Congressman Bob Filner

"We Need a Paper Trail!" Supporting Legislation To Strengthen Voting Reliability and Accuracy

I have co-sponsored H.R. 6187 and H.R. 6200, both of which amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002. These bills strengthen voting reliability and accuracy by requiring a paper trial for all electronic voting systems.

Both bills help avoid problems caused by software glitches, computer hackers, improperly trained poll workers, or power outages that could intentionally or accidentally alter or erase voting data placed in the new machines.

There is a nationwide concern about electronic voting systems. Experts have expressed doubts about their accuracy. With more states switching from paper ballots to electronic voting systems, it is important that the government work to ensure reliability in our voting systems.

H.R. 6187 would amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 by reimbursing jurisdictions for amounts paid or incurred in preparing, producing and using contingency paper ballots. H.R. 6200 would amend the help America Vote Act of 2002 by requiring states to conduct Presidential elections using paper ballots and to count those ballots by hand.

The bills help keep our elections accurate and free of fraud. In the past, we saw how a few votes can make a big difference. We should do everything possible to make sure all votes are accurately counted!

Enhancing Affordability and Competitiveness of Specialty Crops

I have co-sponsored H.R. 6193, legislation which continues previous Congressional efforts to enhance the specialty crop industry’s efforts to provide an abundant affordable supply of fruits and vegetables, while remaining competitive in the global marketplace.

The legislation defines the term "specialty crops" as "fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” The bill reinforces previous efforts by Congress to assist with the challenges faced by specialty crop farmers in areas such as marketing, nutrition outreach, international trade, research for improvements in crop production, pest and disease control, and conservation practices.

This bill is an investment in our nation’s public health. It bolsters marketing and promotion campaigns aimed at increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables across the nation—an integral component to a healthy lifestyle.

H.R. 6193 works to continue and expand upon previous Congressional efforts to ensure an abundant and affordable supply of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and other specialty crops for American consumers and international markets.

This bill is important to the Imperial Valley because it recognizes the vital role of specialty crops in our nation’s economy and helps our farmers stay on top of the competition both in the domestic and international marketplace.

Recommending Valley Resident Sgt. Luis Montes for Military Award

I am proud to announce my support for a military medal upgrade for Imperial Valley resident, Sergeant Luis Montes. Sergeant Montes lost his life rescuing two fellow soldiers from their burning tank after a bomb exploded beneath the vehicle on September 1, near Abu Ghraib, Iraq. As a result of his actions, the United States Army awarded Sergeant Montes a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

Sergeant Luis Montes’ selfless actions saved the lives of two soldiers. He is a hero and particularly deserving of a high medal of recognition for his valiant efforts.

I have written to the Secretary of the Army, Francis J. Harvey, asking that he upgrade Sergeant Montes’ Bronze Star Medal.

Sergeant Montes’ life serves as a true inspiration for all. Born in Mexicali and raised in El Centro, Montes re-enlisted for a three-year tour in Iraq after receiving his U.S. citizenship. Sergeant Luis Montes was buried in El Centro on September 16.

View a copy of my letter to Secretary Harvey