On the House Floor

This week, the House approved a series of bills (H.R. 4830, H.R. 6094, and H.R. 6095) which enact criminal penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for individuals who knowingly construct or finance the construction of an unauthorized tunnel across the U.S. border, authorize local law enforcement to voluntarily assist in enforcing immigration laws, and close the loophole preventing the expedited deportation of illegal aliens from certain countries of origin.

Safeguarding the Vote

The Federal Election Integrity Act, which was approved by the House 228 to 196, requires voters to present a photo ID beginning in 2008 before voting and to present photo ID by 2010 that certifies they are citizens. Although opponents argue that it could disenfranchise certain segments of the population, that is simply not so. Under this bill, states must provide the necessary photo ID free of charge to people who cannot afford to pay and funds are authorized to reimburse states for the cost of these programs.

While there may be disputes about the nature and extent of voter fraud, there can be no dispute that it occurs. In close elections, even a small amount of fraud can affect the outcome. Do we really want foreigners to cast the deciding votes in our elections? The Federal Election Integrity Act is simply about protecting the will of every American. Contrary to what the critics would have you believe, showing proof of identity is not a radical idea. Individuals are required to have photo identification to engage in routine activities such as boarding an airplane, entering a government building, purchasing cigarettes, and cashing a check. Our voting system deserves at least as much protection as these other activities. When an illegal vote is cast, an American citizen with the constitutional right to have his vote counted becomes disenfranchised. Requiring individuals who vote in a federal election to provide proof that they are United States citizens will help prevent voter fraud – plain and simple. It is the best way to ensure the utmost accuracy in realizing the will of the American people.

Insuring Our Security?

On September 12, The Wall Street Journal editorial page asked, “What would Jack Bauer do? If he worked at the CIA in real life today, the anti-terror hero of Fox’s ‘24’ would apparently be buying insurance in case the ACLU or John Kerry decided to sue or subpoena him for protecting America with too much vigor.” According to accounts in the Washington Post, CIA counterterrorism officers are increasingly signing up for private insurance that would pay for civil judgments and legal costs if they are sued or charged with a crime. As reported, due to the antagonistic second-guessing by some public officials, there is a real fear among agents that congressional subpoenas could be coming their way if there is a change in the congressional majority. We must be clear. These same counterterrorism agents are the people who have used legal means to extract vital intelligence from Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Abu Zubaydah, and other terrorists. This information, in turn, has led to the capture of other terrorists and the disruption of terrorist plots. The last thing our intelligence personnel need is to be harassed for keeping America safe.

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