Walberg Weekly Wrap-Up - June 8

Op-Ed

Walberg Weekly Wrap-Up - June 8

By: Rep. Walberg

Before I get to the legislative wrap-up for this week, I wanted to mention that many of you have expressed frustration to both me and my staff about current procedures and how long it takes to obtain a passport.

While I do not have anything new to report today, please be advised I am working with other House members to remedy the long delays many of you are facing as you seek to obtain a passport.

Please visit my website, www.walberg.house.gov, or call my office at 1-877-TIM-MI07 for more information in the coming days or if you are having trouble getting your passport.

Taxpayer Funding of Embryo-Destroying Research

As I have said in the past, I wholeheartedly support stem cell research in all cases except one — any form of research that requires the eradication of a human life.

The House considered a bill Thursday that would require taxpayer dollars be used to fund embryonic stem cell research that not only destroys human life and could ultimately lead to human cloning, but also is antiquated. Embryonic stem cell research has seen consistently disappointing and fruitless results, while nearly every month more studies come out showing that ethical adult stem cell research continues to flourish.

My wife Sue and I were heartened to recently learn about developments in stem cells derived from amniotic fluid and placentas, as well as reprogrammed skin cells. It is time for Congress to catch up with the remarkable, and ethical, developments taking place in the scientific community.

I also believe taxpayers should not be expected to fund this research, especially when it continues to be legal in the private sector, though unsuccessful to date.

On behalf of the men and women of my district and pro-life Americans across our great country, I was proud to cast my vote for both the sanctity of life and fiscal responsibility, and I opposed this bill.

Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act

I recently signed on as a co-sponsor to a bill that authorizes extensive research to ensure our efforts to prevent and eradicate aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes are based on the latest science and done in the most cost‑effective manner.

This bill establishes a marine and freshwater research program to assess rates and patterns of nonnative species introductions, a competitive grant program to award research funding and establish a research program to help improve the treatment technologies for ballast water.

Such research will help support management decisions needed to be made so we can deal with threats from invasive species like Asian carp, lamprey eel and zebra mussels and protect the largest body of freshwater in the world.

Sons and Daughters of America Act

Another important bill I am supporting is the Sons and Daughters of America Act.

This bill would eliminate the collection of attorney's fees by the plaintiff in cases where suits are brought against state, local and government officials at funeral protests in an effort to prevent protesters from seeking profit at the expense of families attempting to grieve in peace.

Protesters are seeking taxpayers' compensation for their legal fees when they challenge these state and federal laws. A recent protester received a total of $217,000 in attorney's fees.

By prohibiting picketing at military funerals, this bill would ensure protesters cannot profit from targeting state laws protecting the right of families to mourn the loss of their loved one and a fallen hero in peace.

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