While it might be a winter wonderland back home, the wintery weather here in Richmond wasn't enough to stop us from doing the people's business this week. Between committee meetings, presentation of bills to committees, longer floor sessions, and the number of groups that are visiting us, the days seem to be flying by very quickly now that we have gotten into the thick of the 2011 General Assembly session.

In this week's Peace Progress, I would like to highlight the House's passage of the Repeal Amendment, the progress of my legislation, and some of the visitors who stopped by the General Assembly Building this week.

Spotlight on: The Repeal Amendment passes the House of Delegates

On Tuesday, the House of Delegates took a major step in our efforts to re-balance the role of the federal government when we passed the Repeal Amendment, HJ 542. The Repeal Amendment, co-patroned by a total of 51 delegates including myself, is legislation that enables two-thirds of the States to convene an amendment convention pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution.  The convention would then consider a constitutional amendment allowing the repeal of any federal law or regulation by a vote of two-thirds of the state legislatures acting in unison.

Simply put, the Repeal Amendment would give states the ability to overturn highly unpopular laws like Obamacare; however, as the Repeal Amendment would require two-thirds of all states to call for a convention and ratify proposed amendments, only particularly unpalatable laws and regulations would likely be acted upon.

 I, for one, co-patroned this important legislation because of my concern that the federal government has grown so large that it can no longer govern in an efficient and responsive fashion.  Giving states a limited check on federal power will reign in the scope of the federal government, increase efficiency, and encourage an atmosphere in Washington more closely aligned with the intent of our founding fathers.

The House of Delegates passed the Repeal Amendment on a 59 to 34 vote, and now this legislation will go before the State Senate. Currently, a Senate version of the Repeal Amendment has been stalled in the Privileges and Elections Committee. I hope that our colleagues in the Senate will see the wisdom in passing this bill and give it the serious consideration it deserves.

My Legislation

As a native of Hanover County which has rich history, I am pleased to contribute to the preservation and celebration of Virginia's historic sites and venues.  Historic tourism contributes to joint marketing and economic development efforts of our Commonwealth.  We have a rich heritage and we need to collaborate and find creative opportunities for promoting these valuable resources.  Passed this week by a vote of 97-0, House Bill 1602 is a measure to create The Virginia War of 1812 Heritage Trail as a part of the national bicentennial of the War of 1812, "the Second War of Independence," to educate citizens concerning the significance of the war, Virginia's role in its successful outcome, the contributions of valiant Virginia historical and political leaders, and to commemorate the birth of "The "Star-Spangled Banner."  

The trail encompasses existing and new War of 1812-related historic markers, battles and water routes, contributions of African Americans, the role of Native Americans, cemeteries in which Virginia veterans of the war are interred, Tangier Island, the Sack of Hampton, the capture of Alexandria, the Virginia Militia, the hiding of the Declaration of Independence, and other sites and events related to the War of 1812 throughout the State.  

I serve as the Vice Chair of the Virginia Commission on the Bicentennial of the War of 1812.  This bill is a recommendation of that Commission, which is planning commemorative events, promoting historical literacy & understanding of the War of 1812, and supporting organizations state wide as we plan for the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Visitors

This week we were visited by Veterans and members of the Military Officers Association of America.  We also had Hokie day, Credit Union day, Farm Bureau day, Electric Cooperative day and White Coat day this week.  We were delighted to see many faces from the District such as Maxie Rozell, Linda Gray, and William Frazier with the Rappahannock Electric Cooperative.  We also were visited by Harry Whitt, the King William County Treasurer and Scott Miller, the Hanover County Treasurer, Laura Ecimovic, the New Kent County Commissioner of the Revenue.  Even though, I hope we don't need their services anytime soon, we were visited by members of the VA Funeral Directors Association, specifically Micheal Williams of Bliley's.  As always, we look forward to seeing our Farm Bureau folks, Sue and Park Dodd, Becky and Linwood Broaddus of Caroline, Gatewood Stoneman of Henrico, and Anne Heidig, of Spotsylvania.  We enjoyed seeing Marian Shackford of Quinton, Kerri Ross, of Providence Forge, John Ayers of Ashland, Chris Cummins of Mechanicsville, and Clay Roberts of Mechanicsville who visited as an alum of Virginia Tech. 

Contact Me

As always, my staff and I are here in Richmond to serve you. We want to hear what you think about the legislation pending before the House, or if there's anything we can do to help you in dealing with a state government agency. My office can be reached at (804) 698-1097 or via the Internet at Delcpeace@house.virginia.gov  If you are planning to visit Richmond during Session, I encourage you to visit me in Room 527.

Thank you again for allowing me to serve as your Delegate.

Va. House of Delegates Passes Repeal Amendment 59-34 to put Needed Check & Balance on Federal Government 

By a vote of 59 to 34, the Virginia House of Delegates today voted to pass and send to the Senate of Virginia House Joint Resolution 542, commonly known as the "Repeal Amendment." This vote is one of the earliest victories for the Repeal Amendment, a nation-wide effort championed in the Commonwealth by Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) and Delegate James M. LeMunyon (R-Fairfax). Speaker Howell was the first state lawmaker in the country to offer his support for this legislative initiative calling for a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Repeal Amendment is gaining additional attention and support not just in Virginia but in many other state legislatures.

HJ 542, patroned by Delegate James LeMunyon, and co-patroned by a total of 51 delegates, is legislation requesting the U.S. Congress to call an amendment convention pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution for the purpose of proposing a constitutional amendment that permits the repeal of any federal law or regulation by vote of two-thirds of the state legislatures acting in unison.

"Checks and balances are at the heart of the U.S. Constitution and The Repeal Amendment is a timely and thoughtful check on the threat to American liberties posed by our presently out-of-control federal Congress and federal government," said Speaker Howell.

"Like many, I believe the Repeal Amendment will help restore the proper balance of power between the states and the federal government as contemplated by our founding fathers," Howell continued. "With no constitutional requirement for a balanced federal budget, overwhelming levels of national debt, unbridled federal mandates and unconscionable deficit spending by Washington that has mortgaged the futures of current and unborn generations, it is the duty of leaders and concerned citizens to use every tool available to help restore the health and integrity of our republic."

Speaker Howell concluded, "Getting two thirds of state legislatures to agree on repealing a federal law or regulation will not be easy or commonplace. It will happen only if the law or rule is highly unpopular. But, perhaps its most important effect would be deterring further expansion of federal power at the expense of the sovereign people and state governments. That would be a positive step forward."

The text of HJR 542 follows. For more information about The Repeal Amendment, please visit the Speaker's website www.williamjhowell.org or go to www.repealamendment.org

My office takes the responsibility of serving seriously.  My staff is available during the week to assist you with your concerns; I am also readily available.  I encourage you to contact us.  Please continue to contact me whenever you have concerns or issues of importance to our community and the Commonwealth. 

I may be reached at:

Capitol Office:
PO Box 406
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: 804-698-1097

Fax: 804-698-6797

E-mail: delcpeace@house.virginia.gov

 
District Office:

7494 Lee Davis Rd, Suite 16F
PO Box 819
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Phone: 804-730-3737
Fax: 804-730-5049
E-mail: delcpeace@house.virginia.gov