Consideration of 2007 Supplemental Appropriations Bill Continues
In both April and the beginning of May, the full United States House of Representatives continued to debate and vote on supplemental appropriations to fund military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan during the remainder of fiscal year 2007. One bill (H.R. 1591) was a House-Senate conference agreement which would have provided funding while also establishing a timeframe for withdrawing from Iraq. A second bill (H.R. 2206) would have provided less than half of the funds needed, unless Congress acted again in mid-July.
Congressman Todd Platts voted against H.R. 1591, citing its timeframe for withdrawal. "Under the new security initiative in Iraq, all United States troops will not even be in place until mid-June of this year. H.R. 1591 calls for those troops to begin withdrawing as early as July 1st of this year unless certain conditions are met, before our troops and the Iraqi troops are given any opportunity for success," he explained. "Moreover, even if the conditions laid out in the bill are met and significant progress is being made in Iraq, United States troops would be required to begin withdrawing no later than October 1, 2007-a mere three months later." President Bush subsequently vetoed H.R. 1591.
Congressman Platts also voted against H.R. 2206. "By potentially cutting off funding just weeks after United States troops are fully in place," he explained, "we deny our military leaders the certainty they need to plan long-term and have the best opportunity for success." President Bush has stated his intent to veto H.R. 2206 in its current form, although it is expected to be modified by the Senate prior to final consideration. Congressman Platts urged Congressional leaders to work with the Administration and reach consensus on a plan to support the mission of U.S. troops.
Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
Encouraging Volunteerism
Congressman Platts spoke on the House floor during National Volunteer Week. His statement is posted on the web site.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/pa19_platts/volunteerism.html)
Last Month
The following is a list of some other key votes taken by the United States House of Representatives during the month of April of 2007:
Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation (H.R. 1257)
The House voted 269-134 to pass legislation requiring corporations to provide shareholders with the opportunity for a non-binding vote on the approval of pay and compensation packages for top executives. The legislation would also require greater disclosure of such compensation packages. Congressman Platts voted in favor of H.R. 1257.
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination (H.R. 493)
The House voted 420-3 to prohibit insurance and employer discrimination on the basis of genetic information. The bill would protect the confidentiality of genetic information, as well as prohibit health insurers from requiring genetic tests. Congressman Platts voted in favor of H.R. 493.
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