Called for hearing on ACORN. Congressman Forbes joined 15 members of the Judiciary Committee in sending a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers requesting he convene a hearing regarding the wrongful and potentially criminal conduct of ACORN. 

Recognized the importance of crime prevention. Congressman Forbes supported H.Con.Res.177 to designate October 1, 2009, through October 3, 2009, as "Celebrate Safe Communities" Week, and October as "Crime Prevention Month." This resolution was passed by voice vote. 

Called for awareness of domestic violence. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res.817, supporting the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which urges Congress to continue to raise awareness and support programs designed to end domestic violence.  This resolution was passed by voice vote.

Protected States’ rights to regulate insurance. Congressman Forbes voted against H.R. 3596 in a House Judiciary Committee mark-up. The bill provided an unnecessary layer of federal oversight on illegal conduct that is already being successfully regulated by States.  This bill was favorably reported by a vote of 20-9. 

Protected the rights of institutionalized patients. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 1255, to protect the interests of residents of intermediate care facilities for the mentally challenged in class action lawsuits.

Opposed an "all or nothing" approach to firearm regulation. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 2296 the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives (BATFE) reform bill to modernize and improve BATFE operations. The bill will prevent BATFE from having to take an “all or nothing” approach to violations by allowing appropriate actions between warnings and revocation. Under current law, for most violations, BATFE can only give a federal firearms license (FFL) holder a warning or totally revoke his or her license. H.R. 2296 would allow fines or license suspensions for less serious violations, while still allowing license revocation for serious violations such as impeding an investigation or putting guns in the hands of criminals.  

Opposed giving terrorists unnecessary Miranda rights. Congressman Forbes voted for H. Res.537 in a House Judiciary Committee markup, which would compel the Administration to share documents with the House regarding the reading of Miranda rights, such as the right to remain silent, to terrorists captured in Afghanistan. 

Established new federal grant programs for witness protection. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.1741, which would provide $150 million to establish a new federal grant program for states to provide protection for witnesses to homicides, violent crimes, and serious drug offense cases. 

Voted for the impeachment of U.S. District Judge Samuel B. Kent. Congressman Forbes cosponsored and supported H. Res.520 in a House Judiciary Committee markup, an impeachment resolution to remove Judge Kent from the federal bench.  Judge Kent recently pled guilty to various crimes including sexual harassment and abuse and was sentenced to 33 months in prison. 

Protected American journalists abroad. Congressman Forbes supported H.R.2765 in a House Judiciary Committee markup to protect American writers and journalists from foreign-based defamation lawsuits. The bill addresses libel tourism when the subject of a critical news story sues an American author, reporter, editor, or publisher for defamation in a plaintiff-friendly overseas forum.  

Protected young children from identity theft. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R.2706, which would provide for the re-issuance of Social Security account numbers to young children in cases where the the number has been compromised due to theft. Although the Social Security Administration (SSA) currently issues a new social security number for anyone who claims superstitious reasons for not liking their original number, they do not issue a new social security number for children when their cards have been stolen.

Recognized the importance of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res.454 to recognize the 25th anniversary of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

Ensured the security of judges’ personal information to prevent threats of violence. Congressman Forbes supported H.R. 2661 to increase the penalty for making restricted personal information about judges, jurors, court officials, witnesses or informants publicly available.

Supported gun owners rights to possess guns in National Parks. Congressman Forbes voted for Senator Coburn’s amendment to H.R. 627. This amendment would prohibit National Parks from banning guns in parks where States permit gun possession. 

Supported efforts to identify mortgage and financial security fraud. Congressman Forbes voted for S. 386, to expand current laws against financial crimes to include mortgage fraud and securities fraud cases. 

Questioned Attorney General Eric Holder during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on plans for suspected terrorist detainees at the Guantanamo Bay facility. In response to questions from Congressman Forbes, the Attorney General stated that no prisoners would be released if they are determined to pose a threat to the people of the United States. The Attorney General also said that the Justice Department has not completed any assessments of the potential risks to localities if these detainees are released into the United States. Congressman Forbes introduced H.R. 1186, to prevent detainees from being housed in Virginia.

Supported musicians ability to be compensated for performances. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R. 848, the Performance Rights Act, in a House Judiciary Committee markup. This bill would allow musicians to receive royalties when their songs are played on over-the-air radio.  Currently, musicians receive royalties from satellite radio, internet webcasts, and other digital broadcast performances.  The Copyright Recording Board (CRB) would set the royalty rate, and exceptions are made for small radio broadcast stations, public stations, and religious stations. 

Supported H. Res. 424, an impeachment inquiry of U.S. District Judge Samuel B. Kent.  Judge Kent recently pled guilty to various crimes including sexual harassment and abuse and was sentenced to 33 years in prison. 

Supported efforts to identify mortgage and financial security fraud. Congressman Forbes voted for S. 386, to expand current laws against financial crimes to include mortgage fraud and securities fraud cases. 

Called for equal protections for all victims of crimes. Congressman Forbes voted against H.R. 1913, which would expand current hate crimes laws to prohibit crimes involving actual or perceived race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. 45 states and the District of Columbia already have their own laws punishing hate crimes. Congressman Forbes believes that all victims of violent crime should have equal worth in the eyes of the law, regardless of the purported motive behind an attack. Increasing awareness of domestic and animal violence. 

Congressman Forbes cosponsored H. Res. 191, a bill to increase awareness of the link between animal violence and domestic violence.  This resolution affirms the need for additional resources to be focused on how violence toward animals is indicative of other violent tendencies.  In a nationwide study, more than 71 percent of battered women reported that their abusers harmed, killed, or threatened their pets, and more than 75 percent of those incidents occurred in the presence of the women or their children.  Psychological, sociological, and criminological studies have shown that violent offenders frequently have a history of abusing animals during their childhood and adolescence.  

Voted against Hate Crimes legislation in a House Judiciary Committee markup.   H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 would create a new federal prohibition against hate crime for any person who causes bodily injury to another because of race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.  Rep. Forbes believes all victims deserve equal protection under the law, and that hate crime legislation allows criminal action that is already illegal to be treated as more harsh or lenient based of gender, religion, or other characteristics.    

Attended a House Judiciary Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee hearing on credit card debt and bankruptcy. The hearing examined whether certain provisions make it too difficult for filers to successfully emerge out of bankruptcy.  

Supported the Free Flow of Information Act. Often referred to as the “press shield law,” H.R. 985 would prevent news reporters from being forced to reveal confidential sources to the government unless a court determines that the identity of the source is critical or a consideration of national security.

Supported H.R. 985, the Free Flow of Information Act, in a House Judiciary Committee markup. Often referred to as the “press shield law,” this bill would prevent news reporters from being forced to reveal confidential sources to the government unless a court makes a determination that the identity of the source is critical, in the clear interest of public interest, or a consideration of national security.

Cosponsored legislation to protect children from sexual predators. Congress passed H.R. 1422, the Adam Walsh Act, which would require sex offenders to register with state or local jurisdictions after incarceration or while on probation.  A number of new grant programs were also funded under Adam Walsh to assist states in improving sex offender registration. 

Attended a House Judiciary Committee hearing on H.R. 848, the Performance Rights Act.  This legislation would permit musicians to collect royalties when their songs are played on broadcast radio stations.  Currently, the broadcast radio is the only forum where musicians do not collect a royalty when their songs are played.  Satellite radio, internet radio, and cable radio platforms each compensate musicians under the law.  The bill sets a flat fee for small radio stations and makes total exemptions for religious and public service stations.  

Attended a Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee hearing on the bankruptcy filing of Circuit City.  Circuit City was forced to lay off its entire 34,000 person workforce after its attempt at Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy failed due to a lack of available credit going forward.  The purpose of the hearing was to examine the effect of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA) on Circuit City’s filing.  Namely, BAPCPA sped up bankruptcy by forcing filers to make a final decision on their property leases within 210 days and file reorganization plans with the court within 18 months. 

Voted against H.R. 157, the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2009 in a House Judiciary Committee mark-up.  This bill attempts to create a voting Member of the House of Representatives to represent the District of Columbia.  The bill would also grant one additional Member to the state of Utah, which would permanently increase the size of the House to 437 Members.  This legislation has constitutional questions that will likely have to be decided in the courts.  For example, Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution states “The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States…” Because D.C. is not a state, questions have been raised that it does not qualify to have a voting Member in the House.

Offered an amendment to H.R. 1106, which would have restored the credit counseling requirement for borrowers seeking Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection.  The amendment also would have prevented borrowers who committed fraud in their mortgage application from benefiting from the legislation.  The amendment was rejected by the House Rules Committee. 

Cosponsored H.R. 997, to declare English as the official language of the United States, and would require the U.S. Government to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the United States.  The bill also would create a uniform language testing standard to ensure that all citizens are able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the laws of the United States. Congressman Forbes also cosponsored this bill in the past three Congresses. 

Supported H.R. 448, the Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2009.  This bill directs the Attorney General to study state laws and report to Congress on the subject of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.  The bill also establishes the Elder Serve Victim grant program to coordinate programs to provide emergency services to victims of elder abuse.

Supported H.R. 632, the National Silver Alert Act of 2009.  This bill directs the Attorney General to establish a national Silver Alert communications network within the Department of Justice to assist regional and local search efforts for missing seniors in coordination with states, local governments, and law enforcement agencies. 

Supported H.R. 908, the Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program Reauthorization of 2009.  This bill provides federal grants to expand programs that work with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of people with Alzheimer’s disease.  

Voted to support  H.Con.Res. 35, to honor the 100th anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  The NAACP was founded in New York City on February 12, 1909, on the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth.  

Supported H. Res. 129, to recognize the historical significance of the Merced Assembly Center to the country.  In 1942, the Merced Assembly Center was used to temporarily hold some four thousand Japanese-Americans en route to internment camps during World War II.

Supported H.R. 748, the Campus Safety Act of 2009, to establish a National Center for Campus Public Safety (NCCPS).  The NCCPS would focus on strengthening campus safety by: training public safety agencies, researching and coordinating best practices on campus safety, developing protocols to prevent and respond to natural and man-made threats to campus communities, and increasing cooperation between law enforcement and mental health agencies.    

Voted to support H.R. 738, the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2009.  This bill would encourage states to report information to the Attorney General regarding the death of a person who is detained, under arrest, in route to be incarcerated, incarcerated, in a state-run boot camp, or other State correctional facility.  The Attorney General will study the data and determine if it can be used to reduce the number of deaths in custody.  

Cosponsored H.R. 197, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2009.  This bill would allow a person who has a valid state permit to carry a concealed firearm, and who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm under federal law, to carry a concealed firearm in another state in accordance with the restrictions of that state.  

Voted to support H. Res. 82, establishing January 2009 as National Stalking Awareness Month.  This bill urges national and community organizations, private businesses, and the media to promote, through National Stalking Awareness Month, awareness of the crime of stalking.

Appointed to the House Judiciary Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Subcommittee and the House Judiciary Commercial and Administrative Law (CAL) Subcommittee. In his roles on the Judiciary Committee, Congressman Forbes will continue to protect American communities and families by tackling traditional and non-traditional crime, refusing accommodations to those who break our laws, and addressing significant issues that are impacting our economy like bankruptcy, taxation, and trade. The Crime Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Federal Criminal Code, drug enforcement, sentencing, parole and pardons, internal and homeland security, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, prisons, and criminal law enforcement issues. The CAL Subcommittee has jurisdiction over bankruptcy and commercial law, bankruptcy judgeships, administrative law, independent counsel, state taxation affecting interstate commerce, and interstate compact issues. 

Agreed to serve on a bipartisan Judiciary Committee task force to investigate Judge Porteous, who is accused of soliciting and accepting bribes from lawyers with actions pending before him. A judicial impeachment is a rare event and has occurred only 13 times in 219 years. The task force is in response to the passage of H.Res. 15 by the full House of Representatives, to inquire whether the House should impeach Judge G. Thomas Porteous of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  Congressman Forbes supported the resolution.

Voted to oppose H.R. 200, the Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2009, in a House Judiciary Committee markup. This bill would allow bankruptcy judges to modify the terms of mortgages under Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings. For example, judges could force reductions in mortgage principal (commonly called “cram-down”), prohibit or delay interest rate adjustments, reduce interest rates, and extend maturity dates up to 40 years from the date of the mortgage origination. Additionally, this legislation would remove the current mandatory credit counseling requirement, which is often the last chance for borrowers and lenders to come to an agreement before bankruptcy proceedings begin. H.R. 200 would even provide relief to those borrowers that committed fraud in their mortgage applications. Permitting modification of mortgages on primary residences under Chapter 13 would have serious negative implications for future residential real estate financing. If the bill is enacted into law, lenders are likely to tighten their lending requirements and increase the costs associated with borrowing funds.

Offered an amendment to H.R. 200 to help ensure that mortgage borrowers filing for bankruptcy would not be in the same financial position in the future and to ensure that federal assistance was not going to borrowers who lied on their mortgage applications. The amendment would have restored the credit counseling requirement for borrowers seeking bankruptcy protection and prevented borrowers who committed fraud in their mortgage application from benefiting from the legislation. The amendment was rejected 20-12 in the markup session. 

Voted to support S. J. Res. 45, approval of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. This resolution approves a compact that sets uniform standards for permitting the drawdown of water from sources in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. 

Voted to support H.R. 5352, the Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2008. This bill directs the Attorney General to develop policies relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The Attorney General is also authorized to award grants to victim advocacy groups who study the special needs of victims of elder abuse.  

Supported H.Res. 1438, commemorating the 50^th Anniversary of the Azorean Refugee Act of 1958 and celebrating the extensive contributions of Portuguese-American communities to the United States. The Azorean Refugee Act was enacted in response to thousands of refugees fleeing the Capelhinos volcano, which erupted on the island of Faial (off the coast of Portugal) from September 1957 to October 1958.  

Supported H.Con.Res. 214, urging the President to grant a posthumous pardon to John Arthur "Jack" Johnson. Mr. Johnson was the first African-American professional boxer to hold the title of Heavyweight Champion of the World (1908-1915).  He was sentenced to one year in prison for violation of the Mann Act against “transporting women across state lines for immoral purposes. Many believe the prosecution of Mr. Johnson was racially motivated.  

Voted in favor of H.R. 4120, the Effective Child Pornography Prosecution Act of 2007.  This bill expands the definitions of the crimes of child sexual exploitation and child pornography to included activities that merely affect interstate or foreign commerce.

Supported S. 1738, the Combating Child Exploitation Act of 2008. This bill directs the Attorney General to create and implement a national strategy for child exploitation prevention and interdiction. Part of the strategy is the creation of a National Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force to address online enticement of children, child obscenity, and pornography.  

Supported H.R. 6146 to prohibit recognition and enforcement of foreign defamation judgments. The First Amendment of the Constitution guarantees the right of freedom of speech.  Many foreign countries do not have comparable protections of free speech. Therefore, defamation suits are easier to bring and win in foreign civil courts. This bill will prevent the enforcement of foreign defamation judgments unless a United States court determines that the judgment is consistent with the First Amendment.

Supported H.R. 3174, the Equal Justice for Our Military Act.  This bill permits the U.S. Supreme Court to review actions of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

Supported H.R. 1777, the Need-Based Educational Aid Act of 2008. This bill allows institutes of higher education that admit all students on a need-blind basis, to enter into agreements among themselves regarding the administration of need-based financial aid.

Supported H.R. 5571, extending for five years the program allowing international medical graduates to work in medically underserved areas in the United States. The program is limited to 30 participants per state. 

Voted in favor of S. 3325, the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property (PRO-IP) Act of 2008. This bill will help protect intellectual property (IP) by dedicating resources—prosecutors, agents, and international specialists—to focus exclusively on counterfeiting and digital theft issues. The bill also establishes an IP Coordinator in the Executive Branch to ensure cooperation among the many government agencies that have a hand in IP enforcement. Intellectual property accounts for more than $5 trillion of the U.S. gross domestic product and represents 40 percent of U.S. economic growth. IP theft causes businesses to lose up to $250 billion in revenue each year and has already cost the U.S. an estimated 750,000 jobs. 

Voted in favor of S. 2840, the Military Personnel Citizenship Processing Act. This bill directs the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expeditiously process naturalization applications filed on behalf of (1) members and former members of the Armed Forces; (2) current spouses of active Armed Forces members and surviving spouses and children of U.S. citizens who died while on active duty; or (3) deceased individuals eligible for posthumous citizenship.

Voted in favor of S. 3641, to authorize funding for the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI). The institute provides support for victims of crime under Crime Victims Legal Assistance Programs. NCVLI does not directly represent crime victims, but ensures representation through legal technical assistance clinics and a national alliance of victims’ rights attorneys.

Voted in favor of S. 3197, the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008.  This bill provides a temporary exemption from the Chapter 7 bankruptcy means-test for Guardsmen and Reservists who have served on active duty for 90 days since September 11, 2001.

Signed a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee urging passage of H.R. 1943, the Stop AIDS in Prison Act. This bill would develop and implement a comprehensive policy to provide HIV/AIDS testing, treatment, and prevention for inmates in federal prison upon reentry into the community. H.R. 1943 passed the House of Representatives on September 25, 2007.

Voted to oppose H.R. 6020 in a House Judiciary Committee markup.  This bill would exempt from deportation an alien who is a member or veteran of the Armed Services or an alien who is the spouse, child, parent, or minor sibling of a member serving in the Armed Forces. The bill also prohibits the use of expedited removal against illegal aliens and aliens convicted of certain crimes, as long as they have served in the military and received an honorable discharge.  

Supported H.R. 5938, the Former Vice President Protection Act. This bill would provide secret service protection to former Vice Presidents, their spouses, and their children under 16 years of age for up to six months after a former Vice President leaves office.

Supported H.R. 6064, the National Silver Alert Act.  This bill would establish a national communications network to notify the public and law enforcement officials when an adult is missing so that citizens may be on the look out. Often, local law enforcement lacks the resources to coordinate searches for missing adults.  

Supported H.R. 6503, the Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program Reauthorization of 2008. This bill would provide for competitive grants to nonprofit organizations to assist in locating missing patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. 

Supported H.R. 5167, the Justice for Victims of Torture and Terrorism Act.  Victims of terror from Saddam Hussein’s government have been seeking compensation for their injuries through civil actions. This bill would remove the authority of the President to grant the government of Iraq immunity from such actions unless he certifies they are in good faith negotiations with the victims.  

Supported S. 3406, to restore the intent and protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This bill expands the definition of “disability” to cover those with serious health issues who did not qualify for protection under the original ADA. Epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and severe intellectual impairment are some conditions that have received added protections under S. 3406.

Agreed to serve on a bipartisan Judiciary Committee task force to conduct an inquiry into whether U.S. District Judge G. Thomas Porteous should be impeached. Judge Porteous is accused of soliciting and accepting bribes from lawyers with actions pending before him. A judicial impeachment is a rare event and has occurred only 13 times in 219 years.  

Supported H.Con.Res. 410, which honors the men and women of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on their 100^th Anniversary.  

Supported H.R. 2352, the School Safety Enhancements Act of 2007.  This bill would allow the placement of surveillance equipment in schools under the matching grant program for public elementary and secondary school security.  The bill would also establish hotlines for reporting potentially dangerous students or situations. 

Voted to support the substitute amendment to H.R. 6842, the National Capital Security and Safety Act. The substitute amendment would prevent the District of Columbia from enacting new laws that discourage the private ownership of firearms. The District of Columbia’s ban on semi-automatic handguns and handgun ammunition would be repealed. Additionally, an exemption to the federal ban on interstate handgun sales would be created to allow D.C. residents to purchase handguns in Virginia and Maryland.  The National Rifle Association and Gun Owners of America both endorse the substitute amendment to H.R. 6842

Voted in favor of H.R. 4081, the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act of 2007. This bipartisan bill strengthens penalties against criminal enterprises that purchase cigarettes from low-tax states such as North Carolina or Virginia and resell them in high-tax states like New York or Michigan. For example, the profit on a diverted load of 1,500 contraband cartons could be as high as $60,000.  The bill also places restrictions on selling bulk cigarettes over the telephone or on the internet, and requires sellers to check the identification of recipients upon delivery.

Voted in favor of S. 2135, the Child Soldiers Accountability Act of 2007. This bill makes it a crime to recruit, enlist, or conscript a person under 15 years of age into an armed forces group. If the death of any person occurs as a result of violating this act, the penalty is a life sentence in prison. 

Supported S. 2450, to address the waiver of attorney-client privilege and the work product doctrine. This bill amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to limit the scope of a waiver of attorney-client privilege to instances where the waiver is intentional and covers communication concerning the same subject matter.   

Attended a hearing on competition in the package delivery industry in the House Judiciary Committee. The hearing focused on a recent proposed agreement between UPS and DHL. Under the agreement, DHL would contract with UPS to have UPS carry all of their North American air cargo. At issue is how this contract will affect industry-wide competitive balance and consumer prices. 

Participated in a House Judiciary Committee markup that reauthorized the Antitrust Task Force and Competition Policy. The Antitrust Task Force examines businesses to ensure no business monopolizes a market, colludes with competitors to raise prices, or restrains free trade. The Antitrust Task Force is limited to oversight and is limited to a term of six months.

Supported H.R. 3564, the Regulatory Improvement Act of 2007, which provides $9.6 million in funding over three years for the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS).  The ACUS is an independent agency and advisory committee that studies U.S. administrative processes with an eye to recommending improvements to Congress and agencies.

Supported H.Res. 1182, which expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that American flags flown over Federal Government buildings and on Federal property be made in the United States.

Supported H.R. 4081, the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act of 2007 in a House Judiciary Committee markup.  This bipartisan bill strengthens penalties against criminal enterprises that purchase cigarettes from a low-tax state such as North Carolina or Virginia and resell them in a high-tax state like New York or Michigan.  For example, the profit on a diverted load of 1,500 contraband cartons could be as high as $60,000. 

Supported H.R. 6034, to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide relief for surviving spouses in a House Judiciary Committee markup.  This bill eliminates what’s called the “widow’s penalty” by creating an exception for a widow or widower of a deceased U.S. citizen to apply for a green card, even if the marriage was for less than the two years’ duration that is now required.  The green card application is conditioned on proving that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit.

Voted to oppose H.R. 5546, the Credit Card Fair Fee Act of 2008 in a House Judiciary Committee markup.  This bill would grant an antitrust exemption for merchants to negotiate interchange fees with banks and credit card companies.  Interchange fees are a percentage of the transaction (roughly 2%) that merchants pay to use credit card services.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) both expressed concerns with government involvement in granting an antitrust exemption in this circumstance.

Participated in markup of H.R. 4854, the False Claims Correction Act of 2007 in the House Judiciary Committee.  This bill expands the reach of the Department of Justice to file lawsuits against entities it suspects have submitted a false claim for payment to the U.S. Government.  An example would be a heath care provider who defrauds Medicare.  Since 1986, $20 billion has been returned to the U.S. Treasury as a result of False Claim recoveries.

Questioned Attorney General Mukasey, during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the U.S. Department of Justice, about combating gang violence and the challenges posed by illegal alien gangs, specifically MS-13.  Mr. Mukasey responded, “They [MS-13] seem to be in it for the violence, not only for the money.”  Mr. Forbes also requested information from the Justice Department on how illegal aliens join gangs after crossing the border and on “programs that have statistical proficiency on stopping recruitment of those gangs.”  Mr. Forbes introduced H.R. 2933, the Alien Gang Removal Act in the 109^th Congress, which would deport illegal aliens who are members of a designated street gang or have been convicted of a gang-related crime.

Supported H.R. 6531, the Vessel Hull Design Protection Amendments of 2008.  This bill makes technical corrections to federal copyright law to protect original designs of a vessel’s hull, deck, or combination of a hull and deck.

Supported H.R. 6577, to express the approval of Congress to an interstate compact regarding water resources in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin in a House Judiciary Committee markup. This bill approves a compact that sets uniform standards for permitting the drawdown of water from sources in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. 

Voted to oppose H.R. 6126, the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2008 in a House Judiciary Committee markup. This bill would invalidate pre-dispute arbitration agreements between nursing homes and patients. Arbitration is often used as an alternative to the court system. Arbitration is 36% faster than litigation and 93% of consumers who have used arbitration find it to be fair. Passage of this bill would likely dramatically increase the number of class action lawsuits brought on behalf of nursing home patients. As a result, Medicare entitlement costs could rise. 

Supported H.R. 6064, the National Silver Alert Act in a House Judiciary Committee markup. This bill provides grants to states, which will be used to notify the public and law enforcement officials when a senior citizen is missing so that citizens may be on the look out. Often, local law enforcement lacks the resources to coordinate searches for missing adults.

Supported H.Res. 1357, recognizing the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 by President Ronald Reagan.  The Civil Liberties Act apologized for the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.   

Supported H.Res. 194, apologizing for the enslavement and racial segregation of African-Americans. This resolution acknowledges the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery and Jim Crow.

Supported S. 3295, a bill that directs the Secretary of Commerce to appoint administrative patent judges and administrative trademark judges to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Voted to support H.R. 6633, the Employee Verification Amendment Act of 2008. This bill extends the basic pilot program for employment eligibility confirmation and to ensure the protection of Social Security beneficiaries.

Cosponsored H.Con.Res. 381, honoring the achievements of Thurgood Marshall on the 100^th anniversary of his birth.  Justice Marshall was the first African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.  Before sitting on the Court, Marshall successfully argued Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, KS, the landmark case that ended the legal basis for school segregation in the United States.  

Cosponsored H.R. 6045, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2008.  This bill extends a federal grant program that provides bulletproof vests to state and local law enforcement until 2012.  Last year, Virginia law enforcement officers received 3,000 vests under the program.

Voted to support H.R. 3195, the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Restoration Act of 2007.  This bill expands the definition of “disability” to cover those with serious health issues who did not qualify for protection under the original ADA.  Epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and severe intellectual impairment are some conditions that have received added protections under H.R. 3195.

Voted to support H.R. 3546, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program (Byrne-JAG).  This bill provides grants to state and local law enforcement divisions to help in fighting violent crime.  Byrne-JAG grants support drug task forces, crime victim and witness programs, prevention and education, and technology improvement initiatives.  Each state will receive a portion of the $600 million per year grant program.

Voted to oppose H.R. 2176, the settlement of certain land claims of the Bay Mills Indian Community and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.  This bill would have approved two new casinos in the Detroit metropolitan area, some 350 miles from either tribe’s ancestral land.   It failed to pass the House of Representatives.

Supported H.Res. 1293, to commemorate the 44th Anniversary of the death of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner in Philadelphia, Mississippi.  The three civil rights advocates were murdered while working in the name of American democracy to register voters and secure civil rights during the summer of 1964, which would become known as “Freedom Summer.”

Attended a hearing on S. 980, the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008, in the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.  This bill would increase penalties for online pharmacies that dispense drugs without valid prescriptions, or that dispense counterfeit drugs.  During the hearing, Congressman Forbes stated, “The dangers posed by illegal online pharmacies are real.  The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse reports a 542% increase in abuse of prescription opiates among 12- to 17-year olds between 1992 and 2002."

Voted to support H.R. 3195, the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Restoration Act of 2007 in a House Judiciary Committee markup.  This bill expands the definition of “disability” to cover those with serious health issues who did not qualify for protection under the original ADA.  Epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and severe intellectual impairment are some conditions that have received added protections under H.R. 3195.

Supported H.R. 3546, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program (Byrne-JAG) in a House Judiciary Committee markup.  This bill provides federal grants to state and local law enforcement divisions to help in fighting violent crime.  These Byrne-JAG grants support drug task forces, crime victim and witness programs, prevention and education, and technology improvement initiatives.  Each state will receive a portion of the $600 million per year grant program.

Advocated for a comprehensive approach to address gang violence during a House Judiciary Crime Subcommittee Oversight Hearing.  Rep. Forbes pushed for an approach to combat gang violence that would emphasize tearing down gang networks, using faith-based organizations to work with former gang members, and targeting gang members who have come to this country illegally. Rep. Forbes said, “We need a combined approach that tears down the gang networks, that understands murder by a 17 year-old is not any less fatal than murder by an 18 year-old.  And an approach that recognizes that when 80 percent of some of the most violent gangs in our country come here illegally, you will not stop this with prevention programs alone.”

Supported S. 2516, the Kendell Frederick Citizenship Act, which uses fingerprinting to search naturalization records for security purposes.  The bill would check an individual’s fingerprints at times of military enlistment or immigration status adjustment to ensure that an individual meets naturalization background security checks.     

Voted to support H.R. 5057, the Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2008 during a House Judiciary Committee markup.  The bill provides federal grant money to states to reduce the DNA backlog in criminal investigations.  $150 million will be spent annually over five years to assist states in collecting and processing DNA samples that will be used to help apprehend criminals.

Supported H.R. 2352, the School Safety Enhancements Act of 2007 during a House Judiciary Committee markup.  This bill will help school safety by providing matching federal funds for public elementary and secondary schools that install surveillance equipment.  It will also allow these funds to be used to establish hotlines for reporting potentially dangerous students. 

Supported H.R. 4044, the National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Act of 2008 during a House Judiciary Committee markup.  This bill will help National Guardsmen and Reservists avoid Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings as a result of their service.  Chapter 7 bankruptcy uses a means test to determine payment to creditors.  Under this bill, Guardsmen and Reservists will receive a limited exemption from the means test if they have been called to active duty after September 11, 2001 for a period of 60 days.

Applauded the Senate confirmation of the nomination of Judge Agee to the Fourth Federal Circuit on May 20, 2008.  The confirmation follows a letter written by Congressman Forbes and other Virginia Republicans to Senator Leahy about the impact of vacancies on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.  Click on the link to view the letter.

Signed a letter asking Senate Judiciary Chairman Leahy to give immediate consideration to the five nominees for the Fourth Federal Circuit Court.  The 4^th Federal Circuit hears federal cases in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.  Only ten of the authorized 15 judges on the Fourth Circuit are doing the work of administering justice in these states while the Senate delays the consideration of the judicial nominees. The nonpartisan Judicial Conference of the United States has deemed three of the five vacancies “judicial emergencies,” and in the case of the Fourth Circuit, the seat based in North Carolina has been vacant for more than 5000 days – the longest unfilled vacancy in the country.   The letter states in part, “As Members of Congress who represent citizens of these states, we believe that urgent action is necessary.” The vacancies hurt average citizens hoping for courts to resolve their disputes, small businesses trying to get by in our uncertain economy, and crime victims seeking justice. 

Questioned Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Mueller during a House Judiciary Oversight Hearing on the FBI.  Mr. Forbes asked Director Mueller how significant a problem Chinese espionage was today, to what extent it poses a threat to the United States and what can be done to stop it.  Director Mueller said, “With regard to the espionage or efforts by the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) to gather our secrets most of what I could say could not be said in open session.  What is public is a series of successful prosecutions recently in which individuals had worked with particular companies or in a recent case in a university.  And there have been a number of cases in which the evidence has shown that they were stealing secrets with the expectation of that information going back to the PRC.  So there is a public track record indicating where it has been proven that the PRC has individuals in the United States who are looking to steal some of the nation’s most sensitive secrets.”  Rep. Forbes is the chairman of the Congressional China Caucus, and has been a vocal advocate of investigating China’s global reach and the consequences of its growing international, economic and political influence on U.S. interests.

Participated in a Secret Session of the House of Representatives on March 13^th to discuss and debate classified aspects of the FISA bill.  Secret Sessions of the House are limited to those topics that cannot be debated in public because of the classified nature of the issue being discussed.  There have been three Secret Sessions since 1975, including one in 1979, 1980, and 1983.  

Voted against H.R. 3773, the FISA Amendments of 2008, which would not provide retroactive immunity to phone companies that complied with government requests to assist with electronic surveillance, but would provide such immunity for their future cooperation with the government. Rep. Forbes supports the Senate-passed version of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Amendments, S. 2248, which provides retroactive immunity to companies that provided cooperation following September 11, 2001.  The Senate version would provide FISA court oversight for any procedures for warrantless surveillance of foreign targets, including those that involve communications with any U.S. persons.  Director of National Intelligence, Mike McConnell, has testified that the outdated surveillance act had decreased the number of phone intercepts by two-thirds since the House failed to extend the last updates to FISA 29 days ago. 

Voted against H.R. 5349, which would extend the Protect America Act of 2007 for 21 Days.  In August, Congress took an important step toward modernizing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 by enacting the Protect America Act of 2007 (PAA).  While only in effect for only six months, the PAA has temporarily allowed the United States to close an intelligence gap by enabling our intelligence professionals to collect, without a court order, foreign intelligence on targets located overseas.  Unless reauthorized by Congress, however, the authority provided in the Protect America Act will expire.  The act was originally set to expire on February 1, 2008, but was already extended by Congress until February 16, 2008.  Congressman Forbes believes it is time for a permanent solution to the Protect America Act, not continued temporary extensions.  The Senate passed a bipartisan compromise on Tuesday, February 12, but House leadership would not let the compromise bill come to the House floor.  Instead, the House recessed for one-week, which allowed the Protect America Act to expire on Saturday, February 16.  To read more about Congressman Forbes views on FISA, click here.

Supported H. Con. Res. 289, which honors and praises the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on the occasion of its 99th anniversary.

Voted in favor of H.R. 3887, the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007. H.R. 3887 would authorize the Trafficking Victims Protection program for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 to combat forced labor. This legislation directs the President to carry out programs to prevent and deter human trafficking and to implement an anti-trafficking program monitoring system. In addition, H.R. 3887 sets forth protections for aliens who may be trafficking victims or who may testify against traffickers (including parole entry for certain family members), provides assistance for trafficking victims, including child victims and U.S. citizens and, establishes penalties for trafficking, unlawful compelled service, sex tourism, and aliens in prostitution. Click here to listen to the Judiciary Committee hearing on trafficking victims.

Supported H.R. 1759, the Managing Arson Through Criminal History (MATCH) Act of 2007. H.R. 1759 would require jurisdictions to establish and maintain jurisdiction-wide arsonist registries and make such registries available on the Internet. This legislation would require a criminal arsonist to register in each jurisdiction in which he/she resides, is an employee, or is a student. Under H.R. 1759, the Attorney General would be required to maintain a national database at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and a national arsonist Internet site containing information on each criminal arsonist registered in a jurisdiction's registry or listed on a jurisdiction's Internet site. A Criminal Arsonist Management Assistance program would be established to award grants to jurisdictions to offset the costs of implementing this Act. This registry will be a key law enforcement tool in fighting arsonists, particularly in light of the recent fires in California.

Supported S. 888, the Genocide Accountability Act of 2007. S. 888 would expand federal criminal jurisdiction for prosecution of those responsible for genocide. S.888 would provide for the prosecution of acts constituting genocide committed by an alleged offender who is: (1) an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; (2) a stateless person whose habitual residence is in the United States; or (3) brought into, or found in, the United States, even if the offense occurred outside the United States. Click here to listen to the Crime Subcommittee hearing on genocide.

Joined Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith in sending a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requesting that the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection examine the advertising, marketing and financial practices of companies associated with illegal online gambling in the United States.

Voted in favor of H.R. 3013, the Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Act of 2007. H.R. 3013 would prohibit an agent or attorney of the United States from demanding, requesting, or conditioning treatment on the disclosure by an organization, or person affiliated with that organization, of any communication protected by the attorney-client privilege or any attorney work product. The bill would also prohibit an agent or attorney of the United States from conditioning a civil or criminal charging decision or from using one or more such actions as a factor in determining whether an organization or affiliated person is cooperating with the government. Congressman Forbes is an original cosponsor of this legislation.

Voted in favor of H.R.1593, the Second Chance Act of 2007. H.R. 1593 would reauthorize a grant program designed to improve the re-entry of felons into communities. The bill focuses on four main areas related to reentry: development and support of programs that provide alternatives to incarceration, expansion of the availability of substance abuse treatment, strengthening the families of ex-offenders, and the expansion of comprehensive re-entry services. Congressman Forbes is an original cosponsor of this legislation.

Voted in favor of H.R. 1955, the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007. H.R. 1955 would establish the National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Ideologically Based Violence to examine and report on the causes of violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence in the U.S. The legislation would also establish a university-based Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism in the United States to study the social, criminal, political, psychological, and economic roots of these issues. Furthermore, H.R. 1955 includes languages stating that in carrying out its efforts, the Department of Homeland Security shall not violate rights of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, remain committed to racial neutrality, and implement an auditing mechanism to ensure compliance with protecting civil rights and liberties.

Questioned witnesses before a House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Hearing on Organized Retail Theft. Organized Retail Theft is the theft of large quantities of merchandise by a crime ring. Unlike shoplifting or simple theft, organized retail theft rings steal the merchandise with the intention of reselling it back into the marketplace. Theft rings typically target merchandise that can be easily concealed, such as medication, razor blades, infant formula, batteries, CDs and DVDs or larger valuable items such as designer clothes, home appliances and consumer electronics. The merchandise is then sold on online auction website. To read more about the hearing, click here.

Voted in favor of H.R. 2102, the Free Flow of Information Act of 2007. H.R. 2102 would establish new federal protections for journalists and specific criteria that federal entities must meet in order to compel a journalist to testify or to produce any documents related to information obtained or created by that journalist as part of engaging in journalism. The criteria that a federal entity must meet in order to compel a journalist’s testimony includes proving that the testimony or document sought is critical to the prosecution’s investigation or proving that the testimony is necessary to prevent an act of terrorism against the United States. Under H.R. 2102, if a federal entity is not able to prove that a case involving a journalist meets all of the applicable criteria, then the federal entity may not compel the journalist to provide testimony.

Voted in favor of H.R. 400, the War Profiteering Prevention Act of 2007, which would criminalize profiteering and defrauding the U.S. Government for goods and services provided for U.S. military, relief, or reconstruction missions abroad. The bill would impose a maximum prison sentence of 20 years for intentionally defrauding or overvaluing goods and services. The bill would impose a maximum 10-year penalty for knowingly falsifying, concealing, or covering up documents or statements related to the contract or the provision of those goods and services. Additionally, H.R. 400 would establish a fine of $1 million or twice the value of the profits earned from the contract.

Voted in favor of H.R. 2740, the MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act of 2007. Under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), civilian Department of Defense (DOD) employees and DOD contractors can be prosecuted for crimes committed overseas that would be punishable by more than one year of imprisonment if it had been committed within the maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. H.R. 2740 clarifies MEJA to include persons under a federal contract awarded by any department or agency of the United States working in an area or in close proximity to an area where the Armed Forces are carrying out operations. In addition, it would require the Federal Bureau of Investigation to create the Theater Investigative Unit to investigate allegations of criminal violation by contract personnel.

Voted in favor of H.R. 1199, the Drug Endangered Children Act of 2007, legislation that extends the existing grant program for drug-endangered children. Under this program, the Attorney General is authorized to make grants to States for programs that provide comprehensive services to aid children who are living in a home in which methamphetamine or other controlled substances are unlawfully manufactured, distributed, dispensed or used.

Attended a House Judiciary Committee hearing on H.R. 2128, the “Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2007.” H.R. 2128 would authorize the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the presiding judge of a U.S. appellate court, or the presiding judge of a U.S. district court to permit the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising of court proceedings to the public. The only exclusion to this would be if broadcasting the proceedings would violate the due process rights of any party.

Voted in favor of H.R. 1943, the Stop AIDS in Prison Act of 2007. H.R. 1493 would require routine HIV/AIDS testing for all federal prison inmates upon entry and prior to release from Federal Bureau of Prison facilities. Under this legislation, the Bureau of Prison would have six months from enactment to offer HIV/AIDS testing for inmates. H.R. 1943 would also require HIV/AIDS awareness education for all inmates and comprehensive treatment for those inmates who test positive. Congressman Forbes was an original cosponsor of H.R. 1943.

Supported H.Res. 340, which expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of providing a voice for the victims, and families of victims, involved in missing persons cases and unidentified human remains cases.

Supported H.Res. 303, which expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a day of recognition should be established to increase awareness about missing persons in the United States.

Questioned witnesses at a Crime Subcommittee hearing on H.R. 2726, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2007. Introduced by Congressman Forbes, H.R. 2726 would ensure that qualified retired law enforcement officers be able to carry concealed firearms. This legislation is necessary because some states have refused to issue identification verifying the officers’ firearms qualifications. To address this issue, H.R. 2726 would provide an alternative to a state-issued document by allowing an officer to receive a certification from a firearms instructor that verifies the officer’s qualifications in firearms training as established by the state or a law enforcement agency in the state. The Fraternal Order of Police testified that the ability of retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms is a top priority for its members because it is a critical officer safety issue.

Cosponsored the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2007, which would require that strong, mandatory sanctions be imposed on those who file frivolous lawsuits in federal court. In addition, this legislation would limit inter-state (state-to-state) forum shopping, whereby litigants seek venues which may be more favorable to an outcome in their favor. This legislation would require that personal injury cases be brought only in the state in which the plaintiff resides or the State in which a substantial part of the acts or omissions giving rise to the claim asserted occurred. If no state or federal court would have jurisdiction over the case on those grounds, then the case could be brought in a state if the defendant’s residence or place of incorporation is located there.

Cosponsored H.R. 2183 the Commonsense Consumption Act, or "the Cheeseburger Bill", which would prohibit consumers from suing restaurants for causing weight gain, obesity, or any associated health condition that results from an individuals' poor eating habits. H.R. 2183 would prohibit these lawsuits from being brought against a manufacturer, marketer, distributor, advertiser, or seller of food, or a trade association.

Voted in favor of H.R. 660, the Court Security Improvement Act of 2007, which gives judicial officers, employees and their families the authority to keep personally identifiable information included in financial disclosure statements private. In addition, this legislation prohibits the publishing of personal information related to Federal, state and local law enforcement officials, witnesses, and paid informants. Finally, this bill increases the maximum criminal penalties related to assaulting judges. This legislation is intended to address security and safety issues that may arise before, during or after a trial.

Voted in favor of H.R. 923, the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007. H.R. 923 expresses the Sense of Congress that the Department of Justice should expeditiously investigate unsolved civil rights murders and provide the necessary resources to fund such investigations. In addition, this legislation would establish an Unsolved Crimes Section within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and an Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Investigative Office in the Civil Rights Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Cosponsored the Stop AIDS in Prison Act, which would require the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to test all federal prison inmates for HIV/AIDS upon entering prison and again prior to release from prison, unless the inmate refuses the test. The bill also requires the BOP to develop a comprehensive policy to coordinate HIV/AIDS testing, treatment, and prevention programs for inmates in federal prisons and those who are about to reenter the community.

Cosponsored the Second Chance Act, legislation which would help states and localities to better address the growing population of prisoners returning to communities, by expanding the use of mentors, offering transitional housing programs and improving educational and drug treatment programs. The bill focuses on enhancements in the following essential areas: jobs, housing, mental health, substance abuse and families.

Cosponsored the Reaffirmation of American Independence Resolution, which seeks to discourage judicial reliance on foreign laws or judgments. This bill instructs the federal courts to remember that their role is interpreting U.S. law, not importing foreign laws. The American people have not consented to being ruled by foreign governments or tribunals, and their elected representatives have an obligation to ensure that America's courts do not impose this rule upon them.

Attended a Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, "Protecting the Right to Vote: Election Deception and Irregularities in recent Federal Elections." Debate during the hearing included discussion on some of the problems that voters have experienced in recent elections and efforts by the federal government to curb election deception and to ensure that only legal citizens cast their votes in elections.

Questioned witnesses appearing before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security about Department of Justice (DOJ) requests for voluntary waivers of attorney-client privilege when they begin a corporate investigation. There is ongoing concern that DOJ is giving preferential treatment to corporations that waive attorney-client privilege, an important component of privacy rights.

Cosponsored the Stearns/Boucher Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Bill, H.R. 861. This legislation would establish a national standard for the carrying concealed firearms by non-residents of a state. It authorizes a person who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in another state in accordance with the restrictions of that state. The right of self-defense is fundamental and has been recognized in law for centuries. The Declaration of Independence asserts that life is among the unalienable rights of all people. The Second Amendment guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear arms for security.Reappointed to the House Judiciary Committee.

Appointed as a Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims.

Reappointed to the House Judiciary Committee.