J. Randy Forbes RSS Feed

Forbes: Obama's Nuclear Reductions Reckless Without Chinese Cooperation

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee and Co-Chairman of the Congressional China Caucus, released the following statement in response to the President’s announced intention to continue reducing the United States’ nuclear arsenal:

“The President’s interest in pursuing further nuclear reductions through bilateral negotiations with Russia looks more like a 20th-century news headline than a serious policy for the geopolitical realities of the 21st-century. In short, any future nuclear discussions must include China. We cannot give them a pass- not only is China continuing to modernize and expand its nuclear forces, but it also poses the most direct challenge to the global rules-based order. For seventy years, the U.S. nuclear arsenal has prevented the devastating Great Power wars that were so prevalent before 1945. Any discussion of the size of our nuclear forces therefore must make issues like deterrence and the prevention of conflict with the world's most likely agitators central to the discussion."

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Forbes Announces 2013 Congressional Arts Competition Winner

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) is pleased to announce this year’s Congressional Arts Competition winner, representing Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District, is David Pontz of Chesapeake, VA. David’s stunning photograph detailing a close up of a train will be proudly displayed in the Cannon Tunnel, where hundreds of visitors, staffers, and Members of Congress pass through every day as they make their way to the U.S. Capitol.

“The Congressional Art Competition is something I look forward to every year as we get to see the incredible talent of our Fourth District high school students,” Forbes said. “This year was no exception as I was once again impressed with the creativity and talent of all the entries. Special congratulations to David on this great honor; we are proud to have you representing the Fourth District this year.”

The remaining finalists’ artwork is on display at the Chesterfield Public Library in Chesterfield, Virginia from June 1^st – June 28^th.

For more information about the Congressional Art Competition please visit Congressman Forbes’ website at http://www.forbes.house.gov/ConstituentServices/artscompetition.htm, to find official participation guidelines. Students may also contact Hailey Sadler in Congressman Forbes’ Washington D.C. office at (202) 225-6365 for more information.

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Hurricane Prep: 7 Essential Things You Need to Know

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

“Active or extremely active.” That’s the projected outlook for the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). A typical hurricane season features 12 named storms, including about six hurricanes. This year, NOAA projects 13 to 20 named storms and 7 to 11 hurricanes, several with the potential of being Category 3 or higher.

There is a lot you can do to prepare for a storm, including protecting important documents, making sure you have adequate coverage in your homeowners or renters insurance, purchasing battery-operated radios, knowing food safety rules, and having a family emergency “go” kit.

At times, hurricane preparation to-do lists can seem overwhelming, especially for families juggling work and school schedules. My office has narrowed down seven essential things you need to know to help prepare for a hurricane.

Stock up on gallons of water. Having water on hand is a priority. The NOAA recommends at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day, for about three to seven days. This water would be used for drinking, cooking, and sanitary purposes in case your community loses access to clean water. Ready.gov also recommends filling a bathtub full of water prior to the storm. However, remember to keep small children away from any tubs of water. Listen to local warnings to determine whether tap water is safe to drink after a storm.

Fill up on gas. Any vehicles that you rely on for transportation should have a full tank of gas. Likewise, replenish your propane gas so you can use an outdoor grill to cook in the case of extended power outages. Just remember to firmly secure propane tanks to minimize damage during the storm, and keep grills outside when cooking after the storm.

Charge cell phones and laptops. Keep cell phones, laptops, and tablets fully charged leading up to the storm. During the storm, avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies and consider staggering usage between family phones in order to save battery power. Keeping phones charged is key, as many weather stations, localities, and power companies now provide critical updates through sites like Twitter. Consider adding the following Twitter handles for updates on storms and resources:

@Randy_Forbes

@GovernorVA

@VDEM

@VIPIR_Chespeake

@VaDOT

@DomVAPower

@ChesapeakeGovt

@ChesterfieldVa

@CityofSuffolk

@TidewaterNews

@RTDNEWS

@PilotNews

@suffolknews

@norfolkdistrict

@511hamptonroads

@511centralva

Hook up a landline. Many families and young people today opt to use cell phones as a home phone instead of a landline. Consider hooking up a low-cost landline for emergency purposes, or make sure family and friends know how to reach you in case cell towers are down.

Stock up on medications. Check your essential medications to make sure you have enough supply to last you for several days following the storm in case you are unable to make it to the pharmacy. The Department of Health and Human Services also recommends keeping a copy of your current prescription on hand.

Have flashlights ready. While candles can be used in power outages, NOAA recommends flashlights to help prevent fire hazards. Keep flashlights in an easily accessible and central location and check to make sure they have batteries before the storm hits. Don't forget to buy extra batteries to keep on hand.

Keep cash on hand. In the case of power outages, many ATM and credit card machines will not work. Some banks may be closed due to damage or power loss. The Virginia Department of Emergency management recommends having some extra cash on hand to make essential purchases after the storm. Having at least $50 to $100 on hand is suggested.

While these basic hurricane preparation tips will help you weather the storm, there are additional ways you can prepare. For an extended list of resources and other practical steps you can take to ensure your safety, visit my website at http://forbes.house.gov/constituentservices/hurricane-resources.htm.

Forbes to be Presented With “Spirit of Enterprise Award” For Support of Job Growth Policies

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) will be presented the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Spirit of Enterprise Award” for the 112^th Congress this Friday, June 21. This award is in recognition of Congressman Forbes’ unwavering support for job growth and free enterprise, as reflected by his voting record during the 112^th Congress legislative session. The presentation will occur during a luncheon sponsored by the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin Rotary Club, during which the Congressman will speak on the need for pro growth policies and field questions from the local business community.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious “Spirit of Enterprise” award is awarded annually to Members of Congress based on their voting records on key business votes, as outlined in its yearly publication, How They Voted. Members whose records reflect a strong commitment to free enterprise and economic growth, and support the Chamber’s position on at least 70% of the key votes are eligible to receive the award.

As the world’s largest business organization, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce represents over 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions and has served as their voice in Washington D.C. for over 100 years. For more information on the Chamber of Commerce or this award visit www.uschamber.com

WHAT: Franklin – Southampton Chamber of Commerce and Franklin Rotary Luncheon

WHEN: Friday, June 21, 2013 – 12:00pm

WHERE: Cyprus Cove Country Club, 30333 Country Club Road, Franklin, Virginia

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Question of the week: Do you believe the purchase of Smithfield Foods, Inc. necessitates CFIUS review and investigation to ensure the safety and security of America’s citizens?

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

On May 29, 2013 Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Shuanghui International Holdings Limited announced that they have entered into a merger agreement. Smithfield Foods is a $13 billion company and the world’s largest pork processor and pig producer, while Shuanghui International and its subsidiaries are the majority shareholders of China’s largest meat processing enterprise.

This $4.7 billion transaction, if approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, will be the largest to date of a U.S. corporation by a Chinese Enterprise.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is an interagency organization that oversees the national security implications of foreign investment in the U.S. economy. Under current law, CFIUS has 30 days to conduct a review, 45 days to conduct an investigation, and then the President has 15 days to make his ultimate determination of whether a deal threatens to impair the national security. The President is the only officer with the authority to suspend or prohibit mergers, acquisitions, and takeovers.

As the largest takeover of a U.S. company by a Chinese buyer, I formally requested a briefing from CFIUS regarding the potential impacts of this merger on national security, the economic market, and international trade, as well as the review and investigative process CFIUS would undertake in such a case.

Question of the week: Do you believe that this purchase necessitates CFIUS review and investigation to ensure the safety and security of America’s citizens, as well as the preservation of national economic interests, food safety, and environmental standards?

( ) Yes.
( ) No.
( ) I don’t know.
( ) Other (leave your comments below).

Take the instaPoll here.

Find the results of last week’s instaPoll here

Dismantling Our Greatest Asset

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, I led the charge in defeating an amendment, which would have potentially diminished the capacity of our carrier fleet, as reported by Politico:

Forbes staves off carrier challenge: The House overwhelmingly rejected an amendment that would have reduced the required number of operational aircraft carriers in the Navy from 11 to 10…And Rep. Randy Forbes, chairman of the HASC’s Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, led the successful charge to defeat the amendment. –Politico 6/13/13

As Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I see it as my personal duty to defend our Navy from the powers that wish to see it reduced to a second class sea power. Our carrier fleet is a symbol for freedom the world over, providing not only a military deterrent to the enemies of liberty, but also offering humanitarian services in the face of disaster. Whether it’s an attempt at a single carrier, or an effort to dismantle the entire fleet, I am honored to stand with my colleagues who wish to preserve the greatest Navy in the history of the world.

Watch my floor speech to defeat the amendment here:

PS - See these articles on yesterday’s successful defeat of an amendment to reduce our career fleet:

House Reaffirms 11 Ship Carrier Force – Defense News

House Rejects Plan to Drop Carrier Requirement to 10 – Navy Times

Forbes’ Gang Bill Included In Larger Interior Enforcement Package

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that legislation he authored to address gangs has been included in an immigration enforcement bill moving through the House Judiciary Committee. The Congressman’s legislation, found in Section 311 of Title III of the Strength and Fortify Enforcement Act (SAFE Act – H.R. 2278), is included for the purpose of providing the Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General with the power to deport or make inadmissible an individual who they know or have reason to believe is or was a member of a criminal gang and/or participated in criminal gang activities.

Congressman Forbes originally introduced the legislation during the 109^th Congress, which passed the House in 2006 as part of a larger bill. The inclusion of his bill again in the 113^th Congress in the SAFE Act, is a result of the Congressman’s efforts the last several years to bring the issue of gang violence and crime to the forefront, and address this palpable threat to America’s safety and security.

“The introduction of this bill will help curb the increasing threat of gang violence posed by those illegal immigrants who participate or have participated in gang activity. No longer unique to those states sharing a border with Mexico, illegal immigrant fueled gangs are making it difficult for Americans in all 50 states to go about their lives without fear of being victimized,” Forbes said. “Gangs routinely participate in any number of illicit activities, but alarmingly are contributing to higher murder rates and the possible infiltration of our law enforcement agencies.” Forbes continued, “As part of a larger immigration enforcement bill, my colleagues and I hope this legislation will not only rein in the practice of entering this country illegally, but will ultimately help promote legal immigration, continuing the tradition of America’s borders accepting new ideas and new people, who share the same zeal for freedom and equality we do.”

According to the FBI’s National Gang Intelligence Center (NGIC), there are 1.4 million active gang members in 33,000 gangs across the United States. Just this past March, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released 2,000 illegal immigrants from detention due to budget cuts – while the agency indicated at that time, those being released were non criminals and other low risk offenders, 28% had been charged with criminal offenses, some of which were aggravated felonies. Furthermore, according to a report released by the NGIC, criminal gangs are responsible for 48% of violent crime in most jurisdictions, and upwards of 90% in Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Massachusetts. Congressman Forbes’ bill provides our enforcers with the necessary means to swiftly and directly deal a blow to gang violence in America.

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Forbes Receives Navy's Highest Civilian Award

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, has received the Navy’s highest civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Award, for a second time. The Award was presented on Thursday by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus at Congressman Forbes’ Washington office. Forbes had previously received the award from Secretary of the Navy Gordon England during the George W. Bush administration in 2005.

“It’s truly an honor to receive this award from the Navy and I appreciate Secretary Mabus’ generosity,” Forbes said. “My role as Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee is to ensure that the men and women of our Navy and Marine Corps have the tools necessary to protect American interests around the world. With a Fleet shrinking to near-historic lows and a shipbuilding budget facing a $4 billion shortfall, much work remains to build the Navy that American security interests require. Now is the time for all those who care about American Seapower to redouble our efforts.”

The Distinguished Public Service Award is given to an individual who has shown exceptionally distinguished service of substantial and long-term benefit to the United States Navy and Marine Corps. As a longtime Member of the House Armed Services Committee and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Navy-Marine Corps Caucus, Forbes has been an outspoken advocate for our nation’s military personnel, veterans, and their families. In addition to his two Navy Distinguished Public Service Awards, Forbes has been honored by the U.S. Army with its Distinguished Civilian Service Award, making him one of the few individuals to receive the highest civilian awards from both the Army and Navy.

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Tomorrow: Forbes and Hanabusa to Discuss Necessity of Long-Range Defense Planning

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, and Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the Seapower & Projection Forces Subcommittee, will deliver remarks at the release of a new report from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA). The report is entitled “Shaping America’s Future Military: Toward a New Force Planning Construct” and was authored by CSBA Senior Fellow Mark Gunzinger.

“The failure of the Defense Department to adequately prepare for the threat of sequestration is just the most recent example of the importance of long-range strategic planning, a discipline which seems nearly forgotten in today’s Washington,” Forbes said. “I’m pleased to join with my Armed Services Committee colleague, Congresswoman Hanabusa, at the release of CSBA’s newest report offering recommendations for preparing America's military for future challenges. Nothing could be less partisan than the long-term health of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

"This report comes at a particularly significant crossroads for our nation's defense forces,” said Hanabusa. “Our shift to the Asia-Pacific region will call for a fresh look at not only our defense posture, but how we integrate concerns for economic and diplomatic stability as well. We face vital strategic choices and must have the clarity to look beyond budget concerns to a long term strategy to deal with a changing world and emerging threats. This is not a partisan issue; it is the question of our nation's future. I am pleased and proud to join Chairman Forbes in fostering this discussion."

WHO: Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, and Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a Member of the Seapower & Projection Forces Subcommittee.

WHAT: Remarks at the release of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments’ new report, “Shaping America’s Future Military: Toward a New Force Planning Construct.”

WHEN: Tomorrow, Thursday, June 13 at 1:30 PM

WHERE: 2212 Rayburn House Office Building

45 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, DC 20515

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The ACCOUNT Act

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

One year ago, news broke about a conference hosted by the General Services Administration (GSA) – but this was no ordinary work conference. As the story broke, we learned that the five-day Las Vegas conference cost taxpayers $822,000. The agency, tasked with holding government agencies accountable, flew 300 bureaucrats to a spa and casino, hosted a networking reception where they served 1,000 sushi rolls at $7 a piece and 400 pieces of petit beef wellington at nearly $5 a piece, and spent $44 per person on breakfast. Some reports said that the GSA hired clowns and mind-readers for conference entertainment purposes. Additionally, the GSA held several pre-conference "scouting" trips that totaled $130,000

The conference became the epitome of an excessive and broken Washington. It left a bitter taste in the mouths of American taxpayers who were already frustrated at wasteful government spending. The conference left many asking a common sense question: at a time when our nation faces crushing debt and many families have found themselves cutting back on their own budgets, how was it possible that taxpayers were fronting the bill for a near-million dollar conference in Las Vegas?

Now this week, the IRS has apologized for dropping $4 million on a lavish conference in Anaheim, California, where employees supposedly learned how to be "open and transparent" when dealing with taxpayers. The money paid for lavish hotel rooms and expensive training videos. However, the IRS reportedly failed to keep accurate receipts, suggesting that the total cost for the conference could be more.

American taxpayers have found themselves asking the same question they asked last year: why are we fronting the bill for this?

It's time we bring an end to extravagant government conferences. Just recently, I cosponsored a bill that would crack down on wasteful practices by increasing accountability for federal spending on conferences. Under the Agency Conferences and Conventions Operating Under Necessary Transparency (ACCOUNT) Act, a conference that costs more than $25,000 must be certified by the head of the agency as necessary to the agency's core functions. The agency must also have details posted on the agency website within 30 days of the conference, including the purpose, total cost and cost per employee attending. Additionally, each agency would be required to submit a report on their conferences to the relevant Congressional committee for the fiscal year.

This simple but important step sets us in the right direction towards addressing wasteful spending and holding Washington bureaucrats responsible. Under the ACCOUNT Act, conference spending would be public and federal agencies would use taxpayer money more wisely with the American people watching.

American taxpayers deserve better. Responsible government must be transparent and accountable, and that means a full accounting of how the government spends its money.

More information, as well as a poll for you to share your opinion on the bill, is available on my website here.