Congressman Bob Filner's Congressional Update
Congressman Bob Filner's Congressional Update
Statement on Walter Reed Army Medical Center
It is high time the Pentagon admits its mistake and takes action to improve outpatient care at Walter Reed. The removal of the three top officials overseeing Walter Reed at the Pentagon is only the first step in accepting responsibility for the treatment of our wounded soldiers.
The events reported at Walter Reed were a break in faith with our troops. We must be able to rely on the chain of command in order to address the serious problems not only at Walter Reed, but at the military facilities across the country.
My concerns are focused on how we serve our troops when they turn from the Pentagon to the VA for their healthcare. In order for our troops to experience the seamless transition they deserve, the bureaucratic problems that prevent many from getting the care they need must be fixed.
I am committed to preventing situations similar to Walter Reed from striking the VA system. Clearly, we need an oversight and inspection system that is separate from the agency that is being overseen.
House Veterans' Affairs Committee Holds Hearing on Equity for Filipino Veterans
On February 15, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a hearing on the issue of equity for WWII Filipino Veterans and on my bill, H.R. 760, "The Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007."
Filipino service members played a critical role in the U.S. victory in the Pacific during World War II, serving under the direct command of General Douglas Mac Arthur. In 1946, Congress mandated that Filipino soldiers would not be considered active military for the purposes of veterans' benefits.
For more than sixty years, a wrong has existed that must be righted. The Rescission Acts of 1946 took away rightfully earned benefits and the honor and respect due these veterans who served our country.
A number of witnesses delivered testimony before the Committee, including Representatives Michael Honda (D-CA), Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI). Also testifying, VA Under Secretary for Benefits Ronald R. Aument, Victor Soretta of the Embassy of the Philippines, and representatives from Filipino veterans associations and veterans service organizations.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Ramsey testified, "When we inducted the Filipinos into the guerrilla forces, we required that they swear an oath of allegiance to the United States of America and the Commonwealth of the Philippines. It is impossible to see how these troops could be federalized and not be part of the United States Army."
It is time our nation adequately recognizes Filipino veterans for their contributions to the successful outcome of World War II and acts to correct this injustice. I am hoping that the 110th Congress will finally correct the injustice inflicted on Filipino veterans over 60 years ago.
Feel free to stay updated on the Committee activities by visiting www.veterans.house.gov.
Disaster Relief Bill for California Agriculture, Asking President Bush For Presidential Disaster Declaration
In response to last month's freeze, which caused an estimated $77 million dollars in damages for Imperial County farmers, I have joined with my colleagues on the California Congressional Caucus in sponsoring H.R. 925, the Emergency Farm Assistance Act, which will provide emergency agricultural disaster assistance for agricultural producers, manufacturers, and workers in the State of California. This bill accompanies a letter that I have sent to President Bush, requesting a major disaster declaration, which would open up funds for additional assistance to Imperial Valley growers, producers, and farm-workers.
The effects of last month's freeze are far reaching. This impacts our economy at every level--from diminished crop levels to unemployment. We have had nearly one hundred claims for unemployment in Imperial County directly resulting from the freeze.
H.R. 925 will provide as much as $1.7 billion in emergency assistance to agricultural producers, manufacturers and workers in 22 counties in California, including Imperial County. The bill also provides relief for losses incurred as a result of this past summer's heat wave. Imperial County was declared a disaster county last summer as well. The bill will provide assistance to specialty crops, nursery crops and trees, and livestock and dairy payments up to a limit of $125,000, as well as small business loans and human assistance including food coupons, grants to assist low-income and seasonal farm workers, and temporary mortgage and rental assistance.
Imperial Valley farmers and workers have suffered great losses. It is imperative that we do everything we can to guarantee the vitality of Imperial County's economy.
View my Letter to President Bush
Working to Clean Up Meth Problem in California
I am proud to join in the effort to help communities across California clean up methamphetamine labs and the toxic mess they leave behind.
Last month, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 365, a bill that charges the Environmental Protection Agency with the development of health-based guidelines to assist state and local authorities in cleaning up former meth lab sites.
Meth labs are often found in residential settings, houses, apartments or hotel rooms. Because the chemicals used in making meth are highly volatile, the toxic residue left behind could threaten the health of whoever should occupy that space next.
While some states have already passed laws that require the clean up of former meth labs including ours, there is no good health-based data to guide that process.
In addition to establishing those guidelines, the bill would also:
*Direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology to consult with EPA in developing technologies to detect meth labs, emphasizing in-field test kits for law enforcement.
* Require the national Academy of Sciences to study the long-term health impacts of meth exposure on first-responders and on children taken from meth labs sites.
The Drug Enforcement Administration reports that more than 470 meth labs were seized in California in 2005.
According to a 2006 National Drug Threat Survey of state and local law enforcement agencies across the nation, meth was named most often as the greatest drug threat in communities.
Citizen of the Month
I am honored to present Clara Carter, the owner and founder of the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network, as my February "Citizen of the Month" for her commitment to increase San Diego's share of the multi-cultural convention and tourism markets, while ensuring the inclusion of people of color in every aspect of the hospitality industry.
Carter's company is unlike most businesses in that it combines San Diego's reputation as a premiere tourist destination with the unique philosophy that the San Diego region should be one of the most inclusive and diversified venues in the nation. She was successful in creating entrepreneurial opportunities for people of color and bringing jobs to locals during the most recent NFL Super Bowl held in San Diego, numerous national tennis tournaments and business expositionsensuring jobs that pay decent wages for residents in the community.
Clara's leadership is remarkable. She is a strong force in promoting diversity. I am proud to recognize her contributions to our community.
Constituent Mail Bag
From Chula Vista
Dear Representative Filner:
The carnage in Iraq must stop. Our presence there has helped inflame the situation and has contributed to civil war.
Most Iraqis - including both Sunnis and Shi'a -- say that attacks on U.S. troops are justified. Voters told Congress in the last election that we want our brave men and women in Iraq to come home. The Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Out of Iraq Caucus chairwomen have offered a viable plan to bring our troops home while attempting to calm and rebuild Iraq -- H.R. 508, The Bring the Troops Home and Iraq Sovereignty Restoration Act, which has sixteen co-sponsors.
Please add your name as a co-sponsor to this legislation. We cannot "win" this war. It is time to face facts and withdraw from this debacle before any more Americans die or get maimed. It is time to stop throwing good money after bad, and for Congress to address pressing domestic issues.
I am counting on you, our dear Rep. Filner, to make this war go away! Please co-sponsor HR 508.
Congressman Filner replies:
Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to President Bush's plan to send more troops to Iraq.
I wholeheartedly agree--this Administration's stance on Iraq is misguided and wrong! As you know, I have opposed this war from the beginning, and I believe we should withdraw our troops and transfer peacekeeping to an international force now! I will be working to deny funds for this escalation.
By working together, we can make a difference!
Contact My Office
Useful Website: Explore D.C.
Spring time is here, which means many of you will venture to our national capital. ExploreD.C. is an interactive guide to Washington hosted by the Public Broadcasting Corporation. Here you will find attractions, restaurants, and useful tips for visiting our nation's capital. Additionally, please be sure to contact me before you come to town. For a list of services my office can provide you, please see my visit Washington D.C. page!
http://www.house.gov/filner/enews/index.htm