Despite the fact that this was the Senate’s last week in session before entering the August recess, nothing was accomplished to address the most pressing issues facing our nation – our economic recovery and job creation. Today’s report that unemployment increased to 8.3% in July, coupled with last week’s announcement of anemic 1.5% economic growth in the second quarter of this year – a 25% decrease in growth from the first quarter – is further evidence of the dangerous situation our economy is in and underscores the need for real action that will have an impact on our recovery. Without certainty in areas like taxation, government regulation, and health care, businesses are unable to grow or hire new workers, leaving our economic recovery stagnant. The lack of leadership from the President and the Majority on this issue is shameful, and it not only jeopardizes our own economic situation, but also that of our children, grandchildren, and future generations of Americans to come. It is unfair to saddle them with our debt and our problems just because some in Washington are unwilling to make tough decisions.
Finance Committee Passes Irresponsible Tax Extenders Bill
On Thursday, I attended a Finance Committee hearing where I voted against committee passage of a bill that included the extension of tax breaks for select industries and special interests ranging from Hollywood to appliance manufacturers. Using the tax code to promote certain industries and businesses is not reform, it is crony-capitalism. If we are serious about tax reform, we need to completely overhaul the entire tax code and level the playing field for everyone.
Lejeune Care Bill Now Awaits President’s Signature
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012. I am very pleased that this bill has now passed both houses of Congress, and I urge the President to act quickly to ensure that it becomes law. These veterans and their family members were exposed to water contaminated with known human carcinogens through no fault of their own, and they have faced decades of secrecy and cover up while many of them suffered from cancers and other conditions as a result of their exposure. We owe them nothing less than the care that this bill will provide, and I am hopeful the President will do the right thing for these people by signing this bill into law as soon as possible.
Haqqani Terrorist Bill Discussion with Newsmax (video)
Also on Tuesday, I had an in-depth conversation with Newmax’s John Bachman about my bill, the Haqqani Terrorist Designation Act. We discussed the organized and incredibly dangerous nature of this group who has perpetrated numerous attacks on Afghan civilians and American forces, what this bill would mean for the group and the region, and the impact it would have on our national and international security. To watch that video, click here.
Senate Passes Bill to Protect Jobs of Servicemembers Employed by TSA
On Thursday, the Senate passed H.R. 3670, the House companion to a bill I cosponsored that will extend USERRA provisions to cover employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and provide employment protections to those employees who are called up for active military duty. USERRA guarantees that when employees who are members of the National Guard, reservists, or veterans, are called to active duty, they can return to their civilian jobs at the end of their service. There is no reason that TSA should not adhere to the same guidelines under USERRA that virtually all government agencies and businesses have to follow, and we owe it to our nation’s National Guard members and Reservists to ensure that their jobs are protected when they sign on to sacrifice in defense of our safety and freedoms. I am hopeful the President will act quickly and sign this bill into law.