Elijah Cummings
202-225-4741
2235 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-2007
410-669-8400
2901 Druid Park Drive
Suite 203
Balitimore, MD 21215
2235 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-2007
410-669-8400
2901 Druid Park Drive
Suite 203
Balitimore, MD 21215
Biography
CUMMINGS, Elijah Eugene, a Representative from Maryland; born in Baltimore, Md., January 18, 1951; graduated from Baltimore City College High School, Baltimore, Md., 1969; B.S., Howard University, Washington, D.C., 1973; J.D., University of Maryland School of Law, Baltimore, Md., 1976; lawyer, private practice; chief judge, Maryland Moot Court Board; member of the Maryland state house of delegates, 1983-1996, serving as speaker pro tempore, 1995-1996; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Fourth Congress by special election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of United States Representative Kweisi Mfume, reelected to the five succeeding Congresses (April 16, 1996-present).
Committees
- Member, House Committee on Armed Services
- Member, Subcommittee on Readiness
- Member, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
- Member, Subcommittee on Domestic Policy
- Member, Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia
- Member, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
- Chairman, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
- Member, Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
- Member, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials
- Member, Joint Economic Committee
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for MD-7.
SEA and eighteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates seven questions on science and technology policy. See what Elijah Cummings has said:
Innovation
Science and technology have been responsible for half of the growth of the American economy since World War II. But several recent reports question America’s continued leadership in these vital areas. What policies would you support to ensure that America remains the world leader in innovation?
After World War II, there was substantial investment in technology and science-related education, which encouraged innovation on all fronts that spurred the growth of our economy. This led to the technology boom of the 1990s and an unprecedented budget surplus. However, since 2000, less attention has been given to fiscal responsibility and domestic priorities and this has caused some to question America’s leadership in science and technology. A 2005 report from the National Academies’ titled, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm,” includes very troubling information. For example:
68 percent of 8th graders across the United States received math instruction from a teacher with no degree or certification in math;
93 percent of children in grades 5 through 9 received physical science instruction from a teacher with no degree or certification in the field; and
Most disturbing is the fact that less than one-third of 4th and 8th grade students are proficient in math.
To put it simply, if we do not improve the competitiveness of our educational system, it will be more difficult for the U.S. to compete in the global marketplace.
That is why I am pleased that the 110th Congress is committed to educating our students, training teachers, and investing in research that secures the U.S.’s ability to compete in the world. In August 2007, President Bush signed H.R. 2272 (Public Law 110-69), the America COMPETES Act. I strongly supported the passage of this legislation that authorizes $33.6 billion over fiscal years 2008-2010 for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs across the United States.
In addition to funding government research programs, it is equally important to support small businesses. I supported the passage of H.R. 5819, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes these programs through 2010 to improve the competitiveness of small businesses in the fields of technology training and technology information exchange.
68 percent of 8th graders across the United States received math instruction from a teacher with no degree or certification in math;
93 percent of children in grades 5 through 9 received physical science instruction from a teacher with no degree or certification in the field; and
Most disturbing is the fact that less than one-third of 4th and 8th grade students are proficient in math.
To put it simply, if we do not improve the competitiveness of our educational system, it will be more difficult for the U.S. to compete in the global marketplace.
That is why I am pleased that the 110th Congress is committed to educating our students, training teachers, and investing in research that secures the U.S.’s ability to compete in the world. In August 2007, President Bush signed H.R. 2272 (Public Law 110-69), the America COMPETES Act. I strongly supported the passage of this legislation that authorizes $33.6 billion over fiscal years 2008-2010 for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs across the United States.
In addition to funding government research programs, it is equally important to support small businesses. I supported the passage of H.R. 5819, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes these programs through 2010 to improve the competitiveness of small businesses in the fields of technology training and technology information exchange.
Climate Change
The Earth’s climate is changing and there is concern about the potentially adverse effects of these changes on life on the planet. What is your position on the following measures that have been proposed to address global climate change—a cap-and-trade system, a carbon tax, increased fuel-economy standards, and research? Are there other policies you would support?
I am a strong proponent of the quote: “We did not inherit the environment from our ancestors. We are borrowing it from our children.” It is the duty of Congress to ensure that future generations inherit a clean environment. It is also our duty to provide strong leadership to reduce the emissions that are responsible for global warming.
This is why as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I joined Chairman Oberstar in introducing H.R. 802, the Maritime Pollution Prevention Act of 2008 (MARPOL), which offers the first opportunity to limit emissions from ships—the last major non-regulated source of ozone-depleting emissions in the U.S. This legislation has passed both Chambers and has been sent to the President to sign into law.
H.R. 802 would align U.S. laws with an international treaty that imposes the first limits on the sulfur content of the fuel used by ships, limits the emission of nitrogen oxide by ships’ engines and prohibits the intentional release of ozone-depleting substances.
Instituting these changes takes an overdue and critical step forward in protecting the Earth for our children, and it ensures that our nation is a partner in the international effort to achieve reductions in pollution from vessels at sea.
An additional way to monitor emissions is to increase the fuel economy standards for cars and trucks. This is why I cosponsored and supported H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act (Public Law 110-140) that increased the fuel economy standard for new cars and trucks to 35 miles per gallon in 2020.
This groundbreaking and historic legislation will be a tremendous benefit to American families—saving them approximately $700-$1000 per year at the pump. H.R. 6 will also reduce oil consumption by 1.1 million barrels per day in 2020 and reduce greenhouse gases equal to taking 28 million of today's average cars and trucks off the road.
This is why as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I joined Chairman Oberstar in introducing H.R. 802, the Maritime Pollution Prevention Act of 2008 (MARPOL), which offers the first opportunity to limit emissions from ships—the last major non-regulated source of ozone-depleting emissions in the U.S. This legislation has passed both Chambers and has been sent to the President to sign into law.
H.R. 802 would align U.S. laws with an international treaty that imposes the first limits on the sulfur content of the fuel used by ships, limits the emission of nitrogen oxide by ships’ engines and prohibits the intentional release of ozone-depleting substances.
Instituting these changes takes an overdue and critical step forward in protecting the Earth for our children, and it ensures that our nation is a partner in the international effort to achieve reductions in pollution from vessels at sea.
An additional way to monitor emissions is to increase the fuel economy standards for cars and trucks. This is why I cosponsored and supported H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act (Public Law 110-140) that increased the fuel economy standard for new cars and trucks to 35 miles per gallon in 2020.
This groundbreaking and historic legislation will be a tremendous benefit to American families—saving them approximately $700-$1000 per year at the pump. H.R. 6 will also reduce oil consumption by 1.1 million barrels per day in 2020 and reduce greenhouse gases equal to taking 28 million of today's average cars and trucks off the road.
Energy
Many scientists and policymakers say energy security and sustainability are major problems facing the United States this century. What policies would you support to meet the demand for energy while ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable future?
The 110th Congress has moved pivotal legislation to meet the demand for energy in an environmentally and economically feasible manner. Specifically, with the average price of gas reaching $4.09 per gallon, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to encourage the use of public transportation and establish oversight procedures to review excessive oil speculation.
In June, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Saving Energy through Public Transportation Act, H.R. 6052, which would provide an additional $1.7 billion in federal funding for public transportation in fiscal years 2008 and 2009. This funding could be used to reduce fares and expand investments in public transit to ensure that systems can serve a growing ridership.
Further, to ensure that consumers in the U.S. are not victims of fraud, the House has passed two vital pieces of legislation: (1) H.R. 6377, the Energy Markets Emergency Act, which directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to examine excessive oil speculation and use their emergency powers to take corrective action, and (2) H.R. 6074, the Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act of 2008 which gives U.S. authorities the ability to prosecute anticompetitive conduct committed by international cartels like OPEC that restricts supply and drives up prices.
In addition to these measures, I strongly support initiatives to invest $150 billion over the next 10 years in alternative sources of energy, like solar and wind. I also believe that we should do more to encourage consumers to purchase fuel efficient vehicles. This can be done by increasing the tax credit for the purchase of energy efficient and hybrid vehicles (current maximum $3,150) and reviewing the policy that currently phases out the credit when 60,000 of a manufacturer’s qualifying passenger automobiles and light trucks have been sold.
In June, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Saving Energy through Public Transportation Act, H.R. 6052, which would provide an additional $1.7 billion in federal funding for public transportation in fiscal years 2008 and 2009. This funding could be used to reduce fares and expand investments in public transit to ensure that systems can serve a growing ridership.
Further, to ensure that consumers in the U.S. are not victims of fraud, the House has passed two vital pieces of legislation: (1) H.R. 6377, the Energy Markets Emergency Act, which directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to examine excessive oil speculation and use their emergency powers to take corrective action, and (2) H.R. 6074, the Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act of 2008 which gives U.S. authorities the ability to prosecute anticompetitive conduct committed by international cartels like OPEC that restricts supply and drives up prices.
In addition to these measures, I strongly support initiatives to invest $150 billion over the next 10 years in alternative sources of energy, like solar and wind. I also believe that we should do more to encourage consumers to purchase fuel efficient vehicles. This can be done by increasing the tax credit for the purchase of energy efficient and hybrid vehicles (current maximum $3,150) and reviewing the policy that currently phases out the credit when 60,000 of a manufacturer’s qualifying passenger automobiles and light trucks have been sold.
Education
A comparison of 15-year-olds in 30 wealthy nations found that average science scores among U.S. students ranked 17th, while average U.S. math scores ranked 24th. What role do you think the federal government should play in preparing K-12 students for the science and technology driven 21st Century?
A child’s education sets the stage for the life he or she will lead, so we must guarantee that every child has access to a high-quality education. We must also fund our public education programs to provide a strong workforce of teachers adept in the subjects they are teaching.
For this reason, I supported the 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds, Science and Math Scholarship Act, H.R. 362, to add thousands of highly qualified math and science teachers to our schools. This legislation was incorporated into H.R. 2722, the America COMPETES Act, which the President signed on August 9, 2007 (Public Law 110-69).
Additionally, we must ensure that a college education is available and affordable, and there are jobs available to students upon graduation. This is why I supported the passage of H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act and H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act.
The College Cost Reduction and Access Act increases the maximum Pell Grant by $1,090 -- to $5,400 -- by 2012, cuts interest rates in half on need-based college loans, and establishes a loan repayment program for those who enter public service careers. President Bush signed the bill on September 27, 2007 (Public Law 110-84).
The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act extends and expands tax incentives for renewable energy and creates hundreds of thousands of green jobs. H.R. 6049 passed the U.S. House of Representatives in May and is now being considered by the Senate.
For this reason, I supported the 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds, Science and Math Scholarship Act, H.R. 362, to add thousands of highly qualified math and science teachers to our schools. This legislation was incorporated into H.R. 2722, the America COMPETES Act, which the President signed on August 9, 2007 (Public Law 110-69).
Additionally, we must ensure that a college education is available and affordable, and there are jobs available to students upon graduation. This is why I supported the passage of H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act and H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act.
The College Cost Reduction and Access Act increases the maximum Pell Grant by $1,090 -- to $5,400 -- by 2012, cuts interest rates in half on need-based college loans, and establishes a loan repayment program for those who enter public service careers. President Bush signed the bill on September 27, 2007 (Public Law 110-84).
The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act extends and expands tax incentives for renewable energy and creates hundreds of thousands of green jobs. H.R. 6049 passed the U.S. House of Representatives in May and is now being considered by the Senate.
Water
Thirty-nine states expect some level of water shortage over the next decade, and scientific studies suggest that a majority of our water resources are at risk. What policies would you support to meet demand for water resources?
The supply and integrity of our water resources is necessary to provide healthy, high-quality lives. Therefore, it is critical that each person in the United States has access to useable and drinkable water.
This is why I proudly cosponsored and supported the House passage of H.R. 720, the Water Quality Financing Act of 2007 Act, which authorizes $14 billion over the next four years for the development and treatment of state water pollution control systems. This investment will help local communities have clean lakes, streams and safe drinking water.
I also believe that more should be done to encourage conservation, which is why I supported the House passage of H.R. 700, the Pilot Projects for Increasing Usable Water Supply. This legislation authorizes pilot projects to increase an area’s usable water supply—by encouraging innovation in water reclamation, reuse and conservation.
This is why I proudly cosponsored and supported the House passage of H.R. 720, the Water Quality Financing Act of 2007 Act, which authorizes $14 billion over the next four years for the development and treatment of state water pollution control systems. This investment will help local communities have clean lakes, streams and safe drinking water.
I also believe that more should be done to encourage conservation, which is why I supported the House passage of H.R. 700, the Pilot Projects for Increasing Usable Water Supply. This legislation authorizes pilot projects to increase an area’s usable water supply—by encouraging innovation in water reclamation, reuse and conservation.
Research
For many years, Congress has recognized the importance of science and engineering research to realizing our national goals. Given that the next Congress will likely face spending constraints, what priority would you give to investment in basic research in upcoming budgets?
Under Democratic leadership, the 110th Congress is committed to focusing on domestic priorities, such as investing in basic research, and we will continue to pursue these priorities in the 111th Congress.
This year, the House passed H.R. 6063, the NASA Authorization, which authorizes NASA for FY 2009 and makes key investments in innovation, including providing an 11 percent increase over the President’s request for scientific research (including climate change research) and a significant increase in aeronautics R&D, such as in the NextGen air traffic control management system, in order to ensure safer and more efficient air travel.
This year, the House passed H.R. 6063, the NASA Authorization, which authorizes NASA for FY 2009 and makes key investments in innovation, including providing an 11 percent increase over the President’s request for scientific research (including climate change research) and a significant increase in aeronautics R&D, such as in the NextGen air traffic control management system, in order to ensure safer and more efficient air travel.
Health
Americans are increasingly concerned with the cost, quality, and availability of health care. How do you see science, research, and technology contributing to improved health and quality of life?
Due to advances in medicine and technology, the quality of life has improved for all Americans. The average life expectancy has increased to 78 years old – from 61 years old in 1933. One of my top priorities is using science, research and technology to improve screening technologies to detect prostate cancer and to begin to identify and distinguish those cancers that are the most aggressive and need urgent treatment.
Although prostate cancer has a higher rate of occurrence than breast cancer, advanced diagnostic imaging technologies comparable to mammograms still remain unavailable for men. The Department of Health and Human Services has yet to invest substantial resources in research to advance diagnostic technologies. As a result, there are currently no reliable diagnostic tools for early detection.
In fact, the implications of our lack of commitment have been grave for prostate health and our country’s health care system. Almost 30,000 men die from prostate cancer each year, and more than 70,000 men — or about one in two — who are treated each year are failed by their treatment and experience a return of their prostate cancer.
The statistics are even more alarming among African-American men, for whom prostate cancer strikes at a younger age, creating a mortality rate among African-American men that is 2.5 times higher than the rate among whites.
As Members of Congress, we have a duty to act in the best interest of the American people. It is because of this duty that I felt compelled to introduce H.Res. 353, which recognizes the need to expand research and provide resources to develop innovative and advanced prostate-specific antigen testing and improved imaging technologies for early prostate cancer detection and treatment. Passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in June, this legislation is the first step in recognizing the critical need to address this disease.
I also introduced H.R. 3563, the Prostate Research, Imaging, and Men’s Education Act, or PRIME Act, which would provide funding over five years to expand research on prostate cancer, and provides the resources to develop innovative advanced imaging technologies for prostate cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
The bill also allocates $10 million a year for five years for a national campaign to increase awareness about the need for prostate cancer screening, and to support the development of better screening techniques. Finally, it will authorize $20 million a year for five years to improve blood tests for this disease.
An estimated 218,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. We owe it to them—and to all men, their sons and grandsons to do all we can to provide resources to fight this disease and save lives.
Although prostate cancer has a higher rate of occurrence than breast cancer, advanced diagnostic imaging technologies comparable to mammograms still remain unavailable for men. The Department of Health and Human Services has yet to invest substantial resources in research to advance diagnostic technologies. As a result, there are currently no reliable diagnostic tools for early detection.
In fact, the implications of our lack of commitment have been grave for prostate health and our country’s health care system. Almost 30,000 men die from prostate cancer each year, and more than 70,000 men — or about one in two — who are treated each year are failed by their treatment and experience a return of their prostate cancer.
The statistics are even more alarming among African-American men, for whom prostate cancer strikes at a younger age, creating a mortality rate among African-American men that is 2.5 times higher than the rate among whites.
As Members of Congress, we have a duty to act in the best interest of the American people. It is because of this duty that I felt compelled to introduce H.Res. 353, which recognizes the need to expand research and provide resources to develop innovative and advanced prostate-specific antigen testing and improved imaging technologies for early prostate cancer detection and treatment. Passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in June, this legislation is the first step in recognizing the critical need to address this disease.
I also introduced H.R. 3563, the Prostate Research, Imaging, and Men’s Education Act, or PRIME Act, which would provide funding over five years to expand research on prostate cancer, and provides the resources to develop innovative advanced imaging technologies for prostate cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
The bill also allocates $10 million a year for five years for a national campaign to increase awareness about the need for prostate cancer screening, and to support the development of better screening techniques. Finally, it will authorize $20 million a year for five years to improve blood tests for this disease.
An estimated 218,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. We owe it to them—and to all men, their sons and grandsons to do all we can to provide resources to fight this disease and save lives.
Login/Register to EditELIJAH CUMMINGS' RECORD ON SCIENCE
Education
- Educational Training
- With a vote of 416-0 the House of Representative approved the Green Energy Education Act of 2007 (H.R. 1716) in June of 2007. The bill will allow the Secretary of Energy to contribute research and development funds to the National Science Foundation for the purpose of supporting graduate education that is related to energy technology. It also authorizes the Secretary to provide funds for the improvement of undergraduate and graduate engineering and architecture curriculum on the design and construction of "high performance buildings." Representative Cummings voted for this bill. H.R. 1716 was ultimately integrated into the America COMPETES Act (H.R. 2272) which is now law, but was not fully funded in the budget.
- Educational Funding
- Representative Cummings voted for the 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act (H.R. 362). The legislation will require the National Science Foundation to increase its funding of the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program with the goal of increasing the number of math and science teachers by up to 10,000 per year. The Noyce program provides scholarships to math, science, technology, and engineering students who commit to becoming teachers upon graduation. The legislation passed with a vote of 389-22.
- Cummings introduced the Teacher Training Expansion Act of 2007 (HR.582). This bill gave the Secretary of Education to give preference to distribute grants under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to non profit groups and local educational agencies to train educators to meet the needs of children with disabilities.
- Teaching Evolution/Intelligent Design
- Nothing posted to date
Energy
- Fuel Economy Standards
- See discussion of CLEAN Energy Act under Renewable Energy section.
- Nuclear Power
- Nothing posted to date
- Renewable Energy
- In January of 2007, the House of Representatives passed the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 (H.R. 6). This legislation is intended to address a royalties oversight that occurred when the Department of the Interior issued leases for off-shore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from 1998 to 1999. The bill would also deny income tax deductions for oil and gas companies. Revenues generated from these provisions would be used for the development of alternative fuels and renewable energy sources. Opponents of the bill claimed that the legislation would raise costs for the domestic production of oil and could increase foreign oil imports. Representative Cummings voted for this legislation, which passed with a vote of 264-163.
During consideration of H.R. 6 in June of 2007, the Senate changed the focus of the legislation into developing a more comprehensive energy bill that focused on the development of renewable fuels, energy conservation, and increased Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. In the face of a veto threat from President Bush, the House passed the Senate version of H.R. 6 with amendments by a vote of 235-181 on December 6, 2007. Representative Cummings voted for this bill. The final Senate rendering of the bill, which passed with a vote of 86-8, still included language raising CAFE standards to 35 mpg by 2020. The final version of the bill passed in the House with a vote of 314-100 and was signed into law by President Bush on December 19, 2007. - In August 2007, Representative Cummings voted for the final passage of the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007 (H.R. 3221). The legislation would provide tax incentives to promote the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency, including guaranteeing up to $1 billion in loans for the development of biorefineries and biofuel production facilities. The measure also would repeal tax deductions to income attributed to the domestic production of oil and natural gas. It passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 241-172 and was sent to the Senate.
A controversial amendment to the bill was H. Amdt. 748 sponsored by Representative Udall. This amendment would require retail electric suppliers to provide 15% of their electricity through a renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS) by 2020. Representative Cummings voted for the amendment, which was adopted with a vote of 220 to 190.
- In January of 2007, the House of Representatives passed the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 (H.R. 6). This legislation is intended to address a royalties oversight that occurred when the Department of the Interior issued leases for off-shore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from 1998 to 1999. The bill would also deny income tax deductions for oil and gas companies. Revenues generated from these provisions would be used for the development of alternative fuels and renewable energy sources. Opponents of the bill claimed that the legislation would raise costs for the domestic production of oil and could increase foreign oil imports. Representative Cummings voted for this legislation, which passed with a vote of 264-163.
Environment
- Rep. Cummings voted for the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (S.2739). This bill established a 106,000 acre wildlife preservation in Washington. It also created the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area in Illinois, and the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area in New York.[1]
Climate Change
- Nothing posted to date
Health
- Healthcare
- In April of 2007, the House of Representatives passed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 (H.R. 493) with a vote of 420-3. Representative Cummings voted for this bill. If enacted, GINA will prevent health insurance companies from adjusting premiums on the basis of genetic information and forbid requiring individuals to undergo genetic tests. The bill will also prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of genetic information. This legislation was passed by the Senate in a vote of 95-0. The House passed the Senate amended version of the bill on May 1, 2008, by a vote of 415-1. Rep Ron Paul was the only representative to vote against the bill. President Bush signed GINA into law on May 21, 2008.
- On July 15, 2008, both Houses of Congress voted to override President Bush’s veto of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 6331), a bill to put off an almost 11% cut of payments to doctors who care for Medicare patients. The legislation offset putting off the payment cuts for doctors by reducing reimbursements to insurance companies that include Medicare patients in their managed-care programs.[2] The House voted 383 to 41 in favor of a veto override. Representative Cummings voted for this legislation.
- Cummings introduced Deamonte's Law (HR.2371). This bill amended the Public Health Service Act to improve pediatric dental services to medically underserved populations.
- Representative Cummings introduced the Deamonte Driver Dental Care Access Improvement Act of 2008 (HR.5549), which would expand the dental workforce and improve dental access, prevention, and data reporting.
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research
- In April of 2007, Congress passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (S. 5), which would have overturned President Bush's ban on the use of federal funding for research on embryonic stem cell lines created after August 9, 2001. Representative Cummings voted for the legislation. The bill passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 247-176 and the Senate with a vote of 63-34. President Bush vetoed both this legislation and an identical bill that was passed by Congress in 2006.
- Non-Embryonic Stem Cell Research
- In December 2005, Congress passed the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 (H.R. 2520), which President Bush signed on December 20, 2005. The law "creates a new Federal program to collect and store cord blood, and expands the current bone marrow registry program to also include cord blood." Representative Cummings voted for this bill. The legislation passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 431-1 and passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
- On September 25, 2007, the House passed the final version of the “Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act” (H.R. 976) with a vote of 265-169. This bill would have increased funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by $50 billion dollars over five years. Opponents saw the bill as too costly and were critical of the funding methods for the program, including a cigarette tax increase (read the floor debate). Representative Cummings voted for this legislation.
- On October 3, 2007, President Bush vetoed H.R. 976, citing that the bill moved too many children towards federally funded healthcare. The House attempted to override the President’s veto, but the measure failed to pass with a vote count of 273-156. Representative Cummings voted for the veto override. On December 29, 2007, President Bush signed the Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (S. 2499) which extends funding for SCHIP through March of 2009, but does not significantly increase the program.
- On January 23, 2008, the House once again failed with a vote of 260-152 to pass H.R. 3963 to override President Bush’s veto of SCHIP. Representative Cummings voted for this legislation.
- Cummings sponsored the Community and Healthcare-Associated Infections Reduction Act of 2007 (HR.4214). This bill would improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of community and healthcare-associated infections, with a focus on antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Innovation
- On August 9, 2007, President Bush signed the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (COMPETES) Act (H.R. 2272) into law. The law authorizes the increased funding of the National Science Foundation putting it on track to double funding over the next seven years, increased funding for the National Institute of Standards and Technology and competitive grants for teachers and schools with the goal of strengthening the quality of education in science, math, and critical foreign languages. The bill was passed with unanimous consent in the Senate and was agreed to by a vote of 367-57 by the House after being reconciled in a conference committee. Representative Cummings voted for this legislation. The America COMPETES Act was not fully funded in 2008.
Research and Research Management
- Funding
- In May of 2007, Representative Cummings voted for the final passage of the National Science Foundation Funding Authorization Act of 2007 (H.R. 1867), which authorizes appropriations for the National Science Foundation for the fiscal years 2008, 2009 and 2010. The final vote count was 399 to 17.
During debate on this legislation, H. Amdt. 128 was offered by Rep. Honda that will allow the NSF to support the creation of K-12 curriculum focused on global warming, climate change, and actions people can take to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Rep. Sullivan of Oklahoma offered a secondary amendment, H. Amdt. 129, that would have required the education materials referenced in Rep. Honda’s amendment to "reflect the diversity of scientific opinion, including the diversity of opinion regarding the impact of human activities on climate change." Congressional Democrats criticized the Sullivan amendment as seeming "to suggest that there is an equal weight of evidence against that perspective [that humans are causing climate change] as there is in favor of it" (read the full debate). The Sullivan amendment failed by a vote of 166 to 250. The Honda Amendment passed by a vote of 252 to 165.
Representative Cummings voted against the Sullivan amendment and voted for the Honda Amendment.
- In May of 2007, Representative Cummings voted for the final passage of the National Science Foundation Funding Authorization Act of 2007 (H.R. 1867), which authorizes appropriations for the National Science Foundation for the fiscal years 2008, 2009 and 2010. The final vote count was 399 to 17.
Technology
- In the summer of 2008, the House met to consider the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 (H.R. 6304), which would give retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that wiretapped customers’ phones for the Bush administration shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The legislation also allows the warrantless wiretapping of American citizens for up to 7 days before obtaining court approval. The House passed the bill with a vote of 293 to 129, and the legislation was signed by President Bush on July 7, 2008. Representative Cummings voted against this legislation.
- Representative Cummings introduced the Hazardous Materials Cooperative Research Act of 2007 (HR.99), which would establish a cooperative research program for hazardous materials.
- Representative Cummings introduced the PRIME Act of 2007 (HR.3563), which would provide for prostate cancer imaging research.
