U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) Weekly E-Newsletter
June 24, 2008
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In this Week's E-Newsletter:
- This Week in Congress
- Week in Review
- Featured Story
- From the Press Desk
- In Her Own Words
- In the News
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This Week in Congress:
Congress meets this week for legislative business, including possible consideration of:
H.R. 5876 – Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens
H.R. 6275 -- The Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008
H.R. 3195 -- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Restoration Act
H.R.6052 – The Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008
H.R. 6331 -- Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008
H.R. 2818 -- Veterans' Epilepsy Treatment Act of 2008
H.Res. 1271 – A resolution recognizing National Homeownership Month and the importance of homeownership in the United States
H.Res. 1283 – A resolution expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims and their families following the tornado that hit Little Sioux, Iowa, on June 11, 2008
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Week in Review:
Monday, June 16, 2008 through Friday, June 20, 2008
Congress met last week for legislative business, including consideration of:
H.R. 2642 -- Iraq/Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Act. This emergency supplemental spending bill provides funding for American troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, an expansion of G.I. benefits for veterans, a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits, aid for flood victims in Illinois and around the Midwest, and $62.5 million to help prevent layoffs at national research institutions like Fermi and Argonne National Laboratories in Illinois. Passed the House in two parts by votes of 268 to 155 and 416 to 12. Rep. Biggert voted yes on both. (For more information this bill, see Rep. Biggert’s remarks below)
H.R. 6063 -- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Authorization Act of 2008. This bill authorizes appropriations for NASA’s research and space exploration activities during fiscal year 2009. It also includes an additional $1 billion to accelerate the development of NASA’s next shuttle system in order to minimize U.S. reliance on Russia for transport to the International Space Station. Passed the House by a vote of 409 to 15. Rep. Biggert voted yes.
H.R. 6304 -- Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Amendments Act of 2008. This bill modernizes the FISA law to allow American intelligence agents to quickly intercept and act upon electronic communications between foreign terrorists. Passed the House by a vote of 293 to 129. Rep. Biggert voted yes.
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Featured Story – Energizing the Nation:
Judy joins U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk at the Adler Planetarium to unveil the Apollo Energy Independence Act
Chicago, IL – On Monday, Biggert joined U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL-10) at the Alder Planetarium to announce the introduction of ambitious legislation to accelerate the development and deployment of energy alternatives, promote the adoption of energy efficiency technologies, and reduce prices at the pump. Modeled on NASA’s $20 billion technological investment to land on the moon, the bill is named the Apollo Energy Independence Act.
“We have to acknowledge that America cannot meet today's energy needs -- much less tomorrow's -- with yesterday's energy infrastructure and technology,” said Biggert, a senior member of the House Science and Technology Committee. “From plug-in hybrids to hydrogen fuel cells, the next generation of alternative energy solutions is around the corner, but we must make the investments necessary to accelerate their development and deployment.”
The bill includes an array of alternative energy tax credits, research incentives, and grants for the adoption of green technologies, as well as changes to federal tariff and fuel blending policies, all aimed at eliminating America’s dependence on foreign oil. Fully offset by cuts to earmarks, crop subsidies, and other federal spending, the bill would require no new tax dollars.
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From the Press Desk:
Monday, June 16, 2008
Biggert Inspects EJ&E; Line
Works with local officials to evaluate impact of potential railway merger
Plainfield, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today joined local officials for a tour of locations in Plainfield and Crest Hill that would be severely impacted by Canadian National Railway’s (CN) proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway (EJ&E;) line. If approved by the Surface Transportation Board (STB), CN’s purchase of the EJ&E; would increase train traffic on the line through Will and DuPage Counties by as much as 150%, raising concerns about safety, noise, congestion, and pollution. Joining Biggert to discuss the impact and tour the line were Mayor James Waldorf of Plainfield, Mayor Nick Churnovic of Crest Hill, Plainfield Village Administrator Alex Harris, Plainfield Police Chief Donald Bennett, Plainfield Fire Chief John Eichelberger, Will County Board Member Lee Ann Goodson, and Plainfield School District 202 Superintendent Dr. John Harper.
“It’s clear that this merger would have a serious impact on life in our community – from slowing emergency responders to halting traffic on major roadways,” said Biggert. “To make the most effective case against the merger, we need to be prepared with strong data and a solid understanding of exactly how this deal would affect our neighborhoods. Today’s tour is part of that process.”
To read more, click here.
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In Her Own Words:
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Reaction of U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert to House Passage of Funds for Science, Troops, Veterans, Flood Relief & the Jobless
Win for the Troops also a Win for Argonne, Fermi
Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) today issued the following statement after the House passed an emergency supplemental bill containing $62.5 million for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science, which funds activities at Fermi and Argonne National Laboratories. The science funding is just one part of broader legislation that also contains funds for American troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, an expansion of G.I. benefits for veterans, and a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits for Americans looking for work.
On Fermi-Argonne:
“It’s a good day for U.S. competitiveness. At last, the House and Senate both have now passed versions of the supplemental that include funding for research critical to finding long-term energy solutions and protecting our economic future.
“The previous House-passed version of the bill failed to reverse devastating cuts to scientific programs that were made in the fiscal year 2008 omnibus appropriations package. Had that version prevailed, ground-breaking research would have remained stalled and scientific institutions like Fermi and Argonne would continue to hemorrhage talented researchers due to furloughs and layoffs.”
To read more, click here.
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In the News:
June 17, 2008
The Plainfield Sun
By Janet Lundqist
Rail Gridlock on Plainfield's Mind
Biggert Tours Area Railroad Crossings that may be Affected by EJ&E; Sale
PLAINFIELD -- Plainfield officials have enlisted the support of a federal ally in their quest to avoid traffic gridlock if Canadian National is approved to buy the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway.
On Monday, U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Hinsdale, and village officials toured some of the railroad crossings that could be exponentially busier if the CN purchase is approved by the Surface Transportation Board.
"This is the first time we've seen a merger of this kind in a densely populated area," Biggert said, who added she'd like to get members of the STB out to ride the EJ&E; rails. "I have real concerns about it."
As it is, traffic backs up daily at the village's 16 street-level crossings along the EJ&E; tracks. If the sale goes through, there could be a train rumbling through Plainfield every 20 minutes, Mayor James Waldorf said.
To read more, click here.
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For more information, please visit http://judybiggert.house.gov/. |