U.S. Rep. Phil English, R-3rd, on Tuesday voted to defeat legislation that would require all young persons to perform a period of military service or civilian service to help national defense and homeland security.

Republicans in the GOP-controlled House of Representatives voted on the bill to quash a persistent Internet rumor that the government will reinstate a military draft.

The House voted 402-2 to defeat the draft bill offered last year by Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y.

English said, "America boasts the strongest and most effective military in the world and imposing a draft is not only unnecessary, but would impede out military's ability to do its job."

English, R-3rd, this week commended the Bush Administration's new Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy initiative, which draws on interagency cooperation to ensure intellectual property protection.

"The STOP initiative will combine federal agency operations and encourage legislation to empower the crackdown on those countries and companies who steal American ideas and products, at great cost to our manufacturers," said English, a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee.

From products such as compact discs and DVDs to clothing, brake pads and even automobiles, trade in fakes has been growing not only with the U.S. but also between other countries, thereby escaping the reach of U.S. law enforcement efforts.

English said STOP is broad in scope and brings a new approach and new tools to coordinate an effort from the federal government, the private sector and America's international trading partners.

State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-12th, will host a legislative breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Friday at the Adams Township Municipal Building, 690 Valencia Road.

Those interested in attending should call Metcalfe's office at 724-772-3110 for information and to make reservations.

Pennsylvanians for Effective Government recently announced its endorsement of Republican candidate

Brian Ellis for the state House of Representatives' 11th District in the Nov. 2 election.

PEG is a nonpartisan organization that supports political candidates regarded as supportive of the business community.

"Brian Ellis is a successful small businessman who understands that free enterprise and hard work go hand-in-hand," said David Patti, PEG president.

The Politically Active Physicians Association recently announced its endorsement of Joe Peters, Republican candidate for state auditor general, in the Nov. 2 election.

The group represents medical practitioners to educate the public and Legislature on issues effecting the health care industry.

District Justice Clifford Woessner of Slippery Rock has been re-certified as a member of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System following completion of his 2004 continuing legal education work.

The weeklong instruction program in Chambersburg by the Minor Judiciary Education Board and the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts is required for all district justices.

The course is to ensure district justices are current on legal issues and office requirements.

The National Federation of Independent Business recently honored two Butler County congressional members their 100 percent voting records on key small business issues.

The group recognized U.S. Reps Melissa Hart, R-4th, and

English with its "Guardian of Small Business" award.

The nonprofit, nonpartisan NFIB is the nation's largest small-business advisory organization, and represents 600,000 members across the United States. The group claims 29,000 members in Pennsylvania.