Monday, April 30, 2012

HOW DID YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE THIS WEEK


MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District:


Recent Congressional Votes
  • Senate: 21st Century Postal Service Act of 2012
  • Senate: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011
  • House: Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act
  • House: Interest Rate Reduction Act


    Editor's Note: The Senate and House are in recess this week. They will return on Monday, May 7.
    Recent Senate Votes
    21st Century Postal Service Act of 2012 - Vote Passed (62-37, 1 Not Voting)

    The Senate passed its U.S. Postal Service overhaul bill. The bill seeks to trim the workforce by about 100,000 employees through attrition and delays efforts to eliminate Saturday delivery and close some post offices. The House has yet to pass its version of the bill. The postmaster estimates the agency needs to trim $22 billion in operating costs to remain in business.
    Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jeff Sessions voted NO......send e-mail or see bio


    Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (68-31, 1 Not Voting)

    The Senate voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act for another five years. The 1994 law gives federal law enforcement agencies tools to combat crime against women. The reauthorization adds provisions relating to Native American and immigrant women, and sexual orientation. The House is likely to pass a bill similar to the current authorization.
    Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jeff Sessions voted NO......send e-mail or see bio


    Recent House Votes
    Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act - Vote Passed (248-168, 15 Not Voting)

    This House bill directs the Director of National Intelligence to develop procedures to share cyber-threat information on a voluntary basis between the government's intelligence community and the private sector. The White House has threatened to veto the bill.
    Rep. Mo Brooks voted NO......send e-mail or see bio


    Interest Rate Reduction Act - Vote Passed (215-195, 22 Not Voting)

    The House passed this bill that would keep the interest rate for government-subsidized student loans at 3.4 percent. The rate is scheduled to rise to 6.8 percent on July 1, 2012. To offset the estimated $6 billion cost of maintaining the current interest rate, the bill would repeal the $12 billion Prevention and Public Health Fund which was created by the 2010 health care reform bill. The White House supports keeping the current interest rate, but has threatened to veto this bill.
    Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES......send e-mail or see bio 

    Sunday, April 29, 2012

    BERTHA LEE JOHNSON - OBITUARY

    Mrs. Bertha Lee Johnson, 90 of Athens, AL passed away Saturday, April 28, 2012 @ Athens Rehab & Senior Care Center

    Funeral service will be Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 2 PM at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Steve Ferguson officiating.

    Burial in the Legg Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday, 12noon until service.

    Born August 14, 1921 in Lauderdale Co. AL to Oscar & Sarah England Paulk. Member of the Elkmont Church of Christ.

    Survivors: 

    Husband: 
    Robert W. Johnson of Athens, AL

    Daughter: 
    Sarah Johnson Hillis of Athens, AL

    Sons: 
    Harold Johnson & wife, Linda of Decatur, AL 
    Jerry Johnson & wife, Teresa of Athens, AL

    Brother: 
    Robert Paulk of Athens, AL

    Sisters: 
    Mildred Head of Benton Harbour, Michigan 
    Vona McMeans of Athens, AL 
    Alice Virginia Webster of Athens, AL

    Grandchildren: 
    Roger Johnson, Cindy Wallace, Janet Jones & Kandye Jones

    Great Grandchildren: 
    Tori Jean, Jordin Jones & Jake Jones

    Several Nieces & Nephews

    JOEL MARTIN (MARTY) KIEFF - OBITUARY


    Joel Martin (Marty) Kieff, 49 of  Elkmont, Alabama passed away Saturday at his residence.

    Funeral service will be Tuesday,May 1, 2012, 11 AM Graveside with Doug McCurry officiating at the New Salem Cemetery

    Born: April 17, 1963 in Limestone County. Formerly employed by Steelcase in Athens.

    Survivors: 

    Mother: 
    Carol Kieff-Athens

    Daughter:
    Casie Woodruff-Trinity,Alabama

    Son:
    Cody Kieff-Elkmont

    Sister:
    Pam Stanford-Athens

    Saturday, April 28, 2012

    KENNETH WAYNE BALL - OBITUARY




    Name:
    Kenneth Wayne Ball

    Dates:
    Birth date: August 5, 1946
    Death date: April 26, 2012



    Obituary:
    Kenneth Wayne Ball age 65 of Elkmont, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at Huntsville Hospital. Mr. Ball was born August 5, 1946 in Limestone County to Otto Ball and Annie Ruth Garner Ball.

    Services for Mr. Ball are Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. Burial will be in Limestone Memorial Gardens with Terry Lamar officiating.

    Mr. Ball was a member of Lebanon Community Church. He retired after 30 years of service with General Motors and Delphi. He was a loving and dedicated husband and father. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends in the outdoors, camping and leisure motorcycle riding.

    He is survived by his wife, Betty Ball; son, Torrey Ball; daughter, Dana Ball Harvey; sister, Brenda Ball Ferguson; brother, Larry Ball; grandchildren, Megan, Dakota, Grayson and Madalyn; great-granddaughter, Rylee; several nieces and nephews.

    He is preceded in death by his parents and a son, Tim Ball.

    Pallbearers are Larry Carter, Dale Elkins, Hollis George, Paul Miller, Donnie Stanford and Chris York.

    OLLIE B. PUTMAN - OBITUARY





    Name:
    Ollie B. Putman
    Dates:
    Birth date: February 4, 1927
    Death date: April 26, 2012
    Obituary:
    Ollie B. Putman age 85 of Athens, passed away Thursday, April 26, 2012 at his residence. Mr. Putman was born February 4, 1927 in Limestone County to George Putman and Rossie King Putman.

    Services will be Saturday, April 28, 2012 4:00 p.m., at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. Visitation will be Saturday, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery. 

    Preceded in death by his parents; son, Stephen Ollie Putman and several brothers and sisters.

    Survived by his wife, Bonnie Putman of Athens; two daughters, Teresa Austin (Jeff) of Fort Worth, TX and Drucilla Irene McCellan (Jake) of Elkmont; sister, Dora Osborne of Elkmont; sister-in-law, Lura Putman; 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

    Friday, April 27, 2012

    HAVE POPCORN?

    Want to spend the evening with a conspiracy "end of life as we know it" movie?  If so, click on this link and see a newly released one that will send chills down your spine.  RUMORS OF WAR  

    ELKMONT SONG WRITERS

    Nice article in the New Courier about Elkmont natives, Preston Pylant and Stephen Mobley who have teamed up to create “Southern Thing to Do,” a song written in memory of those were affected by the storms. Pylant, 31, initially wrote the lyrics as a poem in response to what he saw following the tornados. To read complete article, click HERE

    SOMETIMES THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS GREASED


    WASHINGTON (DTN) -- The Labor Department on Thursday announced it would withdraw its controversial proposed rule dealing with children who work on farms and would not pursue its revision as long as President Barack Obama is in office.
    The American Farm Bureau Federation called the withdrawal "a victory for farm families," adding that the Labor Department's reversal was "due to the thousands of farmers and ranchers who sent comments to the Labor Department opposing the rules and continued to voice their concerns with members of Congress. This announcement shows the strength of American agriculture and grassroots action."
    Rep. Dennis Rehberg, R-Mont., Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., had all opposed the rule. Moran and Thune had introduced legislation to stop it moving forward.

    "The Obama administration is firmly committed to promoting family farmers and respecting the rural way of life, especially the role that parents and other family members play in passing those traditions down through the generations," the Labor Department said in a statement. "The Obama administration is also deeply committed to listening and responding to what Americans across the country have to say about proposed rules and regulations. (TRANSLATION: I WANT TO BE RE-ELECTED, VOTE FOR ME )
    "As a result, the Department of Labor is announcing today the withdrawal of the proposed rule dealing with children under the age of 16 who work in agricultural vocations.
    "The decision to withdraw this rule -- including provisions to define the 'parental exemption' -- was made in response to thousands of comments expressing concerns about the effect of the proposed rules on small family-owned farms.
    "To be clear, this regulation will not be pursued for the duration of the Obama administration. Instead, the departments of Labor and Agriculture will work with rural stakeholders -- such as the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Farmers Union, the Future Farmers of America, and 4-H -- to develop an educational program to reduce accidents to young workers and promote safer agricultural working practices."
    The Department of Labor  (DOL) has apparently heard the voice of the American farmer (and the American people) and backed off its plan to restrict or severely limit family members under the age of 16 from working on family farms.


    The original rule claimed to be “protecting” young people. However, it was so restricting that minors working on their family’s farms would not even be allowed to use a battery-powered screwdriver or a pressurized garden hose.


    Many in the farming world were pleased with the promise that the push to ban younger family members from working on family farms would be taken off the table for the “duration of the Obama administration.


    Senator John Thune of South Dakota, and a member of the Senate Agricultural Committee posted this statement on the news of the dropped restrictrictions:


    “I am pleased to hear the Obama Administration is finally backing away from its absurd 85 page proposal to block youth from participating in family farm activities and ultimately undermine the very fabric of rural America, but I will continue working to ensure this overreaching proposal is completely and permanently put to rest,” said Thune. “The Obama DOL’s youth farm labor rule is a perfect example of what happens when government gets too big.”


    Tester claimed credit for convincing Labor to drop the rule.


    Tester noted that he grew up baling hay and "picking rocks" on his family's farm, and said that "while it's important to keep our young people safe, it's essential to expose them to valuable opportunities that develop a deep and long-lasting respect for work."
    Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a news release, "It's good the Labor Department rethought the ridiculous regulations it was going to stick on farmers and their families. It would have been devastating to farm families across the country. Much of rural America was built on families helping families, neighbors helping neighbors. To even propose such regulations defies common sense, and shows a real lack of understanding as to how the family farm works. I'm glad the Obama administration came to its senses."
    Last week a coalition of advocates in favor of the rule including the American Federation of Teachers and the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs held a news conference in Washington to encourage the Labor Department to move forward with the rule. The advocates noted that youths have been injured running machinery and said that there should be rules about how long children can work in the hot sun and how high they can climb.
    Labor Department Statement on the withdrawal: http://www.dol.gov/…

    Thursday, April 26, 2012

    ELKMONT HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS.... APRIL 23 - 27

    FRIDAY:
    Congratulations to the Jr. Scholars' Bowl team. They won 1st place in the County Tournament yesterday. Elkmont had two students in the Championship Round. Michael Farris finished 1st place and Cody Isham finished 2nd place.
    THURSDAY:

    • Spring Pictures are today.
    • Middle School girls basketball sign ups and practice will be next week, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday for all 6th and 7th grade girls (3:30-5:30).
    • Poetry Tech Club meeting today after school in Mrs. Baker's room.
    • There will be a football meeting for all boys interested for grades 8-11 right after announcements in the lunchroom.
    • Volleyball sign-ups will be outside Mrs. Pankey, Ms. Hobbs, and 6th grade classrooms.
    • Softball plays today here at 5:00 vs. Lauderdale County.
    • Softball County Tournament starts tomorrow here at 1:00.
    • Elkmont Golf team plays at Southern Gales at 3:30 today

    TUESDAY:
    • Spring Pictures are Thursday.
    • There will be no after school CARE Program tomorrow.
    • Boxtop Winners are: Connor Newton, Malcolm Schwarts and Abby Curnutt.
    • Senior members of Sr. Beta, Mrs. Schmidt needs $12.50 for your honor stole, and Senior members of Mu Alpha Theta, Mrs. Schmidt also needs $5.00 for your honor cord. See Mrs. Schmidt if you have any questions.

    MONDAY:



  • Varsity Boys Basketball Tryouts will begin Monday April 30. Boys (grades 8-11) interested in being part of the Elkmont High School varsity team next year need to sign up outside Coach Garris' room. Students will also need updated physical and insurance forms.
  • Congratulations Middle School softball! They won the County Tournament on Saturday. Varsity players area game is today vs. Clements.
  • ANOTHER SATURDAY AT THE RED CABOOSE


    The Red Caboose

    25483 Railroad St.
    Elkmont, AL

    This Saturday Night, April 28th,
    we are featuring  Jamie Teachenor and Band.
    Jamie is no stranger to The Red Caboose. His songs have been recorded by Luke Bryan, Trisha Earwood and Mason Dean.  He recently completed a new CD album and I believe we will soon hear him in the media. To learn more, Go to:



    Tickets are $20.00 at the door which include 
    great snacks and drink.
    Doors open 6:00/Showtime 7:00 . 
    No reservations necessary. First come first serve.
    Thanks, and hope to see you there.
    The Red Caboose

    Wednesday, April 25, 2012

    LATE SUMMER HURRICANES?

    This is the first hurricane prediction I have seen for this year.  Joe Bastardi is normally extremely good at these over the years.  If he is right,  making beach plans before August would be wise.






    WHO WILL BE THE NEXT SUPERINTENDENT?


    Limestone board to publicly discuss superintendent candidates Thursday

    Limestone County school board members will try to decide which of the five superintendent candidates they like best and which ones they plan to interview during a work session Thursday.

    The public meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Courthouse Annex on Clinton Street in Athens.
    “We are getting together to discuss the candidates as to how many we are going to interview —  whether all five or not,” Board President Darin Russell said Wednesday. “We will discuss who likes who and see where we get.”

    The board is seeking a replacement for former Superintendent Dr. Barry Carroll, who retired last Dec. 1 after serving 10 years as head of the county school system.
    The board must hire a new superintendent by June.
    The salary for the position ranges from $113,000 to $130,000 a year.

    Earlier this month, the board received a list of the five finalists. The five were chosen from among 23 applicants — one from as far away as Hawaii — by a consultant the board hired for $15,000 last year to do a nationwide search. Kendy Behrends, the consultant with the Alabama Association of School Boards, announced the following five finalists during a work session. The top 5, in alphabetical order, are:
    • Zebbra Green — Interim superintendent of Limestone County Schools since 2011.

    Also director of elementary curriculum for Limestone Schools from 2001 to present.
    • Dwight John Pullen — Assistant professor and partnership coordinator at Central Michigan University from 2011 to present.
    • Thomas Michael Sisk — Human resources supervisor for Baldwin County Schools from 2003 to present.
    • Joe David Walters — Superintendent for Tuscumbia County Schools from 2007 to present.
    • Leonard Westbrook — Assistant superintendent for Independence School District in Missouri from 2005 to present. Also a consultant for Keystone Information Systems in New Jersey from 2005 to present.

    COLLINS/ MILES TO BE MARRIED

    ENG-Collins-Miles073.jpgAngie Emerson of Elkmont and Scotty Collins of Decatur announce the engagement of their daughter, Heather BreAnne Collins of Athens, to Nicholas Lynn Miles, son of Terry and Debbie Miles of Minor Hill, Tenn.

    The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Jim Rickman and Barbara Emerson, both of Athens, Billy and Gwen Emerson of Anderson, and Sally Long of Madison and the late Lester Long.

    She is a 2009 graduate of West Limestone High School and is currently attending Calhoun Community College where she is pursuing an associate degree in nursing. She plans to graduate in May.

    She is employed by Decatur General Hospital as a nursing assistant.

    The prospective groom is the grandson of Larry and Peggy Thorne of Minor Hill, Tenn., and the late John and Margaret Miles.

    He attended Giles County High School. He is employed by Snap-on Tools as a CNC operator.

    The wedding is planned June 9, 2012 at Enon Baptist Church in Anderson.

    GREENHAW/ JONES WEDDING


    Kimberly C. Jones and Jerry “Chip” W. Greenhaw, both of Athens, were married in a 2 p.m. ceremony March 17, at New Life Worship Center with Bruce Addison officiating.


    The bride is the daughter of David and Billie Jones of Athens. She is the granddaughter of Bertha Williams of Burnsville, Miss.

    The groom is the son of Ra’Kell Perry and Jerry and Moe Greenhaw of Athens. He is the grandson of Richard and Beverly Perry and Ivadean Wilburn, all of Elkmont, and Wilbert and Dorothy Meredeth of Athens and the late Doris Eddy Landers.

    The bride was given in marriage by David Jones.

    The maid of honor was Haley Schrimsher and the bridal attendants were SheaLa Powers, Rikki Perry and Kayla Terry. The flower girls are Kenlee Powers and Jasmine Griffin.

    Joey Moss served as best man. Groomsmen were Joey Moss, Mark Guisasola, Marcus Kyle and Bradley Wallace. The ringbearer was Matthew Perry.

    A reception followed the ceremony at New Life Worship Center.  After a wedding trip to Gatlinburg, Tenn., the couple returned home to Athens.

    SEWING TIP - SOAP?



    Today's Tip 
    Use a bar of soap or a thick candle as a pincushion. When you take a pin or needle out of the soap or candle, it should glide through the fabric with the greatest of ease. 
     

    Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    NEVER SEEM TO HAVE ENOUGH MONEY?


    Here are the six most common budgetary “black holes” to look out for:

    1) Over-withholding of federal income taxes.
    To be sure, over-withholding results in big tax refunds, which seem to be a blessing, but all you're really doing is giving Uncle Sam an interest-free loan. You should pay your fair share in taxes -- nothing more, nothing less. Consequently, make sure only the appropriate amount is withheld from your paycheck. Adjust your withholding in a precise way, with the assistance of your company’s HR department.

    2) Maintaining very low deductibles on car and homeowner's insurance policies.
    This results in monthly insurance premiums that are much higher than necessary, because statistical odds favor you not needing the extra insurance. Opt for higher deductibles; you'll save money in the long run.

    3) Carrying credit card debt.
    Pay off your credit cards as much as possible. A credit card balance at a high interest rate is equivalent to a negative investment. The compounded interest rate builds over time and it saps money from more productive uses. Your top priority in terms of personal finance should be to pay your credit card bill in full, before the grace period ends.

    4) Succumbing to subtle, or overt, pressure to needlessly upgrade.
    Whether it’s a hotel, gym membership, car rental or airline ticket, resist marketing pressure to “upgrade” when that wasn’t your original intention. Do you really want to spend $30 for more legroom or $20 more a day for a rental car that’s bigger than what you really need? If you don’t need it, stick to your guns and firmly say “No.”

    5) Determine the distinction between "must haves" and "desires."
    Our consumer society barrages people around the clock with advertising messages exhorting them to constantly buy, buy, buy. However, don’t confuse necessities with luxuries. You don’t necessarily need brand-name electronics and clothing. Lots of material possessions may make you appear rich, but being overburdened with debt is no sign of affluence. True wealth is defined not by what you buy; it's what you can keep.

    6) Racking up ATM charges.
    Every time you use a cash machine other than those within your bank's network, you’re charged anywhere from $1 to $3 a pop, just to access your own money! Do the math: frequent ATM use accumulates over time. If you need folding money, try various alternatives, such as writing a check for groceries in an amount greater than the bill or taking out one large amount of cash sufficient to carry you through a few weeks or the entire month.
    TO READ COMPLETE ARTICLE, CLICK HERE

    WEDNESDAYS ARE FOR STORYTIME












    Every Wednesday at 10:-11:00 AM 
    Storytime at Elkmont Library (Depot). 
    Different themes each week. 
    Contact 256-732-370










    Monday, April 23, 2012

    ELKMONT BOYS GOLF TAKES SECOND

    The Elkmont Boys golf team played the Ardmore Tigers and the West Limestone Wildcats at Southern Gales, April 23.  The Red Devils came in second, barely missing knocking off Ardmore (the county champions) by two strokes.


    Hayden Huseth led Elkmont with a 39, Quinn Martin followed with a 42, Daniel Logan was third with a 44 and Matt Newsom rounded out the team scoring with a 57.  This week is the last week of regular season play.  The Red Devils are hoping to get in two more dates this week before the Sectionals, April 30 - May 3 @ Cullman Municipal Golf Course.

    GERALDINE G. GATLIN - OBITUARY


    Mrs. Geraldine G. Gatlin, 71 of Elkmont, AL passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012 @ Crestwood Medical Center, Huntsville, Alabama.

    Funeral service will be Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 2 PM at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Daniel Tucker & Donnie Williams officiating.  Burial in the New Salem Cemetery with visitation Monday, 6-9 PM @ Funeral Home.

    Born August 29, 1940 in Limestone Co. AL to Louis & Bessie Graves. Member of the Church of Christ. Volunteer for the Limestone Co. Sheriff's Rodeo. Preceded in death by husband: John Gatlin, & 4 Brothers & Sisters.
    Survivors:
    Sons:
    Steve Gatlin & wife, Theresa of Athens, AL
    Mike Gatlin & wife, Tammy of Hartselle, AL
    Daughter:
    Kim Foster & husband, Tim of Elkmont, AL
    Brothers:
    Doyle Graves & wife, Ann of Athens, AL
    Tommy Graves & wife, Kim of Athens, AL
    Sisters:
    Louis Ann Lawrence & husband, Ozro of Athens, AL
    Joyce Smith & husband, Wayne of Athens, AL
    Patricia Gatlin & husband, Joe of Minor Hill, TN
    Diane Patterson & husband, Doug of Athens, AL
    Pam Thornton of Athens, AL
    Dalphney Moss & husband, Greg of Athens, AL
    Kathy Coberly & husband, Mike of Athens, AL
    Grandchildren:
    Stuart Gatlin & wife, Lori
    Jason Gatlin & wife, Kristin
    Reanna Gatlin
    Blake Mathias
    Brittany Mathias
    Great Grandson:
    John Wyatt
    Pallbearers:
    Doug Patterson, Ozro Lawrence, Joe Gatlin, Wayne Smith, Greg Moss, Mike Coberly

    Guestbook:
    Sign - View

    ELKMONT SPECIAL OLYMPIAN



    One lucky Elkmont student received the games greatest honor before a single event started Friday. Nakita Marshall, competing in her fifth Limestone County Special Olympics, was awarded the Amy Alisha Mitchell Special Olympian Award.

    After receiving the award, Marshall kicked off the games by running around the stadium with the Olympic torch.

    “It was exciting,” Marshall said about her torch run. “It was heavy and I was getting tired though. I’m really excited about the softball throw.”

    Marshall is a veteran of the Special Olympics. The Elkmont student makes the annual trip to the state games in Troy every year and even traveled to the national games in Nebraska last summer.


    CLICK HERE TO READ NEWS COURIER ARTICLE
    Elkmont Special Olympics Coordinator Amanda Wilson, left, poses with Elkmont student 
    Nakita Marshall. Marshall was awarded 
    the Amy Alisha Mitchell Outstanding Special Olympian Award Friday during the 
    2012 Limestone County Special Olympics.

    HOW YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTED - APRIL 23



    In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District:

    Recent Congressional Votes
    • Senate: Cloture Motion; Paying a Fair Share Act of 2012
    • House: Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012
    • House: Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, Part II
    • House: Small Business Tax Cut Act
    Upcoming Congressional Bills
    • Senate: 21st Century Postal Service Act of 2012
    • Senate: Violence Against Women Act
    • Senate: NLRB union election rule
    • House: Cybersecurity Enhancement Act
    • House: Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act


    Recent Senate Votes
    Cloture Motion; Paying a Fair Share Act of 2012 - Vote Rejected (51-45, 4 Not Voting)

    The Senate failed to reach the sixty vote threshold needed to move forward on this bill to raise tax rates on taxpayers earning more than $1 million.
    Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
    Sen. Jeff Sessions voted NO......send e-mail or see bio


    Recent House Votes
    Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012 - Vote Passed (274-146, 11 Not Voting)

    This bill would codify the use of public lands for recreational hunting, shooting and fishing unless the Bureau of Land Management or the Forest Service determines it is necessary to prohibit those activities. The Senate is unlikely to take up the measure.
    Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES......send e-mail or see bio


    Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, Part II - Vote Passed (293-127, 11 Not Voting)

    The House passed this three-month highway and transportation program bill that will serve as the vehicle to negotiate a long-term bill with the Senate. The Senate passed a two-year, $109 billion bill in March. House Republicans would like a five year bill. The current extension runs out June 30, 2012.
    Rep. Mo Brooks voted NO......send e-mail or see bio


    Small Business Tax Cut Act - Vote Passed (235-173, 1 Present, 22 Not Voting)

    This House bill would give businesses with fewer than 500 employees a 20 percent tax deduction for the 2012 tax year. The bill is unlikely to advance in the Senate.
    Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES......send e-mail or see bio


    Upcoming Votes
    21st Century Postal Service Act of 2012 - S.1789

    The Senate is scheduled to work on this bill to overhaul the U.S. Postal Service.


    Violence Against Women Act - S.1925

    The Senate may vote on this bill to renew the Violence Against Women Act.


    NLRB union election rule - S.J.RES.36

    This Senate resolution would disapprove of a National Labor Relations Board rule regarding the timing of union elections.


    Cybersecurity Enhancement Act - H.R.2096

    This House bill would fund cybersecurity research.


    Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act - H.R.3523

    This bill would establish procedures for sharing cyber-threat intelligence.