E-News from Congressman Murphy
Press Release
5/21/10
In this week's issue of E-News...
Mexico's President Calls U.S. Immigration System "Broken and Inefficient?"
White Oak AARP Discusses Healthcare with Congressman
Congress Blocks Welfare Reform, Gives Green-Light to Cash for Cigs
$86 Billion Bill Fails to "Compete" in the House
Opportunities Await Future Carpenters
Strong Energy Policy Builds American Steel Jobs
Tribute Paid to Local Hero on House Floor
See Pennsylvania's Energy Potential First Hand
Mexico's President Calls U.S. Immigration System "Broken and Inefficient?"
On Thursday, Mexican President Felipe Calderon addressed a joint session of Congress asking U.S. lawmakers to pass comprehensive immigration reform and to outlaw assault weapons. In his address, President Calderon firmly opposed Arizona's stance on illegal immigration and said that United States gun laws are in part to blame for violence on the border. President Calderon also called the United States immigration system broken and inefficient, and echoed President Obama's message that the Arizona law is "discriminatory."
Congressman Murphy expressed shock and dismay at the Mexican President's statements, "Mexico's failure to defeat the drug cartels and the President's indifference to border crime and violence has left Arizonans with no choice. Rather than both Presidents working to end the violence and stop the criminal activity that results from a porous border, they stand together in criticism of the people of Arizona for taking steps to protect themselves. America can still be a nation that welcomes immigrants wishing to enter legally, but we must create a system that works for the American people, and not for those knowingly and willfully breaking our laws and committing violent acts."
Congressman Murphy had expressed hope that during President Calderon's visit, both he and President Obama would have used it as an opportunity to come together to propose a solution that would end violence and criminal activity on our shared border. Violence along the border continues to grow. Three border patrol agents are assaulted daily and one kidnapping occurs every thirty-five hours. Rising assault levels mixed with an increase in kidnappings, drug trafficking, and murders have Americans living in Border States like Arizona concerned for their safety.
"Putting blame on America without taking responsibility for his country's own policies, which have caused the economic instability and violence forcing Mexicans to flee to the U.S., is not a sign of cooperation. This should have been an opportunity to find mutual solutions to the border crisis," said Congressman Murphy.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed landmark immigration reform into law on April 23, 2010. SB 1070 requires non-United States citizens to carry their passports, visas, or green cards with them at all times. Under SB 1070, racial profiling is explicitly prohibited and law enforcement officers may only ask an individual about his or her immigration status if they have "reasonable suspicion" during lawful conduct.
In an effort to offer a solution, Congressman Murphy has cosponsored H.R. 3308, the Secure America through Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act to increase border security, provide enhanced workplace enforcement of immigration laws and require employers to verify workers' status through a Department of Homeland Security database.
White Oak AARP Discusses Healthcare with Congressman
On Monday, Congressman Tim Murphy addressed members of the White Oak AARP chapter, and heard concerns that the new healthcare law will mean fewer doctors willing to see Medicare patients.
The new law takes $710 billion out of Medicare to cover the uninsured. This includes $202.3 billion cuts to seniors' Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage plans. In Western Pennsylvania, 60 percent of seniors are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans that provide benefits such as dental and vision, disease management, and wellness programs. Seniors raised concerns that cuts to Medicare Advantage could lead to higher insurance premiums and lack of access to doctors.
At a forum with Congressman Murphy, White Oak AARP members discuss changes to Medicare under the new healthcare law.
AARP members also expressed concern that Medicare was not paying doctors enough, and as a result, fewer healthcare providers accept Medicare recipients. A 2008 survey by a federal research agency on healthcare found that 29 percent of Medicare enrollees had trouble finding a primary care doctor, a number up five percent from 2007. Last month, the CMS Actuary warned that the $500 billion in cuts could some cause providers to stop accepting Medicare.
The Congressman also discussed how seniors with high drug costs this year could qualify for a $250 "doughnut hole" rebate. Currently, Medicare recipients pay 25 percent of prescription-drug costs -- up to $2,830 per year. After that, seniors fall into the "doughnut hole" where they pay 100 percent of prescription-drug costs until out-of-pocket spending reaches $4,550. At that point, Medicare recipients pay only 5 percent of drug costs.
During the meeting, Congressman Murphy committed to continuing his efforts to offering quality reforms to lower the cost of healthcare including promoting the kinds of payment reforms that will make Medicare a model of chronic care management. Three-quarters of all Medicare spending goes toward chronic illnesses like COPD, diabetes, and hypertension. But the Medicare fee-for-service model does not encourage wellness or quality outcomes, but instead rewards tests and procedures.
Congress Blocks Welfare Reform, Gives Green-Light to Cash for Cigs
On Thursday, the House of Representatives failed to pass a motion which would have eliminated a stimulus program that provides financial incentives to states with growing welfare rolls. Congressman Tim Murphy voted to end this program that allowed welfare recipients to use benefits to buy iPods, cigarettes, and lottery tickets.
The economic stimulus legislation created a $5 billion "emergency" fund to reward states that increased welfare rolls and bypassed the requirements of the successful welfare-to-work reforms of 1996. In September, CBS News discovered that New York State welfare recipients immediately used their $200 taxpayer check to buy cell phones, flat screen televisions, iPods, cigarettes, and lottery tickets.
"It's hard to believe, but Congress won't fix the program meant to help the least fortunate and allows loopholes to live on. No wonder why Americans are so outraged with Washington. In typical devil-may-care fashion, Congress wants to give a handout for waste and not a hand-up for help," said Rep. Murphy.
"America's economy is suffocating under a mountain of $12.4 trillion in debt," said Rep. Murphy. "Washington spends money we don't have to buy things we don't need in a time of economic instability. Let's focus on creating jobs instead."
$86 Billion Bill Fails to "Compete" in the House
On Monday, the House defeated an $86 billion corporate welfare bill creating additional government programs, many of which would duplicate work already being conducted and with no guarantee of job creation. Congressman Tim Murphy opposed the bill, named the America COMPETES Act.
"While discussion surrounding the legislation was framed around job creation, this is nothing more than blind government spending. Throwing money around and hoping that jobs are created is not sound economic recovery policy. Just because Congress holds the checkbook doesn't mean there's money in the bank, and we should not spend money we do not have. Until we can fund the programs that we have, we shouldn't create new ones," said Congressman Murphy.
With the support of Rep. Murphy in 2007, the COMPETES law made new investments in education and grant programs at the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and other federal research agencies. But, this year's version of the bill costs nearly $86 billion, $22 billion above current spending levels at those departments, and would have funded several duplicative programs that would provide taxpayer resources directly to corporations.
The $86 billion would fund to the following programs at staggering levels:
* National Science Foundation -- $24,372,000,000
* National Institute of Standards and Technology -- $3,063,309,000
* Department of Energy, Office of Science - $ 16,868,000,000
* Basic Energy Sciences Program -- $6,087,000,000
* Biological and Environmental Research Program -- $2,165,000,000
* Advanced Scientific Computing Research Program - $ 1,513,000,000
* Advanced Research Projects Agency -- Energy - $1,350,000,000
Congressman Murphy believes that at a time of job loss and stagnant growth, Congress needs to be reigning in federal spending and getting the national debt under control. Further, Congress should support its existing research programs before creating new ones. Southwestern Pennsylvania is home to one of the most prestigious federal research institutions, the National Energy Technology Laboratory located in South Park, which develops renewable and clean-energy technologies. In recent years, NETL funding has been flat-lined while Congress has created new duplicative programs.
Opportunities Await Future Carpenters
Congressman Tim Murphy saw the craftsmanship of the next generation of carpenters at the 9th Annual Carpenters Union Open House. This event is held every year to showcase the woodworking and carpentry skills of the best apprentices.
At the open house, teams made up of a fourth-year apprentice, a local engineer, and a draftsman compete to build a project in eight hours time. This year teams built an outdoor garden structure, including gazebos, swing sets, and patios.
Mill cabinet carpenters show Congressman Murphy how they designed and crafted a 15 foot canoe from wood strips.
This year was the first time the contest took place in the new 46,000 square foot Carpenters Union Apprenticeship Training Center, which officially opened in Collier Township in April.
During his visit, Congressman Murphy discussed job opportunities for carpenters. In the first quarter of 2010, new home construction increased by 3.8 percent in Southwestern Pennsylvania. This was the first improvement in two years. The continued development of Marcellus Shale natural gas has played a role in the demand as more workers have moved to the area, and will create job opportunities for carpenters.
The Greater Pennsylvania Regional Council of Carpenters represents 9,000 active members and more than 1,000 apprentices across 60 counties in Pennsylvania. In order to replenish retiring workers, 300 new apprentices are added each year.
The Apprenticeship Program offers four year programs in the areas of commercial and residential carpentry, and heavy highway construction. Additionally, separate programs exist for floor layers, cabinet makers, pile drivers, and millwrights. The training requires rigorous mentoring and on the job instruction.
Strong Energy Policy Builds American Steel Jobs
Congressman Tim Murphy, Vice-Chair of the Congressional Steel Caucus, addressed two separate groups of steel industry leaders this week, warning of the affects cap-and-trade legislation would have on consumers and the industry, and urging lawmakers to consider comprehensive energy legislation that focuses on creating jobs and increasing demand for domestically-produced steel. The Congressman addressed the Steel Manufacturers Association, representing steel producers and industry suppliers; and the Green Steel Summit hosted by the Steel Business Briefing, a publisher of steel industry news and information.
Recounting a recent conversation with an attorney who suggested that cap-and-trade legislation should be enacted so that wind energy can replace coal, Congressman Murphy pointed out that wind turbines cannot be made without steel, and steel cannot be made without coal. In other words, the development of new energy sources like wind depends on the continued use of traditional resources like steel and coal. Imposing a cap-and-trade regime on steel and coal, or abandoning coal altogether as the lawyer recommended, would not only inhibit the development of certain new energy sources, but would jeopardize over 5,000 steel jobs and over 50,000 coal jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania alone.
Steel Caucus Chairmen Tim Murphy (R-Pa.) and Peter Visclosky (D-Ind.), and Steel Manufacturers Association President Thomas Danjczek discuss energy policy at the Green Steel Summit.
Congressman Murphy discussed the bipartisan energy bill he introduced, H.R. 2227, the American Conservation and Clean Energy Independence Act, which enables the federal government to leverage the massive amounts of domestic offshore resources to pay for energy, environmental, and conservation programs. Congressman Murphy explained that the $2.2 trillion to $3.7 trillion in lease and royalty revenues would fund deployment of clean coal technology; nuclear energy loan guarantees; renewable and energy efficiency programs; and environmental restoration and conservation programs.
H.R. 2227 would create the "largest investment in infrastructure in human history," generating as many as 1.2 million jobs annually across the country over the next twenty years, including 120,000 jobs from the construction of clean coal power plants. The legislation would invest as much as $220 billion in clean coal technology that captures and sequesters carbon. Congressman Murphy called for the nation to embrace this "huge scientific challenge," which would be the basis for new jobs.
The legislation would also fund construction of nuclear power plants and modernize America's water and wastewater infrastructure -- both programs that would require tons of steel. A single new nuclear power plant requires 66,000 tons of steel and 44 miles of piping. Investments in these sectors of the economy would create even more jobs for the steel and coal industries.
As founding Co-Chairman of the Natural Gas Caucus, Congressman Murphy expressed excitement about recent reports that V&M Star plans to invest $650 million to expand its Youngstown, Ohio plant into a one million-square foot rolling mill to manufacture more pipe and tube to service natural gas exploration in the Marcellus Shale. This expansion is expected to result in the hiring of 350 full-time workers and 400 temporary construction jobs, and likely foreshadows additional opportunities for the steel and coal industries to benefit from the development of other energy sources.
Tribute Paid to Local Hero on House Floor
On Thursday, Congressman Tim Murphy delivered a speech on the House floor honoring the life of Sergeant Nathan Kennedy, an Army Ranger who was fatally wounded in Afghanistan on April 27, 2010. Sgt. Kennedy born and raised in Claysville, Pennsylvania, and a 2004 graduate of McGuffey High School where he was a WPIAL champion wrestler. A trained sniper, Sgt. Kennedy was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, of Fort Carson, Colorado.
Please click the image above to watch Congressman Murphy's floor speech.
Sgt. Kennedy was less than a month away from completing his second tour with the United States Army when his unit came under fire near Quarando Village in Afghanistan.
Remembered as a loyal, friendly neighbor, who was always willing to lend a hand, Nathan enlisted in the Army in 2006, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as a war-time serviceman.
Regarding Sgt. Kennedy's passing, Congressman Murphy said,
"This week Sgt. Kennedy was due to arrive back home. Sadly, he was killed in battle on his late mother, Penelope's, birthday. Nathan was laid to rest beside her this past Mother's Day.
"While Sgt. Kennedy returned a few weeks too early, he returned to a grateful group of friends, neighbors, and thousands of folks who never met Nathan, but who travelled from all over America lining the streets of Claysville to honor his sacrifice.
"In joining the procession, I will never forget the overwhelming presence of that silent crowd. Not a sound was made during Sgt. Kennedy's procession, none but for the strut of the team of horses that pulled his flag-draped caisson. And although our hearts are heavy in remembrance of Nathan, we may rejoice. Because while the small town of Claysville has lost a son, a grateful nation has gained a hero."
See Pennsylvania's Energy Potential First Hand
You are invited to attend Congressman Murphy's Energy Expo 2010. The Expo will showcase the region's innovative projects and cutting-edge technologies in the exploration, generation, transmission, and conservation of energy.
The Energy Expo will include:
* Interactive displays by local manufacturers, research labs, businesses, and schools
* Guest speakers and presentations
* Business opportunities
* The next generation of energy products
Energy Expo 2010
June 2, 2010
Main Ballroom
Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe
1000 Corporate Drive
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317
10:00 a.m. -- 2:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact Congressman Murphy's office at 412-344-5583.
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