Confirmation Hearing: Barnes for SoIA (Confirmed)

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT

Seattle, Washington

President-elect Polnut has nominated former Senator and Attorney-General Barnes to serve as the next Secretary of Internal Affairs. He will also nominate former Senator and Northeast Governor Rowan Brandon to serve as Game Moderator.

These are experienced Atlasians who, despite issues in the past, have shown renewed commitment to Atlasia, and the President-elect is enthusiastic about what they can bring to these important and inter-connected roles.

Rules on Confirmation Hearings
Senatos have 72 hours to question the nominee

[Barnes]

Edit: Actually, I'll post the statement below.

[bgwah]

The Southeast claims that Puerto Rico brings in a net revenue of $8 billion every year. Do you think that's realistic?

[Barnes]

I'd like to thank the Senator for opening this hearing.  If it would please the Senate, I would like to take a short time to make an introduction.

When the President was searching for Cabinet members, I made clear to him quit early that I would be interested in the position of SoIA.  I remember back in 2009 when this office was first created the amount of interest that was placed in it.  I remember being particularly excited about what the DoIA was going to bring to the table.

Unfortunately, like most of Atlasia I was disappointed when it seemed each and every new SoIA started off with promises of revitalizing the office, but soon fell into inactivity.  It seemed that the office had become something nobody really knew what to do with, and there was constant calls for its abolition, but there were many (including myself) who still held out hope that the DoIA could eventually be given proper attention and show its full potential.

Now, I wish to make it clear to the Senate that I in no way want to tarnish the reputations of previous officeholders, the the time Yelnoc spent in the office, in particular, was very promising.

However, that is neither here nor there.  It will be my goal as SoIA to renew not only activity, but interest in the position.  I have begun work on legislation I plan to introduce to the Senate shortly.  This includes:

• Amending the 2011 Education Act by having the DoIA be given express control over its implementation and having an audit of the programs' finaces conducted in five years.
• Repealing section two of that act (pilot program of gender segregation).  I am firmly of the opinion that the way to keep Atlasia competitive around the world is through education, and researching the effects of segregating classes by gender will only be met with derision by other world powers.  It simply isn't the right kind of plan to follow in the 21st century.
• In place of the above section the insertion of 50 million dollars¹ to be distributed to applicant school districts for the purchase of new technology, such as iPads and smart boards.
• The act would be further amended by inserting a third section to allocate 10 million dollars² to applicant school districts which, quote, "exhibit exemplary academic scores and aptitude" to be used to finance study-abroad programs over the summer holiday.
• The act would be further amended by inserting a fourth section to allocate one billion dollars³ worth of funds to each region to use to, quote, "assist in the renovation or replacement of dilapidated school buildings and equipment."
• The other (completed) section of the bill would allocate 10 billion dollars to researching a cure for cancer.
• The funds would be distributed by the DoIA to applicant hospitals, research facilities, and cancer clinics.
• It would also establish a Cancer Research Center (CRC) which would serve as a national think tank to pull together efforts around the country, and the world, to find a cure for cancer.

^{1, 2, 3} These funds are only to be used as a starting amount, I realize that billions of dollars a year are spent in education investments, and hopefully the Senate will be willing to further examine expenditure for education in this bill.

Besides the above mentioned pieces of work, I am also working on a plan to give to the Senate about how to best finance the Comprehensive Social Security Reform Act.  Currently, I am interested in the following proposals:

• Allow income earners above the 35th percentile in taxation to choose to wether:
  1) Waive certain coverage under the bill; or
  2) Allow for increased taxation against them.
• Increase fines against businesses that are reported to perform age discrimination.
• I am also looking into a VAT tax increase on those over the 35th percentile.
• I also believe that additional revenue could come from closing things such as tax loopholes, and some outdated tax brackets that no longer fit with the current economic situation.
  
• Other cost saving measures could be as simple as:
  1) Eliminating some bureaucracy from the proposed administration of the bill;
  2) Giving some responsibilities of the administration to the regional governments to administer (with the federal government's watchful eye);
  3) Allowing workers in the Social Security Administration to work form home via the internet, thus reducing the need of office space;
  4) Pushing for the complete digitization of the Administration by communication through video conference call (in place of traveling to a conference), replacing reports printed on paper with digital copies, and communication via things like email, etc.

I am making this one of my top priorities, and plan to have a final report ready to the Senate by the end of the month, if not sooner.

Another one of my biggest concerns is energy.  I firmly believe in exploring alternative energy, at home in Atlasia.  I strongly believe in pushing for more restrictions on oil companies, and for a revision of current taxation. 

It is my firm belief that if the Atlasain government makes dedicated efforts to advance alternative energy, we could totally replace the need for oil within a few short decades.  And, I know my colleague, the Secretary of External Affairs, would agree with me that no longer being bound by foreign oil companies is in our national interest.

In the meantime, I believe the Atlasian government should strive to make itself as environmentally friendly as possible.  Ways to accomplish this include:

• The installation of solar panels on all government buildings.
• Refitting government buses, cars, and other vehicles to either use a "hybrid" engine, or to use other forms of energy such as electrical or hydrogen.
• As I said with the SSA, replacing paper in offices with digital copies, and allowing workers to work from home via the internet.  This both saves paper, and the energy used for office spaces.
• I applaud the Senate for its passage of the Nuclear Safety Act of 2011, however, I would advise going one step further and order an immediate temporary shutdown of all reactors over the age of 20 years to have a full and tireless inspection, and then, if they pass such inspection, they may reopen.
• I would also advise the Senate to begin work on crafting tighter inspection rules for nuclear power plants, so as to weed out the corruption in the inspection process.
• I've also been examining the Ethanol Subsidy Reform Act.  I have not yet taken a position on ethanol subsides.  On the one hand, I know they directly influence the prices of food, but on the other, I know they appear to be as destructive (if not more so) that regular gasoline.  I expect to conduct a full investigation into ethanol subsides upon taking office, and I know some members of the Senate would be more than willing to assist.

The next issues I think is of vital importance is food standards, prices, and nutrition.   It will be my goal as SoIA to ensure that every newborn child is insured from the moment of birth that they have the highest quality nutrition standards possible. 

To that end, I believe the following steps should be taken:

• An intensive study should be undertaken into current "baby formulas" on the market to asses their cost and possible health side affects.
• The DoIA will establish a commission in to developing a formula with no health risks and be totally beneficial to the child.
• Every hospital in Atlasia will be stocked with this formula, and will be availale for purchase by mothers who are unable to breast feed, at a low and reasonable price.
• This formula will be provided free of charge for all low-income mothers, or for children without parents or guardians.  For example, living in an orphanage.

I also believe that the DoIA should undertake an immediate survey of all food being imported into Atlasia, to test its safety and possible health concerns.  With the help of the SoEA, I hope to complie a list of countries that are currently exporting dangerous foods to Atlasia, which will then hopefully be addressed by the Senate.

I also believe that the DoIA should immediately raise nutrition standards in schools across Atlasia to ensure that every student is being fed a safe, healthy, and good-tasting meal.

I believe one of the most serious issues facing Atlasia at the moment is the dire condition of the country's infrastructure.  As SoIA, I will implement an immediate review of all major highways, bridges, and other mean of transportation in our country, that the federal government has authority over.

In my opinion, the single largest reason as to why the state of our infrastructure is at its current level is because these structures are not "built to last."  They are usually constructed on a short term basis, or with below average materials, or are not subject to proper standards and testing.

As SoIA, I will advise to Senate to increase infrastructure standards across the country, and to improve the materials that are used in their construction.

The final matter that I would like to put before the Senate at the moment is government pay and waste.

As soon as entering office as SoIA I will order that the salaries of all employees be frozen over this entire term at their current levels, I would also like to request from the Senate a salary freeze to the SoIA and a possible reduction in the SoIA's salary. 

I believe one of the best ways to fight government waste is to reduce to amount of redundant offices in government.  For example, I would propose consolidating multiple government websites into one.  Also, restating from what I've said above, the digitization of certain government services and offices would greatly reduce waist.

I would like to thank the Senate for allowing me to give my remarks and look forward to your questions.

[Napoleon]

An excellent introduction, Barnes.

I'd like to know why you think a trial separation of gender would be met with derision around the world, why we should care, and why you think it would makes us less competitive if the purpose of the pilot programs is to determine the effects?

How frequently do you intend on reporting directly to the Senate and the regions to make information available?

What factors will you take into account when determining how to distribute funds among the regions?

[Barnes]

I won't be able to get to answering questions until at least late tonight. So I ask the Senate for patience.

However, feel free to keep asking them.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

I am glad to see that the Comprehensive etc etc bill is going to get the review and revising needed to finish and get it off the floor.

The scope and variety of the reform's that will be looked into and composed is surely unprecedented for the office of SoIA.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

ditto for Barnes as well.

[Barnes]

The Southeast claims that Puerto Rico brings in a net revenue of $8 billion every year. Do you think that's realistic?

I do not think that is the most realistic projection for Puerto Rico, Senator.  Puerto Rico has a small population (no members are registered there), and because of it being cut off from the mainland, is much more reliant on federal funds. 

I do believe however, that if Puerto Rico made a concerted effort to attract tourism to the state, then it's tax revenue could substantially increase.  I would advise for the Southeast government to look in to the issue as soon as possible.

An excellent introduction, Barnes.

I'd like to know why you think a trial separation of gender would be met with derision around the world, why we should care, and why you think it would makes us less competitive if the purpose of the pilot programs is to determine the effects?

Well, to be simple, Senator, it's my opinion that school should prepare students for the actual world.  And we do not live in a world where the two genders work separately and do not interact with each other.  This "gender segregation" would only be making students accustomed to a world that doesn't really exist.

Also, I simply don't see what any positive benefits of this program would be, and I simply think that if we want to remain competitive around the world, we must start in the classroom first, and allocating 20 million Dollars to gender separation is not the way to go.

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I intend to turn my DoIA office into a reliable resource for information, assessable for all Atlasians.  And following up from what Senator bgwah said, for example, I would plan to advise the Southeast about looking into increasing advertising for Puerto Rico, and thus increase tax revenue.

If requested by the Senate to make a report, I would be very willing to do so.

I am very interested in reviving the idea of "Question Time."  As far as I can find, this was only actually conducted once and not very well organized.  If it would please the Senate, I can have legislation refining and revitalizing Question Time made available within a few days.

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There are several different possibilities for such a broad question.  But, usually, I would look into regional tax revenue, and federal assistance to see where to best distribute funds.

[Napoleon]

Could you offer suggestions for education reform you support that you think would make us more competitive, other than throwing money at the problem?

Will you oversee the implementation of jobs and infrastructure programs the Senate might create and notify us of their progress?

[Barnes]

Could you offer suggestions for education reform you support that you think would make us more competitive, other than throwing money at the problem?

Like I outlined in my opening statement, increased funds for new technology in schools is a step in the right direction.  I would also applaud the Senate for trying to reduce the student to teacher ratio, as smaller classes, allow students to participate more and for teaching to move more effectively.

Also, back to what I said in my statement about study-abroad programs:

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I don't just intend this to mean visiting the sites in foreign countires, but actually enrolling in foreign schools for summer classes.

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This would be one of my department's top responsiblilites; I plan to work cloesly with the GM on this issue, also.

[Napoleon]

I meant on a larger scale but I am satisfied with your answers regardless.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Confirmation of Barnes to be Secretary of Internal Affairs is now at vote, please vote Aye, Nay, or Abstain.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Aye

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Aye

[Napoleon]

Aye

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Aye

[bgwah]

aye

[Ban my account ffs!]

Aye

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

Aye

[Barnes]

Bumping for the other Senators.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Final vote on confirmation of Barnes to be Secretary of the Interior:

Aye (7): AHDuke99, Antonio V, bgwah, Napoleon, NC Yankee, shua, and Snowguy716
Nay (0):
Abstain (0):

Didn't Vote (2): Fuzzybigfoot and Officepark

Barnes has been confirmed.