from repossession during the bankruptcy process, now goes to the Senate for further consideration. The National Legislative Office staff is working with staff of Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, to craft a companion measure.
The House considered and passed S. 1789, the "Fair Sentencing Act," by voice vote under a suspension of the rules. The bill, which passed the Senate by unanimous consent in March, lowers the sentences for crack cocaine by replacing the current 100 to 1 ration of crack to powder cocaine which made the ratio 18 to 1. While the FOP took no position in support of S. 1789, we did successful defeat efforts to reduce the sentences to a 1 to 1 ratio.
Action in the Senate
The Senate continued its consideration of H.R. 5297, the "Small Business Lending Fund Act," and held several procedural votes on the measure. The legislation, which has not yet been put to a final vote, would establish the Small Business Lending Fund Program to make capital investments in eligible institutions in order to increase the availability of credit for small businesses.
The Senate considered and passed, S. 1749, the "Cell Phone Contraband Act," by unanimous consent. The bill, which the FOP supports, would prohibit the possession of cellular phones or similar wireless technology devices by Federal inmates. The bill, which was amended and passed by the house last week, now goes to the president for his signature.
III. UPDATE ON FOP TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
For the complete list of cosponsors for all of our top legislative priorities, or to find out if your Representative and Senators are cosponsors of specific bills, check out <http://thomas.loc.gov/>http://thomas.loc.gov .
A. Social Security Issues
(1) Support H.R. 235/S. 484, the "Social Security Fairness Act"
We currently have a total of three hundred and twenty-two (322) cosponsors on H.R. 235--more than a House majority! Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including six (6) Representatives who are no longer serving in Congress, nor the four (4) Delegates, who have limited voting rights on the floor.
We currently have thirty (30) cosponsors on S. 484. Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including in our count Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), who died last year. Senator Kennedy's successor, Senator Scott P. Brown (R-MA), is not currently a cosponsor of the bill.
(2) Opposing any legislation that would require the participation of public employees in Social Security
The FOP will continue to lobby against this scheme and oppose any legislation which would mandate participation in Social Security.
B. Support H.R. 413/S. 1611/S. 3194, the "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act"
As reported last week, the Senate rejected all House amendments to H.R. 4899, the "Supplemental Appropriations Act," including our provision on collective bargaining. The Majority Leaders in both chambers, Senator Harry M. Reid (D-NV) and Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), both pledged that they intend to hold a vote on our bill in this Congress, be it as a stand alone measure or as part of another vehicle.
We added two (2) cosponsors to H.R. 413, bringing our current total to two hundred and twenty-one (221) cosponsors on H.R. 413--more than a House majority! Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including in our count three (3) Representatives no longer serving in Congress, nor the three (3) Delegates, who have limited voting rights on the floor.
We currently have twenty-three (23) cosponsors on S. 1611. Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including in our count Senators Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), who died last year, or Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL), who resigned his seat last year. Senator Scott P. Brown (R-MA), who succeeded Senator Kennedy is now a cosponsor, but Senator George LeMieux (R-FL), who succeeded Senator Martinez, is not.
In addition to S. 1611, Senator Reid introduced S. 3194, which is identical to S. 1611.
C. Support H.R. 1972, the "Law Enforcement Officer's Procedural Bill of Rights Act"
We added one (1) cosponsor to H.R. 1972, bringing our current total to ten (10) cosponsors.
The Senate companion bill has not yet been introduced.
D. Support H.R. 673, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Equity Act"
We added two (2) cosponsors to H.R. 673, bringing our current total to thirty-four (34) cosponsors. Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including in our count two (2) Representative no longer serving in Congress.
The Senate companion bill has not yet been introduced.
IV. UPDATE ON LEGISLATION AMENDING LEOSA
In May, the Senate passed S. 1132 by unanimous consent. This legislation has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.
Earlier this month, National Legislative staff met with staff members for the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee regarding S. 1132. This week, staff held several conversations with staff members in the office of the House Majority Leader to discuss how the bill might be considered on the House floor.
We added two (2) new cosponsors to H.R. 3752, bringing our current total to fifteen (15). Please note we are not including in our count two (2) Representatives who are no longer serving in Congress. The bill is similar in most respects to the Senate companion bill, S. 1132. The House bill includes language that would also clarify the status of retired military personnel that served as law enforcement officers in their respective branch of service.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
National Fraternal Order of Police PAC
Contribution Form
Please return the form and contribution to:
National Fraternal Order of Police PAC
328 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
Name of Contributor ______________________________________
Occupation _____________________________________________________
Employer ______________________________________________________
Home Address _____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Phone # ________________________________________________
E-mail Address __________________________________________
Contribution Amount (Please circle one):
$25 $50 $100 $150 $200 Other $______
Date ______________________________
Is contributor a member of the F.O.P.? Y N
A. If YES, please list:
F.O.P. State Lodge __________________________________
F.O.P. Local Lodge __________________________________
F.O.P. Membership # ________________________________
B. If NO, please list:
F.O.P. Member's Name ____________________________________
Your Relationship to F.O.P. Member _________________________
(son, daughter, spouse, etc.)
Contributions or gifts to the National Fraternal Order of Police PAC are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Only PERSONAL or NON CORPORATE checks may be accepted. A contribution of $25 is suggested, but please contribute more if you are able, and a lesser amount if you are not. Contributions to the NATL FOP PAC are strictly voluntary and FOP members have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Your contribution will be used to support candidates for federal office who support law enforcement. Federal law requires political action committees to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 per calendar year.
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