The Serrano Report

Op-Ed

THE SERRANO REPORT

House Votes Down War Funding

On Thursday, the House voted on amendments to provide additional funding for the war in Iraq and for other priorities. In order to isolate the funding for the war the Democratic leadership arranged the vote as a series of three amendments instead of as one vote on a single bill. In a surprise move Republicans decided to vote 'present' on the amendment to provide further war funding, instead of voting in support of it. This procedural ploy led to the defeat of the measure since the majority of Democrats voted against it.

Congressman Serrano voted against further funding for the war, and in favor of a pair of amendments to place limits on the Iraq war and to fund a new GI Bill of Rights. "By refusing to end the Iraq War, President Bush has again forced Congress to vote on funding the conflict," said Serrano after the vote. "The majority of American people stand with those of us who voted to bring the troops home. They believe, as I do, that we cannot afford to lose another life in Iraq. They believe, as I do, that this war cannot be won militarily."

"I am pleased that we were able to help our troops not only by voting against continued funding for the war, but also by passing new benefits for veterans," he continued. "There is nothing more important than to show our troops how much we value their service by giving them the benefits they've earned.

"Our troops have done the task assigned to them with honor and bravery. It is long-past time that politicians here in Washington behaved similarly. Today's vote showed enough have summoned up that courage. Now we wonder if the President can do the same."

The Senate is currently working on their own version of the bill, which includes continued funding for the war. In the coming weeks these differences will have to be resolved. Were House Republicans to vote for war funding, it appears that it would pass easily and it is therefore expected that sooner or later the additional funding will pass.

House Votes Overwhelming to Pass Farm Bill

On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 2419, the Food, Energy and Conservation Act of 2008, better known as the "Farm Bill," by a vote of 318-106. The Farm Bill makes important investments in nutrition, conservation, energy and agricultural programs.

"I am pleased to have voted in support of the Farm Bill," said Congressman Serrano. "As our nation faces rising prices for oil and food, as our food banks face rising demand, as more Americans go hungry every night and experience financial stress in this sagging economy, it is important that we passed a bill to address these issues."

"It is unfortunate that the President has threatened to veto the legislation, in spite of its overwhelming support. Although the bill is not perfect, it makes important investments that will help all Americans meet their nutritional needs."

The Farm Bill provides an increase of $10.4 billion to the Nutrition Title, which funds nutrition programs such as Food Stamps, the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).

The Farm Bill also updates the Food Stamp program with provisions that will help about 11 million people by 2012. These measures eliminate the current cap on childcare costs, provide incentives for families to save for retirement or education, and makes sure that the families of soldiers in combat are not penalized under the program. The minimum benefit would be increased for the first time in 30 years and would continue to rise in the future to keep pace with increasing food prices.

In addition, the bill provides much-needed support to food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens, which play such an important role in the Bronx. The Emergency Food Assistance Program will see its funding increased by $1.25 billion - with $50 million for immediate shortages at food pantries.

Finally, the Farm Bill will help schools provide healthy snacks to students, with $1 billion for fresh fruits and vegetables.
In the Bronx

Serrano Joins USPS to Honor Sinatra

On May 13, 2008, Congressman Serrano joined Alan C. Kessler, the Chairman of Board of Governors of the United State Postal Service, Nancy Sinatra, Frank Sinatra, Jr. and the granddaughter of Frank Sinatra, A. J. Lambert, at a formal ceremony at New York's Gotham Hall where the Postal Service issued the new Frank Sinatra commemorative stamp.

Congressman Serrano, a longtime Sinatra fan, spoke movingly during his remarks about what Sinatra's music means to him personally. In addition to legislation supporting the release of the stamp, Serrano introduced the legislation that gave a Congressional Gold Medal to Frank Sinatra in 1997 for his accomplishments as an entertainer and humanitarian. At the ceremony, Serrano helped to unveil the stamp to a crowd of stamp enthusiasts and Sinatra fans.

"This event meant a lot to me, because I was again able to honor someone whose music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember," said Serrano after the event. "When I came to New York as a child from Puerto Rico the crisp sound of Sinatra's voice smoothed the transition and helped me learn the new language."

Daniel Afzal, USPS photographer
Serrano standing in front of Sinatra stamp at the event

Grant Opportunities

Economic Development Grant

Application Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently announced the availability of funding to promote job creation and business development in communities across the United States. The Public Works and Economic Development Assistance (PWEDA) Grant supports the construction or rehabilitation of essential public infrastructure, the planning of comprehensive economic development strategies, and a wide range of technical assistance programs that address issues of economic recovery. State and local governments, institutions of higher learning, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply.

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