Some of Congressman Dennis Ross' 'good' bills:


Compiled by Gordon Wayne Watts, Editor-in-Chief, The Register – Wednesday, 19 December 2012

Selected “Morals” bills, co-sponsored by Rep. Dennis Ross (R-FL-12TH), specifically dealing with abortion

(MORAL and FISCAL) H.R. 3 (1/20/2011) The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act of 2011 (Sponsor: Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4]; Cosponsors (227) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

(MORAL) H.R. 3803 (January 23, 2012) To amend title 18, United States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn children in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes. (Sponsor: Rep Franks, Trent [AZ-2]; Cosponsors (222) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)


Comments: I am pro-life (and do not think it right to kill an unborn child except in genuine self-defense where he/she is threatening the life of the mother), and thus I agree with & approve of Ross' support of these bills. (Also, even many 'pro-choice' advocates recognise that the taxpayer should NOT foot the bill to elective abortions.) However, absent either a re-visitation by the U.S. Supreme Court of Roe v. Wade, or a federal amendment to the U.S. Constitution defining the unborn child as a person (and thus protected by the Fourteenth Amendment), abortions will remain legal. Even pro-life legal experts agree that: “neither a federal statute enacted under § 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment defining the word “person” as used in § 1 of the Amendment, nor a statute removing the Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction over abortion cases would have that effect.”

Source: http://www.LifeNews.com/2011/10/06/there-is-no-silver-bullet-to-overturning-roe-v-wade/

(“There is No Silver Bullet to Overturning Roe v. Wade,” by Paul Linton | Washington, DC | LifeNews.com | 10/6/11 3:42 PM. Paul Linton is special counsel to the Thomas More Society, a pro-life legal group.)


So, all the posturing in the world here is of little value, and contributes no more than a “drop in the bucket” to protecting the unborn. It might be a better use of time/energy to ensure protecting those already born, both children and adults.


Selected “Constitutional” bills, sponsored or co-sponsored by Rep. Dennis Ross (R-FL-12TH), specifically dealing with the following 'Constitutional' issue: Recess Appointments, Foreign Affairs, and The 2nd Amendment

(CONSTITUTIONAL) H.Res.509 (Jan. 10, 2012) Disapproving of the President's appointment of four officers or employees of the United States during a period when no recess of the Congress for a period of more than three days was authorized by concurrent resolution and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that those appointments were made in violation of the Constitution (Sponsor: Rep Black, Diane [TN-6]; Cosponsors (126) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

(CONSTITUTIONAL and MORAL) H.RES.57 (1/26/2011) Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United Nations and other international governmental organizations shall not be allowed to exercise control over the Internet. Sponsor: Rep Bono Mack, Mary [CA-45]; Cosponsors (7) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

(CONSTITUTIONAL) H.R.822 (2/18/2011) National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 (To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide a national standard in accordance with which nonresidents of a State may carry concealed firearms in the State.) (Sponsor: Rep Stearns, Cliff [FL-6]; Cosponsors (245) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

(CONSTITUTIONAL) H.R.2900 (9/13/2011) Secure Access to Firearms Enhancement (SAFE) Act of 2011 (Secure Access to Firearms Enhancement (SAFE) Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to provide for reciprocity for the carrying of certain concealed firearms in different states by persons who are not prohibited by federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm and who are: (1) carrying a valid state license or permit for carrying a concealed firearm, or (2) otherwise entitled to carry a concealed firearm in their state of residence.) (Sponsor: Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10]; Cosponsors (23) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)


Comments: I do agree with U.S. Sovereignty regarding our Internet services. However, while I agree that the president should not violate the Constitution when making appointments, I wonder: why the lame and toothless 'resolution'? Also, I do agree that there should be some provisions to allow more easy access to law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms in states other than their own. However, none of this did anything to help law-abiding citizens protect the children or teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.


Federal lawmakers (even Dennis Ross, an apparent 2nd Amendment supporter) have let us down and NOT learned the lessons of Texas, and this has cost many lives. Teacher and Staff are allowed to carry firearms into class to protect staff & students against school shootings, and it WORKS: You don't hear about any school shootings in Texas, because the criminals know they will meet with resistance. Observe:


* "In Texas School, Teachers Carry Books and Guns" (By JAMES C. McKINLEY Jr., August 28, 2008) New York Times: "Barely 100 students attend classes at Harrold, a tiny town in north-central Texas. But the school board's decision to allow teachers to carry concealed weapons has drawn national attention." - http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/29/us/29texas.html

* "Readin', writin', 'rithmetic — and now maybe revolvers: North Texas school's teachers can carry guns" (By JENNIFER RADCLIFFE, Aug. 16, 2008) The Houston Chronicle: 'Thweatt said that despite the outrage from his public school peers, Harrold stands by its decision. The first few months of the new policy have gone smoothly, he said. "We think we have acted cautiously and wisely," said Thweatt. "Others should be free to govern their school districts as they see fit." Thweatt said the small community is a 30-minute drive from the sheriff's office, leaving students and teachers without protection. He said the district's lone campus is situated just 500 feet from heavily trafficked U.S. 287, which could make it a target.' - http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5947050.html

* "Guns for Texas school's teachers" (Saturday, 16 August 2008 02:06 UK) BBC: "Teachers in one part of the US state of Texas are to be allowed to carry concealed firearms when the new school term opens this month." - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7564654.stm

* "Texas Teachers Packing Heat" (August 19, 2008) U.S. News & World Report: - http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-education/2008/08/19/texas-teachers-packing-heat.html

* "Texas School Teacher Guns" (Categories: Education) Mahalo.com.: "When the federal government started making schools gun-free zones, that’s when all of these shootings started. Why would you put it out there that a group of people can’t defend themselves? That’s like saying 'sic ’em’ to a dog." —quoting Harrold School Superintendent David Thweatt, as reported in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegramarticle: "Small Texas school district lets teachers, staff pack pistols" (August 15, 2008) - http://www.mahalo.com/texas-school-teacher-guns

Likewise, you don't have 'Virginia Tech' or 'Columbine' type shootings in Utah colleges & universities. Utah permits students, staff, & professors with the proper permit to carry concealed weapons onto campus, and like Texas, such criminals know not to attempt any shootings. (How many lives could have been saved at Sandyhook had either Connecticut or the Federal government remembered Utah's successful model?) “If it works, don't fix it!” – Observe:


"Utah students hide guns, head to class" CNN: Feb. 21, 2008 - http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/02/20/cnnu.guns/index.html

"Utah only state to allow guns at college" AP: April 28, 2007 - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18355953

For an opposing view, see: "More Guns on Campus?" By Suzanne Smalley, Feb. 15, 2008 - http://www.newsweek.com/id/112174

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. 
The SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES in DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA v. HELLER (No. 07-290; Argued March 18, 2008—Decided June 26, 2008) 478 F. 3d 370, affirmed the lower court's decision and held that "1. The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home." (Pp. 2–53)


While the right to bear arms is a good ("wise as a serpent") deterrent to crime, the true solution must (be "innocent as the dove" and) include a change in the heart of the people from sinful to righteous. Only by combining both of these methods will we make practical headway against crime.

"Behold, I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves; be wary and wise as serpents, and be innocent (harmless, guileless, and without falsity) as doves." (Words of Jesus in RedMatthew 10:16,HOLY BIBLE, Amplified Version)



For those 'religious' people who believe in God and Bible, even the Holy Bible (Old AND New Testaments) supports the Second Amendment. Observe:



"Then He said to them, But now let him who has a purse take it, and also [his provision] bag; and let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy a sword." (Words of Jesus in RedLuke 22:36, HOLY BIBLE, Amplified Version)

"When the strong man, fully armed, [from his courtyard] guards his own dwelling, his belongings are undisturbed [his property is at peace and is secure]." (Words of Jesus in RedLuke 11:21, HOLY BIBLE, Amplified Version)

17 Those who built the wall and those who bore burdens loaded themselves so that everyone worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other hand,
18 And every builder 
had his sword girded by his side, and so worked. And he who sounded the trumpet was at my side.
19 And I said to the nobles and officials and the rest of the people, The work is great and scattered, and we are separated on the wall, one far from another.
20 In whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.
21 So we labored at the work 
while half of them held the spears from dawn until the stars came out.
22 At that time also I said to the people, Let everyone with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that at night they may be a guard to us and a laborer during the day.
23 So none of us--I, my kinsmen, my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me--took off our clothes; 
each kept his weapon [in his hand for days].
--Nehemiah 4:17-23, HOLY BIBLE, Amplified Version





Selected “Fiscal” bills, sponsored or co-sponsored by Rep. Dennis Ross (R-FL-12TH), specifically dealing with things such as The Debt Limit, selected appropriations, budgeting (incl. a proposed Balanced Budget Amendment), spending, salaries/pensions, and The Federal Workforce

(FISCAL) H.J.RES.98 (1/13/2012) Relating to the disapproval of the President's exercise of authority to increase the debt limit, as submitted under section 3101A of title 31, United States Code, on January 12, 2012. (Sponsor: Rep Reed, Tom [NY-29]; Cosponsors (86) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

(FISCAL and MORAL) H.R. 4188 (3/8/2012) The NO FIELD Act of 2012 (To reduce the discretionary spending limit for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2013 by an amount equal to the amount obligated by the Department in fiscal year 2012 to provide recreational facilities to Guantanamo detainees.) (Sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12; Cosponsors (5))

(FISCAL) H.R. 821 (2/8/2011) To require zero-based budgeting for departments and agencies of the Government (Sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12; Cosponsors (2))

(FISCAL and CONSTITUTIONAL) H.J.RES.56 (4/7/2011) Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget. (Sponsor: Rep Walsh, Joe [IL-8]; Cosponsors (61) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

(Note: Ross apparently co-sponsored House-Joint Resolutions 2, 11, 23, 52, and this one, 56, in the 112th Congress (2011 – 2012), in attempts to amend the U.S. Constitution to include this amendment.)

(FISCAL) H.R.4060 (2/16/2012) Freeze Government Spending Act of 2012 (To amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to cap the level of Federal spending at $949 billion for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2021, and for other purposes.) (Sponsor: Rep Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [TN-3]; Cosponsors (11) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

(FISCAL) H.RES.82 (2/10/2011) Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish the Committee on the Elimination of Nonessential Federal Programs. (Sponsor: Rep Duncan, Jeff [SC-3]; Cosponsors (22) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

(FISCAL and MORAL) H.R.3835 (1/27/2012) To extend the pay limitation for Members of Congress and Federal employees. (Sponsor: Rep Duffy, Sean P. [WI-7]; Cosponsors (4) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

(Note: 'Federal' employees would include U.S. Postal workers, so many 'middle-class' advocates opposed this bill, even though it would limit pay raises for Members of Congress, who already get in the ballpark of 100 Grand per year, and can more easily afford it. So, this bill has its pro's and its con's, but as it *limits* cost of inflation pay raises across a broad base, including members of Congress, that is good in regard to overspending concerns, and favourable to many fiscal conservatives.)

(FISCAL) H.R.1111 (3/16/2011) Decrease Spending Now Act - Rescinds $45 billion of unobligated balances of current discretionary appropriations. (Sponsor: Rep Price, Tom [GA-6]; Cosponsors (55) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

(Note: Let's compare 45 Billion with the 16 Trillion deficit, shall we? The ratio is 0.0028125 to one, or put another way, 45B is 0.28125% of 16T, which is less than a half-a-percent. Hmm... So, this bill is “good,” but not any more than a drop in the bucket, eh?)

(FISCAL) H.R.3481 (11/18/2011) Stop Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2011 (Prohibits a provider of commercial mobile communications service from receiving universal service support under specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 for the provision of such service through the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Lifeline program (a program that provides discounts on monthly telephone service to qualifying low-income consumers).) (Sponsor: Rep Griffin, Tim [AR-2]; Cosponsors (20) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

(FISCAL) H.R.3480 (11/18/2011) End Pensions in Congress Act of 2011 (Sponsor: Rep Griffin, Tim [AR-2] Cosponsors (15) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

[[SUMMARY of H.R.3480 (11/18/2011) End Pensions in Congress Act of 2011 AS OF: 11/18/2011--Introduced.

End Pensions in Congress Act or EPIC Act - Amends the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) to exclude Members of Congress, except the Vice President, from further CSRS and FERS retirement coverage. Prohibits further government contributions or deductions from such Member's basic pay for deposit in the Treasury to the credit of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. States that nothing in this Act shall: (1) be considered to nullify, modify, or otherwise affect any right, entitlement, or benefit under CSRS for any Member covering any period before the enactment of this Act; or (2) affect the eligibility of a Member to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) in accordance with otherwise applicable law. Allows Members covered by such exclusion, within 90 days after enactment of this Act, to elect to remain subject to CSRS or FERS, as the case may be.]]

Source: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:HR03480:@@@D&summ2=m&

(FISCAL) H.R.2114 (6/3/2011) Reducing the Size of the Federal Government Through Attrition Act of 2011 (Sponsor: Rep Issa, Darrell E. [CA-49]; Cosponsors (2) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

[[SUMMARY of H.R.2114 (6/3/2011) Reducing the Size of the Federal Government Through Attrition Act of 2011 AS OF: 6/3/2011--Introduced.

Reducing the Size of the Federal Government Through Attrition Act of 2011 - Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to take appropriate measures to ensure that: (1) the total number of federal employees, beginning in FY2015, does not exceed 90% of the total number of such employees as of September 30, 2011; (2) agencies do not appoint, until the end of FY 2014, more than one employee for every three employees retiring or otherwise separating from government service; and (3) there is no increase in the procurement of service contracts due to this Act unless a cost comparison demonstrates that such contracts would be financially advantageous to the federal government. Requires OMB to continuously monitor all agencies and make a determination whether the total number of federal employees exceeds the limitation imposed by this Act. Prohibits a federal agency from filling any vacancy unless OMB provides written notice to the President and Congress that the number of federal employees does not exceed the limitation established by this Act. Allows the President to waive the workforce limitations imposed by this Act if the President determines that the existence of a state of war or other national security concern or the existence of an extraordinary emergency threatening life, health, public safety, property, or the environment so requires. Allows the President additional discretion to waive such workforce limitations if the President determines that the efficiency of a federal agency or the performance of its critical mission so requires.]]

Source: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:HR02114:@@@D&summ2=m&



Comments: I approve of and agree with ALL of these bills that Ross has either sponsored or cosponsored—even the more controversial bills above; however, ALL these (even combined) are a mere 'drop in the bucket,' compared to the 'overall' appropriations bills (both the domestic and the military appropriations). As I show elsewhere, Ross voted 'yea' on 3 of the 4 appropriations bills that came before him, and since the Federal Debt has continued to climb, unabated and unchecked, Ross (and many other lawmakers) are “as guilty as sin” here –no ifs, ands, or buts—“Don't pass Go, Don't collect $200.” Unfortunately, many presidents who then sign these appropriations (e.g., spending) bills into law are just as guilty, and with only once exception(*), NO recent administration has had balanced its budget.


(*) The Clinton administration was the lone exception, when Clinton's democrats and Gingrich's republicans hammered out a compromise to balance the budget with slightly larger taxes and reduced spending.



Selected “Immigration” bills, co-sponsored by Rep. Dennis Ross (R-FL-12TH), specifically dealing with immigration

(IMMIGRATION) H.R.1091 (3/15/2011) Unlawful Border Entry Prevention Act of 2011 (Sponsor: Rep Hunter, Duncan D. [CA-52]; Cosponsors (16) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

Note: This act “Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to construct an additional 350 or more miles of reinforced fencing along the southwest border,” according to http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:HR01091:@@@D&summ2=m& Is that good? Well, considering that H.R.6061, The Secure Fence Act of 2006 (introduced 9/13/2006, source: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:h.r.06061: by Sponsor: Rep King, Peter T. [NY-3]), and subsequently signed into law by Pres. George W. Bush (Public Law No: 109-367), it's obvious that passing new law will NOT do any good if we continue to REFUSE to enact and obey the CURRENT law: Even PolitiFact, the fact-checking machine hosted by the liberal St. Pete Times, admits that Pres. Obama is “mostly false” in his claim that “the border fence is "now basically complete"...DHS reports there are currently 36.3 miles of double-layered fencing, the kind with enough gap that you can drive a vehicle between the layers. But the majority of the fencing erected has been vehicle barriers, which are designed to stop vehicles rather than people...It is estimated that for every person caught (Border Patrol reported apprehending over 445,000 illegal entrants in 2010) two more get by, Bonner said. "To me, that doesn't seem like border security."...Editor's note: This statement was rated Barely True when it was published. On July 27, 2011, we changed the name for the rating to Mostly False.”

(Source: “"The (border) fence is now basically complete." Barack Obama on Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 in a speech in El Paso, http://www.PolitiFact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2011/may/16/barack-obama/obama-says-border-fence-now-basically-complete/ ; PolitiFact)

CONCLUSION: Just as H.R. 1111 (3/16/2011), this is really only a “drop in the bucket” band-aid measure, NOT really addressing any problem. A “true” conservative would demand enforcement of CURRENT law before writing NEW law! LOL)

(IMMIGRATION and SAFETY) H.R.3808 (1/23/2012) Scott Gardner Act (This bill would make DWI a 'deportable' offense, and it was named for the late Scott Gardner, a Gaston County, NC man who was killed by an illegal alien driving drunk. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General (DOJ) to take into custody an alien who is unlawfully in the United States and is arrested by a state or local law enforcement officer for driving while intoxicated or a similar violation. Directs the officer, upon reasonable grounds to believe the individual is an alien, to: (1) verify the individual's immigration status, and (2) take into custody for federal transfer an individual who is unlawfully in the United States. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to reimburse states and localities for related transportation costs when such transportation is not done in the course of normal duties.) (Sponsor: Rep Myrick, Sue Wilkins [NC-9]; Cosponsors (13) Co-sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, FL-12)

Sources: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:HR03808:@@@D&summ2=m&

and: http://Myrick.House.gov/video-features/rep-myrick-reintroduces-the-scott-gardner-act/

Notes: While I am a big Tenth Amendment supporter of “states' rights,” nonetheless, one chief concern of this bill is that the U.S. Supreme Court, in Printz v. United States (95-1478), 521 U.S. 898 (1997), held it unconstitutional for the Federal Government to impose unfunded mandates on the state executive branch of government, as is the case here. The court held: “that Congress cannot circumvent that prohibition by conscripting the State's officers directly. The Federal Government may neither issue directives requiring the States to address particular problems, nor command the States' officers, or those of their political subdivisions, to administer or enforce a federal regulatory program. It matters not whether policymaking is involved, and no case by case weighing of the burdens or benefits is necessary; such commands are fundamentally incompatible with our constitutional system of dual sovereignty.”

Source: http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/95-1478.ZO.html

This bill, however, is now moot, as the Department of Homeland Security declared that the federal 'Secure Communities' program (which gives federal immigration authorities access to the fingerprints of all persons arrested by local police—including, of course, illegal aliens arrested for drunk driving) to be mandatory (or, at least, optional, if the state chooses not to 'opt out.'). Also, some have speculated that *even* *had* H.R. 3808 passed into law, it might result in police engaging in *racial* *profiling*, with a result that even 'legal' immigrants would be afraid of cooperating with police in any investigation of a crime.

(“Federal immigration enforcement is mandatory, memo says: A recently released memo says that the Secure Communities program will become mandatory by 2013; states and some counties had been told they could opt out.,” by Paloma Esquivel, January 08, 2012, Los Angeles Times, http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jan/08/local/la-me-ice-foia-20120109)


Comments: As I said above, while I generally support these measures, H.R.1091 (3/15/2011) was a mere “drop in the bucket,” and a better use of Lawmakers time would be to demand enforcement of CURRENT law BEFORE writing new law! As well, H.R.3808 (1/23/2012) the Scott Gardner Act was probably not constitutional, certainly something that would make legal aliens fearful of cooperating with police, and definitely rendered moot and academic—not needed, as the Department of Homeland Security, apparently, declared that federal 'Secure Communities' program to be mandatory. (That is still up for debate, but I doubt Homeland Security will garner much resistance from states here.)


CONCLUSION: I appreciate all of Ross' votes above, but these pale in comparison to his many other very bad votes (and his bad conduct in his personal life, including, for example, the booting of many people off both his personal and his public social networks, the latter prohibited acts under the REDRESS and FREE SPEECH clauses of the First Amendment—and, of course, immoral if not actually and genuinely justified!).


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