I. I’d like to ask your opinions on universal healthcare.  Please take a moment to click here and share your thoughts.

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II. Special Feature: Gas Prices

The rise of gas prices is having a profound impact on so much of our lives, from getting to work to how we organize our day, many activities we often take for granted.  And it is even having a profound impact on people’s health and living habits.  Like many other economic issues affecting all of us today, Congress is paying attention, though I do understand your impatience.  Some proposals for addressing the issue are short term; others are long term, since there are multiple causes for this situation. 

With the price of gas at around $4.50 a gallon in San Diego – about fifty cents more than the national average – there has been a renewed call for opening up the outer continental shelf (OCS) off our nation’s coastline and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil drilling.  The theory is that if we increase domestic oil production we can increase the supply of gas, and thereby reducing the demand and lowering the price.  However, I do not agree with those who advocate for more offshore drilling in pristine areas.  There is already domestic oil drilling going on in the OCS.  And oil companies currently have 68 million acres but are not drilling on it.

I think we need to keep in perspective the real impact that more drilling will have.  Domestic oil production increases every year and gas prices continue to increase.  The question is whether we can produce enough oil to impact the price of gas.  According to the Energy Information Agency within the Department of Energy (DOE), the United States consumes 25% of the world’s oil, yet the U.S. only posses 3% of the world’s oil supply.  It doesn’t take a mathematician to realize that we are not going to stretch 3% into 25%.  If we were to open up ANWR’s pristine wilderness to oil drilling, we are looking at a decrease in only pennies to the price of gas when it hits peak production around 2030, but the cost to our environment would be priceless.

Some argue that Congress isn’t interested in promoting domestic oil and gas production.  However, this is not true.  On June 17, the House considered H.R. 6515, the Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands Act, a bill to promote the responsible domestic production of oil and natural gas, particularly in 20 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.  In addition, the House recently attempted to pass “use it or lose it” legislation to encourage the oil industry to start drilling on these leased lands.  Unfortunately, both of those proposals failed to pass the House floor.  Speaker Pelosi has also called on President Bush to release a small portion of oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) but without success.

Another piece of solving the problems of the energy crisis and surge in gas prices is conservation.  You may have recently heard of T. Boone Pickens’ plan to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil by building wind generation facilities that would produce 20% of our nation's electricity as well as allow the use natural gas as a transportation fuel.  I have always thought wind energy has the potential to be a great energy resource if we invest in responsible and practical solutions for storage and transmission.  Mr. Pickens recently met with Members here in Washington, and I look forward to learning more about his plan.

Another piece of legislation in Congress looks at concerns over oil speculation, which according to many energy analysts could be having a dramatic effect.  The Prevent Unfair Manipulation of Prices (PUMP) Act would rein in oil speculation deals that have been fingered by some energy analysts as the cause for runaway gas prices.  These oil speculation deals are working under what has been called the “Enron Loophole.”  Those of us in Southern California are all too familiar with that term and the effects it can have on consumers. The PUMP Act would close the “Enron Loophole” by limiting speculation deals and requiring scrutiny of these deals by the federal government. 

Lowering gas prices is going to take a combination of short-term and long-term approaches.  Americans are already changing their driving habits and Congress recently enacted an increase in fuel economy standards for automobiles from 27 mpg to 35 mpg by 2012.  But more needs to be done, and Congress is actively looking for bipartisan solutions.

In the long term, we need to increase our development of renewable energy and encourage the production of hybrids, plug-in electrics and fuel cell vehicles.  Essentially, it is going to take a major overhaul of the failed energy policy that we have been working under for the past eight years.  We also need to change our transportation policy to include a much greater emphasis on transit.  It is impossible for most San Diegans to switch easily from their cars to busses and commuter rail, but some are becoming involved and are changing their driving habits in order to individually contribute to conservation.  I am hopeful that this will have a positive effect on our community and across the nation.  Rest assured, my colleagues and I are committed to making these critical changes to our nation’s energy policy.  I welcome your thoughts and ideas on these proposals.

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III. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)

Last year, the House crafted legislation that provided the intelligence community the necessary tools to keep Americans safe and also unequivocally guaranteed the civil rights of Americans.  I was glad to support that particular measure.  Unfortunately, the FISA bill that passed the House on June 20, 2008 did not contain these much-needed protections.

In its current form, the bill raises ongoing concerns about civil liberties and the precedent of retroactive immunity for big telecom companies.  The blanket provisions in the bill would subject Americans to invasions of privacy.  And it would keep Americans from learning the truth about the actions of the Administration and telecommunications companies.  

I understand how the art of bipartisan compromise is a difficult endeavor – and a rare sight in Washington these days.  While I may not have supported the resulting product of this compromise, I believe that there should be more instances of people coming together to find common ground on critical issues.

In the end, I did not feel that the underlying bill represents most Americans’ values.  I sincerely hope that as Congress debates this and other intelligence issues in the future, more careful attention will be paid to the civil liberties of all Americans.

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IV.Medicare Fix

I have heard from thousands of physicians and patients in San Diego, who, like myself, are deeply concerned about the 10.6 percent physician reimbursement rate cut that took effect July 1, 2008.  This significant reduction will have severe consequences in the medical community if not corrected quickly – resulting in some physicians no longer accepting Medicare.  Clearly, it is patients who will ultimately suffer without action by congress.

With my strong support, the House of Representatives passed the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 6331) on June 24, 2008.  H.R. 6331 would have the simple effect of blocking the reduction and instead, actually increase reimbursement rates. 

Americans send their elected officials to Congress to solve problems.  The thousands of San Diegans and millions of Americans who rely upon the program need us to keep Medicare working.  I am proud to tell you that just this week, in a bipartisan fashion, the House and Senate both overrode President Bush’s veto of this critical legislation.  H.R. 6331 became public law on July 15.

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V.Defense Authorization

As the Chairwoman of the House Armed Services on Military Personnel Subcommittee and as the Representative from San Diego, I work hard on crafting a Defense Appropriations bill that would put military families first. The 2009 Defense Appropriations bill (H.R. 5658) includes a much-deserved pay raise of 3.9% for our brave and hardworking military personnel, protections from cost increases in military and family health care, increased suicide prevention and military mental health programs, and a stronger emphasis on family support initiatives.

This year’s defense bill also places renewed focus on improving U.S. capabilities in Afghanistan, increasing interagency coordination, and restoring overall troop readiness to our armed forces as they continued to be strained by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and other deployments around the world.  H.R. 5658 passed the full House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support on May 22, 2008 and now awaits action in the Senate.

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VI.Green Schools

On June 4, 2008, I was proud to vote for the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 3021), or “Green” Schools bill.  With the ever-present threat of global warming and many public school buildings across the country crumbling, this bill seeks to address two problems at once.  By renovating public schools and helping them go “green,” the Green Schools bill will provide critical funding to help make our schools safer, healthier and reduce their carbon footprint to help combat global warming.  I was an original cosponsor of this legislation, and was happy to see it pass the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.

According to recent estimates, America’s public schools are hundreds of billions of dollars short of the funding needed to bring them into good condition.  Overall, H.R. 3021 would authorize $6.4 billion for school renovation and modernization projects for fiscal year 2009, and would ensure that school districts quickly receive funds for projects that improve schools’ teaching and learning climates, health and safety, and energy efficiency.  “Greening” our national infrastructure – both public and private – is incredibly important.  Because of this, I am also a cosponsor of legislation (H.R. 539) to encourage commercial buildings to become more energy efficient, and voted earlier this year to extend tax credits for the investment in, and production of, renewable energy. 

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VII. Alternative Minimum Tax Patch

On June 25, 2008 the House passed legislation to protect millions of middle-class families from the alternative minimum tax this year.  The Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act (H.R. 6275) was approved by the House on a vote of 233-189, and I was pleased to lend this measure my support.  It now awaits action in the Senate. 

The alternative minimum tax was created in 1969 to ensure that all taxpayers, especially high-income taxpayers did not use tax deductions to dodge their tax obligations and paid their fair share of our collective tax burden.  Unfortunately, the AMT was not indexed to inflation and more and more of our middle-class families are being unintentionally ensnared by the AMT.

H.R. 6275 is fully paid for by closing tax loopholes that allow the privileged few on Wall Street to pay a lower tax rate on their income than other Americans. It also encourages tax compliance, and repeals unnecessary government subsidies for the big five oil companies.  This AMT fix would not add to the budget deficit because it adheres to pay-as-you-go budget rules.  These rules helped produce record budget surpluses and a robust economy in the 1990s by mandating no new deficit spending.

With the cost of living on the rise and families in economic tough times, the last thing these families need is to get hit by a tax that wasn’t meant for them in the first place.  This bill would shield over 35,000 residents of the 53rd District from the AMT this year. 

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VIII.Unemployment Benefits

The strains of today’s struggling economy are being felt particularly hard by residents in high cost-of-living areas like our own.  The national economy has lost nearly 325,000 jobs this year alone, as well as approximately 1.6 million Americans whom have been unemployed more than six months, despite looking for work.  For this reason, I voted on June 19, 2008 to provide a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits for those workers who are unable to find a job in today’s struggling economy.  As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, this issue is particularly important to me.

I had the opportunity to speak with a 51-year old San Diegan who was recently laid off.  She has been actively looking for work but has been unable to find a job because of the poor economy.  And to make matters worse, her unemployment benefits have just ended.  This extension will give her and millions other Americans more time to find a good job. 

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IX.Montgomery GI Bill

On June 19, 2008, I was pleased to vote for legislation to improve the Montgomery GI Bill to ensure the veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan can attend college and get the education they need after they have courageously served our nation.

Currently, GI Bill benefits only pay about 70 percent of a public college education and 30 percent of a private college education for these veterans when they return home.  The expanded GI Bill will restore full, four-year college scholarships to state schools for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to help make them part of an economic recovery like the veterans of World War II.  This legislation will also allow veterans to transfer those benefits to family members.  On passing this bill, the House voted to take care of those who take care of us.

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X.Unclaimed Economic Stimulus Payments

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says that there may be as many as 20,000 retired individuals or disabled veterans in the 53rd District who qualify for the economic stimulus payment but have not filed to claim it.

This summer the IRS is undertaking a significant effort to get stimulus payments into the hands of 5.2 million Americans who have not yet filed to receive them. Many of these taxpayers receive Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits that are not taxable and therefore do not normally file a tax return. To receive a stimulus payment, they must file a tax return by October 15 of this year.

Those eligible with no tax liability or no tax filing requirement will receive a minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples). To be eligible, individuals must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income, which includes Social Security retirement, disability and survivor payments, or Veterans Affairs disability and survivor payments.

As a supporter of the stimulus package passed in February, it is my hope that these stimulus payments will make it into the hands of all eligible citizens, helping them to make ends meet and boost our nation’s economy.

For assistance for retirees and veterans trying to receive their stimulus payment, please go to IRS.gov or call our local IRS field office at (619) 615-9555.

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XI. Upcoming Events

Water Forum
Monday, August 11, 2008
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
USD Joan Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice
5998 Alcalá Park

Join me and Dr. David Pierce of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Jim Barrett of the City of San Diego Water Department, Bruce Reznik of the San Diego Chapter of Coastkeeper, and a representative of the San Diego County Water Authority as we discuss water supply issues in the San Diego region and what you can do to help conserve this precious resource.

Small Business Workshop
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Mission Valley Branch Library Community Room
2123 Fenton Parkway

Constituents are invited to learn the basics of starting a small business or expanding a current business.  Representatives of federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, and representatives from local organizations, will be on hand to aid, counsel, and assist local entrepreneurs.

Grants Workshop
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Pacific Beach Library – Taylor Branch
4275 Cass Street

Individuals and non-profits are invited to learn the basics of grant writing, from searching for available grants to writing a successful proposal.  Please note that this event focuses on grants for organizations.

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XII. District Events in Review

Greening of the Capitol Presentations

Last year, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi launched an ambitious effort to reduce the impact of the Capitol Building on the environment.  This initiative is known as “Greening the Capitol.”  In an effort to start a dialogue locally, I invited Daniel Beard, the Chief Administrative Officer of the U.S. House of Representatives, to San Diego to share steps Congress is taking to be more environmentally friendly in it daily operations.  Mr. Beard and I led discussions on green building concepts at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and Urban Corps of San Diego.  Both organizations have undertaken their own efforts to make their own buildings more “green.”  In the case of Urban Corps, they showed off their newly renovated headquarters which has many green concepts at work and shared their plans to build a LEED certified recycling education center.  The events were great successes and showed that we can all make a contribution in the effort to combat global warming.  To learn more about greening the Capitol, please click here.

Observing Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, I joined the Vietnam Veterans of America for their annual Memorial Day service at the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park.  I had the high honor of serving as the keynote speaker for this important occasion.  In my comments, I tried to convey the deep appreciation all of us have for our military personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice on behalf of the nation.  The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a Purple Heart decoration to Rhea Sims.  Ms. Sims is the sister of William Peterson Jr. who earned the medal but was lost at sea during World War II.  It was heartwarming to see this long delayed honor be bestowed upon a grateful family.  In addition to speaking at the Veterans Museum, I had the pleasure of celebrating and remembering our nation’s heroes at the annual Kensington Memorial Day Parade.  It’s always very special to celebrate our nation’s achievements with my home community.

Remembering Lionel Van Deerlin

Like many San Diegans, I was saddened by the recent passing of former Congressman Lionel Van Deerlin.  Van represented San Diego in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1963 to 1981.  My colleagues and I gathered on the House Floor after learning of Van’s passing to remember his many contributions to our nation.  Among those in attendance was Rep. John Dingell who recalled Van’s many contributions as the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Communications. 

I attended Van’s memorial service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in San Diego on June 14th along with hundreds of others family members, friends, and admirers.  The service was a memorable recounting of Van’s many virtues as a husband, father, grandfather, writer and leader.  Former Congresswoman Lynn Schenk gave a beautiful eulogy that captured how Van was admired by so many.  My condolences go out to the Van Deerlin family.  San Diego is a better place because of Van’s contributions and public service.

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Xiii. Internship Announcement

Both of my offices are currently accepting internship applications for fall 2008, with limited space still available for this summer. 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.

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