Congressman Bachus's E-Newsletter - Washington Report

Statement

Dear Friend:

Thank you for taking the time to read my e-newsletter.

IMMIGRATION REFORM

The Senate has passed an immigration reform bill, shifting attention to the House where our initial focus has been on border security and interior enforcement. The Judiciary Committee, where I serve as a senior member, has marked up four bills dealing with immigration enforcement, nationwide employer verification, high-skilled visa reform, and guestworker programs. As the House further considers a comprehensive solution to fix our broken immigration system, we should be mindful to honor our best principles and the rule of law.

THE REGULATORY BURDENS ON SMALL BUSINESS

A hearing that I held last week as chairman of the subcommittee on regulatory reform explored how federal regulations can impose exceptionally heavy burdens on small businesses. With bipartisan support, I have introduced the Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act to help ensure that federal agencies are more responsive to the unique circumstances of small businesses, which we count on to create the majority of new jobs in our economy.

THE PRESIDENT'S CLIMATE CHANGE ADDRESS

Americans cannot afford to pay more for electricity and gasoline, yet President Obama is pushing an extreme climate change agenda that will raise energy costs. He has now announced that he will try to implement this agenda by administrative decree, which I will oppose. As the President pursues a tired tax and regulate approach, projects important to employment and energy security -- like the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and the further development of nuclear power and clean coal -- continue to languish.

ACCOUNTABILITY AT THE CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU

An example of a newly-formed bureaucracy with a wonderful name but an overreaching agenda is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Created by the Dodd-Frank Act, this massive agency has broad powers over the economy and your personal finances. But its "recess appointment" director has never been confirmed and the agency is not subject to the customary checks-and-balances of legislative oversight. To help promote accountability, I have drafted legislation to change the structure of the agency from a single all-powerful director to a bipartisan commission, the model used at nearly every other federal financial regulator and independent agency.

IRS TARGETING

The House is continuing to investigate the targeting of conservative groups by the IRS. An area that I want further examined is the possible targeting of organizations based on their religious beliefs. Acting on concerns expressed by Reverend Franklin Graham, Representative Randy Forbes - the leader of the Congressional Prayer Caucus - and I sent a letter of inquiry to Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp that you can read here.

MAJOR PRO-LIFE BILL PASSED BY HOUSE

The House has passed an important bill to protect the lives of defenseless unborn children. With my support, the House approved the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which would prohibit late-term abortions past a fetal age of 20 weeks. This federal legislation would constitute a vital protection for unborn children and is similar to laws already enacted in nine states. If the Senate would pass this bill, it could help stop the nightmarish procedures that were detailed in the trial of now-convicted murderer Dr. Kermit Gosnell, the Philadelphia abortionist.

CONGRESSIONAL ART WINNER VISITS WASHINGTON

Each year, talented students from throughout Alabama and the nation take part in the Congressional Art Competition. Nicole Stratton of Pelham High School is the student artist selected to represent the Sixth District. Her artwork is in an exhibit that will be viewed by Members of Congress and the many visitors to the U.S. Capitol over the next year.

Congressman Bachus welcomes Nicole Stratton and her mother Yoshimi to the Capitol for opening of student art exhibit

FLAG PROTECTION AMENDMENT GAINS SUPPORT

In last month's e-newsletter, I told you about the flag protection amendment that I introduced in the House. The effort on the amendment in the Senate is being led by Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, a long-time champion, and the initiative has received the endorsement of the American Legion. With the Fourth of July approaching, it is a meaningful time to reflect on what the U.S. Flag means to us as a lasting and inspiring symbol of freedom.

The U.S. Flag as seen at the National Marine Corps (Iwo Jima) Memorial

CONTACTING ME

My offices in Washington (202-225-4921), Birmingham (205-969-2296), and Clanton (205-280-0704) are happy to assist you with issues of federal concern. It is an honor to serve as your representative in the U.S. Congress.

Sincerely,

Spencer Bachus
Member of Congress

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