I.Iraq

I voted against H. J. Res. 114, the original authorization for President Bush to use military force in Iraq.  From the outset, I have felt a unilateral use of force would isolate America from our allies and reinforce the cause of our enemies.  It was clear that in 2003 all non-military options had not been exhausted and that there had not been enough planning for the occupation.   

I have repeatedly voted for withdrawal timelines and adamantly opposed the President’s “surge” of 21,500 additional troops into Iraq.  Instead, I believe we need an increased level of diplomatic engagement that will create a regional dialogue about Iraq and force countries in the region to take more responsibility in suppressing the violence.  The United States must also look at the broader struggle in the region and ensure that our efforts in the Middle East use all of the resources of the federal government, not just the military.

As chairwoman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I will continue to do all I can to get us out of Iraq soon, but do not believe attempts to cut of funds will work or is good policy.  Simply put, I draw the line at taking away the paychecks and equipment for our men and women in uniform and benefits for their families.  As a strong opponent of the war, voting for funding is not an easy vote.  However, the responsible course is to realize that the President can, as he has in the past, fund his war using money from other accounts, with the effect of starving parts of the personnel budget.  Cutting off funds will not end this war, but it will hurt military families.

More than 4,000 American service members have died and more than 30,000 have been injured as a result of President Bush’s decision to go to war.  We owe it to the families of our fallen service members and all the men and women serving in our military to immediately change our policy in Iraq.  To get out right, we need a responsible policy change that includes a greater emphasis on diplomacy in the region, political reconciliation between Iraqis, and putting more of the burden of stabilization and reconstruction on the Iraqi government.

Back to Top

II. Working to Alleviate the Housing Crisis

The current mortgage crisis is taking its toll on San Diego and communities across the nation.  Many families have already lost their homes and many more are at risk.  The question becomes what type of role is appropriate for the federal government to take to address the crisis.

Parties on both sides of the argument have raised valid points.  Some do not feel it is right for the government to step in when some home buyers failed to read the fine print when selecting a mortgage.  Others believe predatory lending is to blame and that it’s necessary for the government to intervene.

The House recently passed legislation that strikes a middle ground.  The provisions of the bill will expand the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) program so that borrowers in danger of losing their homes can refinance into safe, fixed-rate mortgages they can afford to repay.  Ultimately, it is the homeowner who must repay the loan or the property will still fall into foreclosure.  Nobody is getting a free ride under this legislation.  The government’s role is to encourage borrowers and lenders to renegotiate the terms of a risky adjustable-rate or interest-only mortgage loan.  The legislation does nothing to help real estate investors negatively impacted by the housing crisis.
                  
Finally, the housing legislation will take a number of steps to encourage home ownership in California’s high-cost areas  It permanently increases the maximum conforming loan limits through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac so families and individuals can purchase a home in San Diego without higher-cost “jumbo” loans.  I have long advocated for higher-conforming loan rates for our community.

I supported the mortgage crisis legislation when it was on the House floor and hope the President will sign it into law.  It is a worthy endeavor to help families keep their homes when possible.  However, I am hopeful we have learned some valuable lessons over the past few years.  Lenders must be careful when giving loans to homeowners who will face difficulties meeting the terms.  In turn, borrowers must take great care understanding the terms of a mortgage.

Please visit my website to read more about my positions and congressional action on housing and the economy.

Back to Top

III. Legislative Updates

I know many of you have been closely following aspects of my personal legislative portfolio.  Below is news of a few recent successes:

• The Purple Heart Family Equity Act (P.L. 110-207) became law when it was signed by the President on April 30, 2008.  Now spouses of both male and female members can belong to the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  The brave women of the Armed Forces who have won the Purple Heart defending our nation will now enjoy the full honors and benefits of membership in the Order which were previously only afforded to male members.  To read more about this and other important veterans’ issues, please visit the Veterans section of my website, here.
  
• The Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act (H.R. 281) received a critical boost forward in the legislative process when it was passed by the House Administration Committee in April.  This straightforward bill, which would simply give any eligible voter the option of voting by mail or absentee ballot, now awaits action by the full House of Representatives.  To read more about this and other important election reform issues, please visit the Election Reform section of my website, here.
  
• My amendment requiring a proposed toll road through San Onofre State Park to follow state environmental laws became public law in December.  Like many of you, I was therefore very pleased to hear that the California Coastal Commission (CCC) voted 8-2 to reject the planned 241 Toll Road and protect Trestles and San Onofre State Beach.  This decision is now up for appeal before the U.S. Department of Commerce.  In response, I spearheaded a letter signed by over two dozen members of California’s congressional delegation encouraging Commerce to uphold the CCC’s decision.  Rest assured, I will continue to closely monitor this issue.  To read more about this and other important environmental issues, please visit the Environment section of my website, here.

• As an advocate for military families and veterans, and chairwoman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I was pleased to see language from two of my own bills included in the recently passed Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax (HEART) Act of 2008.
  
• The Military Families Financial Security Act (H.R. 337) addresses a harmful glitch in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.  Because eligibility for SSI benefits is based on income, a family who is struggling to get by loses benefits for their children from any increase in military pay considered “unearned income.”  I strongly believe that military families do not deserve to lose the benefits they need simply because a parent chooses to serve in the Armed Forces.
  
  
• The Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act (H.R. 551) fixes a serious flaw in the Calvet home loan program limiting eligibility to service members who sighed up prior to 1977.  As it is, many veterans from the first Gulf War and nearly all veterans from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq cannot take advantage of the Calvet program.  Because of H.R. 551, The HEART Act removes the date-of-service provision giving service members retiring in California a greater opportunity to own a home.
  

Back to Top

IV. Honoring Women in the Military & All Veterans this Memorial Day

On May 20, 2008 I was pleased to see the House pass a resolution I authored (H. Res. 1054) honoring the service and achievements of women in the Armed Forces and female veterans, and expressing support for groups that raise awareness in support of female service members and veterans.  As the representative from San Diego, and chairwoman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I am honored to work in Congress on behalf of our brave servicemembers, veterans, and their families.  Please join me this Memorial Day in thanking those active duty and retired military personnel who sacrifice so much for our country each and every day.

Back to Top

V. Stimulating a Struggling Economy

As the U.S. economy has entered recession, families are hurting, and it is taking longer than usual for people to find work.  In a city like San Diego where the cost of living is exceptionally high, these struggles are particularly difficult.

Although it is only one component to a much broader solution, the Congress recently passed The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-185).  This package was devised after consulting with many of the nation’s leading economists on how to have a quick and targeted impact, and is currently putting hundreds of dollars into the pocketbooks of more than 130 million American families, seniors, and veterans.  It offers additional assistance to those families in danger of losing their homes as a result of the recent mortgage crisis by expanding financing opportunities, and provides an additional $300 tax rebate per child for families with children.  Finally, this legislation promotes small businesses while concurrently seeking to create 500,000 new jobs by the end of the year.  For detailed information, please visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)’s Economic Stimulus Payments Information Center.
  
Although P.L. 110-185 may not have been perfect, many hope that it will have a real impact on our economy as these rebate check are spent.  I supported this stimulus package with my vote, and it is my sincere hope that it will be an early push in alleviating America’s current economic woes.  Clearly, however, there is certainly much more to do.
 
On Thursday May 15, I voted for legislation which would extend unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks for those unemployed workers who have already exhausted their benefits.  States with higher rates of unemployed – 6 percent or higher – would be able to provide up to 26 weeks of benefits.  This extension will give individuals and families much needed time to find a good job.  It will also act as a second economic stimulus package as families put these extended benefits back into the economy.

Many San Diegans are struggling to make ends meet, and without any doubt there is still much more work to be done in order to fix America’s troubled economy.  Among other avenues, I will continue to seek support for infrastructure projects that provide environmentally sustainable jobs.  Be sure that I will remain actively engaged as Congress seeks solutions to this incredibly serious issue.

Back to Top

VI. Protecting California’s Environment

In an unfortunate turn of events, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not grant our state a waiver which has for years allowed us to set our own state vehicle emissions standards. The California standards have routinely been more stringent than those proscribed by the federal government.  Our state’s plan provides for a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from new vehicles by 2016.  Twelve states have followed California’s lead in implementing stricter emissions standards than those required federally, and eight more states are likely to join.

Because of this decision, I became an original cosponsor of H.R. 5560, the Right to Clean Vehicles Act, which would grant California and other states a waiver to implement stricter standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.  It was certainly a disappointing decision by the EPA, which should be helping us in our fight to protect the environment, not creating bureaucratic and political obstacles.  The real issue at hand is the right of California, and other states, to have more stringent air quality standards than the federal government’s, for which there is ample precedent.  If the EPA refuses to act administratively, then Congress has no choice but to act legislatively.

At a time when our dependence on foreign oil is creating serious national security concerns and a time when there is widespread scientific consensus that human actions are accelerating global warming, we can ill afford to adopt less rather than more stringent restrictions on the release of greenhouse gases.

Back to Top

VII. Keeping San Diego Safe & Prepared

Working closely with Congressman Brian Bilbray and San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox, we were able to convince the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to keep a cache of emergency supplies at a Navy facility in Point Loma.  This is a shift in the department’s earlier decision to relocate the supplies 100 miles up the road to Los Angeles.  With the regular wildfires that our region experiences, along with the threat of earthquakes, other natural disasters, and security concerns, this planned move was clearly unwise.

Keeping these supplies in our region meets our national and local needs.  The supplies will stay in San Diego for emergencies and training purposes.  And the federal government gets the security for the supplies it desired.  I am grateful to the HHS Assistant Secretary and the Department of the Navy for listening to our concerns and working with us to find a mutual agreement.

Back to Top

VIII. Celebrating a Victory for Equality in California

On Thursday, May 15, 2008 the California Supreme Court ruled that the state’s previous ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.  History will view this day as a moment of tremendous breakthrough.  The ruling is a reflection of the principles of freedom and liberty on which our nation was founded, and makes me proud to be a Californian.  The decision by the state’s Supreme Court affirms that California’s constitution is about guaranteeing, not restricting, the rights of all Californians.

Back to Top

IX. Office of Congressional Ethics

As a strong proponent of open government, I was pleased to support the recently passed House Resolution 895, which created the Office of Congressional Ethics.  This board, consisting of three members appointed by the Speaker of the House and three by the Minority Leader will be the first citizen body outside of the legislature tasked with maintaining ethical conduct in Congress.  The Office of Congressional Ethics will conduct investigations and make recommendations to the House Ethics Committee in cases where corrective action might be necessary.  Although there is always much more work to be done in this area, this office, combined with the lobbying reform (H.R. 2316) that the Democratic Congress passed in early 2007, is certainly another step in the right direction.

Back to Top

X. San Diego Courthouse

Recent unfortunate events have brought increased attention to the need for modernization and improvement of the downtown federal courthouse complex.

I was pleased to see that the President understands the critical importance of the San Diego Courthouse Annex project.  This project is the only new construction courthouse request included in President Bush’s FY 2009 Budget, in the amount of $110 million.  Construction funds were appropriated in FY 2006, but the amount has proved inadequate due to the nature of the construction market in California and increasing demand for building materials.  The courthouse annex must be built immediately – its cost is rising at the rate of $2-3 million per month.

San Diego is one of the nation’s busiest courts in terms of criminal cases.  Additionally, Congress approved five new judgeships for San Diego in 2003, but there is not sufficient space in the existing building for all of them – making security a major concern as well.

Back to Top

XI. Foreign Assistance & the Global Food Crisis

The Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation Act (H.R. 2634) recently passed the House by a vote of 285-132.  This bill, which I cosponsored, would require the U.S. government to negotiate an agreement for international debt relief for up to 24 countries.

With the looming food crisis, we cannot afford to stand idly by while our world’s poorest nations fall deeper into debt.  Debt relief programs have had a proven record of success.  For example, Uganda used its $57.9 million in savings from debt relief in 2006 to invest in energy infrastructure, primary education, malaria control, health care, and water infrastructure.  This bill is an essential component in the overall effort to help alleviate the poverty and misery that exists in many parts of the world.  This is more than reducing debt and alleviating poverty; this is about laying the foundation for economic prosperity around the world and improving global security.

Back to Top

XII. Celebrating the Life of former Representative Lionel Van Deerlin (1914-2008)

On May 20, 2008 I was joined by Representative Duncan Hunter (CA-52) on the House floor to speak in memory of Representative Lionel Van Deerlin, a Democrat who served San Diego in Congress for eighteen years between 1963-1981.  Van Deerlin, who liked to be called simply “Van,” was one of our region’s most respected and sincere public servants.  He was equally respected on both sides of the aisle, well known for the grace, civility, and humor that he brought to any debate.  As the Chairman of the House Communications Subcommittee at the time, Representative Van Deerlin was a pivotal player in transforming our nation’s telecommunications industry – increasing consumer protections and fighting against monopolization.  Before and after his days in the House, Rep. Van Deerlin had a distinguished career in journalism – writing for the U.S. Army in World War II, and subsequently writing and editing for many news outlets in our region.  He also served as a lecturer at San Diego State University.  Van was a good friend, unfailingly optimistic, and always present with a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face.  This consummate gentleman will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, his colleagues, and the entire San Diego community.

Back to Top

XIII. Upcoming Events

Telephone Town Halls
New communications technology has afforded Members of Congress many new opportunities to connect with constituents.  One of these that I am very excited about is the ability to conduct a telephone town hall with residents of San Diego.  This forma is more convenient for many people than the traditional town hall meeting.  Our first tele-town hall in February was a great success, and I would like to thank those who participated in the spirited and interesting discussion.  Stay tuned for more to come!

Greening the Capitol
On Friday, May 23rd, from 12:00-1:30pm at the Faculty Club Lounge at University of California, San Diego (UCSD) I have the pleasure of hosting Daniel Beard, Chief Administrative Officer of the U.S. House of Representatives, for a presentation and discussion of ongoing efforts to green the United States Capitol Building.  In addition, UCSD will be presenting their efforts to green their University and reduce their carbon footprint in our region.  To RSVP, please contact my district office at (619) 280-5353.  Please be advised that space is very limited.

Summer Events
As the legislative session comes to a close this summer, my office will be conducting a series of informative and interactive events.  Among others, these include a Housing Workshop, Water Forum, Small Business Workshop, Federal Grants Workshop, and a Health Fair including free osteoporosis screenings.  Please see the Calendar section of my website for up-to-date details.

Back to Top

XIV. Spring District Events in Review

Come Walk in My Shoes
I attended a showing of “Come Walk in My Shoes” at the San Diego Black Film Festival at Horton Plaza in February 2008.  The documentary recounts the journey of John Lewis and other civil rights leaders as they return to key locations the struggle to integrate the South like the William-Pettis Bridge.  John Lewis is now a Member of Congress from Georgia, and I was fortunate to join him on the trip and appear in several scenes in the documentary.  The film explains that social movements do not spring up over night but are the product of years of organizing, preparation and sacrifice.  “Come Walk in My Shoes” will appear on public television this spring.

Perspectives on Afghanistan
I was fortunate to lead a bipartisan Congressional fact-finding trip to Afghanistan in January.  After returning to San Diego, I wanted to share what I learned on my trip with my constituents and bring together San Diegans from diverse backgrounds to highlight this important region.  The “Perspectives on Afghanistan” forum was hosted on Saturday, March 1 at the University of San Diego in the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice Theatre.  To serve as our panel, I invited a Navy physician who spent time in Afghanistan, a leader from the Rotary Foundation who was instrumental in bringing educational opportunities to the Middle East and an ambassadorial scholar from Afghanistan.  These speakers provided insight and had an informative discussion with my constituents.  After nearly seven years of U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan there has been some encouraging signs, but many challenges still lay ahead.  NATO forces, the local Afghan government and Provisional Reconstruction Teams have come together to focus on infrastructure issues and drug trafficking prevention to encourage economic development.  I look forward to working with my colleagues and returning to Afghanistan again in the future so that we may continue this conversation.

Crawford High School Visit
This spring I had the great pleasure of visiting Crawford High School’s after-school program sponsored by the International Rescue Committee.  As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, visiting local schools is always a wonderful opportunity to interact with students and hear their ideas and concerns.  I shared my experiences as an elected official and provided an update on legislative issues and am looking forward to visiting additional high schools next fall.  If you are a student or a teacher and would like me to visit your classroom, please contact my local office at (619) 280-5353.

Young Women’s Spirit of Leadership Conference
I had the pleasure of serving as a mentor at the Jenna Druck Foundation’s Young Women’s Spirit of Leadership Conference.  As a mother, a Member of Congress and a former member of the San Diego school board, I have long supported programs that mentor young people.  I always appreciate the opportunity to talk with young people, to learn about their experiences and share mine with them.  They are, after all, our future leaders and it is critical that we provide them with the tools they will need to succeed and to live happy and productive lives.

Normal Heights Neighborhood Day
During the evening of March 25th, I met with more than 60 residents of Normal Heights and surrounding communities to discuss the challenges facing our nation. This Neighborhood Day was an opportunity to report on the latest news from Washington and the major issues of the day, including the economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and elections issues. Residents shared with me their frustration about the Iraq War and concerns about its implications on our domestic priorities.  Important topics in our discussion were caring for our disabled veterans, the housing crisis, cuts in education spending and health care for our wounded soldiers. I want to thank the San Diegans who took time out of their evening to join me and talk about these issues. Your input is important to me and I look forward to advancing the issues you care about in Washington.

College-Rolando Neighborhood Day
I also had the pleasure of bringing my office to the College-Rolando Branch Library.  A large crowd of residents from surrounding communities including, Redwood Village and Talmadge, dropped by the library to speak with me and my staff, to share their views on the issues of the day, and get assistance with federal agency problems.

STAR/PAL Luncheon
Every year, I look forward to serving as a “celebrity waiter” at the annual STAR/PAL (Sports, Training, Academics and Recreational Police Athletic League) Luncheon.  This year’s event, which took place on April 25th at the Balboa Park Club, featured local elected officials, television news anchors, star players from the San Diego Chargers and Padres and various other local celebrities serving as waiters to raise money to benefit STAR/PAL’s youth programs.  STAR/PAL works to mentor youth to make positive life choices by actively participating in recreational, athletic and educational activities, and the waiters at their annual luncheon help by taking pictures, signing autographs and entertaining guests.  The attendance for this luncheon grows every year and I am proud to support such a worthy cause.

Surfrider Foundation Awards Ceremony
On Sunday, April 27th I was honored to accept the “Water Woman of the Year” award from the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.  This award recognizes the collaborative effort between many members of the San Diego community and my own work in protecting the San Mateo campground and Trestles Beach at San Onofre State Park, one of California’s most utilized state beaches.  It was especially meaningful to celebrate this occasion with the Surfrider Foundation, not only because this award is the highest given by the San Diego Chapter of Surfrider, but also because I was one of the few non-surfing recipients to ever receive it.  I would like to thank those in attendance and remind all San Diegans that their voice is still needed to protect this special beach.

Back to Top

XV. 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.

Back to Top

XVI. I’d like to ask your opinions on the economy.  Please take a moment to click here and share your thoughts.

Back to Top