Congressman Bob Filner
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Congressman Bob Filner's
Congressional Update

January 2007


In this Issue:

  • Positive Changes for the Coming Year

  • Opposing Tool Road Through San Onofre State Beach

  • Pushing for Shorter Wait Times at the Calexico Port of Entry

  • Constituent Mail Bag

  • Useful Website: National Volunteer Blood Donor Month

 


Positive Changes for the Coming Year

Change is on the way.  In November, I was re-elected to serve another term in Congress. Now in my fifteenth year, words can not express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve you in Congress. I am thankful to all those who supported me with their vote. As we move forward to a new year, I pledge to work hard to maintain that support. 

Just recently, Democrats in Congress selected me as Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs for the 110th Congress that convened in January. 

I am both proud and humbled by the confidence in me shown by my colleagues to appoint me as the next chairman.  I look forward to working with Republican and Democratic Members, the Administration, and the veterans community to address the challenges facing our veterans and their families. 

This Committees work is critically important to our servicemembers, veterans and military families, and it is my goal to help make certain that Congress is responsive to their needs.  I want to develop a strong and bi-partisan working relationship with all of my colleagues on the Committee to carry out this important responsibility. 

A number of issues need to be addressed on the Committee this year such as ensuring timely and adequate funding for the VA, effectively addressing the mental health and transition concerns of our troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, improving Department of Defense and VA collaboration, and updating the Montgomery GI Bill.  These issues will be a priority. 

On a national level, Americans overwhelmingly voted for a Democratic majority in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.  The message was loud and clearits time for change, time to take America in a new direction.  Frustrated and discouraged by the previous administrations handling of critical issues such as the War in Iraq, the proposal to privatize Social Security, Hurricane Katrina, immigration reform, the economy, rising costs of health care, housing, gas and energy along with scandals involving Republican leaders in Congress, citizens voted in favor of change. 

The election results have changed the leadership in Congress and have made history. Nancy Pelosi has become the first woman Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.  She has pledged bi-partisanship with Republicans and the President in order to move our country forward.  Her leadership, along with the commitment of all Democrats, promise to bring renewed focus on issues that matter the most to our country.  Issues around education, affordable health care, social security, Medicare, homeland security, veterans, energy and the environment will be amongst the priorities for this year. 

There are many challenges ahead. Democrats are ready to lead and prepared to governand I remain committed to serving you in Congress and fighting to assure that we all have the opportunity to achieve our fullest potential and live the American dream. 

On an international level, Felipe Caldern is the new President of Mexico. As Californias border Congressman, I look forward to working with the new administration to address the issues that impact both countries. Next year should be a year where we address immigration, border security, and doing all for a safe and efficient border region. 

As we approach the holiday season, many of us are looking forward to spending this special time with family and friends and celebrating all that this time means to us. As we reflect on the many blessings in our lives, it is also a time to open our hearts to make the holidays a little brighter for those in need. I encourage you to look for ways to give back to our communities in whatever way you can.

Happy Holidays to all and my best wishes for a prosperous New Year!


Opposing Toll Road Through San Onofre State Beach

I oppose the Orange County Transportation Corridor Agencys proposal to route a toll road through the San Onofre State Beach.

This toll road would eliminate over 400 acres of habitat, pollute the pristine waters of San Mateo Creek, threaten protected species, and severely impact the level of tourism at one of Californias most visited parks. 

Citizens throughout the State should have a chance to express their views as we are all impacted and other viable alternatives should be considered before going forward with one option, said Congressman Filner.

Several diverse groups, including the San Diego Sierra Club, San Diego Audubon, San Diego Democratic Club, League of Conversation Voters, the City of Imperial Beach, the State Parks Foundation, the Pacific Beach Democratic Club, the Surfrider Foundation, the San Diego Democratic County Central Committee and the Mountain Lion Foundation oppose the proposed freeway.  

I recently contacted Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger urging his support to seek other alternatives to reducing traffic before approving the toll road.

View my letter to Governor Schwarzenegger


Pushing for Shorter Wait Times at the Calexico Port of Entry

I recently asked Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to aggressively strive for maximum 15 minute wait times at the Calexico Port of Entry (POE).

Long delays in crossing the international border have had a severe impact on local businesses and the quality of life for the residents of Calexico, and I want to ensure that we are doing everything we can to promote a safe and timely crossing.  Just as important as aiming for 15-minute wait times at the Calexico West POE is moving the Calexico East POE to a 24-hour operation. I believe this would decrease wait times for everyone and improve our homeland security.  

Currently, the Customs and Border Patrol is working to ensure that all privately owned vehicle and pedestrian lanes are operational when wait times reach or exceed 60 minutes at the Calexico West POE, but I do not believe that this is acceptable.

I have contacted numerous Customs and Border Patrol officials and asked that they come up with a wish list to reach their goals. I look forward to coordinating their efforts to decrease entry time and increase security, and I believe that new technology like smart cards with retina identifiers can help. 

View My Letter to Secretary Chertoff


Constituent Mail Bag

From National City

Dear Representative Filner:

It's been nearly a decade since the minimum wage was last
increased. The current minimum wage, $5.15 an hour, isn't much
to begin with--and thanks to a decade's worth of inflation, it buys about 20 percent less than it did when it was set.

Do something about this injustice. Support a clean vote on a
fair increase in the minimum wage. We strongly support the Fair
Minimum Wage Act, which would raise the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour. We oppose any attempts to add additional provisions of any kind to this important bill. These
pointless political games just hurt the American people.

The American people have made their views clear on the minimum wage. With strong victories on all six state minimum wage ballot initiatives and strong support for candidates campaigning on raising the minimum wage, the American people sent a powerful message that hard-working people have waited long enough for a higher minimum wage.

You will have the opportunity to demonstrate that the days of
business as usual are over. Please pass a clean minimum wage
bill without tax breaks for business, the wealthy, or any other
unrelated proposals to benefit special interests.

I urge you to vote "yes" on this measure that is so important to
millions of American families.

Congressman Filner replies:

Thank you for contacting me about increasing the minimum wage.

I wholeheartedly agree!  It is a travesty that our minimum wage has not increased since 1997.   $7.25 an hour is not too much to ask.  This increase will benefit all concerned by strengthening consumer purchasing power.  You will be happy to learn that I voted to increase the minimum wage, as you requested.  This bill has passed the House of Representatives and is waiting for Senate approval.

By working together, we can make a difference!


Useful Website: Become a Volunteer Blood Donor

This month, I invite you to help save a life.  Every day in the U.S., approximately 39,000 units of blood are required in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities.  Blood is traditionally in short supply during the early winter months.  For this reason, National Blood Donor Month was created to raise awareness about the need for blood donation.

I hope that you will take the time to visit the  American Association of Blood Banks for information on eligibility for donating blood and the location of a blood bank near you.  Remember, by giving one pint of blood, you can help save three lives!  


 
 


 

 

 

 

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