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I. Protecting 2nd Amendment Rights
Preserving the 2nd Amendment Rights of Law-Abiding Gun Owners:
Recently, I have received a number of emails expressing concern with H.R. 45 “Blair Holt’s Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act.” If this bill comes to the floor for a vote, I intend to oppose it as an unconstitutional infringement of rights granted by the 2nd Amendment. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in D.C. v. Heller which finally acknowledged an individual right to keep in bear arms, many groups have mobilized to place burdensome limits on the rights of law-abiding gun owners. H.R. 45 is an example. I have joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 1620, “The Secure Access to Firearms Enhancement (SAFE) Act” authored by Rep. John Boozman (R-AR). This bill will obligate all states to honor concealed carry laws by allowing eligible gun owners the same privileges granted in their home state. I believe the right to defend oneself is a constitutionally protected right that does not stop at the state line.
II. This week’s votes on the floor, hearings, and markups
Each week I get the opportunity to represent you in Congress by: 1) voting on legislation that comes to the House floor; and 2) participating in committee hearings and markups for the Committee on Financial Services.
Key House Floor Votes
TARP gets a Special Inspector General:
On Wednesday, March 25th, I supported S. 383. This bill creates a Special Inspector General (SIG) for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). The SIG will have the authority to conduct, supervise, and coordinate an audit or investigation of any action taken with regard to TARP. The SIG will be required to report to Congress quarterly and make those reports available to the public on the SIG website within 24 hours of reporting to Congress.
Committee on Financial Services
AIG Oversight:
On Tuesday, March 24th, the full Committee held a hearing entitled “Oversight of the Federal Government’s Intervention in American International Group.” Testifying before the Committee were: Timothy Geithner, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury; Ben Bernanke; Chairman of the Board of the Governor of the Federal Reserve System; and William Dudley, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Topics discussed at the hearing included the recent bonus payments made to AIG employees and discussion of an exit strategy from government intervention in AIG. Using AIG as a case study, Congress will consider improvements in oversight and regulatory reform.
Lending and Credit Availability:
On Wednesday, March 25th, the full Committee held a hearing entitled “Exploring the Balance between Increased Credit Availability and Prudent Lending Standards.” Testifying before the Committee were representatives from: Federal Reserve; FDIC; Office of Thrift Supervision; SEC; Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; American Bankers Association; Financial Services Roundtable; Independent Community Bankers Association; National Federation of Independent Business; and Performance Trust Capital Partners. Many lenders feel the government is sending them mixed messages by telling them to increase lending while conserving capital; this, amid reports that creditworthy consumers and small businesses are facing difficulty getting credit.
Regulatory Reform:
On Thursday, March 24th, the full Committee held a hearing entitled “Addressing the Need for Comprehensive Regulatory Reform.” Testifying before the Committee was Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. The primary purpose of this hearing was to look at how regulatory reform can prevent activities in the private sector from putting at risk the stability of the entire U.S. economy.
III. In the 24th District
For Students in District 24: Upcoming Aviation Career Education Academy
Congressman Marchant would like students in District 24 to be aware of the 2009 Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy. If you are between the ages of 14 and 18 and want to explore careers with aviation professionals, get a behind-the-scenes look at the aviation industry and government facilities, and learn more about the high tech world of aviation, then this career education program is for you! This opportunity is open to all students in the Dallas-Forth Worth area.
ACE is co-sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Organization of Black Airline Pilots, DFW International Airport, the Vintage Flying Museum, and Tarrant County College Northwest Campus. The 2009 ACE Academy day camp program runs from June 9 until June 13. The application deadline is April 17.
The focus of ACE includes a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) approach to the learning experience. Students will participate in many activities relating to aviation history, physics of flight, and exciting behind-the-scenes field trips.
There is no cost to the students; however the students must submit an application that will be reviewed in a selection process. Approximately 40 students will be selected to participate.
Transportation will be provided for field trips; parents are responsible for transporting the students to and from the camp each day.
This is the 18th year ACE Academy will be hosted in the Dallas-Forth Worth area.
Important Dates and Application Information
2009 ACE Academy Dates: June 9 - 13
Application Deadline: April 17
To Receive Instructions on the Application: Contact ACE Academy Hotline at 817-222-5801. If you reach voicemail, leave a message with your name and address and request an application packet.
Eligibility: Students must be US citizens between the ages of 14-18 | Students must have a sincere interest in learning about aviation | Students must turn in the complete application by the April 17 deadline.
U.S. Census Bureau Announces Job Opportunities in District 24
Congressman Kenny Marchant would like constituents of District 24 to be aware of the following job opportunities announced by the U.S. Census Bureau. Please call the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-866-861-2010 if you have questions or need further information.
April 2009
Hiring and training of approximately 1,000 to complete address canvassing. This operation runs from April through June. Most positions are 8 – 10 weeks. Constituents can apply to these positions by calling 1-866-861-2010.
September/October 2009
Begin hiring for managers and office staff (approximately 50 total) for the local office. Those applying for managerial positions take a separate managerial test and then fill out an application through http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/. All other office staff should call 1-866-861-2010. Office positions will last approximately one year.
Please visit http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/index.php for more detailed information about the jobs listed above.
IV. Recommended Reading
• For those of you not yet on Twitter, I wanted to share with you a book I read after I finished Lords of Finance (which I recommended here last week). Chain of Blame by Paul Muolo and Matthew Padilla is a fantastic primer for those wanting to read about how our current mortgage and credit crisis began.
• I also recommend reading The Forgotten Man by Amity Shlaes which takes a critical look at the effects of government intervention during the Great Depression. Shlaes’ less-deferential views of New Deal policies provide readers with a new perspective on an oft-explored era. For those wanting a critical analysis and an interesting, well-written story, I recommend reading this book.
V. Great Quotes in History
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.”
-Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States
I am honored to represent the 24th District of Texas, and appreciate your interest in my e-newsletter. Please contact my District or DC office with any further questions you may have or visit my website at www.marchant.house.gov.
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