Capitol Connection: November 11 to November 17, 2006

Capitol Connection: November 11 to November 17, 2006

Voters Elect Representatives for 110th Congress

Last week, Americans headed to the polls to elect their representatives for the 110th Congress, which is set to convene on January 4, 2007. Reelected to a fifth term, Congressman Miller will continue working with his colleagues to address the most pressing issues facing Southern California and the nation. Congressman Miller is focused on improving economic security, national security, and homeland security for the American people. His top priorities for the 110th Congress include transportation improvements, water infrastructure, housing availability, and border security.

Congress Mandates Construction of Border Fence

Before recessing for Election Day, Congress approved legislation requiring the construction of over 700 miles of double-layered reinforced fencing along our southern border. The Secure Fence Act, which was cosponsored by Congressman Miller and signed into law on October 26, 2006, also requires the Department of Homeland Security to achieve operational control of the entire border by constructing fencing and installing physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors. In addition, Congress provided the funds necessary to ensure that fence construction begins as soon as possible. Under the Fiscal Year 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which was also signed into law, Congress provided $1.2 billion to cover initial construction costs. Congressman Miller strongly supported this measure and he will vigorously oppose any efforts in the new Congress to repeal or weaken the Secure Fence Act.

Congress Moves Closer to Funding Health Care for Veterans

This November, our nation paused to commemorate Veterans Day. Though we can never fully repay the debt owed to those who have fought for our country, Congress continues working to fund the health care needs of our nation's veterans, servicemembers, and their families. For Fiscal Year 2007, the Military Construction, Military Quality of Life, and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, which passed the House in May, provides $32.7 billion for the Veteran's Health Administration, an 11.4 percent increase over last year's funding. A similar bill finally passed the Senate on Tuesday. Over the coming weeks, the House and the Senate will work to reconcile their military health care bills so that a final piece of legislation can be sent to the President for his signature. In the meantime, please join me in thanking, supporting, and honoring all those fighting in the Global War on Terror , America 's 25 million living veterans, and the one million more who have given their lives in service to our country. Let us remember the price they have paid to keep this nation safe, prosperous, and free.

City of Mission Viejo Conducts Toy Drive for Children of Local Marines

The City of Mission Viejo , which has adopted a battalion of local Marines, is conducting a toy drive for the children of these heroes. Now through December 6, the City of Mission Viejo is seeking donations of new, unwrapped toys for the children of the Headquarters Battalion, First Marine Division at Camp Pendleton . Donations may be dropped off at the Mission Viejo City Hall , the Mission Viejo Library, and the Montanoso Recreation Center . The City of Mission Viejo is also collecting gift cards to Ralph's and Albertsons supermarkets for inclusion in Thanksgiving baskets to help needy Marine families. Gift card donations may be dropped off at the Mission Viejo City Hall. For additional information on how to support the families of those fighting along the frontlines of freedom, please visit the City of Mission Viejo's website at http://cityofmissionviejo.org or call the City at (949) 470-3000.

http://www.house.gov/garymiller/CC17Nov2006.html