House Passes Legislation Related to Foreign Investment, Small Business Tax Cuts, "Card Check"
In February 2007, the House passed legislation to more strictly oversee foreign investment in the United States (H.R. 556), cut taxes for small businesses (H.R. 976), and abolish the right to a secret ballot in certain workplace elections (H.R. 800). Congressman Platts voted in favor of H.R. 556 and H.R. 976, but voted against passage of H.R. 800.
Last session both the House and the Senate passed legislation similar to H.R. 556, but a compromise between the different versions of the two bills was not reached prior to the end of the session. The provisions of H.R. 556 largely reflect current regulations requiring the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review transactions in which a foreign company or government attempts to acquire a U.S. business related to national security. Importantly, however, H.R. 556 would also require CFIUS to more closely consult with Congress throughout the process of reviewing transactions. H.R. 556 passed by a vote of 423-0.
H.R. 976 would provide $1.3 billion in tax relief for small businesses that invest in themselves or hire certain disadvantaged employees. The House considered the legislation with the intent of including these or similar tax provisions in any final agreement with the Senate to increase the federal minimum wage. H.R. 976 passed by a vote of 360-45.
Finally, under H.R. 800, employers would be required to recognize unions whenever a majority of their workforces simply sign union authorization cards (a so-called "card check" procedure). Currently, employers can instead request a secret ballot for its workers. Critics of the legislation argued that there is little or no secrecy involved in the circulation or signing of union authorization cards, and that abolishing the secret ballot could therefore result in more workplace intimidation by both employers and unions. H.R. 800 would also greatly diminish the right of union workers to vote on their first contract with an employer. Specifically, if an agreement on a contract is not reached within 90 days of a union being recognized, either the union or the employer could request federal mediation. Ultimately, this mediation could result in binding arbitration imposed on both workers and the employer.
The aforementioned bills passed by margins of 423-0, 360-45, and 241-185, respectively. All three bills are now pending consideration in the Senate.
New Passport Requirements for Travelers
The Department of Homeland Security and Department of State have launched a new program, known as the "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative." This initiative is intended to strengthen border security while also better facilitating entry into the United States for American citizens and legitimate foreign visitors. Under the program, all persons - including American citizens—traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda must now present a passport, Air NEXUS card, U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable. The passport requirement does not apply to American citizens traveling to or returning directly from a United States territory such at Puerto Rico or the United States Virgin Islands.
As early as January 1, 2008, all persons - including American citizens - traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea, may also be required to present a valid passport or other document as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Currently, a "Passport Card" is under development to allow travelers to more easily satisfy this requirement. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to implement the Initiative as soon as possible. The Department of State has announced ample advanced notice should be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for such land and sea entries.
As a result of these changes, processing times at regional passport agencies, including the Philadelphia office, have increased dramatically. Constituents interested in applying for a new passport or renewing an existing passport are urged to apply early to avoid potential disruption of travel plans.
For more information on the above-discussed changes, please visit the Department of State website at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html, or contact one of Congressman Platts' district offices.
Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
Statement on the House Iraq Resolution
The House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution condemning the deployment of U.S reinforcements to Iraq (H. Con. Res. 63). Congressman Platts' statement explaining his opposition to the resolution can be found on the web site. (http://www.house.gov/list/speech/pa19_platts/nonbindingresolution.html)
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