Gwinnett Daily Post

Camie Young

U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall hopes a new jobs bill will help small businesses add to the economy.

The House of Representatives passed the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, a comprehensive plan that reduces the regulations that are stifling small business growth in America. In a press release, Woodall's office said the President has come out in official support of the bill, although there is no indication whether the Senate will act on it.

"New business startups are at a 17-year low, and we all recognize the fact that we must get these core job creators out from under burdensome government regulations so that they may grow, which will in turn grow jobs and our economy," Woodall (R-Lawrenceville) said. "I'm a believer in putting personal and political differences aside in order to make progress for the American people. We see our greatest successes when we define 'success' not by who gets the credit but rather by what we did to make America better. The JOBS Act, with its bipartisan support in the House, speaks to this goal and is a step in the right direction.

"I hope that the Senate will be swift in passing this bill and sending it to the President's desk for signature," he added.

Johnson supports military bill

Gwinnett's other congressman, Democrat Hank Johnson, announced his support of another bill last week, "The Due Process and Military Detention Amendments Act of 2012," which ensures any individual detained on U.S. soil has access to due process and the court system.

Johnson is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

"I applaud (sponsors) Rep. (Adam) Smith and Sen. (Mark) Udall for this initiative. Members of Congress who value liberty should reject mandatory military detention and defend the Constitution, no matter their political party." Johnson said. "Civilian courts have a proven record of prosecuting terrorism suspects arrested in the United States."

Political Notebook appears in the Thursday and Sunday editions of the Gwinnett Daily Post.

Camie Young can be reached via email at camie.young@gwinnettdailypost.com.

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