"As we celebrate our independence this Fourth of July, it is important to remember and honor our nation’s veterans who have given so much to ensure our freedom," said Congressman Dan Lipinski.
Congressman Lipinski will join the Parish of St. Cletus on the 4th of July at the 8:00 a.m. mass in celebration of veterans of all branches of the armed forces. The mass is accompanied by a 40-piece band and will include a color guard presented by local veterans.
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Veterans Update -
With more veterans returning each day from Iraq and Afghanistan, it is important to report that Congress is taking action now to provide for our veterans.
Earlier this month, the House of Representatives approved the largest single increase in funding in the history of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This money will help improve veteran services and facilities around the country, including the VA Clinic in Oak Lawn, IL. This funding will also support the brand new centers for eye and spinal cord injuries at Hines VA Hospital.
And, in the wake of revelations of poor care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the House passed the Wounded Warriors Assistance Act requiring specific improvements to the military medical care system, as well as other measures to address traumatic brain injury and mental health needs.
Congressman Lipinski has also worked through his position on the Small Business Committee to pass legislation which will expand entrepreneurial opportunities for our nation’s veterans. Support for our troops must not end when they return home.
Finally, Congressman Lipinski's office is proud to assist veterans and anyone else in need of assistance in receiving federal benefits. Please feel free to contact Congressional staff at (312) 886-0481 for further information.
A BRIGHT Direction in Climate Change
Last week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, of which Congressman Lipinski is a member, passed H.R. 2701, the Transportation Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation Act of 2007. This bill would make changes in America's transportation systems and in federal buildings to help increase our nation's energy independence and protect our environment. Congressman Lipinski successfully included language from his bipartisan BRIGHT Energy Savings Act in the bill, mandating the use of high efficiency light bulbs in federal office buildings. Switching to high efficiency bulbs will cut down significantly on energy usage and reduce the emission of climate changing gases, while at the same time saving taxpayer dollars.
"I am pleased the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has paved the way for the BRIGHT Energy Savings Act to be considered by the full House of Representatives,” explained Lipinski. "It's a win for the environment, a win for national security, and a win for American taxpayers."
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Congressman Lipinski has also had amendments passed on the House floor on six different appropriations bills to require the purchase of high efficiency light bulbs by the federal government. The six bills are:
*Legislative Branch Appropriations
*Military-Veterans Appropriations
*State & Foreign Operations Appropriations
*Energy & Water Appropriations
*Interior-Environment Appropriations
*Financial Services Appropriations
| Passports General Information |
The U.S. Passport Agency is severely backlogged, which is very frustrating for many of you. According to the State Department, a new passport request should take about 10-12 weeks, expedited services (for a $60 fee) should take two to three weeks. If you have experienced a major delay in receiving an expedited passport, you may request a refund for the expedited service. Requests are granted on a case-by-case basis. Customers should provide a written request to the Department of State with their passport number, name, date, place of birth and the approximate date they applied for the new passport. Also include mailing address, phone number, and E-mail address and mail the correspondence to:
Department of State
Passport Services/PPS/Refunds
2100 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037-3202
PASSPORT STATUS
Travelers can check the status of their passports online at: http://travel.state.gov
If you continue to experience issues with obtaining your passport, please feel free to contact Congressman Lipinski's office for further assistance at (312) 886-0481. You will need the following information:
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