Action Alert - S. 1390: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

This week, the Senate is considering S. 1390: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. There are some members who are attempting to amend this bill with H.R. 1913: Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 or S. 909: Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act .

To track updates to this bills visit http://concernedinnepa.blogspot.com/.


WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STOP THIS?
Stop what you’re doing… and email, phone and/or fax all Senators now. Tell them NO Hate Crimes Legislation!
Go here to find your US Senate contact information: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Forward this alert to all your friends, family, neighbors and encourage them to do likewise.. now!

Here is a sample letter that you can email or fax to your Senators

Dear Senator:

I am very disappointed that the Senate is considering fast-tracking the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 (H.R. 1913) by attaching it as an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill. I respectfully request that you please Vote NO on any amendments to S. 1390 which are related to Hate Crimes Legislation, for the following reasons:
(1) This Hate Crimes Legislation is so controversial that it must be considered as a stand-alone bill, not rushed as an amendment.
(2) Hate Crimes legislation is unconstitutional. The 14th Amendment requires that all citizens be given equal treatment under the law. Hate crimes laws create special classes of victims and do not treat all victims fairly.
(3) Hate Crimes legislation could ultimately lead to prosecution for thoughts and restrictions on free speech and religious liberty. Although it prosecutes only “acts of violence” and does not prosecute expressions or opinions, it opens the door to examining the thoughts of not only a criminal, but everyone with whom he may have come into contact. This bill could be used to advance the politically correct agenda by providing greater protections for certain classes of people. Future legislation could expand these protections and place restrictions on religious liberty and free speech.
(4) Hate Crimes are unnecessary. Many states already have a hate crimes law and there is no evidence that the states are failing to prosecute hate crimes. States which do not have hate crimes laws still prosecute the crimes under existing criminal laws. A federal hate crimes bill would only increase the control and scope of the federal government.
(5) All crimes are hate crimes!
Additionally for these reasons, I respectfully ask that you honor the Constitution, and respect States rights in future Hate Crimes legislation and vote NO in the future. I look forward to hearing your position in this matter, and will continue to follow your actions and record!
Sincerely,

-Name-
-Address-
-City State Zip-
- Email/Phone -

Northeastern Pennsylvania 10th & 11th Congressional Updates July 15, 2009

Upcoming Congressional Bills/Votes

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 - S.1390
The Senate is scheduled to work on this bill to set funding levels for the military and authorize Department of Defense programs.

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 - H.R.___
The House is scheduled to vote on this bill funding the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers and related agencies and programs.

Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010 - H.R.3170
The House is expected to vote on this bill funding the Treasury Department, the executive branch, the judicial branch, the District of Columbia and independent agencies.


Recent Senate Votes
Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010 - Vote Passed (67-25, 7 Not Voting)The Senate passed this $3.1 billion bill to fund the legislative branch, which includes a provision to post Senate expenses online for the public to access.
Sen. Arlen Specter voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Robert Casey Jr. voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 - Vote Passed (84-6, 10 Not Voting)On Thursday, the Senate passed this $42.9 billion bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security for Fiscal Year 2010, which includes a provision requiring at least 700 miles of a border fence with Mexico be completed by 2010.
Sen. Arlen Specter voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Robert Casey Jr. voted YES......send e-mail or see bio


Recent House Votes
Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act - Vote Passed (386-41, 5 Not Voting)On Wednesday, the House voted to reauthorize two federal programs that provide research and development grants to entrepreneurs.
Rep. Christopher Carney voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
Rep. Paul Kanjorski voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 - Vote Passed (266-160, 6 Not Voting)The House approved this $123.8 billion bill to fund the USDA, FDA and other related agencies and programs.
Rep. Christopher Carney voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
Rep. Paul Kanjorski voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriation, 2010 - Vote Passed (318-106, 8 Not Voting)This $48.8 billion bill funding the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for Fiscal Year 2010 was passed on Thursday.
Rep. Christopher Carney voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
Rep. Paul Kanjorski voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010 - Vote Passed (415-3, 14 Not Voting)The House passed this $133.7 billion bill funding veterans programs and military construction.
Rep. Christopher Carney voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
Rep. Paul Kanjorski voted YES......send e-mail or see bio