Congressman Stearns first introduced a similar bill 16 years ago, and has resubmitted it during every 2-year session of Congress since then:
www.HouseBill1.Info - 1995
2 - 1997
3 - 1999
4 - 2001
5 - 2003
6 - 2005
7 - 2007
8 - 2009
This year's bill (www.HouseBill9.Info) is the first one to make it past the committee stage, however, and "the full House is expected to take up and pass the measure as early as Tuesday." (www.NewsItem1.Info from 11-10-11)
It would then move on to the Senate, where it also stands a good chance of passing. (Similar legislation came close in 2009 - www.NewsItem2.Info)
That's why now is the time to speak out. Anyone wishing to add comments is encouraged to go to PopVox at www.StearnsBill.Info. That new web site also tallies our "votes" by congressional district.