Dana Rohrabacher Accomplishments

DANA'S LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Author of Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004 resulting in $billions of investment in space projects and creating thousands of jobs in Southern California, including and especially Orange County.

Leader of fight on the floor of Congress saving Patent system from attempts by multinational corporations to destroy it, keeping America number one tech country in the world.

Played instrumental role in creating and implementing the US strategy to strike back in Afghanistan after 9-11, saving thousands of American military lives

Authored the “Rohrabacher-Farr” amendment that prevents the federal government from prosecuting medicinal marijuana users who are in compliance with their state laws.

Secured federal funding for the $8 billion Santa Ana Mainstream flood control project, thus protecting tens of thousands of Orange County homeowners from both flood damage and the mandate to buy flood insurance.

Secured federal funding for Orange County water projects, including high tech water recycling system that serves our county during drought periods.

Secured federal funding for the law enforcement training center at Golden West College which serves law enforcement throughout the county.

Recognized as a national leader in the struggle to control our borders and deny amnesty to illegal immigrants. Publically called on County and city governments to officially oppose California sanctuary laws that prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with Federal law enforcements in dealing with illegal alien CRIMINALS,

Was the winning vote that financed the building of the International Space Station, creating thousands of jobs in Orange County.

Oversaw and helped shape the local response when a tanker accident off Huntington Beach spilled oil into our local waters.

A leading advocate of requiring oil tankers be double-hulled, dramatically reducing the danger of oil tankers spilling oil into our coastal waters.

As an Eagle Scout himself and former chairman of the House Scouting Caucus, Dana’s been an avid supporter of Orange County Scouting and has personally presented hundreds of Orange County scouts their Eagle badge.

supported and helped break ground for a new veterans hospital facility at Camp Pendleton. Provided individual guidance and support for thousands of our local veterans.

Saved the homes of 250 Orange County families during the financial crisis that savaged vulnerable working families.

Even though it was a Republican proposal, Dana opposed the last tax bill because it raised the tax burden and had a disproportionate negative impact on a significant number of Orange County residents.

Currently: Co-sponsoring legislation and taking a leadership role in rewriting the federal regulations and policies that resulted in Sober Living homes being placed in residential neighborhoods.

Submitted his own more comprehensive legislation to address the that the FAA mandate that when over communities and neighborhoods planes must fly as high as it is safe to do.

Currently, working with the Secretary of Education DeVos to create an Education Bill of Rights to protect parents and children throughout America.

Champions the development of alternatives to the dangerous current light water nuclear reactors. Has pushed for the building of a prototype of a next generation of nuclear reactors that can’t melt down. leaves little or no waste, and can use the waste of current reactors as fuel. Dana favored the closure of San Onofre, and is working with local citizens who are concerned about safety of the storage of nuclear waste and other radioactive materials being stored there. He is a cosponsor of the Shimkus bill.

Currently, working to launch a demonstration project of technology will warn coastal lifeguards to clear the water when a shark is present.

Championing revolutionary battery technology that, at long last, makes real the promise of solar and wind energy systems

Opposed Obamacare; currently pushing for a bipartisan easy to understand reform of our healthcare system.

Support building the border wall. Briefed President Trump on a creative way to finance the wall and introduced it as legislation. H.R. 2724, the Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Act of 2017. This bill would replace the diversity visa lottery program with a system by which some immigration applicants to pay a fee to a fund dedicated to improving U.S. border security in exchange for an expedited process. Once applicants have passed normal vetting under current law, they would be eligible for citizenship within two years.

Advocates all government benefits and jobs be denied illegal immigrants, healthcare, education and housing - this makes deportation unnecessary except for criminals.

Oppose Sanctuary City/State. Led fight in Orange County to enlist city counsels and the Board of Supervisors to officially oppose California’s
Sanctuary for illegal alien criminals

Chairman of the committee in the U.S. Congress that has jurisdiction to oversee U.S. policies with Europe, Russia and Central Asia.

Dana advocates seeking areas of cooperation with Russia rather than unrelenting hostile confrontation (despite politically motivated, sinister sounding false charges).

Leading advocate of supporting the Kurds and other pro western forces in the Middle East, but a leading opponent of sending more U.S. troops to fight other people’s battles.

Dana Co-Chairman of the Egypt caucus and is recognized as a senior foreign policy ally of India and Japan.

Dana supports the Israeli people in their struggle to protect their right to exist as a national state and to secure their homes and families from attack.

Advocating and preparing a creative approach to to ease the burden of student loans breaking the backs of too many young Americans.

Dana’s efforts as a senior member of the House Science Committee have resulted in the launching of a new NASA effort to create a global defense system that can deflect an asteroid or other space object from hitting the Earth.

Discovery of water on our moon was an historic event because it enables us to create hydrogen fuel needed to do business in near space and explore the universe. This giant step forward was a direct result of a mandate he initiated that forced the NASA bureaucracy to conduct a moon mission circumventing moon via the poles rather than around equator.

Personally responsible for the production and deployment of what is now America's most important intelligence asset - the X-37B space maneuvering vehicle.

Accessible: Schedule permitting, every visitor from our district who makes it to Washington gets a meeting with me in my Capitol office. Closer to home, Dana frequently meets with local folks in our Huntington Beach office. He also visits and exchanges views with local student groups, community activists organizations, charity groups, the business community and representatives of Orange county and city governments.

Dana does not think of himself as a Washingtonian. Dana and his family I live in a modest home in Eastside Costa Mesa. They do not live in a gated community and he often does the shopping for his family of two girls and a boy. They are avid surfers. Dana make waves in Washington and ride waves in Orange County.

Promoted the idea of a statue in Newport Beach near the pier, honoring our lifeguards, especially Ben Carson.

Assisted in securing military aircraft for the Huntington Beach Air Show.

Highlights of House & Rep. Rohrabacher’s Accomplishments
And Legislative Activities in 2017

Enactment of Omnibus Appropriations bill: June, 2017:

o Provides discretionary funding for remainder of FY ’17 (through September 30, 2017).

o Rep. Rohrabacher’s achievements in bill:
Continued protection from federal prosecution for patients, physicians, veterans, doctors, etc., acting in compliance with their state’s medical marijuana laws.
$2 billion increase in funding for National Institutes of Health.
House passage and enactment of “Weather Research & Forecasting Innovation Act” (H.R. 353).

o Included in bill was the “Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act of 2017,” which was co-sponsored and pushed through the House Science Committee by Reps. Rohrabacher and Bonamici (D-OR).
House passage and enactment of “National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017” (S. 422).

o First NASA authorization enacted since 2010.

o Included a reiteration of a commitment to the fullest commercial use of space—something Rep. Rohrabacher has long championed.

House passage and enactment of legislation (H.J.Res. 43) that reverses an Obama Administration rule, so that moving forward, states will have a greater ability to restrict tax dollars from going to abortion providers.

House passage and enactment of legislation (H.J.Res. 58) that would roll back an Obama Administration rule that sought to impose additional federal mandates and control on local schools.

House passage and enactment of legislation (H.J.Res. 44) that eliminates an Obama Administration rule that would have overhauled existing resource management regulations of federal lands while reducing input from local communities.

House passage of FY ’18 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1810), which sets spending parameters and policy for the Department of Defense.

o Two Rohrabacher amendments adopted: (1) a sense of Congress declaring Dr. Shakil Afridi an international hero and calling on Pakistan to release him immediately from prison, and (2) a prohibition on the transfer of certain funds to Pakistan until and unless the Secretary of Defense certifies that Pakistan is not using funds or equipment to persecute religious and ethnic minorities.

House passage of H.R. 23, the GROW Act, which would change law in several instances in an effort to increase (1) water storage capacity throughout California and the West, and (2) water flows throughout California and the West. The legislation would accomplish these goals by streamlining bureaucratic and environmental processes and relying on better science to determine appropriate water flows.

o Rep. Rohrabacher was an original co-sponsor of this legislation and spoke in favor of its enactment.

House passage of H.R. 1873, the Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act—LaMalfa (R-CA): the legislation amends current law to streamline and improve the approval process for engaging in vegetation management on electric rights-of-way located on federal lands.

Enactment into law of S. 1094, the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017—Rubio (R-FL): the legislation would institute a number of reforms to empower the Secretary of the VA with enhanced authority to remove, demote, or suspend any VA employee for poor performance or misconduct. The legislation also provides additional protections for whistleblowers and implements additional measures that may be used to punish poor performance, misconduct, or employees who are convicted of a felony that influences his/her job at the VA.

House passage of the American Health Care Act. The Senate is now working to pass its version of healthcare reform

Note: Representative Dana Rohrabacher during the 113th Congress sponsored or co-sponsored in excess of 150 bills, resolutions, and amendments in the House of Representatives thus far. In addition, the Congressman has signed or led several letters to the Leadership, various federal agencies, and to President Obama and California Governor Jerry Brown.

Below is a list of several--but not all—of the significant legislative items Congressman Rohrabacher actively supported or organized:

**Signifies those bills, resolutions, or amendments that have reasonably seen significant action in the House

SPONSORED LEGISLATION

Immigration:

On July 18, 2013, the House introduced H.R. 2745 “No Social Security for Illegal Immigrants.” This bill forbids any Social Security credits for work done as an illegal alien, or for work done in violation of the terms of a visa.

Drug Policy:

Introduced on April 12, 2013, H.R. 1523 also known as “Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2013.” This legislation would legalize marijuana at the federal level to the extent it is legal at the state level. Designed to prevent the federal government from continuing to prosecute residents, this bill would protect individuals that act in accordance with the respective marijuana laws of their home state.

Foreign Policy:

Introduced on December 11, 2013, H.R. 3707 would “ensure the emergency protections of Iranian dissidents living in Camp Liberty/ and to provide for their admission as refugees to the United States.”

Introduced on July 14, 2014, H.R. 5103, the “Chinese Communist Economic Espionage Sanctions Act” sanctions Chinese state-owned enterprises, their companies, and their leadership for benefitting from cyber and economic espionage against the United States.

On January 15, 2013, the House introduced H. Res. 33. This bill’s focus lies on “Commending the Albanian people on the 100th anniversary of the declaration of their independence from the Turkish Ottoman Empire. It also commends Albanians in Albania and Kosovo for protecting and saving the lives of all Jews who either lived in Albania or sought asylum there during the Holocaust.”

** H. Res. 86, Introduced on February 27, 2013, expresses the sense of the House that “Dr. Shakil Afridi is an American hero and that he should be immediately released from custody by Pakistan.” The House offered this resolution as an amendment to H.R. 4435, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015. The House rolled this amendment into a larger en bloc amendment and accepted it by the full House by voice vote.

Introduced on April 25, 2013, H. Res. 183 expressed the sense of the House that “Broadcasting Board of Governors should broadcast and direct Azeri language content into the Islamic Republic of Iran and Baloch language content into the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.” Also introduced on April 25, 2013, H. Res. 184, “Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should immediately remove all members of the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan and pursue alternative strategies, which do not require large deployments of ground combat forces of the Armed Forces, in order to create a stable Afghanistan that is not a base for international terrorism.”

Introduced on August 1, 2013, H. Res. 325 conveyed how the House of Representatives felt that “the President should award the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods. Both died from enemy action during the attack on United States facilities in Benghazi, Libya, on the night of September 11-12, 2012.”

Tax Policy

Introduced on February 25, 2014, H.R. 4089 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 “to exclude from gross income compensation received by employees consisting of qualified distributions of employer stock.” The bill provides certain tax benefits to employees who receive a broad-based distribution of equal shares of stock from their employer, so long as they hold the stock for a certain amount of time. Included in this bill is a provision that allows stockholders to begin diversifying the stock after holding it for ten years.

Voting Rights

Introduced on January 15, 2013,

H.R. 299, “District of Columbia Voting Rights Restoration Act of 2013.” The bill restores the right of residents of Washington D.C. to participate as Maryland residents in congressional elections and presidential elections.

Sponsored House Amendments:

** H. Amdt. 396 to H.R. 2397, Offered on July 24, 2013, it prohibits any funds in the bill from being provided to Pakistan. This amendment failed by voice vote.

** H. Amdt. 526 to H.R. 3309, Offered on December 5, 2013, this amendment preserves the right for judicial review of American inventors making applications to the patent system. This passed by recorded vote of 260-156.

** H. Amdt. 748 to H.R. 4660 offered on May 30, 2014, this amendment prohibits funds in the bill from being used to prevent states from implementing their own medical marijuana laws.

This passed by recorded vote: 219-189.

**H.Amdt. 938 to H.R. 4870 offered on June 20, 2014, this amendment prohibits funds in the bill from being made available to Pakistan. The bill failed by a recorded vote of 92-320.

** House Amendment to H.R. 4435 offered on May 21, 2014, this amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to certify to Congress that it prohibits the Pakistani government from suppressing ethnic and religious minorities with American funds and supplies. This passed by voice vote (part of a larger en bloc amendment offered by Chairman McKeon)

** House Amendment to H.R. 4435 offered on May 21, 2014, this amendment conveys the sense of Congress that Dr. Afridi is an international hero and that Pakistan should release him immediately from prison. This amendment passed by a voice vote (part of a larger en bloc amendment offered by Chairman McKeon)

CO-SPONSORED LEGISLATION:

Immigration

** H.R. 5160, by Rep. Blackburn, introduced on July 22, 2014 and co-sponsored on July 30, 2014. This legislation will “prevent the expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program unlawfully created by Executive memorandum on August 15, 2012.

In response to the immigration crisis at the border, this legislation—and the many supporting co-sponsors—served as the impetus behind the consideration of a slightly altered version of the same bill on August 1, 2014. That bill, H.R. 5272, passed with Congressman Rohrabacher’s support, 216-192, on August 1, 2014. The bill awaits further action in the Senate.

H.R. 830, by Rep. Graves, “SAVE Act of 2013.” Introduced February 26, 2013; co-sponsored February 26, 2013, this legislation has three main components: 1) increased border security, 2) mandatory worker verification (E-Verify), and 3) improved interior enforcement.

H.R. 997, by Rep. King, “English Language Unity Act of 2013” introduced March 6, 2013; co-sponsored March 6, 2013. The bill makes English the official language of the United States, including all official functions of the U.S. government and naturalization ceremonies.

H.R. 4659, “EB-5 Regional Center Extension Act of 2014.” introduced on May 13, 2014 and co-sponsored on July 14, 2014 by Rep. Schock. The legislation makes the EB-5 program permanent, eliminates country caps (while maintaining overall program caps at current levels), and authorizes the Secretary of DHS to give priority to certain program applicants.

** H.R. 5079, by Rep. Calvert, introduced and co-sponsored on July 11, 2014, “To Amend the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to provide for the repatriation of unaccompanied alien children, and for other purposes.” The legislation would treat undocumented immigrant children from non-contiguous countries the same as those from contiguous countries (Mexico and Canada). This legislation will give the Administration the authority to simplify the deportation of undocumented children. A larger emergency spending bill that passed the House, with the support of Congressman Rohrabacher, on August 1, 2014 by 223-189 included provisions of this bill.

Energy

** H.R. 3, by Rep. Terry, “Northern Route Approval Act” introduced on March 15, 2013 and co-sponsored on April 11, 2013. This legislation declares that a presidential permit shall not be required for approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. It further deems the final environmental impact assessment issued by the Secretary of State as having satisfied all environmental review requirements required by federal law. The bill passed the House, 241-175, on May 22 with the support of Congressman Rohrabacher, and now awaits further action in the Senate.

H.R. 1461, by Rep. Goodlatte, Renewable Fuel Standard Elimination Act introduced on April 10, 2013 and co-sponsored on February 27, 2014. The legislation repeals the EPA’s renewable fuel program, which requires the blending of a certain amount of ethanol with gasoline.

Government Accountability

H.R. 24 introduced on January 3, 2013 and co-sponsored on September 9, 2013 by Rep. Broun, “Federal Reserve Transparency Act.” This legislation directs the Government Accountability Office to audit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Banks within 12 months of enactment of the legislation. It also submits its findings of the audit to Congress within 90 days of completion of the audit.

H.R. 836, by Rep. Miller, “Sunshine on Conflicts Act of 2013” and introduced February 26, 2013 and co-sponsored on March 7, 2013. The legislation requires the EPA to issue a rule to prohibit any member of a board or body of a body that approves permit applications for the discharge of pollutants from seeking to influence the approval of any permit in which that member has a financial interest. Additionally, it repeals a much stricter existing law that prohibits individuals from serving on a board or body that approves permit applications for the discharge of pollutants after having received a significant portion of their income from permit holders or applicants.

** H.R. 4012, by Rep. Schweikert, “Secret Science Reform Act of 2014” introduced on, and co-sponsored on February 6, 2014. The legislation prohibits the EPA from proposing, finalizing, or disseminating a covered action unless all scientific and technical information relied is identified and publicly available for independent analysis and substantial reproduction of research results.

The House Science Committee ordered a favorable report to the House by a voice vote.

H.Res. 35, introduce on January 18, 2013 and co-sponsored on June 20, 2013 by Rep. Gosar. This resolution “Expresses no confidence in the Attorney General of the United States and calling for his immediate resignation.”

Foreign Policy

** H.R. 301, introduced on January 15, 2013 and co- sponsored on February 26, 2013 by Rep. Wolf. The Congressman stated “to provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia”

The bill passed the House 402-22 on September 18, 2013, with the support of Congressman Rohrabacher. The Senate and House took up an alternate version of the bill, S.653 and passed this legislation into law on August 8, 2014.

**H.R. 850 “Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013,” introduced and co-sponsored on February 27, 2013 by Rep. Royce. The legislation tightens and expands sanctions on Iran. The House passed the bill on July 31, 2013 with your support, but failed to pass in the Senate.

** H.R. 938 “United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014” introduced on March 3, 2013 and co-sponsored on May 23, 2013 by Rep. Ros-Lehtinen. This legislation would, among other things, express U.S. support for Israel, require the President to submit a biennial report to Congress on Israel’s qualitative military edge over military threats, and direct the OPIC to give preference to providing insurance, financing, or reinsurance for energy and water projects in Israel. The Legislation passed the House on 3/5/2014, 410-1, with Mr. Rohrabacher’s support.

H.R. 1692, “Sudan Peaece, Security, and Accountability Act of 2013.” introduced on April 24, 2013 and co-sponsored on July 22, 2013 by Rep. McGovern. This legislation, among other things, directs the President to develop and transmit to Congress a comprehensive strategy to end serious human rights violations in Sudan and to promote comprehensive peace and democratic reform.

** H.R. 1771“North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2013” introduced and co-sponsored by Rep. Royce on April 26, 2013. The legislation, among other things, directs the President to investigate credible information on activities considered worthy of sanctions. For example, a country like North Korea and apply sanctions to individuals the President determines are in conflict with American interests. The bill passed the House by voice vote on 7/28/2014 and currently awaits further action by the Senate.

** H.R. 1897 “Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2013” introduced on May 8, 2013 and co-sponsored on June 27, 2013 by Rep. Smith. The legislation prohibits the United States from providing non-humanitarian assistance to the government of Vietnam beyond the amount of money allocated in Fiscal Year 2012. The exception to this ruling rests on whether the President certifies to Congress that the Government of Vietnam made substantial progress in respecting political, media, and religious rights. It must also ensure that Vietnam must grant access to United States refugee programs, it must return confiscated religious estates and property, they must put an end to trafficking in persons, and release political prisoners. The bill passed the House 405-3 on 9/9/2013 with Congressman Rohrabacher’s support and now sits in the Senate awaiting further action.

H.R. 4377 “Burma Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2014” introduced on April 2, 2014 and co-sponsored on July 10, 20141 by Rep. Chabot. This legislation, among other things, prohibits funding for security assistance to the government of Burma unless the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that the country has taken steps to establish civilian oversight of the armed forces. This also establishes a fair and inclusive process to amend the Constitution of Burma; and improve the military’s human rights record.

** H.R. 4411 “Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2014,” introduced on April 7, 2014 and co-sponsored on June 20, 2014 by Rep. Meadows. Among other things, the legislation prevents access by Hezbollah to international financial and other institutions. The legislation passed the House, 404-0, on 7/22/2014, with Congressman Rohrabacher’s support, and awaits further action in the Senate.

H.R. 4434 “Africa Counter Terrorism Initiative Act” introduced on April 9, 2014 and co-sponsored on April 9, 2014 by Rep. Nunes. This legislation directs the Secretary of Defense to develop, submit to Congress, and implement a plan to transfer the headquarters of AFRICOM from Stuttgart, Germany, to a location within the continental United States within one year.

** H.R. 4490 “United States International Communications Reform Act of 2014” introduced and co-sponsored on April 28, 2014 by Rep. Royce. This legislation revises U.S. international broadcasting and communications structures, missions, and objectives. It passed the House on July 28, 2014 by voice vote and it awaits further action in the Senate.

** H.R. 4587“Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy Protection Act,” introduced on May 7, 2014 and co-sponsored on May 9, 2014 by Rep. Ros-Lehtinen. This legislation directs the Secretary of State to require the U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) to use U.S. influence at the OAS to protect the Inter-American Democratic Charter. It also strengthens efforts by international and multilateral organizations to protect human rights throughout the Western Hemisphere, especially in Venezuela. The bill passed the House on May 28, 2014 by voice vote and currently awaits further action by the Senate.

** H.R. 4653“United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2014” introduced on May 9, 2014 and co-sponsored on May 19, 2014 by Rep. Wolf.

This bill reauthorized the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) as an independent federal government advisory board through FY ’19. It performs this function while making additional minor reforms. The bill passed the House on July 8, 2014 by voice vote and currently awaits action in the Senate.

** H.Con.Res. 51 “Immediate Establishment of Syrian War Crimes Tribunal Resolution,” introduced and co-sponsored on September 9, 2013 by Rep. Smith. Among other things, the Concurrent Resolution expresses the Congressional view that America should urge the government of Syria and other groups involved in the civil war in Syria to implement a ceasefire and engage in negotiations to end the bloodshed. It also stated the U.S. should urge other interested states to apprehend and deliver into the custody of Syrian war crimes tribunal persons indicted for war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide in Syria. By unanimous consent, the Committee on Foreign Affairs ordered the resolution, as amended to the full House.

H.Res. 36 “Establishing a select committee to investigate and report on the attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi, Libya,” introduced on January 18, 2013 and co-sponsored on July 18, 2013 by Rep. Wolf.

H.Res. 612 “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Mexico should forthwith repatriate Sgt. Andrew Paul Tahmooressi from Mexican prison(s) and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President of the United States should take actions to impose sanctions on Mexico until such time as Sgt. Tahmooressi is released.” Introduced on June 9, 2014 and co-sponsored on June 18, 2014 by Rep. Stockman.

H.Res. 620 “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Mexico should immediately release United States Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi and provide for his swift return to the United States so Sgt. Tahmooressi can receive the appropriate medical assistance for his medical condition.” Introduced on June 11, 2014 and co-sponsored on July 9, 2014 by Rep. Poe.

ENVIRONMENTAL

** H.R. 382 Known as the “Preserve Land Freedom for Americans Act.” Introduced on January 23, 2013 and co-sponsored on January 25, 2013 by Rep. Foxx. This legislation requires the President—prior to designating a national monument—to obtain a state’s approval for a monument located on federal land within the state. The relevant subcommittee of jurisdiction has held hearings on the legislation.

** H.R. 2068 “Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Reauthorization of 2013,” introduced on May 21, 2013 and co-sponsored on February 25, 2014 by Rep. Lummis. This legislation reauthorizes a program that allows the Bureau of Land Management to sell unwanted/unneeded lands and retain the proceeds to buy other, more desirable lands. The House began Subcommittee hearings on this legislation.

** H.R. 3964, “Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Emergency Water Delivery Act,” introduced and co-sponsored on January 29, 2014 by Rep. Valadao. This legislation ensures that water dedicated to fish and wildlife purposes is provided to Central Valley Project water contractors at the lowest cost reasonably achievable. It also facilitates water transfers in accordance with the Central Valley Project Improvement Act. The bill passed the House 229-191 on February 5, 2014, with the support of Congressman Rohrabacher. The bill awaits further action in the Senate.

H.R. 3992 “Wildfire Disaster Funding Act of 2014,” introduced on February 5, 2014 and co-sponsored on April 9, 2014 by Rep. Simpson. This legislation improves the way in which Congress budgets wildfire fighting by ending the disruptive practice of requiring agencies to divert funding from preventative programs in order to finance our response to the fighting of wildfires.

DRUG POLICY

H.R. 499 “Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2013,” introduced and co-sponsored on February 5, 2013 by Rep. Polis.

H.R. 525 “Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2013,” introduced and co-sponsored on February 6, 2013 by Rep. Massie. This legislation removes industrial hemp from the definition of marijuana under the Controlled Substances act, thereby allowing farmers to cultivate and sell the crop.

H.R. 689 “States’ Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act,” introduced and co-sponsored on February 4, 2013 by Rep. Blumenauer. This legislation requires the rescheduling of marijuana in order for states’ medical marijuana programs to operate without federal interference, so long as their actions act in accordance with state and local law.

H.R. 2240 “Small Business Tax Equity Act of 2013,” introduced and co-sponsored on June 4, 2013 by Rep. Blumenauer. This legislation amends the tax code to allow for tax deductions for normal business expenses for marijuana businesses operating in compliance with state law.

H.R. 2652 “Marijuana Businesses Access to Banking Act of 2013,” introduced and co-sponsored on July 10, 2013 by Rep. Perlmutter. This legislation provides a safe harbor and additional protections for financial institutions that provide services to marijuana businesses acting in compliance with state law.

HEALTHCARE

H.R. 523 “Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2013,” introduced on February 6, 2013 and co-sponsored on April 18, 2013. This legislation repeals the excise tax on medical device manufacturers and importers, as enacted by the Affordable Care Act.

H.R. 763 “To repeal the annual fee on health insurance providers enacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” introduced on February 15, 2013 and co-sponsored on June 6, 2013 by Rep. Boustany.

H.R. 2682 “Defund Obamacare Act of 2013,” introduced July 11, 2013 and co-sponsored on September 9, 2013 by Rep. Graves. This legislation prohibits any availability of federal funds to carry out the provisions of the Affordable Care Act. It prohibits any entitlement to benefits from remaining in effect on and after the date of enactment. It also rescinds any unobligated balances available under such provisions.

H.R. 2809 “To delay the application of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” introduced on July 24, 2013 and co-sponsored on August 2, 2013 by Rep. Blackburn. This legislation delays the effective date of any provisions of the Affordable Care Act scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2014 for one year. This includes any new or increased taxes.

** H.R. 2575 “Save American Workers Act of 2014,” introduced on June 28, 2013 and co-sponsored on November 20, 2013 by Rep. Young. This legislation amends the Affordable Care Act to redefine “full-time employee.” This is for the purpose of the mandate requiring employers to provide health coverage for their employees, as an employee who is employed on average at least 40 hours of service a week (currently, at least 30 hours of service of week). This legislation passed the House 248-179 on 6/28/2013, with the support of Congressman Rohrabacher. It currently awaits action in the Senate.

** H.R. 2009 “Keep the IRS Off Your Health Care Act of 2013,” Introduced on May 16, 2013 and co-sponsored on May 17, 2013 by Rep. Price. This legislation prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury, or any delegate of the Secretary, from implementing or enforcing any provisions of the Affordable Care Act. The bill passed the House 232-185 on August 2, 2013 with the support of Congressman Rohrabacher and currently awaits further action in the Senate.

VETERANS

** H.R. 1288 “World War II Merchand Mariner Service Act,” Introduced on March 20, 2013 and co-sponsored on June 20, 2013 by Rep. Butterfield. This legislation expands the official documentation accepted by the Secretary of Homeland Security for determining eligibility for already-available (limited) benefits to merchant mariners who served during World War II.

** The subcommittee of jurisdiction has held hearings on the legislation.

H.R. 3225 “Making continuing appropriations for veterans benefits in the event of a Government shutdown,” Introduced and co-sponsored on October 1, 2013 by Rep. Salmon. This legislation would have, in the event of a government shutdown, continued appropriations for veterans programs at Fiscal Year 2013 levels through any relevant period during Fiscal Year 2014.

H.R. 3384 “Veterans’ Entry to Apprenticeship Act,” Introduced and co-sponsored on October 30, 2013 by Rep. Bentivolio. This legislation would allow veterans to use their education benefits for enrollment in pre-apprenticeship programs in order to help them more easily transition into the workforce.

H.Con.Res. 98 “Urging the President to immediately request the resignation of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki” Introduced on May 15, 2014 and co-sponsored on May 28, 2014 by Rep. Farenthold. Misc. Jobs Bills (Note: several of the bills above could also be classified as “jobs bills,” but these below do not fit into any of the larger categories, such as “immigration,” “veterans,” etc.)

H.R. 688 “Credit Union Small Business Jobs Creation Act,” introduced on February 14, 2014 and co-sponsored on February 27, 2013 by Rep. Royce. This bill Eases restrictions on credit unions providing business loans by reducing the loan-to-asset ratio.

** H.R. 761 “National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2013,” Introduced on February 15, 2013 and co-sponsored on July 8, 2013 by Rep. Amodei. This legislation streamlines the permitting process for mineral exploration and mining projects. Specifically, the bill requires coordination among agencies; eliminates duplicative analysis; requires timely filing of lawsuits; and sets the total permitting process at no more than 30 months. The House passed the bill, 246-178, on September 18, 2013, with your support, and currently awaits further action in the Senate.

H.R. 777 “ADA Notification Act of 201,” introduced and co-sponsored on February 15, 2013 by Rep. Hunter. This legislation would require an Americans with Disabilities Act plaintiff to notify the defendant in writing of the alleged violations prior to filing the complaint. The purpose is to give small business owners a reasonable opportunity to respond to alleged ADA violations before having to “lawyer up” and go to court.

**H.R. 1406 “Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013,” introduced on April 9, 2013 and co-sponsored on April 10, 2013 by Rep. Roby. This legislation would allow private sector employers and employees to establish agreements that provide for compensatory time off in lieu of monetary overtime compensation—an option that is currently available for federal, state, and local government employees—thereby offering employers and employees more flexibility in how overtime work is paid and received. The legislation passed the House 223-204 on May 8, 2013 with the support of Congressman Rohrabacher and currently awaits further action in the Senate.

H.R. 4792 Meadows, Empower Employees Act, introduced on May 30, 2014 and co-sponsored on June 11, 2014. This legislation would prohibit the federal government from automatically deducting union dues from federal employees’ paychecks without their consent.

MISC.

H.R. 2263 “Export-Import Bank Termination Act,” introduced on June 5, 2013 and co-sponsored on July 10, 2013 by Rep. Amash. This legislation abolishes the Export-Import Bank of the United States three years after enactment of the act.

** H.R. 3086 “Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act,” introduced on September 12, 2013 and co-sponsored on January 21, 2014 by Rep. Goodlatte. This legislation makes permanent the federal ban on state and local taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. The bill passed the House on July 15, 2014 by voice vote and currently awaits further action in the Senate.

H.R. 3349“Innovation Protection Act,” introduced on October 28, 2013 and co-sponsored on December 9, 2013 by Rep. Conyers. This legislation allows the Patent and Trademark Office to retain funds generated by the Office through applications and fees for reducing the backlog of pending applications. This is an alternative to having these funds go to the general treasury and then relying on appropriators to finance PTO’s activities, who have historically underfunded PTO.

H.R. 5309 “To authorize and strengthen the tsunami detection, forecast, warning, research, and mitigation program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes” introduced and co-sponsored on July 31, 2014 by Rep. Bonamici.

** H. Amdt. 823 to H.R. 4745, the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill for FY ’15, which would prevent money in the bill from being used to finance high-speed rail in California. It passed the House on 6/10/2014, 227-186, with your support.

SPACE

H.R. 5063 “American Space Technology for Exploring Resource Opportunities in Deep Space Act” introduced on July 10, 2014 and co-sponsored on July 28, 2014 by Rep. Posey. This legislation would clarify that resources obtained from an asteroid are the property of the entity that obtains them in order to provide certainty to private investors who want to extract resources from asteroids.
** H.R. 2687, by Rep. Palazzo, NASA Authorization Act of 2013

This legislation reauthorizes appropriations and authorizes programs, activities, and reports at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for FY ’14-FY ’15. **The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee favorably ordered this bill reported to the full House by a vote of 22-17.

PRIVACY

H.R. 1852 “Email Privacy Act” introduced on May 7, 2013 and co-sponsored on January 7, 2014 by Rep. Yoder. This legislation prohibits any remote computing service provider or electronic communication service provider from knowingly divulging to any governmental entity the contents of any communication that is in electronic storage or otherwise maintained by the provider, absent the issuance of a subpoena or warrant.

** H.R. 3635 “Safe and Secure Federal Websites Act of 2014,” introduced on December 3, 2013 and co-sponsored on January 9, 2014 by Rep. Bentivolio. This legislation prohibits a federal agency from deploying or making available to the public a new federal website that contains or collects personally identifiable information until a certification is submitted to Congress that the website is fully functional and secure. The legislation passed the House by voice vote on July 28, 2014 and currently awaits further action in the Senate.

Letters lead or co-signed by Rep. Rohrabacher:

Note: Like the list of legislation above, this is a sample of the numerous letters sent to various decision-makers on issues of importance to California’s 48th Congressional District and/or the nation as a whole.

Date: August 29, 2013: Letter to the Department of Defense expressing support for PCADS as an effective, cost-saving method for fighting wildfires. Specifically, the letter requests support for the second phase of PCADS testing.

Date: December 5, 2013: Letter to the Chairman and CEO of The Boeing Company expressing support for the manufacture of Boeing’s 777x Jetliner in Long Beach, California. Specifically, it asks the company to consider Long Beach, California, as the premier location for this new work.

Date: December 9, 2013: Letter to President Obama and Governor Brown expressing concerns with California’s water crisis. Specifically, the letter asks the President and Governor to use their “executive authority and take immediate action to mitigate the catastrophic effects of another natural drought exacerbated by environmental regulations.”

Date: January 15, 2014: Letter to EPA Administrator McCarthy expressing concerns with the proposed greenhouse gas rule. Specifically, the letter requests that the EPA extend by sixty days the comment period for the proposed rule.

Date: January 22, 2014: Letter to California Council on Science and Technology expressing “support…for ensuring a robust oil and natural gas industry in California.” Specifically, the letter asks them to ensure that their assessment of oil and natural gas well stimulation production techniques is accurate and based on a fair and evenhanded review of existing studies, reports, and other information that reflect all points of view, including the views held by the oil and natural gas industry.

Date: June 10, 2014: Letter to EPA Administrator McCarthy expressing concerns with EPA’s efforts to implement unilateral policies to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Specifically, the letter asks that the Administrator “immediately rescind this unwise and unconstitutional regulation,” entitled “Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units.”

Date: August 1, 2014: Letter to Department of the Interior Expressing support for offshore drilling. Specifically, the letter encourages the Department to “proceed with a new Five Year Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2017-2022 that establishes a rigorous lease sale schedule in the Gulf of Mexico,” as well as other places that are currently closed, but ought to be open for additional exploration and leasing.