I am grateful as well to the families of veterans both past and future for the sacrifices they have made and continue to make so their loved ones can serve us all.

I include in my gratitude the veterans of tomorrow: the troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe who serve today. I appreciate their tenacity, strength and ability to face the challenges of our current wars. With one of the highest deployments per capita in the Union, the Oregon National Guard in particular has sacrificed much.

This Veterans Day we find ourselves engaged in two wars and we honor the thousands wounded or killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. We cannot give enough to those who have offered up their lives. Congress will continue to work to ensure that the needs of our veterans and the needs of their families are taken care of.

This past year, with the support of major veterans’ organizations, Congress strengthened care for veterans and made an unprecedented investment in veterans’ health care, adding over $16 billion for veterans’ health care. The funding is crucial, with 333,275 veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan this year alone and so many troops suffering from traumatic brain injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other ailments. In addition, Congress passed the Joshua Omvig Veteran’s Suicide Prevention Act and improved and increased oversight of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

In June, Congress took another important step by granting a full, four-year college education to qualifying troops and veterans under the new GI Bill that will take effect next year. For Americans who have served their country, often with great strain on their families and financial futures, this new bill will pave a path to prosperity for a new generation.

I look forward to working with the next administration to revitalize our military—strained to the breaking point under the current Administration—and safeguard American troops serving around the world. I can think of no better way to honor the Americans who have served us so well than to remain steadfast in my commitment to ensure that our country cares for them in a manner worthy of their sacrifice and valor.

In the days that have passed since Congress approved the $700 billion financial rescue package, there have been several positive developments amidst all the economic turmoil. I continue to stand behind my vote against both versions of a bailout package that was far too expensive and did nothing to deal with the underlying problem: Falling home values for 12 million people who may face foreclosure. The initial Treasury strategy to invest taxpayers’ funds in toxic securities of uncertain value weeks or months into the future was unlikely to stabilize the market. It also puts us in a weaker position if another financial shoe were to fall.

The stock market’s verdict? The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell almost 500 points from the moment we started to vote to approve the package. The market continued in free fall for the next week, indicating that the financial sector felt it was too little, too late, or that at least it was not an adequate response.

Since then, the Treasury Department has made a U-turn and is now going to inject capital directly into banks instead of buying dubious assets. After the Bush administration rejected this idea during earlier discussions with Congress, they did an about-face after Great Britain showed the lead and other interventions weren’t working. I find this very encouraging–it will help put money where it's needed in a matter of days, rather than relying on an uncertain process that could take months.

I'm also heartened by the renewed emphasis on the problems facing millions of Americans whose mortgage balances are now more than their homes are worth. This downward spiral of home values continues to destabilize the market. Senator Obama has announced that, if elected, he would address this issue in the first days of his administration. He has already called for a short-term foreclosure moratorium. I feel momentum is building towards stabilizing the housing market, not just for families, but for communities and the economy.

I have long argued and worked to provide homeowners with the same bankruptcy protection enjoyed by businesses and those with multiple vacation homes. This simple change would greatly reduce the number of foreclosures, the extreme distress felt by many families, and preserve a vital asset for a greater number of Americans.

The other extraordinarily positive development is that resistance to a broader economic stimulus package is melting away. With the economy continuing in free fall, the concerns about critical infrastructure projects, and with both presidential candidates looking for ways to bolster the economy immediately, an economic stimulus package looks more and more likely to be passed when Congress returns for a near certain lame-duck session in November.

There's no denying that the United States has been living beyond its means.  Not only do we need to reassess regulatory oversight; in the short term we need significant, dramatic action.  I will continue to fight for initiatives that maximize value for American taxpayers and provide benefits for families, communities, and the economy.

Even if we are successful in enacting a broad economic stimulus bill, the hard work has just begun—I fear things may continue to get worse before they get better. I remain deeply concerned about our weakened economy, and look forward to continuing conversations at home with Oregonians about policies and practices that are going to help us manage the turmoil and reverse the trend.

On January 20, 2009, President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn in as the next President of the United States. This is an exciting time for everyone and I am heartened by the response from Oregonians.

At this time, we do not know how many Inaugural tickets my office will receive. If you wish to be put on our waiting list, please send an email to Michael Harold at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with the words “Inauguration Tickets” in the subject line. Please make sure to include the name, age and address of every person for whom you are requesting a ticket.

I will do my best to ensure that constituents who request tickets receive them, but as you can imagine, there is a huge demand. If you do not live in Third Congressional District, I encourage you to also contact your congressman or congresswoman. My office will notify you if you receive a ticket or tickets as soon as we can. It will most likely be near the end of December.

Please be aware that there are a few organizations trying to sell fake tickets to people- you can only receive tickets from a congressional office, and the tickets must be picked up in person from the office the day before Inauguration. Any group that suggests differently is giving you incorrect information.

Inauguration Day is Tuesday, January 20th, 2009. In the past, there have been a variety of events which do not require tickets, including a public Inauguration parade. I encourage you to monitor the Inauguration Planning Committee website, http://inaugural.senate.gov/index.cfm, to learn of other events available for the public. You will be responsible for your own travel arrangements, and as hotels are already filling up, I suggest planning ahead as much as possible.

Again, thank you for your interest in the inauguration of President-elect Obama. I cannot guarantee that tickets will be available, but I will do my best to make sure that as many constituents as possible receive tickets for this momentous occasion.

Sincerely,

Washington, DC – Congressman Blumenauer (D-OR) spoke at the hearing on economic recovery, job creation, and investment in America, held today before the House Ways and Means Committee. Witnesses testified to the need for increased assistance for families and local government agencies struggling in the current crisis. Congressman Blumenauer has issued the following statement:

“With the economy in peril, a decaying infrastructure and a carbon-constrained environment, American families are turning to Congress for solutions. They’re asking how we can help them. They’re asking what Congress and the new administration can do to renew and rebuild America.

“We’ve got to be looking at short-term specifics as well as the big picture. For instance, what should be done about local government agencies, school districts, and transit agencies that have never missed a debt service payment, yet cannot get the credit they need to stay afloat? We need specific approaches to stabilize and help not just big business and lending institutions, but American families and credit-worthy Main Street institutions as well.

“American families also want answers that go beyond the short term economic crisis; they need long-term solutions that will be there for them, year in and year out. I would deeply appreciate your insights on how we can best restore economic security and stability for struggling American families, as well as state and local governments."

Dear Constituents,

As the financial crisis continues to evolve, it is clear that we will be feeling its effect for some time. To help Oregonians during these uncertain times, I’ve assembled a list of services that might be helpful in answering questions or finding assistance as we cope with changing finances.

General Assistance

If you are looking for general information, especially regarding money, jobs, and housing, check the local Portland edition of the Beehive at http://www.thebeehive.org

For general information about a variety of government assistance programs call 211. 

If 211 doesn’t work from your phone, dial 503-222-5555 (from Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties); their phone lines are open Monday through Friday, from 8am to 8pm.

Resources by Topic:

    Aging and Disability Services

If you are a senior citizen, your county’s aging services can assist you with a variety of issues.

Multnomah County Aging Services Senior Helpline: (503) 988-3646

Clackamas County Social Services: (503) 655-8640

   Energy Conservation

To save money on heating and electric bills, refer to the Home Energy Saver’s website, sponsored by the US Department of Energy: http://hes.lbl.gov/

  Credit Counseling

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling provides assistance to help you become debt free at http://www.debtadvice.org/ or by calling 1-800-388-2227.

  Insured Accounts

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) both insure deposits of up to $250,000 for each account. The FDIC and the NCUA have information posted on their websites about recent changes and have set up hotlines.
FDIC Call Center (877) 275-3342 or http://www.fdic.gov/
NCUA Assistance Hotline (800) 755-1030 or http://www.ncua.gov/  

   Food Stamps

To determine your eligibility to receive food stamps, go to the Oregon Department of Human Services website; they administer the federal food stamp program in Oregon: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/assistance/foodstamps/foodstamps.shtml

Other Food Resources:

•    Oregon Food Bank:  http://www.oregonfoodbank.org

•    Oregon WIC Program:  http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/wic/

    Heating Bills

If you are having trouble paying your energy bills, you may be eligible for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program. Assistance is determined on the basis of income, household size, and availability. See http://www.oregon.gov/OHCS/SOS_Oregon_Energy_Assistance_Program.shtml

You can also reach a number of energy assistance help lines by phone:

•    Oregon HEAT: (503) 612-3790

•    Clackamas County Energy Assistance Line:  503-650-5641

•    SEI-Community Services Energy Hotline: (503) 240-0828

•    Human Solutions:  (503) 548-0200

•    Human Solutions East County Offices:  (503) 988-4531

•    Portland Impact Energy Hotline: (503) 988-6020

Health

    Oregon Health Plan

For information on qualifying for or enrolling in the Oregon Health Plan, see:  http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/healthplan/app_benefits/ohp4u.shtml

    Prescription Drugs

For help paying for prescription drugs, see the Oregon Prescription Drug Program’s website, http://www.oregon.gov/OHPPR/OPDP/index.shtml

   Low Cost Health Clinics

Federally funded health clinics offer medical treatment and assistance to people without health insurance; their payment schedule is based on actual income. 

To find your nearest health clinic, go to http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

Or to find an immunization clinic, go to http://www,mchealth.org/immunizations

Housing

    At Risk of Defaulting?

If you are at risk of defaulting on your mortgage payment, visit http://www.hud.gov/hopeforhomeowners/ to learn if you are eligible for a new, 30-year, fixed rate mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

    Facing Foreclosure?

If you are having trouble paying your mortgage or are facing foreclosure, you can find helpful information at http://egov.oregon.gov/DCBS/safe_money.shtml

    Need Loan Counseling?

For loan counseling services, call toll-free 1-888-995-4673. This program is cosponsored by Neighborworks and the Homeownership Preservation Foundation. Hotline counselors will help connect borrowers with lenders and try to work out loan modifications.

Legal Assistance

Low-income Oregonians can obtain free legal information and assistance at http://oregonlawhelp.org/OR/index.cfm

Pet Assistance

If you are having trouble feeding or caring for your pet, you can get assistance through http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/ or http://www.help-a-pet.org/apply.html

Refunds

Thousands of Oregonians have not received their economic stimulus check or tax refund due to faulty addresses.  To find out if the government owes you money, go to: http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Money_Owed.shtml

Digital Television Transition

At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna or “rabbit ears” will not work after this date. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay/cable TV service need to take action now. Consumers who purchase a TV Converter Box today can connect it to their existing television and begin enjoying the benefits of digital television immediately.

Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. To apply for coupons, or for more information about the Digital Transition, visit https://www.dtv2009.gov/

Small Business Assistance

Small business owners can find valuable resources at: http://www.sba.gov/localresources/district/or/index.html

Unemployment Insurance

Oregonians are now eligible to receive unemployment benefits for 39 weeks. You can submit applications at a Regional Unemployment Insurance Center or online at http://www.employment.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/UI/claim_filing_info.shtml

Other useful online resources:

•    Oregon Unemployment Insurance - http://www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/UI/index.shtml    

•    U.S. Dept of Labor – Unemployment Insurance  –  http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/

Six weeks after the first bailout vote and two weeks after the election, Congress will return for a probable lame duck session to address our growing economic crisis. I have received a great deal of reaction and some press criticism for my vote against the original bailout package. What does the terrain look like now?

Economic conditions continue to deteriorate, and American job loses are on the rise. The number of Americans looking for work climbed to 10.1 million in October—the highest number in 25 years—and more than one in five of those looking for work have been jobless for six months or more. It appears that in the two months since the passage of the bailout, my concerns, and frankly those of many of the Oregonians that I consulted with, have been justified. The bailout has not stopped the stock market freefall. Although no one should confuse the S&P 500 with the economy, it is a powerful indicator of consumer confidence; it fell more than 460 points even as the House voted on the final bill. That downward trend has continued uninterrupted as more bad news about the economy emerges. 

I return to Washington with the same fundamental objectives as before. My first priority is to do everything possible to stabilize the condition of homeowners around the country. This is not just about the 7 million plus Americans that are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure—it’s about the millions of Americans who are watching home values fall, increasing the threats to their neighborhoods and communities. Mortgage servicers need to be able to help keep people in their homes, and the rules governing bankruptcy should be modified to ultimately give homeowners the same protection for their residence as the wealthy enjoy for their fourth vacation home or any business has for its property. This is not only a matter of fundamental fairness; the financial stability of our nation and our communities depends on reasonable treatment for both homeowners and mortgage holders.

I want to make sure that the taxpayer is given a better deal. We need, at every opportunity, to drive a harder bargain to make sure that their money is not wasted, but buys something of value in return, whether it is a more fuel-efficient car or a profitable share in a recovering economy. As money is made, taxpayers should be the first in line.

Further, although rigid rules are dangerous in a time of unprecedented financial uncertainty, we should have a firmer set of guidelines and clear expectations for what we expect. Is it worse to have a large company work out its problems through bankruptcy, or to throw taxpayer money at an unsustainable business model that may simply postpone the inevitable at great cost? How far are we prepared to extend money to troubled sectors of the economy? These questions deserve more thought and public discussion.

Last, but by no means least: What are we going to do to prevent debacles like this in the future? Part of the solution is to have vigorous oversight instead of the self-regulation that has been the mantra of so many in Washington for so long. I will be proposing changes to guarantee that tax exempt investments are transparent and protected, instead of hidden in anonymous black financial holes and subject to enormous and risky bets. It's time for a financial consumer protection agency to stop the rampant abuses that have been pursued by some in the private sector. Protection, bankruptcy equity, fundamental consumer protection, reasonable financial industry oversight, and tax reform will be an important part of the equation, if we are to ensure that we don't recreate these catastrophic circumstances anytime soon.

Today I spoke out against the rescue proposal. While better than what was proposed by the administration a week ago, the proposal is too expensive and only marginally effective. Click on the picture below for a video of my remarks. (Windows Media Player Required)

Click on "Read more" for a transcript of my remarks.

Washington, DC – In a moment of historic import, Congressman Blumenauer has voted with the House of Representatives to reject a $700 billion bailout of the financial industry. Congressman Blumenauer has made clear that we must protect Main Street from the crisis on Wall Street, and is determined to work towards a better solution.

“It was hardly a surprise that this bill went down to defeat," said Congressman Earl Blumenauer. “It was, at the core, not the best bill.  I am convinced that it would have passed if it were paid for with a fee on the finance industry to pay for its own bailout, and if homeowners were given the same bankruptcy protections as rich people’s third and fourth home, and business properties.”

The biggest issue, Congressman Blumenauer notes, is what lies ahead.  We need to address how much the government fixes and why we should fix it, he says. This is a time to strengthen corporate responsibility and have less, not more, demands on the taxpayer, he says, warning that there may be other bubbles waiting to burst.

“This bill was weakened in order to get Republican support, yet only one third followed their leadership and supported it.  We have a choice: Either Republicans step up and support their leadership and their President on this weak bill, or we pass a stronger bill and pick up support from people like me, solve the problem, and protect the taxpayer.  Those are two very clear paths, either one of which is possible.  However, I know that I choose more protections for the taxpayer.”

Today I attended the Campaign to End Obesity’s “Breakfast with Champions” to celebrate our progress in helping Americans lead healthier lives by creating more active communities. Joining me were Senator Lisa Murkowski and Representatives Ron Kind and Zach Wamp, and more than 75 attendees from organizations such as Humana, NIKE Inc., Johnson & Johnson, and the American Heart Association.

The statistics about America’s obesity epidemic are staggering. Today, nearly one in three children struggle with being overweight or obese. By the time the 111th Congress takes office next January, 73% of American adults could suffer from excess weight or obesity.  This affliction is not simply a matter of self-discipline, but is a complex issue that requires a range of policy, environmental, cultural and personal changes to truly turn the tide.

In my 35 years of public service, I have championed policies that promote physical activity and wellness through smart community planning and design. I am also leading a series of conversations with stakeholders about how we can rebuild our infrastructure – roads, bridges, bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, playgrounds, parks, and trails -- to create healthier, more active communities. By creating a built environment that encourages healthy activity, we can help reverse the obesity epidemic by changing our daily habits to ones that promote personal health and more livable communities.