I. Special Feature: My Trip to Afghanistan

Recently I led a Congressional trip to Afghanistan. It was my third trip there, and I was looking forward to changes that have occurred through US, NATO, and international community efforts over the last five years.

While I was well aware of a Taliban resurgence in the south, as well as the lethal explosion at the new Serena Hotel in Kabul, I hoped we would nevertheless be able to get out and see the investment of our military, people and resources. I was also very interested and had structured the trip to enable us to witness first hand stability and reconstruction efforts of provincial reconstruction teams.

Unfortunately the gains that have been noted in statistics – opening schools, hospitals, and women’s centers – were beyond actually witnessing due to our limited travel ability imposed by security concerns. In Kabul, however, we had an opportunity to speak with individuals from our embassy as well as non-governmental groups who work daily with the Afghan people. Good stories abound, but our access was so limited that I can’t relate to you progress overall.

Our visits to the US provincial reconstruction team in Panjshir Province and the Turkish PRT in Wardak Province were impressive in terms of the commitment that soldiers and civilians have to contributing to the community. We met with the Governor of Panjshir Province, and I learned how our military reconstruction teams have helped villages prioritize community needs. Local business people have joined in the efforts to bring some basic technologies to the area, and roads have been built. The question remains on how responsive the national government will be in helping progress move forward.

In Wardak, where civilian personnel play a significant role, we saw the development of a number of centers built in response to community needs. These groups are making a difference and will contribute to the overall stability of the country. The Afghan people are beginning to demonstrate a confidence that positive changes can be made.

We met with General Dan McNeill, the NATO commander in Afghanistan. You have probably seen our outreach to our allies as well as a less than hoped for response. Part of this is due to a perception (and reality) that our priorities lie in Iraq and not in Afghanistan from where Al Qaeda projected its wrath. Understanding where to go from here will require planning, education, and a shifting resources and priorities. The President’s State of the Union address failed to set the stage for a critical discussion of Afghanistan and the role that its unstable neighbor Pakistan plays. Most of his speech was used to justify the war in Iraq, while not even addressing Afghanistan.

Despite some encouraging signs, the trip presented a sobering review of renewed fears about an uncertain return on an investment by the international community of people, money and effort in Afghanistan. Nonetheless, our military personnel, NATO members, the people and government of Afghanistan are to be praised for their commitment and sacrifice to rebuild the nation. I came away believing that our continuing efforts are critical but that the Karzai government must move more aggressively to address multiple challenges for a stable future.

Back to Top

II. Economic Stimulus

The economic stimulus bill signed by President Bush on February 13 provides a recovery rebate to 117 million families, including 35 million families who work but make too little to pay income taxes and 13 million senior citizens. The broad-based stimulus package will provide tax relief of up to $600 per individual and $1,200 per married couple, plus an additional $300 per child.

Importantly, the bipartisan plan also includes provisions to help families avoid losing their homes to foreclosure. The bill expands affordable mortgage loan opportunities for families at risk of foreclosure through the Federal Housing Administration. To enhance credit availability in the mortgage market, the measure also includes a one-year increase in the loan limits for single family homes from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

San Diego has seen a record number of foreclosures. While it is my hope that this bill will have a stabilizing effect, we will need real, long-term reform of the housing market to allow families to keep their homes and help other families realize the dream of owning a home.

Everyday Americans are struggling just to keep their head above water and the economic downturn is only making things worse. I’m proud Democrats, Republicans and the Bush Administration worked together to craft a plan that will give the economy a much-needed boost, and provide some relief to families.

Back to Top

III. 2007 Legislative Achievements

• Toll Road Amendment

After several months of hard work, I was able to successfully navigate the Foothill-South Toll Road amendment through the legislative process. This amendment, which requires the proposed toll road through San Onofre State park to follow state environmental laws, was part of the bill authorizing defense spending. It was necessary to work through the National Defense Authorization Act because that is where proponents of the toll road placed the language I sought to amend.

This amendment places the proposed toll road currently planned to slice through San Onofre State Park under the same state laws that other transportation projects in the state must follow. There is no reason why this potentially environmentally intrusive project should have received a special exemption from the standard process and environmental safeguards, especially when such unique natural resources are at stake.

The proposed toll road could have a devastating impact on the unique environmental and highly utilized recreational resources at San Mateo campground and Trestles Beach. The defense authorization bill (H.R. 4986) was signed into law by the President on January 28, 2008, successfully enacting the amendment.

• The Military Families Financial Security Act, H.R. 337

Four years ago, a San Diego military wife contacted me for help. Her young son lost his SSI benefits because of additional pay her husband, an active-duty Marine, received after deployment. Under current law, only basic pay is considered earned income and most other payments are treated as "unearned" income - which result in a higher income on paper only.

The income determination process is generally straightforward for the civilian population. However, the military pay system, with more than 30 types of pay can unintentionally penalize military families. I wrote a bill to change how the Social Security Administration calculates income for SSI eligibility by treating most military compensation as earned income. This simple change would help families remain eligible for SSI benefits and simplify the administration of this program.

No one paid much attention to my bill when I first introduced it, but after four years of talking to everyone I could about this issue, I am delighted to announce that the bill was passed by the full House of Representatives as part of a comprehensive tax bill designed to help members of our Armed Forces and their families, the Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 (H.R. 3997) and is currently being finalized by House and Senate negotiators.

• The Home Ownership for America’s Veterans Act, H.R. 551

Assisting our honorable veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq in reintegrating into our communities is a responsibility our nation must take very seriously. Highest among the concerns for any American is home ownership.

That’s why I sponsored H.R. 551, The Home Ownership for America’s Veterans Act. Provisions from H.R. 551 would expand home ownership opportunities by allowing newly discharged service members to take advantage of the Cal-Vet home loan program administered by the California Department of Veterans Affairs from which they were previously excluded.

Following the historic success of such programs as the G.I. Bill, Congress must do its part to find ways to best assist our newest veterans. It is my strong belief that those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan should have greater opportunities to purchase homes, especially in California's high-cost real estate market. H.R. 551 was also passed as a part of the larger Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 (H.R. 3997).

• Purple Heart Family Equity Act, H.R. 1119

On November 6, 2007, the House of Representatives passed the Purple Heart Family Equity Act (H.R. 1119). The bill expands eligibility for associate membership in the Military Order of the Purple Heart to include spouses.

According to the current Federal Charter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, male members of the Order are allowed to invite their wives to join with limited membership benefits but female members are not allowed to invite their husbands. The goal of H.R. 1119 is to expand these rights and privileges in order to fully honor the women of the Armed Forces who have won the Purple Heart defending our great freedoms and their families. In my opinion, it is time we built upon the great traditions of the Purple Heart and fully recognize the women who have received this high honor. Surely, their wounds and sacrifices are just as meaningful.

In 1932, the Military Order of the Purple Heart was formed with the mission of fostering a positive environment among wounded veterans as well as to provide services to all veterans and their families. The Order requested a change to its Federal Charter, which can only be done by an act of Congress, to include spouses of both sexes. I was honored to respond to this request by introducing H.R. 1119. The bill received strong bipartisan support passing on a voice vote and currently awaits action in the Senate.

Back to Top

IV. Hearings Held on Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act

In a recent national poll, 94 percent believed that it should be made as convenient as possible for eligible citizens to vote and 54 percent said that Congress should work to make voting easier. Surprisingly, there are currently 21 states, the District of Columbia, and territories that require some sort of an excuse for the right to vote by mail. In many states, excuses such as having to work or serving on a jury are not considered valid reasons to be able to vote by absentee. Millions of Americans are denied the opportunity to vote absentee.

For this reason, I introduced H.R. 281, the Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act. This bill would make it possible for those Americans to participate in their democracy. For many Americans, every day is a juggling act. A commitment to a job or family should not hinder someone from participating in one of the most hallowed acts of a democracy – voting. In short, H.R. 281 would allow all eligible voters the right to vote by mail.

The House Administration Committee’s Subcommittee on Elections, of which I am a member, held a crucial subcommittee hearing to discuss H.R. 281 on October 16, 2007. In addition to my own testimony, the committee heard convincing support from Deb Merkowitz, Secretary of State of Vermont; Ruth Goldway, Postal Rate Commissioner; and Joe Holland, Registrar of Voters for Santa Barbara County. As we enter the 2008 election season, it is my strong hope that H.R. 281 will receive increased attention and will soon be brought before the full House for a vote.

Back to Top

V. Congressional Authority on Iran War Rhetoric

Following recent war rhetoric against Iran, I moved to block a war with Iran unless approved by Congress by becoming a cosponsor to H.J. Res. 64, legislation introduced by Rep. Neil Abercrombie. This joint resolution clarifies that prior acts of Congress have not given the President the authority to wage war on Iran.

The President’s perceived rush toward the possibility of military conflict with Iran highlights the executive’s inability to find real solutions when it comes to Iran. I believe we must exhaust every economic and diplomatic opportunity before even considering a military response. For this reason, I took to the House floor in November to urge the President to take the moral high ground and deal with Iran through international pressure, not unilateral action.

Specifically, H.J. Res. 64 states “that the use of force against Iran is not authorized by the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002, any resolution previously adopted, or any other provision of law.”

Back to Top

VI. Important Information for those Traveling to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean in 2008

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now requires all adult travelers re-entering the United States by land or sea to show proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID card.  This requirement, implemented January 31, 2008, is a transitional step of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).  WHTI is a result of policy recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission to enhance homeland security.

These new requirements are necessary to prepare travelers for the next phase of WHTI, expected in 2009, which will require a valid U.S. passport or other form of enhanced identification to re-enter the United States.  For more information on WHTI and travel requirement, please visit http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

Back to Top

VII. District Events in Review

• Visit to Sharp Memorial Hospital

I toured the construction site for the new hospital at Sharp’s Metropolitan Medical Campus.  My visit started with a walk through of the current emergency room (ER) to see the current facility and understand how the new hospital will greatly improve patient care. 
Sharp’s new hospital will feature a state of the art ER, specialty care rooms for stroke and cardiac patients, efficient and spacious operating rooms, separate areas for patients who do not have serious ailments and comfortable waiting areas for families.  I was also able to be on site while the construction crews were diligently working, as the hospital is expected to open this year.  I was impressed at how spacious this new facility will be and look forward to the benefits this new hospital will bring to our community. 

• Toy Safety Event

Representatives from the California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG), the City of San Diego, the Environmental Health Coalition, and the University of California, San Diego Division of Community Pediatrics, and I gathered together at the Bayside Community Center in Linda Vista to provide parents with must-know information on toy safety.  The event also highlighted the release of CALPIRG’s annual toy safety report, “Trouble in Toyland” which detailed the concerns parents face regarding lead in toys, the dangers of choking on small toys, magnets in toys, and the dangers of excessively loud toys.
In addition the report focused on the need of Congress to pass tougher legislation to protect children from these hazardous toys.  The event also featured free lead tests of toys in which parents and kids were encouraged to bring a toy to test.  For a list of toys that are currently recalled visit the US Consumer Product and Safety Commission at http://www.cpsc.gov/.         

• December Nights

I joined thousands of other San Diegans for our community’s annual celebration of the holidays.  In spite of the chilly temperature and impending rain, San Diegans came out to enjoy the wonderful museums and attractions in Balboa Park and other special holiday displays.  Congratulations to the Business Improvement District Council, Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, the House of Hospitality and other event organizers for maintaining this local tradition and showcasing our region’s crown jewel, Balboa Park, during the holiday season.

• Visit to Wilson Middle School

I had the great pleasure of visiting Wilson Middle School in the community of City Heights. Thirty eighth grade students, who are preparing for their visit to our nation’s capital this coming spring, invited me to speak to their class about my role in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Students have the best ideas and concerns, and I love meeting with them.  If you are a student or a teacher and would like me to visit your classroom, please contact my local office for information.

Back to Top

VIII. Internship Announcement

Both of my offices are currently accepting internship applications for summer and fall 2008. Congressional internships are an excellent opportunity to learn about public service and gain valuable work experience.  Interns field constituent inquiries, record caller comments, conduct research, draft correspondence, and assist staff members with a variety of special projects and public events.

These positions are unpaid but may fulfill college credits.  I give priority to students who live in the 53rd District, but all are welcome to apply.  Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references to the appropriate intern coordinator: Sary Stefanki in Washington, DC, or Nick Norvell in San Diego.  Please contact Sary at 202-225-2040 or Nick at 619-280-5353 if you are interested in learning about internships in either of my offices.

Back to Top

IX. I’d like to ask your opinions on how Congress is doing.  Please take a moment to click here and share your thoughts.

Back to Top