The U.S. House of Representatives has rescheduled its vote on HR 515, International Megan’s Law, for Monday, February 1. As originally scheduled, the vote will be under a “suspension of the rules” and therefore debate will be limited to no more than 40 minutes and require a 2/3 vote of those present regardless of how many members are in attendance.
“There is still time to send E-mails this weekend and to make phone calls on Monday,” stated CA RSOL president Janice Bellucci. “The vote on this and seven other bills is not scheduled to begin until 6:30 p.m. (Eastern).”
A list of all bills to be considered under “suspension of the rules” follows below. According to Congressional rules, this type of consideration is limited to bills that are noncontroversial.
“Under a ‘suspension of the rules’, a small number of Congressional members can pass a bill by voice vote and there is no record of who has voted in support of that bill,” stated Bellucci. “Use of this method for HR 515 is a cowardly act.”
Please call the offices of House Speaker Paul Ryan at (202) 225-0600 and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy at (202) 225-4000 to let them know that HR 515 is controversial because it would require, for the first time in the nation’s history, “unique identifiers” to be added to the passports of American citizens.
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114hr515eas/pdf/BILLS-114hr515eas.pdf Bill Senate Amendments Dec 17
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http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398682 (Rep. Chris Smith)
http://www.majorityleader.gov/2016/02/01/house-passes-megans-law-to-keep-our-children-safe/ (Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy
http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-house-approves-international-megans-law Rep. Cramer, ND
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/bill-make-harder-sex-offenders-travel-abroad-36649663
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/02/house_passes_rep_smiths_international_megans_law.html
I sent 436 Tweets out Thursday and Friday to members of Congress, media outlets, think tanks and various advocacy groups condemning HR 515. The text of the tweets was as follows: “HR515 Int’l Megan’s Law final vote Suspended Rules Tues in House. Vote NO! #NoEmpiricalEvidence” or variations on that theme.
Paul Rigney urgently requests that everyone please help with the following:
1. Everyone, call and have others call The Speakers office THIS Monday morning. 202-225-600, 202-225-3031.
David: We need to tell them that they must not vote on H.R. 515 under RULES OF SUSPENSION because the bill received an amendment from the Senate that is SUBSTANTIVE and HISTORIC. (U.S. passports have never been branded with criminal convictions of citizens before)
I would like to see 500 phone calls. Please put this up on Affiliates websites. Lets leave hundreds of messages on 202-225-0600 for them to sort through Monday morning
(202) 225-0600
(202) 225-0600
(202) 225-0600
(202) 225-0600
(202) 225-0600
(202) 225-0600
(202) 225-0600
2. Spread Josh Graven’s petition that should go directly to their representative.
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/hr-515-international-megans-law?source=direct_link&referrer=josh-gravens
3.. Send people to https://www.change.org/p/u-s-house-of-representatives-vote-against-hr-515
4. For those with Twitter accounts, tweet this , “Are you familiar with International Megan’s #Law, or IML? http://ow.ly/WITZv” sends to David Post’s article. Also, please TWEET the following image and message which can be found here (simply right-click and save the image to your hard drive and then insert it, along with the text message, into new Tweets): https://twitter.com/IndividLiberty/status/691870334220423168
Also, you could help further by re-tweeting Tweets already sent to House members which have been sent from that Twitter account.
5. Continue to call and email congressional members.
6. Contact media outlets with the attached Banner
Paul Rigney
Registrant Travel Action Group, Inc
rigneyp@registranttag.org
Thank you, I did this.
This is the response I got from my Congress woman:
Thank you for contacting my office regarding your thoughts on H.R. 515, the International Megan’s Law to Prevent Child Exploitation and Other Sexual Crimes through Advanced Notification of Traveling Sex Offenders. Hearing from my constituents is important to me and I appreciate the time you took to share your views.
Introduced by Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), H.R. 515 seeks to combat the exploitation of children from convicted sexual predators by formally recognizing the Department of Homeland Security program “Operation Angel Watch.” This legislation would build upon the program’s existing framework to allow international law enforcement agencies to be notified when a convicted pedophile seeks to travel to another country. The bill also encourages the President to assist other countries in developing their own sex offender registry systems, similar to those developed in the United States. H.R. 515 will help law enforcement have the tools necessary to reduce the 1.8 million victims every year of child sexual exploitation.
It should be noted that this bill was passed in the House by voice vote on January 26, 2015 with my support. H.R 515 was subsequently amended by the Senate, which was unanimously passed the legislation on December 17, 2015. The amended version of H.R. 515 has been sent back to the House, where it is awaiting floor consideration. While we disagree on this specific issue, please know that I value your opinion and appreciate hearing your thoughts on important subjects like this bill.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate having the opportunity to represent you in the U.S. House of Representatives. Please feel free to visit my website (www.walters.house.gov) to sign up for my newsletter or contact me with any other concerns you may have.
I wished she would not hold back the truth, which in my book is exactly like lying. This law will affect every SO, not just child predators, and she is not addressing that at all. Also, the part about assisting other countries in creating a registry like we have in the US. Lady, other countries don’t criminalize a lot of the offenses that are considered crimes here. She is so out of line. I am contemplating on responding to her e-mail. This law will not help victims of child exploitation at all and the public needs to know that most sex offenses are not even child related.
Someone has to be able to reach celebrity Mike Tyson about this ? One tweet from him to the White House and / or Speaker and I don’t think this will pass. I reccomend everyone with Twitter start tweeting him for support.
I hope everyone on this site makes as many calls as humanly possible in the next 36 hours. Please believe everyone can make a difference.
The statement: “H.R. 515 seeks to combat the exploitation of children from convicted sexual predators by formally recognizing the Department of Homeland Security program “Operation Angel Watch.” makes me sick to my stomach.
The response shows yet again how little these lawmakers are aware about the implications of this Bill.
It bears repeating: NOT ALL SEX OFFENDERS ARE SEXUAL PREDATORS WHO SEEK TO EXPLOIT CHILDREN. MOST ARE NOT.
If you don’t want to respond back to this Congresswoman, then please allow me. email please?
The sponsor of the bill is a long-term republican who is up for election this year. He has a long record of trying to reverse Roe V. Wade, etc. This is about politics for him. It’s always about politics. Show me a single representative at the national level who is willing to risk his or her “job” on doing the right thing…..I’ll be impressed if you find one. I don’t think there are any positive answers at the legislative level. It has to come from the courts on a Constitutional basis.
I wrote to Rep. Christopher Smith, the author of HR 515, regarding his bill. The answer I received from him is below:
“I am presently in receipt of your letter. It was good to hear from you, although I very much regret the circumstances which prompted your writing.
As much as I would like to help you, there is a long-standing tradition in the House of Representatives that Members of Congress be afforded the opportunity to serve their own constituents, and since your practice is in the …… Congressional District, represented by ……, I have taken the liberty of forwarding your letter to him and have assured him of my willingness to assist him in any way he should deem necessary. You should be hearing from him soon.”
The fact is, however, that I have not heard from that member of Congress who represents the district where the ACLU is located, not where I live or work. I met in the office of that Congressman last week and although I was listened to politely, I doubt that he will oppose the bill.
As this “Formality” seems to be heading in a disastrous direction, I’m wondering if there is a lobbyist that is pulling the strings of this puppet. Or is this just another re-election stunt being performed for his continued political career?
This person is seeking to encumber his fellow citizens and take away the right to travel with family and friends.
The American Dream, ???
The irony here is that his actions effect citizens not in his “district” so doesn’t it stand to reason that we are, in fact, his constituents?
I think it would Be very very helpful
For the moderator to announce how much money is raised per month and how much is needed monthly to get a full time lobbyist in DC and in CA and eventually in every state. Everyone needs to donate. If you can take the time to come online , you can afford to give $1 a month. Those of us able to give more should. If anyone thinks Janice and company can fight this on pennies and hope- you are sadly wrong. Every time you see a few extra dollars in your account , give it here. It could be life changing !
I mentioned before- my industry has unified and hired a full time lobby firm in DC and I will tell you it makes all the difference. Only uniformity , the funds and an attorney of Janice and Chase caliber can stop these laws. We can’t complain anymore , we must take action. Donate now ! Make your phone calls to the Speaker of the House tomorrow morning.
I too received a reply back from my Congressman in regards to the letter I wrote voicing my concerns over HR 515. His reply was similar to most of yours. I opted to respond back to him stating the facts and how HR 515 needs not to be passed in haste. Figured it was worth a try anyway.
The objective is not met when you put people in corners where there is no place to live or work so by shear frustration they commit crimes of robbery, etc. to be able to live. There needs to be stages according to the level of abuse or crime. Some of the offenders are not guilty. Some have made tragic mistakes due to age, alcohol, drugs etc. There needs to be levels according to the offense and low level offenses need to be expunged after a determined amount of time with no repeat offenses. It is inhumane to lump everyone together and treat them like lepers for the rest of their lives. They are also someone’s children, fathers, or husbands. What about the hurt caused to them for the rest of their lives especially when it was not a serious offense.
someone who cares’ Congresswoman wrote him “The bill also encourages the President to assist other countries in developing their own sex offender registry systems…”
In Russia, I think they consider displaying the existence of adult homosexuality around children something like indecent exposure around a child. Chris Smith and his supporters are encouraging persecution of gays worldwide by wanting to create and fund, with US taxpayer dollars, other countries registries that would likely register a class that is protected in the US. Last Year, it was mentioned in the news that an independent Ukraine would supposedly register Jews. If IML passes and is implemented, it would promote the implementation of registries in general that would support Ukraine to put Jews on a registry, since they already supposedly want to do that.
Good one,many of the politicians that are “moralistic” all ways have skeletons in the closet.
I called and emailed my local congressman (Rohabracher) but I have yet to hear a response.
Burning up my Skype, getting a lot of flack though. I’ll keep calling.
Please use the second number for Paul Ryan: 202-225-3031
His first number’s answering machine is full.
Also, does anyone know if the ACLU or others have lined up legal challenges to this the minute it passes?
I left another message for my Congresswoman this morning, and called Speaker Ryan’s office. I told him that I liked his introductory message that said he wanted to make Congress work for the people, and I hope he meant all the people. I have re-emailed my Congresswoman over the weekend, but never have received a reply to my fist email which was over 10 days ago. And the message I left for her aide that covers the issue to call me, was never returned.
Is it possible to turn in our citizenship when we turn in our passport for “branding”? This is not the America I thought it was.
I called and spoke to someone in McCarthy’s Office: (202) 225-4000
The gentleman I spoke with was very nice, and agreed with the point that this HR515 Bill is too broad. He also said that he’s received 5 calls so far today, from various people including lawyers.
I explained my talking points especially regarding the fact that this Bill is broad and treats all Sex Offender’s the same, whether they had a Misdemeanor or Serious Felony.
Also how this would affect me personally because I’ve already established a life overseas, but yet need to return to the US for medical reasons.
I’m not sure how it’s going to go down tonight, but I’m thinking to leave and not come back.
If this bill is passed in its current form, can the President amend it? Or does he have to either sign it or veto it?
URGENT. For those family members who have been harmed by angel watch, please call this reporter, Beth
617-716-9486
beth@themarshallproject.org
Some Rays of Hope…I have spoken to the Office of my Congressional Representative in Washington, DC…the staff person well understood my opposition to HR 515, International Megan’s Law, and promised to get a written message to my Representative voicing my strong opposition to HR 515…it was even indicated to me that there have been a number of calls to this Office opposing the Suspension of House Rules for this vote as well as urging a No vote. I joined in this course.
I also contacted Mr. McCarthy’s Office, Majority Whip of the House, and again my opposition was warmly greeted and understood.
I won’t say who or which office, but one of the several people I spoke to said to me, “This is only my personal opinion and I have no idea how My congress person will vote, but the only two countries that have put identifying markers on Passports are the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany.”
I immediately agreed….lol
I have not gotten through to Paul Ryan’s Office yet, but I am working on it.
(it is understood that these individuals possibly were just stroking me…but I think not; they listened, the responded as though they genuinely understood the overwhelming possible negative implications of passage of HR 515)
I still think we lose and lose big, especially on a Suspension of Rules vote….
But if I have been moved to at least a mild activism…I hope this post moves other people also…Call your Congressional Representative…Call Representative McCarthy’s Office (202) 225-4000) and Paul Ryan at 202-225-3031. (I just reached the Speaker’s Office and was able only to leave a voice mail, though I will follow up with email now also, noting his interest and passion for reforming the Criminal Justice System. With each of these people you have to play to their interests a little also to get their attention).
I know there have been some negative reports of people calling their Congressional Representatives…but I was received warmly…and you can be also.
Remember, there are 850,000 of us…not all, but many of us need to just do it! Make the calls, be polite….the truth is that we are simply in the right on this issue…so be brave, pick up you phone…
Thanks…to everyone.
Best Wishes, James
I just got off the phone with Christian from the office of Kevin McCarthy at (202) 225-4000 and went into details of opposition. I told him this was terrifying to our nation and posed the question what is next? I explained the broad stroke of this and the fact that we live in a country bound to FREEDOM and this was far to like a Communist or Socialized thought not Democracy. This scarlet letter needs to end here. He told me people make mistakes and that this should not limit their lives because they made a bad judgement call in their life. Christian listened and interjected with positive feedback and agreed that he opposes and does not know Kevin McCarthy position but will certainly explain his and my position.
I want to Personally thank everyone especially Janice Bellucci for standing up for FREEDOM and Equal Rights for all citizens.
United we Stand!
I called and spoke with a staff at Mr. McCarthy’s office. He was curious as to why on Earth I would oppose H.R. 515, until I explained some of the more chilling features of it. His response was that he was not aware of those issues, and appreciated the input. He asked where I was calling from (California) and said they were logging where the calls were coming from. I also spoke with a staffer at Mr. Sherman’s office, who likewise was curious as to why I was in opposition, and if I wished to add any info for the Representative to consider. I did try to reach Mr. Ryan, but apparently we’ve filled up TWO voicemail boxes.
Hope, faith and blessings to us all.
I am currently listening to Chris Smith (I use his name in this form to show as little respect as possible) speak about the bill. He states that it will no longer require the passport identifier once you are off the public registry however the text of the bill says otherwise. I wonder if his words can be forced in a worst case scenario.