News

Washington, D.C. - The House Judiciary Committee today approved the Secure Visas Act (H.R. 1741), a bill to help prevent terrorists from obtaining U.S. visas and to allow U.S. officials to expedite the removal of terrorists who are in the United States on a visa.  The bill was reported favorably to the House floor by a vote of 17-11.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas), the bill’s sponsor, today praised the Committee vote.

Chairman Smith:  The foresight of the Founders in creating an intellectual property system in the Constitution demonstrates their understanding of how patent rights benefit the American people. Technological innovation from our intellectual property is linked to three-quarters of America’s economic growth, and American IP industries account for over one-half of all U.S. exports.

These industries also provide millions of Americans with well paying jobs. Our patent laws, which provide a time-limited monopoly to inventors in exchange for their creative talent, help create this prosperity.

Washington, D.C. - The House Judiciary and Appropriations Committees have reached an agreement to end fee diversion and preserve oversight of the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). The compromise creates a fund for fees collected by the PTO and reserves the money for the PTO.

House Speaker John Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers, and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith applauded the agreement and urged passage of patent reform legislation.

Washington, D.C. - The Committee on Rules has favorably reported a rule to allow a floor vote on the Smith Manager’s amendment to H.R. 1249, the America Invents Act.  The bill is expected to be considered by the full House tomorrow. 

Washington, D.C. - The Administration today announced their decision to extend the temporary deployment of National Guard troops along the Southwest border through September 30, 2011.  Since their deployment, the National Guardsmen have provided support to law enforcement actions intended to reduce drug smuggling and illegal immigration.  Following the announcement, Chairman Smith praised the Administration’s decision.

Washington, D.C. - The House Judiciary Committee today approved a balanced budget amendment (H.J. Res. 1) to the Constitution to restore fiscal responsibility and accountability to federal government spending. The proposal for a balanced budget amendment passed the Committee by a vote of 20-12.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) delivered the following statement during the Committee debate.

Washington, DC - House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today introduced the Legal Workforce Act (H.R. 2164), a bill that could open up millions of jobs for unemployed Americans and legal immigrants.  The legislation improves the E-Verify system and makes it mandatory for all U.S. employers. 

Chairman Smith:  “With unemployment at 9%, jobs are scarce.  Despite record unemployment, seven million people work in the U.S. illegally.  These jobs should go to legal workers. 

Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today sent a letterto Members of the House of Representatives expressing support for the America Invents Act (H.R. 1249) saying, “this legislation is crucial for American economic growth, jobs and the future of U.S. competitiveness.” 

The Chamber praised the decision to shift the U.S. to a first-inventor-to-file system calling the provision both “constitutional and wise.” The Chamber also expressed support for the bill’s “important legal reforms that would help reduce unnecessary litigation against American businesses and owners.”