Jerry Lewis' Voting Record
District 41 (see map)
Not sure if you're in District 41? Find out at: http://bit.ly/lewis41
Lewis is a moderate Republican according to GovTrack's analysis of bill sponsorship. The top campaign contribution to Lewis in 2007-2008 was $16,800 from employees of Matich Corp. Jerry Lewis’ net worth was between $580,009 and $1,400,000 in 2007, according to Lewis’s mandated financial disclosure statements. He has been a member of Congress since 1978. Prior to his election to Congress, Lewis served in the California State Legislature. In 2006 he won the election to keep his seat with 67% of the vote. The citizens of District 41 need to take a closer look at his voting record and continue to hold him accountable.
Bailout Bill - HR 1424
This is an unprecedented expansion of government in the financial sector, with the subsequent distribution of funds kept secret to hide the trail of money politics that results. Jerry Lewis voted FOR this bill. This bill authorizes the Treasury Department to use $700 billion of taxpayer money to purchase "troubled" mortgage related securities from banks and other financial institutions, on terms set by the Treasury Secretary, who now has the authority to manage and sell those assets. Also expands the FDIC protection from $100,000 to $250,000 per bank account, extends dozens of expiring tax provisions, expands incentives for renewable energy, provides a one year adjustment to exempt millions of Americans from the alternative minimum tax, and requires health insurers who provide mental health benefits to put mental health benefits on par with other medical benefits.
National Service - HR 1388
The government has no business requiring anyone to perform involuntary service - "voluntarily" or otherwise. Jerry Lewis voted FOR this bill. Reauthorizes the Corporation for National and Community Service programs through 2014 and expands the number of "volunteer" (paid) positions in national service programs such as AmeriCorps from 75,000 to 250,000. CBO estimates the bill costs $6 billion over five years. The US is the most generous nation on Earth and we have no shortage of charitable work.
COPS Funding - HR 1700
Federal government funding of any local program or agency invariably means CONTROL through the threat of withdrawing funding. Jerry Lewis voted FOR this bill. HR 1700 authorizes $1.15 billion per fiscal year for the Community-Oriented Policing Services program. Our local police should not be funded with Federal dollars, lest we find the Federal government in control of ALL police forces over time.
Mexican Trucks - HR 1773
This amendment to HR 1773 scrutinizes the Bush administration's pilot program to allow Mexican trucks on US highways. Jerry Lewis voted FOR this bill. Mexican trucks should either be required to meet exactly the same standards (including licensing fees) as US trucks, or they should not be allowed into the US.
Iran Military Operations - HR 1585
The Constitution does not give Congress the power to delegate this authority to the President. Jerry Lewis voted AGAINST this amendment that would have required Congress to authorize Iran military operations. Amendment to HR 1585 by Rep. Peter DeFazio, HR 1585 would require specific congressional authorization for President to perform any operations in Iran. The US Constitution requires specific authorization of any war through a declaration of war by CONGRESS, not by Presidential decree.
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance - HR 1927
This bill is a blatant abuse of our 4th Amendment rights to be secure in our persons and not be the subject of unwarranted search and seizure. Jerry Lewis voted FOR this bill. HR 1927 allows warrantless electronic surveillance of targets outside the US regardless of whether they are communicating with someone within the US. Communications companies would be required to comply with surveillance requests and would be provided immunity from lawsuits.
Thought Crimes - HR 1955
Jerry Lewis voted FOR this bill. The now infamous MIAC report, categorizing veterans as "possible terrorist threats," is a perfect example of why the government should not be making lists of US citizens that are "potential threats" as this bill requires. This establishes a National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism and establishes a grant program to prevent radicalization in the US. Vague and open-ended language could be used to prosecute law abiding Americans.
Peru Free Trade Agreement
This bill significantly erodes the sovereignty of the US by putting our interests subordinate to the UN's "Fundamental Principles." Jerry Lewis voted FOR this bill. Regional arrangement to transfer power to regulate trade with Peru to a regional power, includes fully enforceable commitments by the Parties to adopt, maintain, and enforce international labor standards, as stated in the UN's ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
Economic Stimulus (Porkulus)
Redistribution of wealth is a deceptive hidden form of taxation. Jerry Lewis voted FOR this bill. Provides about $150 billion in "stimulus" payments, including $101.1 billion in direct payments of $600 rebate checks to most taxpayers. This is not stimulating since the government must take the money from other taxpayers, borrow or print it. This is not stimulating since the government must take the money from other taxpayers, borrow the money from foreign countries like China, or create the money out of thin air, thus eroding the value of all other money in circulation.
For more, stay tuned. Information gathered by concerned citizens of District 41.