The Washington Hotline
Op-Ed
The Washington Hotline
Wednesday, the House advanced the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 (H.R. 3221), bipartisan legislation to bolster the housing sector and further stimulate the economy. Although this legislation is an expensive and imperfect response to the problems facing our real estate sector, I felt it was the best compromise of getting something through the Congress. Thursday, workers across America received a much-needed boost in their wages as the federal minimum wage increased from $5.85 to $6.55 per hour. This wage hike, although modest, will help lighten the burden on working families as they continue to battle high energy and food costs in the current economic downturn. Read on to learn more about my week.
On Capitol Hill
Preserving PA Highways
Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 6532, bipartisan legislation to address the looming shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund by transferring $8 billion from the General Fund to the Highway Trust Fund. I voted for the legislation which will prevent the loss of $544 million in fiscal year 2009 or 34 percent of all federal funding for Pennsylvania highway infrastructure for next fiscal year. More of story
I-80 tolling
Tuesday, I spoke with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters to, again, convey the concerns of western Pennsylvanians regarding the state's plan to place tolls on Interstate 80. Although the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has recently resubmitted its application to toll I-80, local stakeholders continue to be overwhelmingly opposed to the tolling of I-80. The communities along the corridor have studied this issue, weighed it honestly and remain adamantly opposed to the tolling of the interstate. More of story
Protecting the Great Lakes
Wednesday, I joined members of the Great Lakes Task Force in unveiling bipartisan, bicameral legislation to give congressional consent to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. By ratifying this Compact we will build upon the success of our treasured natural resource and ensure bordering states have access to the tools they need to protect, preserve and manage our shared watershed, the Great Lakes. More of story
To learn more about my efforts to protect and preserve the Great Lakes click HERE.
In District
Jefferson Township Office Hours - NOW!
A representative from my District Office will hold open office hours TODAY from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jefferson Township Fair (7409 Lamor Road, Mercer).
I invite you to stop by and discuss any issues you may be having with the Federal government. If you are unable to attend, I encourage you to call my Mercer District Office at 724-662-3222.
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.
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