Congressman Bob Filner's
Congressional Update

 April 2006

In this Issue:

• Protecting Our Border: Passage of the Filner Amendment

• Working for Imperial County Sugar Farmers

• Hearing on H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act

• Citizens of the Month

• Constituent Mail Bag

• Useful Web Site: Track Your Tax Return!

Protecting Our Borders: Passage of the Filner Amendment
Last month, during consideration of H.R. 2829, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Reauthorization Act, I took an important step towards combating subterranean tunnels along the U.S. Mexico border. I was successful in passing my amendment, which calls on the ONDCP to work with all relevant Executive Agencies to develop a strategy to bring an end to these tunnels.

My measure specifically authorizes the ONDCP to join with all relevant Executive Agencies in coordinating the effort to fight border tunnels, a task that requires the cooperation of Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies. The often difficult jurisdictional lines are blurred when it comes to fighting smugglers, so having a coordinating agency will help all levels of government bring an end to this problem, which effects the lives of all my constituents.

The timing of this legislation is critical as eight tunnels between San Diego and Tijuana have been discovered this year alone along with one in Calexico. Since 1990, twenty-one tunnels have been discovered. Most recently in California, investigators along the Mexico border discovered more than two tons of marijuana in a tunnel that was part of a sophisticated tunneling system, extending a half-mile on each side of the border.

                
        Watch the Debate on the Filner Amendment

Citizen of the Month
Imperial County
In March, I selected the owner of Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies, Ohana Blends LLC, Gilbert Harrison as my �Citizen of the Month."

Gilbert Harrison is a big advocate of working with the community and assisting them in many fundraising efforts for different causes. He has been a big supporter of the Holtville High School Wrestling Team and the Athletic Department�s fundraising efforts for youth in sports.

Gilbert has plans to launch a Mowi Wowi shop in El Centro next year. This franchise has been ranked as the �#1 Juice Bar in the world� by Entrepreneur Magazine�s Franchise 500 and �#106 ranked franchise in the world� also by Entrepreneur Magazine�s Franchise 500. In addition, INC Magazine has ranked Maui Wowi as �#175 Ranked Fastest Growing Private Company.�

Ohana Blends LLC is a family owned and operated business which currently caters to different community events in Imperial Valley like the Cattle Call Festival in November and the Carrot Festival in February. They will soon be participating in the April Children�s Festival and, like all of their ventures, they will donate a portion of their proceeds to community organizations.
   
   Congressman Filner Honors his Citizen of the Month: Maui     Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies, Ohana Blends LLC

San Diego County
Top Radio Personality, Xavier �The X-Man,� has been selected to be my March �Citizen of the Month� for his exceptional work as a top radio personality, his long-term commitment to promoting events benefiting underserved communities, and for his countless efforts on behalf of children.

Through the X-Man�s endeavors to help the community, he has made a solid base of fans not only in San Diego, but throughout the State of California�and is considered a role model for youth. He even initiated an educational motivational program that stresses the importance of attending college. For years, The X-man has volunteered countless hours to promote and participate in community events. Before taking on MAGIC 92.5, Xavier was ranked as the number one host of the popular �Turn off the Lights� and �Xavier The X-Man�s Sunday Night Oldies Show� on San Francisco�s WILD 94.9. Thereafter, he accepted a job in Los Angeles at Mega 100 and soon was promoted to Assistant Program Director and afternoon drive DJ of San Diego�s MAGIC 92.5

Along with the great music, MAGIC 92.5 focuses on being the �family station� and has a strong role in supporting the community.  Xavier�s committed service and representation for his community exemplifies him as a model citizen and a one-of-a-kind radio host. His commitment encourages the greater good in all of us. The X-Man is truly a voice of the people�and we are lucky to have someone of his caliber in our community and on the air.

 
            Congressman Filner and Xavier "the X-man"

Constituent Mail Bag
From Chula Vista:
I am a senior on a fixed income and cannot afford the co-pays on my prescription drugs. Please try to change this plan so I do not have new fees to pay.  Please oppose Medicare Part D, because it only harms seniors like myself!

Congressman Filner Replies:
Thank you for contacting me about Medicare Part D, also known as the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit.

I wholeheartedly agree with you! I opposed the law that created this complex and inadequate program which I consider to be a disservice to our senior citizens. Medicare Part D was created by Republican Members of Congress and the President to serve the interests of the pharmaceutical companies and HMOs rather than helping Medicare beneficiaries.

If you are a beneficiary with low income and limited savings, you may be eligible to receive additional assistance with some or all of the cost of your prescription drugs. For information contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (or visit http://www.ssa.gov ) or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Contact My Office

Useful Website: Track Your Tax Return!

Have you already filed your tax return for the year? Does the Federal Government owe you money? Are you tired of waiting for your return without knowing when it will be sent? This year the IRS has provided a website for you to check the status of your refund while it is processing. Additionally, the IRS website is a great resource for preparing your tax returns, paying your fees, and getting information for your returns.