Discussion on week-4-research-and-journal

[Janny R]

Janny Rivera
July 9, 2009
English 21, Section 1229
Journal # 4

Sen Cochran, Thad. 2005, June 6. A bill to amend the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 to provide permanent family tax relief. Congress
US.

Bill 109 S.6
A) I like that this bill’s intent is to help low income families get
finically stabled. The bill helps needy families both finically and
personally. It allows families to get a temporary tax relief which I
think is great because these low income families sometimes don’t even
make enough money to pay their rent and to force them to pay taxes
that they don’t have the money for is impossible. I also like that
this bill helps families get quality child care which is very
important for families with children to have. This bill is family
oriented and I believe that it can help many struggling families get
their lives back on track.
B) One think that I don’t like about this bill is the fact that what
happens when families receiving this help never get finically stabled.
I think that some families will abuse this help and I don’t like that
because that means that we the working class are paying for this
service that they are abuse. This bill is meant to help families get
economically stable and if families are abusing it then there are
others families who really need the help but don’t get it because
there are others families taking advantage of the services.
C) I think that mostly this bill is great. It can help many needy
families and that is want this country is all about. One think that I
would want to learn more about this bill is how much does it cost us
and how long can families stay on it.

[Audrey S.]

Research Journal week 4

Bingaman, Sen. J. 2009, May 18. Obesity Prevention, Treatment, and
Research Act of 2009, US Senate
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/C?c111:./temp/~c111dRCNgI

a) One thing I liked about this Bill is the fact that Congress is
really pushing for a healthier America. The Bill intends to create a
government council focused on education and implementation of programs
aimed to combat obesity in adults and children.

b) The only thing I really didn’t like about the Bill is that it is a
little boring to read. While I understand that it’s outlining a plan
that requires many meticulous details, it took me forever to read.

c) Everything was straightforward and fully comprehensible.

[tejasvi]

Kucinich, Rep , 2008, July 31.Oil for Iraq Liberation Act of 2008 to
prohibit certain activities relating to the petroleum resources of
Iraq , and for other purposes.
a) I like this bill whole heartedly because it prohibits U.S. based
oil companies from owning, financing or controlling the petroleum
resources of Iraq. This bill came after Bush declared that he would
like the U.S. to have the ability to control Iraq’s oil. Kucinich, Rep
who introduced the bill with six co-sponsors expressed his desire to
‘Support the Iraqi desire to keep its oil revenue’ and reject Bush’s
logic that Iraqi oil is necessary to protect national security. It
correctly states that Middle East have chosen for decades to
nationalize their oil resources and this is their sovereign right and
U.S. must support this. The bill is very correct in favoring any
country’s sovereignty and looks at Iraq’s sovereignty as its own. It
also shows hypocrisy of U.S. which on one hand always states that it
wants to save sovereignty of all countries and on the other directly
attacks Iraq’s sovereignty by controlling their oil resources and not
letting them to nationalize them. It is a wonderful bill and prevents
U.S. intervention in Iraq and gives Iraq full rights to control and
make decisions on its own. Bush’s open declaration increased doubts
that Iraq war was result of U.S. interest in Iraq, particularly in
petroleum. Petroleum is a natural resource and Iraqi people have their
constitutional right over it as U.S. people have rights over their
natural resources.

b) I do not like one thing about this bill that it very openly shows
the interest of U.S. in Iraqi oil and that American interest will be
hurt if Iraq nationalizes its oil sector. It will certainly not be in
favor of U.S. oil companies. I also do not like it mentioning ‘Hunt
Oil Company’ which is said to have contributed millions of dollars
towards Bush Presidential Library. Bush administration, it seems
because of vested interests has aggressively pressurised the Iraqi
government to privatize its oil resources.

c) But still I do not understand how this bill is going to help the
present problems of U.S. if U.S. companies could not finance, control
or own oil industries in Iraq. It will be difficult and expensive for
U.S. to get continuous and undisturbed supply of oil. It is high time
that we should look for some remedies which will serve U.S. interests
but not in clash with Iraqi government. In my opinion we may sign a
treaty or a pact with Iraqi government by which U.S. oil companies may
benefit without owning Iraqi petroleum resources.

On Jul 9, 10:28 pm, "Audrey S." <thebloodycount...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Research Journal week 4
>
> Bingaman, Sen. J. 2009, May 18. Obesity Prevention, Treatment, and

> Research Act of 2009, US Senatehttp://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/C?c111:./temp/~c111dRCNgI

[Ru]

Murua Bullard
English 101
Prof. O’Connell
Research and Review
Week4

H.CON.RES.85
Title: Setting forth the congressional budget for the United States
Government for fiscal year 2010 and including the appropriate
budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 and 2011 through 2014.

A.) What I like about this bill is that it covers all areas that
provide help for society. Everyone gets a chance to improve health
wise, education, living expenses and provides a structured community.
From child to adult we all are having the opportunity to maintain a
proper nutrition, a good education, affordable housing, and
appropriate transportation. This bill is structured to detect any
fraud that may or should I say always occur which makes it impossible
for those who are really trying to make a better life for themselves.
I hope that this structure would help develop a better society.
B.) I cannot find nothing I dislike about the bill except perhaps that
it has not been amended.
C.) I do not understand where they plan to get the money from being
that we are so much in debt. And what does the bill mean by home
visiting for certain individuals and families; Everything else is very
much accepted and understandable.

[Rosie]

Rosa Moran
English 101-summer/09
Research week 4

H.R.670
Rep. Engle, Eliot January 24, 2007: To promote the national security
and stability of the United States economy by reducing the dependence
of the United States on foreign oil through the use of alternative
fuel and new vehicle technologies, and for other purposes.

1) I like this bill because it wants to introduce foreign independence
on oil by the Vehicles and Energy Act or DRIVE Act to diminish oil
consumption in the United States over the next decade. It amends the
Clean Air Act to prescribe minimum annual quantities of renewable fuel
cellulosic biomass and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to guarantee
loans for eligible projects to improve hybrid technologies and fuel-
efficient diesel vehicles. I think that the passing of this will make
a change on the U.S. dependence on foreign oil and at the same time
benefit our environment. It will decrease pollution. It also amends
for tax credit and a flexible fuel vehicle tax credit. It also
establishes a trust fund to increase the availability to consumers for
ethanol, biodiesel and other alternative fuels.

2) The one thing I don’t like about this bill or I think it will be a
problem is that it calls for public transportation vehicles to be fuel
choice enabling motor or alternative fuel automobiles. This can
create big damp on our budget and is very expensive to accomplish.
Also the increase of the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property
tax, this means higher prices at the gas pump for those who cannot
afford a hybrid or electric vehicle.

3) It calls to carry out a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle prize
program, I wonder how this prize program is going to be funded and
another thing is that it requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to
Congress an action plan calling for a specified graduated percentage
of the nation’s ground fuel demand to be supplied by fuels derived
from other sources other than oil. I know we can get fuel by the use
of corn, but that means we will be consuming another natural source
needed for our survival.

[Jefferey Mananguite]

Jefferey Mananguite

English 101
Prof. O’Connell
Research and Review
Week4

Rep Bright, Bobby 2009 April 23, Expressing the sense of Congress in
support of a single national fuel economy standard.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.CON.RES.106:

a) One thing I like about this Bill is the refutable national standard
for emissions. The Bill pushes for California’s emissions laws be a
national standard for all vehicles (except PA and District of
Columbia), also having a national fuel economy increase of at least
40%.

b) One thing I didn’t like about his bill is the fact that as long as
the Bill is not taking away from the economy or people losing jobs it
will be in affect. The fact is that people are not buying cars
because of fuel prices, so they want to wait on a fuel efficient car,
however if people are still making the same models when a foreign
manufacture like Volkswagens is able to put out 50mpg diesel engine
within a year, taking away from the national standard for emissions
would further hurt the auto industry and our economy overall.

c) This Bill is a good mile stone as far as a nation and also
reiterates Bacevich because it acknowledges our consumer base
lifestyle and giving us a new mind set in this particular case, fuel
consumption.

[KunHye S]

McCain, Sen. J. 2009, June 19. A resolution expressing support for all
Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights,
civil liberties, and rule of law, and for other purposes. US Senate

a) Although I am not fully satisfied with the bill after being
influenced by some research and reading I have done, one point I like
about this bill is that it affirms individual rights as universal.
b) There were several points I disagreed with. First, it expressed its
support as to all Iranians WHO EMBRACE THE VALUES OF FREEDOM, HUMAN
RIGHTS, CIVIL LIBERTIES, AND RULE OF LAW. At first reading, it seemed
as if the bill was expressing support for every Iranian citizen.
However, the follow-up made the support only for those who comply with
America's foreign policy. Second disagreement is its condemnation of
those who oppose the U.S. ruling. The bill points out Iranian
government's interference and suppression of independent communication
through Internet and cellphones. If this statement is talking about
wiretapping or any sorts, it just makes me scoff. What a paradox! Is
it not this government notorious for such activities? The people are
well aware of all the secret agencies involved in interfering or
watching individual communication. Third is the phrase “importance of
democratic and fair elections.” It has been proved long before that
this country's election system is undemocratic. The most recent
evidence is the election of 2004. Bearing its own flaws, the country's
expressing its concern on a foreign country's fair, democratic
election system.
c) Further research I would consider is one on current Iranian
government's position on American government. Does it oppose or agree
with the U.S. policy? Also, the bill mentioned pro-government militias
in Iran. I would like to find out what those militias would be and
their positions as well.

[Hyung K]

Hyung Jin Kim

English 101
Prof. O’Connell
Research and Review
Week4

109th CONGRESS,1st Session,H. RES. 352
TIAHRT July 11, 2005 Providing that the House of Representatives will
focus on removing barriers to competitiveness of the United States
economy

a) One thing I like about this bill is the Office of Management and
Budget recently found that for every dollar of direct budget
expenditure devoted to regulatory activity, the private sector spends
$45 to comply with regulations; Whereas high-technology industries are
driving economic growth around the world, as shown by the fact that
the global market for high-technology goods is growing at a faster
rate than the rate for other manufactured goods; more than 1 million
American jobs are dependant upon research and development spending in
the United States; and the cost of medical care in the United States
regularly outpaces general inflation
b) One thing I didn’t like about this bill is the cost of frivolous
litigation in the United States exceeds $230 billion per year, an
amount equal to more than $2,000 per American household. The
government needs to lay a plan for decrease frivolous litigation per
year. Another thing that I didn’t like about his bill is the cost of
liability defense is approximately $150,000 per year for each small
business, money that could be spent to hire additional employees,
expand operations, or improve health care coverage, and in 2002, trial
lawyers received approximately $40 billion from litigation, more than
the annual revenues of Microsoft and Intel, and twice the revenue of
Coca-Cola. Because it is too much expenditure from the government that
trial lawyers received approximately $40 billion from litigation.

c) One thing I don’t understand is “according to a study sponsored by
the National Association of Manufacturers and American Council for
Capital Formation, consumers will face a 61 percent increase in
gasoline prices unless the United States implements a policy to
increase the supply of affordable energy”, how low income residences
can afford that high gasoline price in 2025?

[JL]

Journal Week 4-5
Matsui, Rep. D. 2009, June 25. The American Clean Energy and Security
Act of 2009: to create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence,
reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy
economy.

A)One thing I liked about this Bill is that it provides renewable
energy, clean fuels, vehicles and sequestration, energy efficiency,
and reducing global warming pollution. This Act will help to reduce
our dependence on foreign oil and it also would reduce emission from
power plants and motor vehicles.
B)One thing I don’t liked about this Bill is that people would think
it is right to tax the poor and middle class when we are having
financial crisis. Pollution reduction will cause more job loss and it
cost money to invest new clean energy technologies, including wind and
solar power. This money comes from our tax and we are paying for it.
Therefore this bill has high risk to hurts low-income families and
middle income families.
C)One thing that I don’t understand is how the US pollution reductions
will effect to the world without other countries participation. How
can we make and support other developing countries to be part of this
Act.

[Shirley H]

Week 4-5 Journal

Maloney, Rep. C. B. (2009, February 13) Troubled asset relief program
transparency reporting act: To prohibit any recipient of emergency
Federal economic assistance from using such funds for lobbying
expenditures or political contributions, to improve transparency,
enhance accountability, encourage responsible corporate governance,
and for other purposes. U. S. House of Representatives.

A. One thing I like about this bill is that is clearly states that
misuse of emergency economic assistance funds in the form of lobbying
or political contributions is not allowed. Violations will be
penalized with large fines, and loss of future funding. I also like
that it intends to restrict the use of these funds for unnecessary
company expenses. This is especially needed as we were all horrified
at the publicized 2008 AIG vacation paid by the government bailout
they received.

B. One thing I don't like about this bill, is that it seems to lack
cosponsors (only 2) , probably due to how detailed this bill is. A
similar bill H.R. 1242 that only generally suggests that additional
monitor and accountability should be pursued, without detailing
certain restrictions or penalties, has received far greater support
with 8 sponsors in addition to Mrs. Maloney, and 34 cosponsors. It is
disheartening to realize that our government is merely willing to
extend a token effort to correct the misuse of funds, but will not
commit to a detailed plan of how to do so.

C. One thing I don't understand is how, if passed, this Act will hold
accountable those who have abused and misused funding prior to the
enactment of this bill. While it says any funding received before,
on, or after the effective date will be subject the application of
this bill, it seems it will be difficult to account for any and all
misuse prior to the effective date, as most abuses will likely be
covered up and swept under the carpet. I applaud it's efforts to do
so, but in reality, it seems highly unlikely.

[Ashinee]

Ashinee Reynolds
English 101 (OC)
Week 4/5 Research and Journal

Skelton, Rep Ike. 2009, June 2. To authorize appropriations for fiscal
year 2010 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for
military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal
year, to provide special pays and allowances to certain members of the
Armed Forces, expand concurrent receipt of military retirement and VA
disability benefits to disabled military retirees, and for other
purposes. U.S. Senate

a) One thing I like about this bill is the form in which it is
constructed. The bill is constructed where it has titles and subtitles
that cover all necessary topics. This is very useful because the
explanation of the bill is very lengthy and detailed. For example
Title II of the bill covers all research, test, development, and
evaluation. So in order to easily follow and understand each aspect of
Title II there are subtitles, as well as section numbers. The
subtitles of Title II included the authorization of appropriations
program requirements, restrictions and limitations, subtitle “C” coved
missile defense programs, subtitle “D” covered reports, and subtitle
“E” covered all other matters. This was a well constructed bill and it
made it easy for people who are not familiar with the expenditure of
war to follow, because it was broken down with specific topics,
procedures, and percentages of the money that will be used in the
fiscal year 2010.

b) One section I did not like about this bill was subtitle “B” under
section XII, which was matters relating to Iraq, Afghanistan, and
Pakistan. I did not like this section because I think there was so
much information about Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, that each
should and could have had their own section. By combining all three, I
think information was screwed and not specified as it could have been.
For example in Sec. 2111 it talks about the way funds from the act
will be used to create “military installation or base for providing
for the permanent stationing of U.S Armed Forces in Iraq or exercise
control of the oil resources of Iraq.” Due to the fact that this
section revolves around the issues of Iraq, I think the bill would
have been easier to understand if there was a section solely dedicated
to the surrounding issues between the U.S. and Iraq.


c) One section I did not understand was Title XIV subtitle B: National
Defense Stockpile. I think to fully understand this section more
research outside of the bill will be required. This section talked
about the way up to $41.179 million of money from the National Defense
stockpile would be used to get rid of hazardous materials that are not
good for the environment. It also talked about the limits of days that
are allowed before the secretary is allowed to submit certain reports.
This section was unclear to me. I would have to do more research
outside of this bill in order to fully understand Sections 1411, 1412,
and 1413 of this bill.

[sun yi]

Sun Yi

Eng 101

 

Week-4-5-research-and-journal

 

H.R. 679

Rep. Obey, David R. January 26, 2009: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Establishes use-it-or-lose-it requirements for grantees using funds in specified accounts who have not entered into contracts or other binding commitments and used 50% of the funds awarded. Provides for redistribution of such uncommitted funds by the appropriate federal agency.

 

a) One thing I liked about this Bill is that it could provide much needed

financial stability to small businesses by the Small Business Administration(SBA)

-          During these troubled economic times it seems that banks, other financial

Institutions and government agencies are having difficulties getting financial

assistance to small businesses. Of note, as the recession has deepened,

banks have had to reclassify good businesses at higher risk levels simply

because of declining sales even though they are often still performing

on their loans. As a result, the banks are required to increase their set

asides into their loan loss reserves. These set asides come directly

from deposits which dramatically decreases the banks ability to make

new loans. Therefore, banks have decreased the amount of existing

lines of credit and are unable to refinance many permanent loans

on commercial loan properties. This has proven to be a traumatic

hardship to the small business community.

 

b) One thing I don’t liked about this Bill is that it prohibits the use of fund for

a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public

building or public work unless all of the iron and steel used in the project is

domestic, except in certain circumstances. Like this, in the harsh light of reality, there is restriction to small businesses. For example, according to 2009 Recovery Act, the Small Business Administration(SBA) has a new loan program, so called, ARC loans. It has designed to viable, for-profit small businesses in the U.S. that have qualifying small business loans and are experiencing immediate financial hardship. However, to qualify, the small business must be an established business, have financial statements demonstrating it was profitable in one of the past two years, and be able to project sufficient cash flow to meet current and future loan payments over a two-year period from loan approval. Consequently, most of small businesses which have actually difficult time in this terrible recession are not applied due to the restrictions. Then, I doubt what the government is doing for the policy.

C) One thing that I don’t understand is how to provide increased SBA loan leverage and investment limit. In other words, how much companies can borrow through the SBA. In fact, small businesses can obviously lead us out of recessions. However, they can't do that, what if they can't get access to capital. On the other hand, financial institutions must do everything possible to maximize recovery for all involved parties on each defaulted loan. In this circumstance, both financial institutions as lender and small businesses as borrower are placed on a sticky situation. Therefore, the key point of the Recovery Program is how to reconcile between actuality and efficiency to assist viable small businesses, banks and the SBA by providing creative options to small businesses heading towards delinquency. with further ability to work with the borrower for a payment plan to assist them through the current difficult economic conditions, thereby saving businesses and retaining jobs.

---

From: Shirley H <momma...@yahoo.com>
To: English 101 summer 09 <english-10...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 9, 2009 12:22:22 PM
Subject: Discussion on week-4-research-and-journal