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Capitol Hill Update -- October 7, 2005



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Capitol Hill Update -- October 7, 2005
 

Washington, Oct 7, 2005 - Here's the latest news and information from Congressman Jim Gerlach:


Click here for a full, downloadable version of this week's Capitol Hill Update (PDF)



Gerlach Votes to Fund Department of Homeland Security


Rep. Jim Gerlach voted for the FY ’06 Department of Homeland Security Conference Report on Thursday, a $31 billion spending bill that fully funds the department’s ability to protect the nation’s borders, inspect and manage incoming cargo and support local first responders.

“It’s important that our men and women on the ground have access to the state-of-the art tools and resources necessary to protect this great country,” Rep. Gerlach said. “This bill takes the steps necessary to shore up our borders and protect the critical transportation systems we rely on daily.”

The legislation includes $19.1 billion for border protection and immigration enforcement, of which $1.8 billon is set aside for border security and control and the funding of an additional 1,000 Border Patrol Agents. This funding will support next generation technology to screen high-risk cargo coming through our land and seaports; an expansion of cargo inspection at foreign ports; improvements to supply chain security; maritime security, and support a robust revitalization of immigration enforcement efforts both along our borders and within the interior of the nation.

Additionally, the legislation includes $3.3 billion for first responders, including grants to high threat areas and emergency management interests. Also, the bill includes $655 million in assistance grants for local fire departments. Since September 11th, 2001, $32.1 billion has been provided to first responders – including terrorism prevention and preparedness, general law enforcement, firefighter assistance, airport security, seaport security, and public health preparedness.

The bill continues efforts to enhance security for all modes of transportation, including ports, rails, and aviation, with a focus on research and development of next generation technologies to inspect baggage, passengers and cargo. Key aspects of the transportation funding include:

* $2.5 billion for passenger and baggage screeners;
* $88 million for the training of airport screeners;
* $443 million to procure, install, maintain and integrate in-line explosive detection systems;
* $1 billion for aviation direction and enforcement activities;
* $85 million for air cargo security, including 100 new inspectors, funding to fast track pending air cargo regulations; and research and development of next generation technologies;
* $8 million for rail security inspectors and explosive detection canines;

A total of $625 million was also included in the legislation for upgrading and protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure. The bill supports ongoing efforts to develop secure communications systems with federal, State and local entities; and continue efforts to work with the private sector to implement protective measures around this infrastructure.

H R 2360, the FY ’06 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report, easily passed the House Thursday by a vote of 347-70.


Gerlach Supports Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women’s Act



Congressman Jim Gerlach supported reauthorization of the Violence Against Women’s Act recently, important legislation that authorizes funding for local government programs to reduce crime and violence, and has served as a major source of federal funding for programs to reduce rape, stalking, and domestic violence.

“This reauthorization bill was critical if we were to continue our support of essential domestic violence programs and to make improvements to how we as a nation combat domestic violence, acts of dating violence, sexual assault and stalking,” Rep. Gerlach said. “This is a necessary step if we are to keep our commitment to those members of our community who suffer from such horrible acts of violence.”

The legislation also addresses the problem of violence against children and youth by including programs for college campuses and assistance to youth who are themselves victims of violence. Specifically, the legislation:

• Reauthorizes appropriate levels of funding for rape crisis combat violent crimes on campuses;
• Places special victim assistants in local law enforcement liaisons between law enforcement and victims;
• Improves access to the courts for teenagers;
• Creates a national education curriculum for state and ensure that all courts have access to information about practices;
• Extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting human offenses against children to 10 years; and,
• Includes a new program to enhance community responses both child maltreatment and domestic violence.

The Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, which passed the Hosue Wednesday by an overwhelming bipartisan majority, includes legislation to reauthorize and expand VAWA, which was first enacted in 1994 (P.L. 103-322). The VAWA was reauthorized in 2000 (P.L. 106-386), and is set to expire on September 30, 2005.

National Penn Bank Receives U.S. Treasury Economic Development Grant


For its support of economic development initiatives, National Penn Bank has been awarded a $77,850 grant from the Bank Enterprise Award Program. The program, part of the U.S. Treasury’s Community Develop Financial Institution Fund, rewards financial institutions for making investments in the community.

To mark the award, U.S. Congressman Jim Gerlach presented a symbolic check to National Penn President Glenn Moyer and Vice President of CRA Lending Sharon McMichael at the bank’s headquarters in Boyertown on Oct. 3

“I’m excited to be able to present this grant to an important Boyertown institution,” said Congressman Gerlach. “National Penn is doing wonderful things for the community, and I look forward to continue working with them.”

“It’s gratifying to see that our support of programs like Murex makes it possible for us to help even more groups within our communities,” said McMichael.

National Penn plans to reinvest the grant monies back into a variety of community programs, including: A Philadelphia workforce development initiative to benefit at-risk youth; Millions of Afghans ignored threats of violence and voted in the country’s first parliamentary election held in two decades this past weekend. While preliminary results will not be available until October, a look at what happened on Election Day illustrates the desire of the Afghan people to remove the shackles of the Taliban regime and courageously rebuild their country and government.

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