I received this e-mail today from my Congressman, John Campbell (R-CA). Over the past several months, I have contacted him many times regarding H.R. 3240 and he has now finally responded. He stated concern that the bill is being considered by 5 House committees which he says is unusual. His concern is that there will be key changes to the bill during this committee process and for that reason
he could not make a firm commitment for or against the bill right now but would keep the points I made in mind when the bill comes to his committee. I don't know if this means that he would consider co-sponsoring the bill, or if he is just talking about voting for or against it.
From what I researched, Rep. Campbell serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and The House Budget Committee. So it seems that his concerns with the bill may be financial. I was hoping some of you who have had experience talking with Congresspeople regarding HR3240 may have some insight on how to respond to this issue. From his letter, I can't tell if he has any other types concerns with the bill.
Rep. Campbell is also a member of the Republican Study Committee. When members of this committee analyze bills they take into consideration guiding principals (their so-called "Conservative Check Card") that represent their ideology. From my analysis, the principals that may may pertain, both positively and negatively, to supporting HR3240 are as follows: (1)
Less GovernmentDoes the bill tend to reduce government regulations, size of government? (2)
Personal ResponsibilityDoes the bill encourage responsible behavior by individuals and families and encourage them to provide for their own health, safety, education, moral fortitude, or general welfare? (3)
Individual Freedom Does the bill increase opportunities for individuals or families to decide, without hindrance or coercion from government, how to conduct their own lives and make personal choices? (4)
Strong Families Does the bill enhance the traditional American family and its power to rear children without excessive interference from the government? (5)
Domestic Tranquility Does the bill enhance American security without unduly burdening civil liberty? FYI: It does not look like Rep. Chris Smith is a member of this committee.
I would like to be able to respond to Rep. Campbell's e-mail intelligently (or at least try
) so if anyone who could give me some guidance I would appreciate it. I will also be sure the raise the issue of H. Res. 1326 as well.
Here is the e-mail I received:
June 18, 2010
Dear Ms. Lester:
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for H.R. 3240, the International Parental Abduction Act. I appreciate hearing from you on this matter.
As you know, H.R. 3240 would create within the Department of State an Office on International Child Abductions to be headed by an Ambassador-at-Large for International Child Abduction. This Ambassador would advocate on behalf of abducted U.S. children, and put in place a system that will prevent abductions or result in the child's swift return. H.R. 3240 will mandate annual presidential and congressional committee review of abduction cases in order to expedite the return of such children, as well as additional guidelines for the President and the Secretary concerning timely attention to these cases. This bill will also detail sanctions for countries which do not cooperate in these children's safe return to their families.
Currently, H.R. 3240 is being considered by five House committees, which is very unusual for a bill to be considered by that many committees. Many times bills are significantly amended in the committee process to add or remove key provisions. Because of these uncertainties, I cannot make a firm commitment for or against H.R. 3240 at this time, but please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind when this bill comes to discussion in my committee.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. Having the benefit of your views is important, and I appreciate you sharing them with me.
I remain respectfully,
JOHN CAMPBELL
Member of Congress
