Congressman Bob Filner's
Congressional Update

February 2005

In this Issue:

• Benefits for WWII Merchant Mariners
• Fighting to Protect the Arctic Refuge and Develop Energy Alternatives
• Opening the First FAST Lane at the Calexico-East Port of Entry 
• Working to Save Student Financial Aid
• Equity for Filipino Veterans
• Announcement for High School Seniors and Juniors: College Scholarships and Aid
• Constituent Mail Bag
• Cool Web Site: The Smithsonian Presents Black History Month

World War II Merchant Mariners suffered the highest casualty rate of any of the branches of service while they delivered troops, tanks, food, airplanes, fuel and other needed supplies to every theater of the war. 

Compared to the large number of men and women serving in World War II, the number of Merchant Mariners was small, but their chance of dying during service was extremely high. 

Unfortunately, this group of brave men was denied any benefits under the GI Bill of Rights which Congress enacted in 1945. To correct this injustice, I have re-introduced my Merchant Mariner bill, H.R. 23 ("Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2005"). This bill will extend a monthly benefit to the Merchant Mariners and their surviving spouses. This legislation is the least we can do to compensate those who risked everything and who were overlooked for over 40 years.

Fighting to Protect the Arctic Refuge and Develop Energy Alternatives
Once again, the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is under attack by the advocates of "Drain America First" oil policies. Congress prohibited oil and gas exploration in this pristine wilderness area in 1980, but the Budget Committee may seek to include a provision for drilling in the refuge in this year's budget. 

That's why I have joined with several Congressional colleagues to protest this backdoor maneuver. I have urged the Committee to exclude the drilling provision from the budget, and I am co-sponsoring legislation to establish permanent wilderness protection for the coastal plain.

Instead of drilling in our fragile ecosystems or continuing our reliance on foreign oil, I am fighting for a new energy policy for the 21st century. I strongly believe we must expand investments and incentives for clean and renewable energy, including solar power, wind, hydrogen cells and biofuels. I have also called on the Administration to increase fuel economy standards to ensure that we have efficient and more environmentally-friendly automobiles on America's roads. 

From cleaning the air to slowing global warming, and stopping border sewage to protecting the wilderness, I will continue my commitment to a safe and secure environment in 2005.

Opening the First FAST Lane at the Calexico-East Port of Entry 

Recently, I congratulated outgoing Department Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Tom Ridge and his counterpart from Mexico, Santiago Creel, on the opening of the first FAST (Free and Secure Trade) cargo lane at the Calexico-East Port of Entry.

The FAST program is a binational initiative designated to ensure trade and safety while expediting the inspection process of cargo goods.

Since the creation of the DHS, I have been supporting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection�s programs which increase the use of technology, adding more security to our border.

During 2005, I will continue my efforts towards achieving a safe and secure border.

Working to Save Student Financial Aid
As a former educator, I strongly believe that higher education should be available to all Americans. I have asked the U.S. Department of Education to stop the implementation of new rules that will reduce the amount of federal student aid. 

The Education Department is considering the implementation of new rules to determine student�s eligibility for federal student aid by updating tax tables that are used to calculate an individual's ability to pay for higher education. The proposed changes will affect more than 77,000 of California�s Pell eligible students and could result in a loss of more than $14 million dollars. 

The impact of these changes will severely affect young people�s ability to pay for their education, especially those who have a low-income. Some students will not be eligible for federal student aid while others will get a lot less. I am committed to making sure all students have a fair opportunity to attend college!

Equity for Filipino Veterans
I have joined with my colleague, Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham, to introduce the Filipino Veterans Equity Act, H.R. 302.  This bipartisan legislation will provide full veterans' benefits to World War II Filipinos who served at the request and under the command of the U.S. military.

Currently, there are less than 50,000 survivors of the total estimated 300,000 Filipino veterans who served during World War II. Roughly, 20,000 of these survivors are not receiving the benefits they earned. The U.S. government have been ignoring the promises made after the war, and this legislation seeks to correct it. 

When passed, Filipino Veterans will be entitled to their due pensions, health care, and all the benefits other World War II veterans currently have. 

Congressman Cunningham and I are working in a bi-partisan effort to build on the momentum from the last session of Congress, when over 200 Members joined us in support of the Filipino Veterans Equity Act. 2005 must be the year when we finish the job and restore dignity and equity to all Filipino veterans!

Announcement for High School Seniors and Juniors: College Scholarships and Aid
Do you know that there are thousands of scholarships, grants, and loans available to assist you in paying for college? Here is a partial list of the help that is waiting for you. 

Help from the Federal Government
Information can be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov
For: Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, Federal Family Education Loans, William Ford Direct Loans, and PLUS Loans for parents of undergraduates.

Help from the State Government
Information can be found at www.csac.ca.gov
For: CAL Grants (for California Resident)

San Diego Foundation
Information and an application for up to 100 scholarships is at www.sdfounfation.org .

For a complete list of grants, loans, and other educational links, please visit my students page.

CONSTITUENT MAIL BAG
From Chula Vista:
I urge you to protect and restore America's National Forests by co-sponsoring the National Forest Protection and Restoration Act. This bill has wide bi-partisan support and presents clear solutions to stopping the destruction of our public forests.

Our national forests were established over one hundred years ago for the benefit of all Americans, not just the timber industry. These forests provide clean drinking water, clean air, and are critical to wildlife habitats.

Future generations will thank you for your wisdom to protect these priceless and irreplaceable treasures.   

Congressman Filner replies:
Thank you for contacting me about our national forests.

I wholeheartedly agree with you! The federal government must stand up to commercial logging in our national forests. I was an original co-sponsor of the National Forest Protection and Restoration Act and, as you requested, I will co-sponsor this bill again when it is re-introduced in the new Congress. You can count on me to continue fighting for stronger environmental protections.  

I appreciate your advocacy for our national forests!

COOL WEB SITE: The Smithsonian Presents Black History Month
February is Black History Month. The Smithsonian Museums are hosting a series of online exhibits displaying the achievements of the African American community. Poetry, Science, Music, and Art are only a few of the categories displayed online at:  http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/heritage_month/