Representative Platts Thanks Troops Serving Overseas
On October 16, 2004, Representative Todd Platts returned from a three day visit with troops currently serving in Iraq and Qatar as well as wounded troops recovering in Germany. The visit was part of a bipartisan, five-member congressional trip in which Representative Platts had the opportunity to thank the troops for their service.
"The U.S. military's devotion to duty, their humble way, and their pride in what they are doing is inspiring," Representative Platts remarked upon his return. "None of us would ever take our nation's blessings for granted again if we could each experience this devotion."
Representative Platts also had the opportunity to meet with American and Iraqi officials, including Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawer and Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, to learn more about ongoing security situation. He stated that he was encouraged by these meetings.
"Iraqi officials understand that, in the end, the war against the terrorists and the former regime elements must be won by the Iraqi people themselves," Representative Platts observed. "So far, more than 100,000 Iraqis have been trained for police or national guard duty, and another 45,000 are expected to be trained in time for the January elections in Iraq. The Iraqis are already very much in the fight, and their increasing involvement will help us to succeed. Such success is vital not only to Iraq, but to the security of the civilized world."
Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
Platts Financial Accountability Legislation Signed Into Law
President George W. Bush signed into law a bill introduced by Representatives Todd Platts to ensure continued financial accountability at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). (http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/DHSsenate.html)
Information on the Flu Vaccine Shortage
Updates on flu vaccinations are available from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). A "quick link" is provided on Representative Platts' home page. (http://www.house.gov/platts/index.shtml).
The Month in Review
The following is a list of some key votes taken by the United States House of Representatives during the month of October 2004:
House-Senate Conference Agreement on Defense Authorization Bill (H.R. 4200)
The House voted 359-14 to pass a defense bill providing for a 3.5% pay increase for military personnel, increasing the number of active-duty service members in the Army by 20,000 and in the Marine Corps by 3,000, improving survivor benefits for spouses of military retirees, and extending a health care program for National Guard members and reservists and their families who otherwise lack health insurance. Representative Platts voted in favor of this legislation, and President George W. Bush signed it into law on October 28, 2004. (For more information on prior House consideration of this bill, see the June 2004 E-Newsletter.)
The Justice for All Act (H.R. 5107)
The House voted 393-14 to pass a bill which would guarantee specified rights to crime victims, provide funding to improve DNA testing of "rape kits" and crime scenes, and create procedures for prisoners to challenge their convictions based upon new DNA test results. Representative Platts voted in favor of this legislation, and President George W. Bush signed it into law on October 30, 2004.
Military Draft (H.R. 163)
The House voted 2-402 to reject a bill which would have reinstated the military draft. The House leadership scheduled consideration of the bill only because of persistent Internet rumors about a "secret plan" to reinstate the draft after the election. Like the vast majority of his colleagues, Representative Platts voted against passage of H.R. 163 and therefore against reinstating a military draft.
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