Resolutions approved – The House approved two resolutions co-sponsored by Congressman McCotter this week. The first, H. CON. RES 26, was a concurrent resolution honoring the Tuskegee Airmen for their bravery in fighting for our freedom in World War II, and for their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force. The resolution is sponsored by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Al).
The second resolution, H. CON. RES. 6, Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Department of Defense should continue to exercise its statutory authority to support the activities of the Boy Scouts of America, in particular the periodic national and world Boy Scout Jamborees. The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Joel Hefley (R-CO).
Condemning Human Rights violations – Congressman McCotter is co-sponsoring H. CON. RES. 18, which expresses the grave concern of Congress regarding the continuing gross violations of human rights and civil liberties of the Syrian and Lebanese people by the government of the Syrian Arab Republic. Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fl) and Elliot Engel (D-NY) are the sponsors of the legislation.
Background – The Syrian regime is one that, not only supports and facilitates terrorist attacks against innocent civilians throughout the world, but also engages in a widespread campaign of terror against its own people. Accordingly, this resolution:
· Declares that Congress condemn the consistent pattern of gross human rights violations by the government of the Syrian Arab Republic;
· Calls on the international community to adopt a resolution at the upcoming session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, which details the dismal human rights record of Syria;
· Expresses its support for the Syrian people in their struggle for freedom, respect for human rights and civil liberties, democratic self-governance, and the establishment of the rule of law;
· Encourages the President and Secretary of State to assist dissidents, human rights activists, and the nonviolent pro-democracy opposition in Syria; and
· Urges the adoption and pursuit of these and other policies to seek a democratic government in Syria.
Cutting taxes for Senior Citizens – Congressman McCotter is a co-sponsor for HR-179, Social Security Beneficiaries Tax Reduction Act, and HR-180, the Senior Citizens’ Tax Elimination Act. Both bills raise the income of senior citizens by cutting their taxes. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) is the sponsor of both bills.
Background – The Social Security Beneficiaries Tax Reduction Act repeals the 1993 tax increase on Social Security benefits, which will reduce the burden imposed by the federal government on senior citizens. The Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act repeals all taxes on Social Security benefits.
Honoring Veterans – Congressman McCotter is a co-sponsor for HR-369, a bill that proposes to provide for greater recognition of Veterans Day each year. Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA) is the sponsor of the legislation.
Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus – Congressman McCotter has joined the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, which will serve as a venue for Members of Congress to discuss shipbuilding issues that impact their districts, and enable them to work together in a unified effort to support increased shipbuilding efforts for the United States Navy.
Give Kids a Smile Day – Congressman McCotter will attend a “Give Kids a Smile Day” event at the U of D Mercy Dental School on Saturday. More than 80 dentists from southeastern Michigan will be giving free dental care to children from communities in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland and Monroe counties.
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