Congressman Stearns first submitted a similar bill 16 years ago, and has resubmitted one 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 to make it past the committee stage, however, and "the full House is expected to take up and pass the measure . . ." (www.NewsItem1.Info from 10 Nov)
It would then move on to the Senate, where similar legislation came close to passing in 2009. (www.NewsItem2.Info)
That's why now is the time to speak out to those we elect to represent us. To target members of Congress, go to PopVox via www.StearnsBill.Info - where an interactive map tallies our "votes" by congressional district, and comments can be included.