Congressman Paul Cook's Newsletter: June 16, 2015

Statement

Congressman Cook's Soda Ash Bill Passes Out of Committee

Congressman Cook applauded the passage of his bill, HR 1992, the American Soda Ash Competitiveness Act out of the House Committee on Natural Resources on June 12, 2015. The bill passed with bipartisan support.

The American Soda Ash Competitiveness Act would return the royalty paid to the federal government to a two percent rate for five years, giving the mining industry time to continue growing into foreign markets, and protecting hundreds of good-paying jobs. Soda ash, or Sodium Carbonate, is used to manufacture glass and produce chemicals, detergents, paper, and other products. Soda ash also has a critical national security role as a key component in cockpit windshields manufactured by the aerospace industry.

Cook said, "I'm glad to see my bill was passed out of committee with strong support. This is an important bill that will protect a vital industry, grow jobs, and do this with little impact to the federal budget. This $1.8 billion industry within the U.S., employs over 3,000 workers directly, 700 of which are in my district. Additionally, it provides around 20,000 indirect jobs, particularly at ports in California. I appreciate my colleagues who have supported this bill and hope to see this enacted into law soon."

Congressman Cook Votes Against 'Fast Track'

Congressman Cook voted against Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), better known as "fast track.'

Fast track would empower the President to negotiate and sign a trade agreement before sending it to Congress. Congress would not be allowed to amend any agreement and would have a limited time to have an up or down vote on the agreement.

Cook said, "Last week, I voted no on TPA. After reading the legislation and hearing from thousands of my constituents who contacted me almost entirely in opposition, I could not support this proposal.

"This issue was simple for me: I followed the Constitution. Article 1, Section 8 explicitly gives Congress the lead role in setting the terms of trade agreement. I voted against giving President Obama a blank check to negotiate trade deals in secret, and I firmly believe that any trade deal should require a more inclusive and open process. We've seen too many bad deals occur on this administration's watch, and I don't want to see another.

"While the TPA legislation passed the House by a vote of 219-211, a companion bill known as Trade Assistance Authority (TAA) failed by a vote of 126-302. I voted against both and without both portions, TPA cannot proceed."

Cook continued, "It's obvious that this fight isn't over. The same groups who have been pushing TPA will continue to do so despite this setback. For my part, I'll continue to oppose TPA and I'll keep fighting for my constituents."

District Update

Free Guided Nature Walks Fawnskin

Every Saturday at 1PM and 2PM and Sundays at 11AM and 12PM, local naturalists host a 30 minute walk around the Fawnskin forest grounds. Nature walks meet at the bronze grizzly bear in front of the Big Bear Discovery Center.

For more information, call (909) 382-2790.

Hazardous Household Waste Collection

The San Bernardino County Household Waste Collection Center located at 62499 29 Palms Highway Joshua Tree, CA 92252 is open the third Saturday (This Saturday June 20, 2015) of each month from 9AM to 1PM.

For more information, please call (800) 645-9228.

Community Vital Signs Initiative of San Bernardino County

On June 23, 2015, the Community Vital Signs Initiative of San Bernardino County will officially launch the Community Transformation plan at the Ontario Convention Center.

The Community Transformation Plan offers a common understanding of key issues facing County residents, and potential cross-cutting strategies and policy recommendations for addressing the priority areas of: Education; Economy; Access to Health and Wellness; and Community and School Safety. In addition to establishing collective goals and measures of success, the plan will be used for prioritizing existing activities, setting new priorities, aligning the use of resources, and mobilizing action among all sectors in a strategic manner.

This event is free and will start at 1:00PM and last until 2:15PM. The location for the event is 200 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario CA 91764.

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