The Yarmouth Taxpayer

Why is Congressman Delahunt Afraid to Debate?

"Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled" - Michael Crichton

Congressman Delahunt has not agreed to debate his opponents in the upcoming election. Why is the Congressman hiding? 

Is the Congressman afraid his opponents will challenge is voting record in Washington. What about his relationship with Venezuela President Hugo Chavez? He has been working overtime in damage control on his comments, that Chavez speech at the UN was silly. Mr. Delahunt should Debate his Opponents.    

Legislation that could be debated on  Mr.Delahunt’s Voting Record

Earmarking Reform Resolution: The House passed this internal rule change requiring Members to identify the special projects they insert into tax, appropriations and authorizing legislation. Delahunt - NO

Better Health Information Systems Act: This $40 million House bill is intended to accelerate the process of computerizing people’s health records. Delahunt – NO

Estate Tax and Extension of Tax Relief Act: The House approved this bill that would extend estate tax relief and raise the minimum wage. Delahunt – NO

Marriage Protection Amendment: The House fell short of the two-thirds vote needed to amend the constitution to define marriage as a union of one man and one woman. Delahunt – NO

  Pledge Protection Act:    This House bill would prevent federal courts from ruling on cases involving the Pledge of Allegiance.  Delahunt - NO

US- Oman Free Trade Agreement: The House gave final approval to this free trade pact with the Middle East nation of Oman. Delahunt -NO

Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act:  This House bill would give states more control over oil and natural gas exploration in coastal waters and reduce limits on offshore drilling.  Delahunt - NO

Media Leak Resolution: The House passed this resolution condemning media outlets that print classified information about programs and techniques used by the government to track terrorist activity. Delahunt – NO
Permanent Estate Tax Relief Act: This House bill would permanently exempt estates worth less than $5 million per spouse from estate taxes.  Delahunt – NO

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act:  The House passed this bill approving $94.5 billion in emergency spending for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and for hurricane relief. Delahunt - NO

Declaring That The United States Will Prevail in The Global War on Terror:  The House approved this non-binding resolution declaring support for U.S. efforts in the war on terror and rejecting a timetable for withdrawing troops from Iraq. Delahunt - NO

Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act: The House gave final approval to this bill that will raise the fines that can be levied against broadcasters who violate decency rules. Delahunt - NO

Communications, Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006: This House bill would allow telephone companies to offer video services. Delahunt NO

American-Made Energy and Good Jobs Act:  This House bill would open a strip of coastal land in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. Delahunt - NO

  Making the PATRIOT Act Permanent. To extend and modify authorities needed to combat terrorism. Delahunt -NO

Community Protection Act of 2006 : To restore the Secretary of Homeland Security’s authority to detain dangerous aliens, to ensure the removal of deportable criminal aliens, and combat alien gang crime. Delahunt – NO

Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 3893) To Expedite the Construction of New Refining Capacity in the United States, to Provide Reliable and Affordable Energy for the American People, and for Other Purposes. Delahunt - Not Voting

Hurricane Katrina Emergency Relief  Flexibility Act:  Delahunt – Not Voting

 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations  Fy 2006: Delahunt – Not Voting

To Amend Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 to Provide Rural Housing Assistance to Families Affected by Hurricane Katrina:  Delahunt – Not Voting

 One last item that could and should be debated, the moving of the F15s to Westfield and the loss of 500 plus jobs to the district.