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| Hoyer Herald - Tuesday, May 2, 2006 |
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News for the week of May 1, 2006
Hoyer, Democrats Unveil National Security Agenda
Congressman Hoyer recently joined House and Senate Democrats in releasing a new plan to protect America’s national security. The plan, “Real Security: The Democratic Plan to Protect America and Restore Our Leadership in the World,” includes many proposals from a national security strategy paper released last September by Hoyer and other House Democrats (“Ensuring America’s Strength and Security: A Democratic National Security Strategy for the 21st Century”), and includes Democratic ideas to combat nuclear proliferation, fight terrorism, and rebuild America’s armed forces. In his remarks, Congressman Hoyer reiterated Democratic commitment to robust, pro-active proposals to protect Americans at home and abroad.
Rep. Hoyer has been a leading advocate for concrete proposals to provide real security for Americans, and has stressed the importance of reducing American dependence on foreign oil and securing our nation’s ports. Hoyer has cosponsored bipartisan legislation to better coordinate security at America's seaports and authorize dedicated sources of funding for vital port security programs.
Hoyer also delivered the Democratic National Weekly Radio Address on Saturday, April 8, where he discussed the Democratic plan. Listen here.
Get more information about Democratic national security proposals here.
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Hoyer Leads Fight for America’s Firefighters, Local Departments
On April 5, Congressman Hoyer led 135 of his colleagues in sending a letter to the House Appropriations Committee requesting increased funding for two essential programs to assist local fire departments. The President’s proposed budget eliminates the SAFER Grant Program, which helps local departments recruit and retain firefighters, and drastically cuts the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which assists fire departments in purchasing essential equipment and training. Hoyer successfully added $50 million in FY06 Appropriations for the two programs, and has vowed to work for their full funding in the Fiscal Year 2007 process.
As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and a Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, Congressman Hoyer helped start the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to assist local fire departments in purchasing essential equipment and training for firefighters, and played a key role in securing initial funding for the SAFER program. Since 2001, Maryland has received more than $31 million in grant funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
Learn more about Hoyer’s work to protect these important grant programs.
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Hoyer Discusses Prescription Drug Law with Maryland Pharmacists
On April 21, Congressman Hoyer visited NorthGate Pharmacy in Waldorf to hear local community pharmacists’ concerns about the implementation of Medicare Part D, the Republican-supported prescription drug benefit. Many pharmacists have had difficulty in assisting beneficiaries in understanding their benefits and receiving their medication. In a recent national survey of nearly 6,000 pharmacists, including 64 in Maryland, only 2 percent of respondents called the new prescription drug program "a success."
Congressman Hoyer has hosted numerous Town Hall meetings throughout the 5th District to discuss the new Medicare Prescription plan, which took effect in January, and has been an outspoken critic of the Republican law as being overly complex and poorly implemented. Under the new law, Maryland seniors face an overwhelming array of choices: 19 different companies offering 47 different plans with monthly premiums that vary from $6.44 to $68.91, as well as a Medicare managed care option called MedicareAdvantage. In response to the difficulties many Maryland seniors have experienced, Hoyer has officially requested that the Bush Administration extend the penalty-free enrollment until December 31, 2006.
Rep. Hoyer has advised Maryland seniors to contact their local Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program office for individualized assistance. The deadline for initial enrollment is May 15.
Read Hoyer’s full comments here.
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Hoyer Criticizes Bush Energy Proposals, Calls for Comprehensive Energy Strategy
On April 25, Congressman Hoyer strongly criticized the Bush Administration for its lack of foresight in dealing with America’s energy needs. Responding to President Bush’s comments at the Renewable Fuels Summit in Washington, Rep. Hoyer criticized the President’s proposals as a “predictable election year scramble” after the Republican-proposed energy bill passed by the House last year failed to adequately fund alternative energy programs. Hoyer has opposed recent Republican proposals to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and has supported legislation which would repeal billions in taxpayer subsidies for the oil companies making record profits, and help small businesses, farmers, and low income workers pay for the high cost of energy.
Hoyer has called for proactive proposals to address Americans’ energy needs and move towards American energy independence, and has advocated for federal investment in research to promote alternative energy. Hoyer has strongly supported a comprehensive strategy for energy policy that stops price gouging, increases production and use of alternative fuels, and expands refining capacity.
Read Hoyer’s full statement here.
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Hoyer Meets with Maryland Veterans in Prince George’s County
On April 24th, Congressman Hoyer joined leaders of the Maryland veterans’ community to discuss issues important to veterans, military retirees and their families. At the meeting, held in Clinton, Hoyer discussed veterans fee increases and funding shortfalls in President Bush’s proposed FY2007 budget, and criticized the increase in health care costs for millions of veterans and TRICARE recipients.
For the fourth year in a row, the President’s budget raises health care costs for 1 million veterans by adding new fees, costing them more than $2.6 billion over five years and driving at least 200,000 veterans out of the system. The President also proposes to increase TRICARE premiums for 3.1 million of the nation's military retirees under age 65. Premiums will double for senior enlisted retirees and triple for officer retirees by 2009 as drug co-payments increase -- costing military retirees $2.4 billion over five years.
Congressman Hoyer has been a strong advocate in Congress for veterans, and has opposed the fee increases proposed by President Bush. Hoyer is a cosponsor of the GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century, and has pledged to continue fighting for the benefits that veterans and military retirees have earned by their service to our Nation.
Learn more about Hoyer’s work for veterans here.
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Hoyer Participates in 18th Annual Potomac River Cleanup
On April 8, Congressman Hoyer joined the Alice Ferguson Foundation, area officials, and thousands of volunteers in Accokeek for the 18th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup. This year, the cleanup covered over 300 sites throughout the watershed in 4 states and the District of Columbia. Rep. Hoyer participated in the cleanup, the largest of its kind in the region, for the sixth consecutive year.
In brief remarks for the occasion, Hoyer pledged to continue fighting for funding to support the river’s environmental restoration and maintenance. As the only Maryland Congressman to serve on the House Appropriations Committee, Hoyer has worked to secure millions in federal funding to help restore the ecological and economic health of the Potomac.
Learn more about Hoyer’s work to protect the environment here.
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Hoyer Encourages High School Students to Participate in 25th Annual Congressional Arts Competition
Congressman Hoyer recently invited high school art students who reside in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District to participate in the 25th Annual Congressional Arts Competition. The annual competition allows Members of Congress to showcase the artistic talent of high school students within their districts, recognizing the nation’s most gifted young artists.
Congressman Hoyer sent letters to 5th District high schools announcing the competition in early April; to be considered, all artwork must be delivered to one of Congressman Hoyer’s district offices by May 19, 2006. One winning entry will be selected to represent the 5th Congressional District and displayed in the U.S. Capitol, while all other entries will be displayed in Congressman Hoyer's Waldorf District Office for one year.
Students interested in participating may call Congressman Hoyer’s Waldorf District Office at 301-843-1577 for more information. Read more about the Congressional Arts Competition here.
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Hoyer Hosts U.S. Academy and Military Career Forum
On April 24, Congressman Hoyer hosted the 25th Annual U.S. Academy and Military Career Forum to give students from Maryland’s 5th Congressional District an opportunity to learn more about a career of service in the United States Military. Every year, Congressman Hoyer nominates outstanding candidates for admission into one of four United States Service Academies.
In order to pursue appointment to one of these prestigious schools, students between the ages of 17 and 22 must be nominated by a Member of Congress. To begin the nomination process, students should contact Congressman Hoyer’s Greenbelt District Office for an application packet.
Get more information about nomination to a U.S. Service Academy here.
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This Week in Congress:
Tuesday:
The House will convene at 2 pm for legislative business.
Wednesday and Thursday:
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