This Week in Washington- Friday, April 30, 2010
President Obama visited Macon, Missouri this week. Despite my hopes that President Obama would address the concerns of hard-working Missourians during his visit, I was disappointed that he failed to address the staggering jobs losses that were supposed to end with the $862 billion stimulus package passed more than a year ago.
My constituents in Missouri are no different than anyone else in America - they need jobs. They need opportunities. They need to bring home a paycheck and support their families. Washington and Congress needs to encourage job growth across the country, stabilize our communities and small businesses, and put our nation back on the path to prosperity.
Legislation:
• Defense Acquisition: On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 5013, the IMPROVE Acquisition Act by a vote of 417-3. The bill would reform the Department of Defense's (DOD) acquisition system, with a primary emphasis on assessing value in acquisition, improving the requirements process, the acquisition workforce and on the acquisition of services and information technology. The purpose is to improve performance and the quality of outcomes in the DOD acquisition system, particularly in service contracts and information technology. I supported this legislation because a common criticism of the DoD's IT acquisition is that it is slow, meaning the military struggles to stay current with new IT capabilities. This legislation will help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness in the acquisition process.
• Puerto Rico: On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 2499 by a vote of 223-169-1. The legislation would allow the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to conduct a referendum to allow residents to decide whether Puerto Rico should continue to have its present form of political status or choose between independence, sovereignty in association with the U.S., or statehood. Under the bill, if Puerto Ricans voted to keep their current political status, the referendum would be held again every eight years. In addition, the bill stipulates that all costs associated with any vote held under this Act would be paid for by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. I opposed the bill. I do not have any objection to a territory that wants to become a state. However, that should be that state's decision and it should not be forced forward by the heavy hand of Washington. Puerto Rico has taken several votes on statehood in the last 100 years that have not passed. If Puerto Ricans want to become the 51st state, then they need to win the support of their friends and neighbors, not the United States Congress.
On the Floor:
I was on the floor this week to speak in favor of extending the Small Business Administration (SBA) programs through July 31st. I do not like doing the monthly extensions, but these are important programs for many small businesses. Since small businesses create 7 out of every 10 jobs in the United States, we need to do all we can to encourage job growth.
The House will be in session next week. Have a good weekend.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves