State Rep.

Daryl Metcalfe, R-12th, praised the House State Government Committee, which he chairs, in approving two bills that are part of the National Security Begins at Home package.One measure would establish a third-degree felony against anyone who knowingly engages in human smuggling.The other bill would require that all contractors and subcontractors doing work on taxpayer-funded projects verify their employees’ eligibility to work through the federal government’s free E-verify system.“Shutting down Pennsylvania’s illegal alien invasion involves shutting off the economic faucets of jobs and public benefits that are enticing illegal aliens to infiltrate our borders in the first place,” Metcalfe said.“Once these economic attractions are severed at the source, Pennsylvania’s estimated 140,000 illegal alien invaders will have no other option but to self-deport. ...”———U.S. Rep.

Jason Altmire, D-4th, voted Tuesday for a bill that would repeal a tax increase on businesses set to take effect in 2013.The measure co-sponsored by Altmire and nearly two-thirds of the House of Representatives, removes the 3 percent withholding on payments made to vendors doing business with a government entity.“This bipartisan legislation removes what amounts to a tax increase at a time when businesses can least afford it,” Altmire said.“The 3 percent withholding was originally scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1 but was postponed until 2013. The bill passed the House by a vote of 405-16.———U.S. Rep.

Mike Kelly, R-3rd, on Wednesday voted for the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011.The legislation would direct the secretary of veterans affairs to increase, as of Dec. 1 the rates of veterans’ disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.The Senate passed the measure Oct. 19. President Obama is expected to sign it into law———Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance grant program is open for the 2011-12 heating season, according to state Sen.

Bob Robbins, R-50th. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region.Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us.Applications are also available at county assistance offices, utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.Additionally, applicants can call 1-866-857-7095.