Wednesday, December 5, 2001
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Wednesday, December 5, 2001 |
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Cloning, affordable insurance on agenda By
MAC COLLINS The Terrorism Risk Protection Act (H.R. 3210) On Nov. 29, with my support, the House of Representatives passed the Terrorism Risk Protection Act (H.R. 3210). This legislation will make it possible for American business of all sizes to purchase affordable insurance in the post-Sept. 11 environment. The bill enables businesses to operate with the assurance that they will have the necessary coverage against future terrorist attacks. It does so by providing a mechanism for the insurance companies to pay claims from a large-scale attack, like those on Sept. 11. One of the most vital elements in ensuring the continued availability and affordability of terrorism risk insurance is a package of common-sense liability reforms to streamline the compensation process for victims, maximize recoveries for the most serious injuries, protect blameless American taxpayers from unlimited liability, and limit the damage to the American economy from future acts of terrorism. Cloning On Sunday, Nov. 25, Advanced Cell Technology, a biotech company in Massachusetts, announced that it had cloned a human embryo. Although the cloning was a success, the embryo died before it reached the stage where it could be destroyed and harvested for stem cells. I strongly oppose human cloning and cosponsored the original version of the Weldon-Stupak Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001 (H.R. 1644). I oppose cloning because its treats human life as a commodity to be created and destroyed in the name of science. Whatever the goal of those conducting experiments with human clones, the ultimate outcome is the death of a human being. On July 31, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed an updated version of Weldon-Stupak Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001 (H.R. 2505) in a 265-162 vote. This legislation would ban any cloning of human beings in the United States. In October, I joined 46 of my House colleagues in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott asking that they expedite consideration of this important legislation. Given recent developments, Congress must move to pass a ban on all human cloning. Griffin/Spalding Reservoir final permit approved Several weeks ago I reported that the I had been working with the city of Griffin and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to gain final approval of a 404 permit to begin construction on the 475-acre Griffin-Spalding Regional Reservoir. The City of Griffin expressed concern with two of a total of 18 "Special Conditions" that the Army Corps had referenced. I am happy to report that after initiating a dialogue between the Army Corps of Engineers and the city of Griffin, both parties have come to resolutions on both of these minor concerns, and a final permit has been approved. I appreciated the patience of the community, the attention of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the ability of both parties to work hand-in-hand with each other to move this critical project to the construction phase. The Griffin-Spalding Regional Reservoir will serve over 55,000 residents of Spalding, Pike, Coweta, and Meriwether counties, and will help to alleviate fears of the water level dropping to near crisis levels, as in years past. House passes Department of Defense Appropriations Bill for 2002 On Wednesday, Nov. 28, I supported first passage of the Fiscal Year 2002 Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 3338). This bill is critical to funding our military services and those dedicated men and women in uniform. One important highlight of this legislation is an emphasis on the necessary resources that the President and Department of Defense need to successfully engage our enemies throughout the world in prosecuting the war on terrorism. In addition, the bill fully supports a military pay increase, and increased military housing allowances requested by our Commander-in-Chief for our soldiers. The legislation also supports the Defense health program, including the new "TRICARE for Life" program for eligible military retirees over age 65. Alan Jackson lyrics entered into Congressional Record On Nov. 16, I entered the lyrics of Alan Jackson's new song, "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning?" into the Congressional Record. I did this so that it could become a permanent part of our nation's history. The lyrics to the song so aptly express the feelings of loss and sadness that our nation felt as a result of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. I also wrote a letter to Alan and thanked him for his efforts to help our nation heal. "As our nation recovers from the wounds of Sept. 11, we need men and women of vision to pave the way to healing. Your song will help pave that path, and I thank you for it. I am proud that a young man from Newnan, Ga., could be the one to write the song that will help us remember those who suffered and died."
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