111th Congress (2009-2010) Issue Papers

Making America Prosperous (MAP) Act
"A National Image Map for the U.S. (aka "Imagery for the Nation")"
Making America Prosperous Act Issue Paper (2010)

Digital Coast Act
"To Improve NOAAs Coastal Mapping, Charting & Surveying"
Digital Coast Act Issue Paper (2010)

Federal Land Asset Inventory Reform (FLAIR) Act
"To Improve Federal Land Stewardship"
Federal Land Inventory Reform (FLAIR) Act Issue Paper (2010)

Freedom From Government Competition (FFGCA) Act
"Unfair Government Competition with Private Geospatial Firms"
MAPPS Healthcare Reform Issue Paper (2009)

Healthcare Reform Legislation
"To Improve HHS GIS Utilization"
MAPPS Healthcare Reform Issue Paper (2009)

Aviation Bill Reauthorization
"To Improve Airspace Access"
MAPPS Aviation Bill Issue Paper (2009)

MAPPS Highway Bill Issue Paper (2009)
"Need for a Coordinated Geospatial Program"
MAPPS Highway Reauthorizan Act Issue Paper 2009

• Do you want to sponsor or cosponsor legislation on the MAPPS agenda?
• Do you have a question, comment, or suggestion regarding MAPPS geospatial legislation?
• Do you want to create or join a Congressional Geospatial Caucus?

Please contact John "JB" Byrd, MAPPS Government Affairs Manager at 703-201-9585 or jbyrd@mapps.org.

Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources - MAPPS Testimony July 23, 2009

• Testimony: Susan Marlow, Smart Data Strategies, President
  
• Testimony: John Palatiello, MAPPS Executive Director
  

Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services - MAPPS Testimony September 17, 2009

• Testimony: Susan Marlow, Smart Data Strategies, President
  
• Subcommittee on Financial Services Website and archived webcast
  
• "Government Looks to Technology to Regulate Risk" - Securities Industry
  
• "Government needs smarter IT to oversee bailout, financial overhaul" - Next Gov

Imagery For The Nation (IFTN)

MAPPS Reaffirms Support for IFTN Concept, Urges Resolution of Issues MAPPS has reaffirmed its support for the concept of an Imagery for the Nation program, a position first taken in 2006, and renewed its call for resolution of outstanding issues. In an August 4 letter to Acting FGDC Chairman Karen Siderelis, MAPPS President Jeff Lovin indicated that MAPPS and the National Geospatial Advisory Committee have both sought decisions by the Federal Government so that IFTN can move forward and be funded and implemented. The letter reflects discussions conducted by the MAPPS Board of Directors on Cape Cod in June. To view the letter, click here.

FGDC Decision Document on IFTN

Global Climate Change

• Global Climate Change Data Collection Act of 2009
  
• American Clean Energy and Security Act 2009, HR 2454
  
• Climate Change: The Geospatial Profession's Role

Government Competition

• MAPPS Sends Letter to Iowa Governor, Department of Transportation, Opposing Mobile LiDAR System Purchase
  
• Iowa Department of Transporation Response to MAPPS Letter
  
• Letter to President Obama Addressing Government Competition, Use of Planes and Aerial Cameras
  
• Letter to OMB Director Peter Orszag, Urging Stimulus Funding Released for Contracts
  
• Letter to Missouri Senator Brad Lager on S.B. 384, Limiting Use of LIS or GIS for Boundary and Cadastal Data.
  
• MAPPS, COFPAES Seek SmartBuy Clarification

Tax Issues

• Are You A Vendor
  
• MAPPS Sales Tax Presentation
  
• MAPPS Letter to Department of Labor Regarding Federal and State laws terminology and tax policy , July 2006
  
• John Byrd, MAPPS Government Affairs Manager, Testimony Before Treasury Department Against 3% Federal Contractor Withholding
  
• MAPPS Notice to Membership on State Taxes and Terminology for Professional Geospatial Services, June 2009

• Letter to Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley on University Competition
  
• Letter to MD Comptroller Peter Franchot on University Competition
  
• Letter to Florida International University President Modesto Maidique on University Competition

MAPPS Legislative Process Flowchart
Calendar depicts the timeline for MAPPS legislative issue development & advocacy execution.

Flowchart Background
Annual legislative process, terminology, and stakeholders are explained in detail by quarter.

Archived Issue Papers and MAPPS Legislative Initiatives

MAPPS PAC
"MAPPS Political Action Committee (PAC)"
Learn More

Capitol Coverage
Twice-monthly report of relevant National & State geospatial news, Federal & State geospatial legislation, Federal Regulations, Government reports and Federal procurement opportunities.
Available to MAPPS Members Only.