Congress Passes Bills Related to Homeland Security, Defense
During the month of September, the House and Senate both passed a number of bills related to homeland security and defense. These bills included fiscal year 2007 appropriations for the Departments of Homeland Security (H.R. 5441) and Defense (H.R. 5631), as well as legislation to enhance port security (H.R. 4954), to better control the border (H.R. 6061), and to establish a system for trying terrorists for war crimes (S. 3930).
With respect to the port security legislation, H.R. 4954 would offer grants to enhance port security as well as build upon and improve the current layered system for screening all incoming cargo. The border security bill, H.R. 6061, would authorize the Department of Homeland Security to construct up to 700 miles of security fencing along the southern border, as well as require the Department to establish a "virtual fence" with cameras, sensors, and other technology along the entire border.
The House passed H.R. 4954 by a vote of 409-2, and the Senate passed it unanimously. The President signed the measure into law on October 13, 2006. The House passed H.R. 6061 by a vote of 283-138, and the Senate passed it by a vote of 94-0. The measure awaits the President's signature. Congressman Platts supported both bills.
S. 3930, the bill to establish a system for trying foreign terrorists for war crimes, was necessitated by a Supreme Court ruling in June that invalidated the prior system. Under S. 3930, trials of suspected foreign terrorists would largely follow the current system for military courts martial. However, judges would be allowed to limit the release of classified information regarding intelligence sources, methods, and activities to terrorist suspects and juries. Guilty sentences could be appealed to the D.C. Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Finally, the bill contains compromise language intended to maintain the United States' commitment to the Geneva Conventions without sacrificing the ability of intelligence agencies to effectively interrogate terrorist suspects.
The Senate passed S. 3930 by a vote of 65-34, and the House passed it by a vote of 250-170. The President signed the measure into law on October 17, 2006. Congressman Platts voted in favor of the bill.
Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
House Subcommittee Passes Bill to Strengthen FOIA
The Subcommittee on Government Management, which is chaired by Congressman Platts, passed legislation to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act on September 27, 2006.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/FOIApassage.html)
Education Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Davis-Platts Legislation
The Subcommittee on Education Reform held a hearing on September 27, 2006 regarding bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Danny Davis and Todd Platts. This legislation is aimed at supporting voluntary home visitation programs that deliver parental education and family support services directly to parents with young children.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/EducationBeginsAtHome.html)
The Month in Review
The following is a list of some other key votes taken by the United States House of Representatives during the month of September of 2006:
Federal Election Integrity (H.R. 4844)
The House voted 228-196 to pass legislation requiring individuals voting in federal elections to provide a photo ID. In the event a voter could not provide such identification, he or she could cast a provisional ballot and later confirm his or her identity. Congressman Platts voted in favor of H.R. 4844.
Electronic Surveillance Modernization (H.R. 5825)
The House voted 232-191 to pass legislation which would clarify the legal status of a National Security Agency program which intercepts communications between members of al-Qaeda outside the United States and people within the United States. Under the provisions of the bill, such interceptions could be conducted for up to 90 days without prior court approval where there is an imminent threat of attack. In all such cases, however, the President would have to notify the foreign intelligence surveillance court as well as members of both parties serving on the House and Senate Intelligence Committees. Supporters of the legislation argued that it would preserve a program vital to national security while bringing it under greater oversight. Congressman Platts voted in favor of H.R. 5825.
Earmark Reform (H. Res. 1000)
The House voted 245-171 to change House rules so as to require all members sponsoring an "earmark" within spending or tax bills to be listed next to the project. Congressman Platts voted in favor of H. Res. 1000.
Investigation of Representative Mark Foley (H. Res. 1065)
The House voted 410-0 to direct the Ethics Committee to fully investigate the behavior of Rep. Mark Foley and the response to it. Congressman Platts voted in favor of H. Res. 1065.
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