Newsletter: A Path to Recovery

Statement

RESTORE Act

Last Monday marked five years since the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill devastated the Gulf Coast. Our communities have worked tirelessly to recover from the terrible effects of the worst man-made disaster in our nation's history.

The full recovery of our Gulf Coast has remained a top priority of mine since the first day I entered Congress. I worked alongside my fellow representatives of the Gulf Coast communities affected by the oil spill to create and see through passage of the RESTORE Act.

The RESTORE Act ensures that the funds acquired from any settlement are controlled locally and used to fund economic and environmental recovery projects in areas that were directly affected.

The RESTORE Act has paved the way for a full recovery. Now it's time for BP to except full responsibility and reach a settlement so the Gulf Coast can finally be made whole from the damage caused by BP.

Funding for Veterans

Last week in the House Appropriations committee we passed a bill to fund the Department of Veterans Affairs and Military Construction. This bill continues to address matters within the VA Hospitals and reinforces the priority of exceptional, timely healthcare options for our veterans.
While the president plays games with the VA budget without addressing the real issues our veterans are facing, our bill makes strong investments in our veterans by putting the veteran and their family first. This funding will be used to enhance VA medical care and facilities, improve veterans' wait-times for care, and strengthen oversight of the taxpayers' dollars.

There were also provisions included to further the National Guard's efforts to assist in securing our nation's borders, a priority of mine since the border crisis developed last year.

South Mississippians in DC

Last week I met with students from Laurel Christian School who were on their 8th grade trip to Washington, DC. I had a great time answering their questions like, "is being a Congressman fun?"

And of course I participated in a few "selfies" on the steps of the Capitol. I hope I was able to help make their trip both fun and educational.

I also enjoyed seeing and speaking with the Harris family from Ocean Springs during their Washington, DC visit.

As always, if we can be of any assistance please call or visit my office. For more updates I encourage you to connect with me on facebook, twitter, or by visiting my website.

In Your Service,

Steven M. Palazzo

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