The Washington Hotline
Op-Ed
The Washington Hotline
Tuesday the House met for legislative business, worked throughout the week on pending legislation and wrapped up votes Friday morning before entering a month-long district work period. Despite passing some important pieces of legislation this week, I am disappointed in the Democratic House Leadership for adjourning the House and going on a summer vacation rather than dealing with the challenges facing the American economy. As working families across the country continue to battle the effects of a slowing economy and record high energy prices, it is absurd for Congress to turn their backs on the American people and leave for vacation. We clearly have unfinished business. And, if we are serious about getting the American economy back on a growth path we have got to tackle the most prominent economic challenges of today: volatile energy costs and Chinese trade abuses. Read on to learn more about my week.
On Capitol Hill
New Law Saves Boaters Money
The nation's 73 million recreational boaters will no longer have to worry about purchasing unexpected costly, federal permits for normal, recreational boat water discharge, now that S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008, has been signed into law. This legislation restores the longstanding exclusion for recreational boaters and anglers from federal and state permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act, which was designed for land-based industrial facilities and ocean-going commercial ships. More of story
Advance China Trade Legislation
Tuesday, I sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urging her to address current U.S.-China trade challenges and act on China trade legislation before the conclusion of the 110th Congress. With the growing U.S.-China bilateral trade deficit and China's illegal trade practices, it is imperative for Congress to act now and level the playing field for American employers. More of story
For more information on my work on trade policy, click HERE.
Increasing Student Access to Higher Ed
Thursday, the House passed the Conference Report on H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, bipartisan legislation to overhaul and strengthen the nation's higher education programs for an additional five years. By expanding scholarship programs and opportunities, simplifying the federal student loan application process and increasing access to information regarding current college pricing, we can break down the barriers to higher education and help make college a reality for more Americans. More of story
For more information on my work on education policy, click HERE.
In District
Open Office Hours
Here are the upcoming open office hours I will be holding. Look for one near you!
Next mobile offices:
Tuesday, August 5th (12 Noon to 4:30 p.m.): Crawford Center in Emlenton (511 Hill St., Room 205, 2nd Floor)
Thursday, August 7th (12 Noon to 6 p.m.): Corry Public Library (117 West Washington St.)
I invite you to stop by and discuss any issues you may be having with the Federal government. If you are unable to attend office hours, I encourage you to call 814.456.2038 (for Erie residents) or 1-866-PHIL-NOW (1-866-744-5669).
3rd District Services
Don't forget, my 3rd district staff can assist local residents with problems they might have with federal agencies such as Social Security, Medicare, military and veteran's affairs and immigration. U.S. Flags can be purchased through my office and we can even assist you with your visit to the nation's capital.
For more information contact one of my offices today.
Source