Speaker Dennis Hastert congratulated the success of the Suburban Caucus, "I'm pleased the House has been able to move forward several pieces of important legislation that directly impact families living in the suburbs of America.  These are everyday issues that face families routinely and concern parents across the country.  These bills, which are part of the Suburban Agenda, focus on everything from stopping child predators who use the internet to target children to expanding the resources schools use to do background checks on future teachers.  It is common sense legislation for the everyday American family and I want to applaud Rep. Mark Kirk for his efforts to get these bills across the finish line. "

Majority Leader John Boehner echoed praise, “Earlier this year, House Republicans vowed to take action on the priorities of America’s suburban families.  Thanks to the leadership of Rep. Kirk and other members of the GOP Suburban Caucus, we have followed through on our pledge.  While Democrats sit on the sidelines and do nothing, Republicans are addressing the concerns and priorities of our nation’s suburban families and communities.” 

Suburban Agenda Caucus Chairman Mark Kirk laid out the goal for the second round of bills, "American families are focused on helping their children to win in the global marketplace, to reduce our dependence on oil by developing alternative energy, and ensuring healthcare coverage for families that may have been laid off or are switching jobs.  Our Suburban Agenda represents a grassroots, common-sense set of solutions for families in suburban communities.  The Caucus will work to move these bills through the House and will continue to welcome bipartisan support.”

The seven bills introduced today complement the work that has been done since May. The new legislation includes:

§         Gang Elimination Act (Dave Reichert (WA), H.R. 5291) Identifies and combats new suburban drug gangs.

§         Health Insurance Portability Act (Deborah Pryce (OH), H.R. 5740) Eliminates limits on health insurance coverage under COBRA.

§         The Alternative Energy Act (Judy Biggert (IL)/Mike McCaul (TX), H.R. 5656) Creating a new generation of alternative energy solutions for our children.

§         Community Health Center Volunteer Physician Protection Act(Tim Murphy (PA), H.R. 1313) Provides tort reform for volunteer doctors at community health centers.

§         Math and Science Teaching Corps Act (Jim Saxton (NJ), H.R. 5871) Creating a new Teacher Corps for math and science education.

§         Senior Safety and Dignity Act (Ginny Brown-Waite (FL), H.R.6161) Updates the Nursing Home Bill of Rights to require background checks for elder care job applicants and effective evacuation plans in the case of a hurricane or other disaster.

§         Protect Your Home and Property Act (Jim Gerlach (PA), H.R. XXXX) Helps restore the property rights of all Americans by establishing a penalty for states and localities that abuse their eminent domain power.

 “I thank Speaker Hastert and Majority Leader Boehner for their enormous level of support for suburban families and our legislation. I look forward to working with both of them to ensure that our new set of bills is as successful as the first,” Kirk said.