House Passes Appropriations Bills--The Serrano Report, vol. IV, #21

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House Passes Appropriations Bills--The Serrano Report, vol. IV, #21

House Resumes Work on Appropriations Bills

This week, the House of Representatives considered several amendments to the fiscal year 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, H.R. 2641, which provides funding for the Department of Energy and the Army Corps of Engineers. Many of the amendments, offered by Republicans, sought to gut funding for the bill.

Congressman Serrano, as a member of the appropriations subcommittee that authored the bill, was happy with the near-finalized product. "This legislation will help the United States reduce its dependence on foreign oil by increasing efforts to develop alternative energy resources," said Serrano. "It helps fund critical needs throughout our country."

The legislation provides vital increases in funding for basic science research, the use and deployment of alternative energy resources, and nuclear non-proliferation. A vote to pass the finished bill will likely happen in July.

After working on the Energy and Water bill, the House moved on to the State, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies appropriations bill, H.R. 2764. The bill provides funding for the State Department, USAID and other foreign development and assistance programs. It also included substantial funding to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other major health concerns around the world. After considering more than fifty amendments to the bill, it passed by a vote of 241-178.

"I am pleased that the subcommittee has demonstrated its intention to stop focusing on supplying military assistance to Latin America and move to a more balanced and reasonable approach that focuses on development and economic assistance," said Serrano after voting to pass the bill. "It is important to recognize that the proper way to engage the world is not by pursuing pre-emptive wars, but rather by providing assistance to those in need."

In Brief

The Senate had been expected to resume debate on comprehensive immigration reform, S. 1639, this week, but extended debate and discussion on the energy bill, H.R. 6, meant that comprehensive immigration reform will be postponed until next week.

This Friday, the House was expected to pass H.R. 2771, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, which provides funding for Congressional offices and other needs of the Legislative Branch of government for fiscal year 2007.

In the Bronx
Serrano Speaks in Support of Sanctuary Movement

This past Monday, Congressman Serrano joined two dozen diverse faith-based groups at Transfiguration Lutheran Church, in the borough's Longwood Neighborhood, to support the New Sanctuary Movement. This six-week-old campaign provides spiritual and material support to some of the most vulnerable immigrant families. Families confronting the possibility of one or more of their members being removed from the country can now call on these churches and mosques for assistance to deal with the strains imposed on them by Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.

The meeting also highlighted the Child Citizen Protection Act, HR 1176, which Serrano originally introduced during the 109th Congress and is currently the only bill that addresses the issue of a citizen child being left behind because of the deportation of his or her parents. Nearly one out of every three constituents represented by Congressman Serrano is foreign-born.

Funding Opportunities
Runaway and Homeless Youth Grant

Application Deadline: July 30, 2007

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) recently announced the availability of grants to address the problem of runaway and homeless youth in America. Funding provided by ACF will be used to support Transitional Living Programs and Maternity Group Homes. Both programs provide housing and other forms of support for young people to help keep them out of the criminal justice system. The Maternity Group Homes also provide parenting information and child care. State, county and local governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, 501(c)3 non profit organizations, faith-based and community organizations are all encouraged to apply.

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