| National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2013 |
May 18, 2012 |
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Jim McDermott, D-WA
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"On December 15, 2011, after the bill had passed, I spoke on the House floor condemning these dangerous and unnecessary measures. I was concerned that our civil liberties would erode if we leave the interpretation of the law to the commander-in-chief. As we continue our counter-terrorism efforts at home and abroad, we are leaving enormous leeway to the current president, the next president, and the president after that to gather intelligence and detain individuals without charge or trial."
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| Taiwan President Ma Ying-Jeou’S Second Inauguration |
May 18, 2012 |
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Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-MO
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"Going back to the onset of the Cold War, Taiwan and the United States have stood beside one another in some of our countries’ darkest hours and most challenging times. Taiwan was an indispensable link in America’s Korean War effort. U.S. General Douglas MacArthur rightly labeled Taiwan “an unsinkable aircraft carrier in the Pacific” when speaking of the joint U.S.-Taiwan Korean War effort. Taiwan ground troops fought side by side with U.S. forces in the fierce battles at, below and above the 38th Parallel. The Washington-Taipei alliance was later institutionalized in the Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty and Formosa Resolution of 1955. Taiwan was also a key base, and intelligence-gathering source, for U.S. forces in the Vietnam War. Under President Ma’s leadership, our relationship has remained strong, as he has sought U.S. support for his policies, including U.S. arms sales, to ensure Taiwan is in a strong position to continue cross-strait talks."
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| National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2013 |
May 18, 2012 |
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Phil Gingrey, R-GA
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"Mr. Chair, this amendment is necessary because while the intent in the FY ‘12 NDAA was not to allow for the indefinite detention of U.S. citizens without access to legal representation, some have misconstrued it as such. Simply put, this misunderstanding must end today. I support this amendment because I believe that providing for the safety and security of United States citizens is the paramount responsibility of the federal government. As we continue to fight the Global War on Terror, we must provide the President, the intelligence community, and our troops with all of the tools necessary to carry out this duty. Clearly, we must do this within the framework of our Constitution, and make certain that the Constitutional rights provided for our citizens are not violated."
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| In Opposition To H.R. 5326 “Commerce, Justice, Science, And Related Agencies Appropriations Act For Fiscal Year 2013” |
May 18, 2012 |
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Laura Richardson, D-CA
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"The Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) Program offers local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement access to intelligence databases, investigative support and research, equipment loans, training and publications, and field staff support, among other services. RISS is a proven, trusted and cost-effective program that has contributed to 52,350 arrests and yielded $857 million in narcotics, property and case seizures. This represents a 223 percent return on federal investment. Today, state and local law enforcement agencies are experiencing reductions in funding and resources and are turning to RISS to cope. Nevertheless, RISS funding was severely decreased from $45 million in FY2o11 to $27 million in FY2012 and a recommended $27 million in FY2013. I requested an additional $18 million for this program to return funding back to $45 million."
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