Capitol Connection Newsletter

Press Release

Supreme Court Strikes Down D.C. Gun Ban:
On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's most restrictive gun control laws and affirmed for the first time that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual's right to keep and bear arms. Specifically, the Court upheld a lower court decision striking down Washington D.C.'s gun control law that dramatically limited the right of private citizens to have firearms in their own homes. By overturning the unjust D.C. gun ban, Congressman Miller believes the Court has restored a crucial protection guaranteed to all law-abiding Americans under the Bill of Rights. He applauds this week's ruling and will continue working in Congress to protect the Second Amendment rights of all Americans.

Congressman Miller Urges Continuation of Operation Jump Start:
This week, Congressman Miller and nineteen of his colleagues sent a letter to President Bush to express strong support for the continuation of Operation Jump Start. In 2006, President Bush launched Operation Jump Start by deploying members of the National Guard to assist our Border Patrol in securing the Southern border. The operation was originally scheduled to last two years to give the Border Patrol time to train and deploy 6,000 additional officers. However, the Border Patrol has 2,000 more agents left to train and the operation is scheduled to end later this year. Throughout their mission, the Guardsmen have built 37 miles of fence, repaired 700 miles of roadway, assisted in confiscating 298,000 pounds of drugs, offered support in over 166,000 arrests, and helped in 100 rescues. To honor these brave men and women, Congressman Miller has cosponsored a resolution to recognize the dedication and honorable service of members of the National Guard who are serving or have served in Operation Jump Start. He believes firmly that the National Guard should continue to assist in securing the border until more new agents can be trained and deployed.

Miller Homeownership Resolution Passes the House:
The House this week passed legislation authored by Congressman Miller to recognize June as National Homeownership Month. The resolution, which was approved unanimously, recognizes the importance of homeownership in building strong communities and families across the United States. Currently, 67.8 percent of American families own their own home. Despite the current market upheaval, homeownership has historically been the single largest creator of wealth for most Americans. Not only does homeownership provide economic security by building wealth over time, it also strengthens and builds communities. Congressman Miller is proud to recognize National Homeownership Month because he believes that for millions of families across this country, a home is more than just the symbol of the American Dream; it is the backbone of the American way of life. In the coming months, he will continue working to increase the availability of safe, affordable mortgages in Southern California so that more families can not only achieve, but maintain the dream of homeownership.

IRS Launches Effort to Get Stimulus Payments to Seniors and Veterans:
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is launching a new summer campaign to help senior citizens and disabled veterans receive the stimulus checks for which they are eligible. To date, approximately 25 percent of seniors and disabled veterans who qualify for economic stimulus payments have not yet filed the 2007 income tax returns needed to receive a stimulus check. However, it is not too late to act. These individuals have until October 15, 2008 to file their taxes and receive a stimulus payment. If you or anyone you know might qualify for this rebate and have not yet filed a 2007 tax return, please contact Congressman Miller's office at (714) 257-1142 to receive more information regarding this outreach program. For further information you can also contact the IRS by phone at (800) 829-1040 or visit the IRS on the web at http://www.irs.gov/.

The Capitol Connection Newsletter is published at the end of every week in which Congress is in session. As Congress recesses for the Fourth of July, the next Capitol Connection will appear on July 11, 2008. Please send correspondence to CapitolConnectionNewsletter@mail.house.gov with your name and residential address. To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter send an email to CapitolConnectionNewsletter@mail.house.gov or call (202) 225-3201.

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