Congressional Squirrels
California is the 8th largest economy in the world. We consider ourselves the leader in innovation and technology. Unfortunately, one area where we wish others wouldn’t follow is how our legislature manages its time. The SQUIRRELS have gone east, young man! And taken up residence in the hallowed halls of Congress. Now our elected officials can be bi-coastally distracted!
The economy has stagnated, unemployment remains unchanged, a general malaise is seeping across our country, while crises in European markets threaten our economy, and there are still terrorists who are up to no good. What better time for Congress to turn its attention to silly distractions that make for nice press on campaign brochures but do little to generate real jobs or solve economic problems. And our California congressional members should know better than to play these games !
Orange County is represented by strong, principled members of Congress. But, we’ll be sure to let you know if they waste their time on SQUIRREL-based silliness, rather than the real work for which we sent them to Congress.
House Resolution 13 – Make “In God We Trust” the Official Motto of the US 
Despite it being the nation’s official motto for over 50 years (found in Title 36 of the US Code), apparently House leadership thought we all needed a little reminder. It might have been more helpful if they added that old refrain, “all others pay cash.”
After 40 minutes of debate, the resolution was passed by an overwhelming 396-9. The resolution now sits with the Committee on the Judiciary.
Co-sponsored by:
- Ken Calvert
- Gary Miller
Yea:
- Loretta Sanchez
- Ed Royce
- John Campbell
- Dana Rohrabacher
H.R. 389 – End the Stimulus Advertisement Act 
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided funds to help create jobs. Great! But… shhhhh… don’t tell the taxpayers. H.R. 389 prevents any projects actually funded by ARRA to advertise to the public that it was in fact funded by the Act. Let’s worry less about whose getting credit and actually work on the American Recovery, shall we?
As of 2/9/2011, the Bill has been referred to the Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency and Financial Management.
Co-sponsored by:
- Gary Miller
H.R. 2527 – Commemorative Coins for the National Baseball Hall of Fame
Ted Williams once said, “Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer.” Perhaps that’s why Congress took up this issue, to try to up their average. But really, is directing the Secretary of Treasury to mint select coins in honor of the National Baseball Hall of Fame a home run for Congress? More of a wild pitch, especially since all sales of the coin will go solely to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
As of 10/31, the Bill was received in the Senate, read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Co-sponsored by:
- John Campbell
- Dana Rohrabacher
Yea’s:
- Gary Miller
- Ed Royce
- Ken Calvert
- Loretta Sanchez
H.R. 886- U.S. Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act 
The U.S. Marshals Service is the oldest federal law enforcement office in the United States. No doubt they deserve honor and recognition, but creating a commemorative coin seems a weak tribute, especially if the Marshalls end up having to go after counterfeiters of all these “special” gold pieces. Here’s an idea – how about Congress give all authority to the Secretary of Treasury to create commemorative coins so they can focus on the economy instead of loose change.
As of 12/17/11, the bill was read twice and referred to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.
Co-Sponsors:
- Ken Calvert
- John Campbell
H.R. 985 – Requires the Armed Forces to display ALL of our flags 
We get that this bill comes from a place of equality. But can’t the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs issue an order rather than Congress wasting time on passing a bill requiring the flags of the US Territories also be flown with the 50 States flags. Those military guys are usually pretty good at taking orders.
As of 3/18 it was referred to the House Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
H.R. 1317 – Stop Wasting Money on Cuba Broadcasting 
Under Title 22 of the U.S. Code, the United States currently supports the right of the People of Cuba to receive information through any media. If only this bill meant we could ship the Snookis and Nyan Cats to Cuba than we’d be all for it. As it is, all it does is end current radio broadcasting to Cuba. It’s probably a good thing to cut, we are just amazed it takes its own bill to do it. What will Cubans do without Click and Clack?
As of 4/1 it was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.R. 2139 – Lions Club International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act 
Seriously folks, the Secretary of the Treasury is fifth in the presidential line of succession and is the principal economic advisor to the President. His time seems better served in focusing on our stagnant economy rather than playing a role as Monopoly Man. The reasoning is sound, The Lions Club is certainly worthy. But let’s stop wasting time on show pieces and get back to generating real revenue.
As of 7/29 the Bill has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
Co-Sponsors:
- Ken Calvert
H.R. 1361 – Gender Parity in Federal Buildings 
To pee, or not to pee, that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The stings and aches of outrageous fullness Only to hurry up and wait if but a lady. ‘Tis a bodily function Devoutly to be wished. This bill requires potty parity in Federal Buildings, so men and women have an equal number of toilets, complete with guidelines to be issued. Who needs the Tea Party, we’ve got the Potty Party!
As of 4/8 the Bill had been referred to the House Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency, and Financial Management
H.R. 256 – Baseball Diplomacy Act 
So, Congress passes a bill which waives certain foreign assistance and travel prohibitions against Cuba if the Cuban national is coming to play professional baseball here. I wonder if they have to buy a certain number of those specially minted Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coins? Perhaps if Congress looked under some of the piles on their desks, they would see some more pressing “guest worker” issues that need attention.
As of 3/1/11 the bill was referred to Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere.
