Click here for the 2014 Legislative Detail Sheet 4-9
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Click here for the 2014 House Legislative scorecards 4-9
2014 MAPA Legislative Agenda
FEDERAL
S.1881: Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act
MAPA position: No
Sponsor: Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Summary: To expand sanctions imposed with respect to Iran and to impose additional sanctions with respect to Iran, and for other purposes.
Activity: No roll call votes
“Give Peace a Chance” Congressional Letter (Doggett-Price Letter):
MAPA Position: Yes
Authors: Rep. David Price (D-NC) and Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)
Summary: “[To] take advantage of the opportunity before us to pursue a peaceful, diplomatic resolution to Iran’s nuclear program, and that we must resist calls by some in Congress to prematurely enact a bill or resolution that risks inadvertently derailing or impeding our ongoing negotiations.” –Rep. David Price
Activity: 104 members of the House of Representatives signed the bi-partisan letter sent to President Obama.
Progressive Budget for All
Legislation #???
MAPA position: Yes
To be introduced second week of March (?)
HR.200: Responsible End to the War in Afghanistan Act
MAPA position: Yes
Sponsor: Barbara Lee (D-CA)
Summary: To provide that funds for operations of the Armed Forces in Afghanistan shall be obligated and expended only for purposes of providing for the safe and orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan of all members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense contractor personnel who are in Afghanistan.
Activity: No roll call votes
S.Res.347: A Resolution Providing for Completion of the Accelerated Transition of United States Combat and Military and Security Operations to the Government of Afghanistan
MAPA Position: Yes
Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Summary: To work with government of Afghanistan, allies and NATO to complete the accelerated transition of US combat and military and security operations to the government of Afghanistan.
Activity: Referred to committee on foreign relations on, February 6, 2014.
HR.2324: Sunset to the Authorization of use of Military Force Act
MAPA Position: Yes
Sponsor: Adam Schiff (D-CA)
Summary: Repeals, effective December 31, 2014, the Authorization for Use of Military Force (authorized the President to use force against those nations, organizations, or persons that committed or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or that harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States).
Action: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on April 11, 2013
HR.559: Audit the Pentagon Act of 2013
MAPA Position: Yes
Sponsor: Barbara Lee (D-CA)
Summary: To audit the Pentagon. The Pentagon has never passed an audit in its existence. To cut military spending and ensure that defense dollars are spent efficiently.
Action: Referred to the on Oversight and Government Reform on February 6, 2013
S 2070: Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures (SANE) Act
MAPA Position: Yes
Sponsor: Ed Markey (D-MA)
Summary: Prohibits using funds appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2014 or thereafter: (1) to arm a B-2 or B-52 aircraft with a nuclear weapon; (2) for the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) or procurement of a long-range penetrating bomber aircraft; (3) to make the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons; or (4) for the B61 or W78 life extension program.
Action: Referred to Subcommittee on Strategic Forces (No vote)
Transpacific Partnership – “Fast Track” and Related Legislation:
HR.3830: Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act of 2014
MAPA Position: No
Sponsor: Dave Camp (R-MI)
Action: referred to Committee on Ways and Means (No vote)
Embraced by White House Press Secretary (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/01/09/statement-press-secretary-bipartisan-congressional-trade-priorities-act-)
Summary: Fast Track gives President authority to send bill back to congress – congress then has 90 days to complete a simply up/down vote. No amendments can be introduced.
S.1900: Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act of 2014
MAPA Position: No
Sponsor: Max Baucus (D-MT)
Action: Referred to Committee on Finance (No vote)
Embraced by White House Press Secretary (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/01/09/statement-press-secretary-bipartisan-congressional-trade-priorities-act-)
Summary: ???
HR.938: United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2013
MAPA Position: No
Sponsor: Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Action: Sent to House for consideration on January 29, 2014
Summary: Declares Israel as a major strategic partner of the United States
Extends authority to: (1) make additions to foreign-based defense stockpiles, and (2) transfer certain obsolete or surplus Department of Defense items to Israel.
Authorizes the President to carry out U.S.-Israel cooperative activities and to provide assistance for cooperation in the fields of energy, water, homeland security, agriculture, and alternative fuel technologies.
Urges the President to provide assistance for enhancement of the David’s Sling Weapon System, the joint United States-Israel Arrow Weapon System, and the Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system.
STATE
Budget for All:
H.3211 Resolutions Referendum on a Budget for All
MAPA Position: Yes
Sponsor: Carl Sciortino Jr.
Action: Referred to Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
S.1750 Resolutions on a Budget for All
MAPA Position: Yes
Sponsor: Daniel Wolf
Action: Referred to Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Minimum Wage and Sick Time:
MAPA Position: Yes
“Raise up Massachusetts”
Unable to find specific leglislation/Bill #s (Check w/ JR)
According to MA AFL-CIO to be proposed on 2014 ballot: http://www.massaflcio.org/node/204670
Drones:
S.1664 An Act to Regulate the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
MAPA Position: Verify
Sponsor: Robert Hedlund
Summary: Regulate the use of unmanned areal vehicles (drones) in Massachusetts
Action: Joint hearing scheduled for February 5, 2014 at 11am in A-2
H.1357 An Act to Regulate the Use of Unmanned Areal Vehicles
MAPA Position: Verify
Sponsor: Colleen Gary
Summary: A petition relative to the use of information derived from unmanned aerial vehicles as evidence in judicial, regulatory or other government proceedings
Action: Joint hearing in July 2013
Military Bond Bill:
H.3334 An Act encouraging the improvement, expansion and development of military installations in the Commonwealth
MAPA Position: No
Sponsor: Gov. Deval Patrick
Summary: Supports investments in Massachusetts military installations to expand missions.
Action: Passed (38-0)
Press/Articles:
Letter to Senate and House Reps from Gov. Deval Patrick