E Newsletter: Fast and Furious Accountability Amendment

Statement

Putting our money where our mouth is - Fast and Furious Accountability Amendment won't allow taxpayer money to be wasted on government lies
Last week, Rep. Chaffetz, Rep. Gosar and I attached a Fast and Furious Accountability Amendment to the FY 2013 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Act. This amendment holds the Department of Justice (DOJ) accountable for their lies, misstatements and omissions to Congress in regards to Operation Fast and Furious. The Amendment passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support in a vote of 381 to 41. You can find a link to the joint press release here.

During debate, I took to the floor to express my disgust with the alarming trend I am witnessing in government. From the GSA spending scandal to Operation Fast and Furious, there is a serious lack of accountability.

On the floor this week
This week, I voted for H.Res 568, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of preventing the government of Iran from acquiring nuclear weapon capabilities. I am a co-sponsor of this legislation.

Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act
Also, on the agenda was H.R. 4970, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012. This bill provides federal funding for programs and organizations that help assist women who are victims of domestic abuse, stalking and sexual assault. The act establishes a number of programs within the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services that assist state, local and tribal governments and victim service providers.

National Defense Authorization Act
Finally, we voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Many people were concerned that last year's NDAA allowed for detaining American citizens captured on American soil, without providing these individuals the right of habeas corpus. Although I did not believe last year's NDAA deprived citizens of basic constitutional rights, (see my newsletter dated 12/19/2011 here) the new Act makes this perfectly clear saying:

SEC. 1033. Habeas Corpus Rights: Nothing in the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107--40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) or the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112--81) shall be construed to deny the availability of the writ of habeas corpus in a court ordained or established by or under Article III of the Constitution for any person who is detained in the United States pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107--40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note).

Additionally, I voted for the Gohmert/Landry/Rigel Amendment that further protects our Constitutional rights. For more information this and other provisions of the NDAA click here and for my full vote explanation click here.

The NDAA also does not provide for a BRAC process. Though I see no immediate threat to our bases, I am in frequent contact with local leaders, military officials and my colleagues in Congress to make sure our bases are not in jeopardy of being closed. We must remain every vigilant and prepared should any threats to our bases emerge.

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