Congressman Bob Filner

Veterans Day: Supporting our Veterans is a Mandate, Not a Slogan!

Each year on Veterans Day, Americans come together to honor our nation’s heroes. Again, this year, our country is engaged in conflicts that require the dedication of our uniformed troops. We may be divided on where we stand on this war, but we shall always stand together to support our veterans. Our nation has a proud legacy of appreciation and commitment to the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of this country. We must be united in seeing that every soldier, sailor, airman and marine is welcomed back with all the care and compassion this grateful nation can bestow.

Veterans Day has been observed annually on November 11^th for 88 years. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice. Armistice Day was first commemorated in the United States by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 inviting all states to observe the day, and made it a legal holiday in 1938. It has been observed annually on November 11 since then - first as Armistice Day, later as Veterans Day.

Veterans have kept their promise to serve our nation – and we must keep our promises to our veterans. Democrats in Congress have made great strides in providing a new direction for funding these promises. This Congress continues to demand that the President provide adequate funding for the warriors – not just the war. The President approved a war funding bill in May which, at the request of Democrats in Congress, included $3.5 billion for veterans health programs. Our men and women should not get first-class weapons in battle only to receive third-class benefits when they return home. We must continue on a path to making the benefits provided to our veterans first-rate and uncompromised.

This year, Congress passed legislation to increase the VA budget by $6.7 billion above the 2007 level, the largest single increase in veterans’ funding in the 77-year history of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The proposed budget increase will go for veterans’ health programs, including mental health care for returning veterans. This bill means more than 1,100 new VA case workers to reduce the unacceptable delays in receiving earned benefits. The bill also increases the VA’s maintenance and repair budget to prevent a Walter Reed scandal from occurring in the VA system.

The reality is that this Administration did not ask for enough funding to begin addressing the problems faced by veterans. The House passed the veterans funding bill with a vote of 409-2, with 185 Republican votes. The President’s veto threats of the individual appropriations bills have gridlocked the budget negotiations and stalled this budget increase for veterans. The 110^th Congress will remain steadfast in fighting for the needs of America’s veterans. I know that my colleagues in the House are committed to increase funding for veterans as soon as an agreement can be negotiated with the President.

In 2008, the number of veterans receiving treatment is expected to include over 300,000 veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. We must prepare to care for the veterans of current conflicts by beginning to address the long-term health care needs of combat veterans. By enacting this budget, we are one step closer to keeping the promises we have made to our veterans.

Currently, there are 25 million veterans in the United States. There are more than 2 million veterans living in California and 47,000 veterans living in the local area. On this 88^th Veterans Day, please take the time to show appreciation to those who have answered the call to duty. Although we can never adequately thank them for their service and sacrifice to our nation, today we can humbly salute our brave veterans and soldiers.

Helping the Community Rebuild After October Wildfires

As San Diegans begin to put their lives back together, I continue to be inspired by what I saw when visiting evacuation centers, affected areas, and with volunteers and first responders across the region. Our community has come together as never before to help one another.

I would like to once again offer my deepest gratitude to the firefighters, emergency responders, military personnel, and volunteers who worked and are working diligently to assist and support their friends and neighbors whose lives have been affected by this tragedy.

We have a difficult and challenging road ahead of us as we rebuild our homes and businesses--but I have confidence in my fellow San Diegans and their ability to work together to put our community back together. To the fire victim I say that I am available to listen to your concerns and am committed to assisting you in any way possible as you work to put your lives back on track.

If there is any assistance that I or my office may provide, please check the list agencies and organizations listed on my home page or contact my Chula Vista office at 619-422-5963.

House of Representatives Passes Legislation Honoring America’s Veterans in Preparation for Veterans Day

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a package of bills that honor our nation’s veterans. The action comes as the nation prepares to salute our brave veterans and servicemembers this Veterans Day weekend. The House of Representatives passed the following legislation:

1. H.R. 513 – The National Heroes Credit Protection Act: To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to enhance the protection of credit ratings of active duty military personnel who are activated for military service

2. H.Res. 770 – To express support for the designation of a National Veterans History Project Week to encourage public participation in a nationwide project that collects and preserves the stories of the men and women who have served our nation in times of war and conflict

3. H.Con.Res. 60 – To express support for the goals of Veterans Educate Today’s Students (VETS) Day

4. H.Res. 744 – To recognize the contributions of Native American veterans and to call upon the President to issue a proclamation urging the people of the United States to observe a day in honor of Native American veterans

This Veterans Day, I encourage all Americans to reach out to veterans and thank them and their families for their amazing sacrifice. It is important to demonstrate support for our veterans and let these heroes know that this grateful nation honors their service. I am proud the Members of the House came together to show our support for our troops and veterans with the legislation passed today.

Responding to the Recommendations of the Dole/ Shalala Commission

I am pleased that President Bush has come forward with legislative proposals to implement the Commission recommendations. Of course, most of the recommendations can and should be done administratively.

Congress has already passed a key recommendation of the Dole/Shalala Commission, H.R. 976, providing family medical leave for families of wounded soldiers, but President Bush vetoed it. Congress continues to make progress on a number of issues raised by the Dole/Shalala Commission in the National Defense Authorization Act, the Defense Appropriations bill and the Veterans Appropriations bill. I anticipate completing action on these bills this fall.

While the Dole/Shalala Commission contained good recommendations – they do not go far enough to shake-up a bureaucracy looked on as adversaries by many veterans. For example, nothing is suggested for cleaning up a 600,000 disability claims backlog – where radical change is needed. Nor is there a demand for immediate action to get the DoD and VA to share electronic medical data.

There is progress to be made. Our veterans health care funding bill – that will be making its way to the President shortly – exceeds his request and is the largest increase in the history of the VA. Such an increase is appropriate at a time when we are asking so much of our military personnel and their families.

We have inherited many years of neglect in funding the needs of our country’s veterans. The magnitude cannot be corrected overnight but we must begin to address the serious shortfalls that exist and we welcome the attention of the President on this critical situation.”

Introducing Legislation To Increase Military Honors for Veterans’ Funerals

I am proud to recently introduce H.R. 3954, “Providing Military Honors For Our Nation’s Heroes Act,” a bill that will reimburse expenses for volunteers who provide military funeral honors at veterans’ funerals.

Thousands of World War II and Korean War veterans die each day, and because so many of our service members are deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, there are simply not enough military honor guards to provide a proper 7 person detail for these funerals. Some families of veterans have had to ‘make do’ with a CD playing taps. I am saddened by this outrageous situation and determined to provide proper military funeral honors for all families who request them.

The bill will allow reimbursement to volunteers from members of Veterans’ Service Organizations (VSOs) and other organizations approved by the Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to perform funeral honors. Transportation costs and other expenses, such as cleaning uniforms, incurred in providing funeral honors will be reimbursed. A second change will allow reimbursement to details that are requested by funeral homes and the VA, as well as by the Department of Defense.

Currently, members of VSOs and other volunteers can assist the military by providing a color guard, pallbearers, a bugler or firing party, but the law does not address ceremonies in which VSOs render honors without military representation. My bill will allow volunteers to be reimbursed even when no active-duty military person is a part of the honor guard. This change will make funeral honors accessible to more service members and their families, and it will help us recognize all service members for their sacrifices and honorable service to our Nation.

Supporting the Forever Stamp to Honor Veterans Awarded the Purple Heart

It is my honor to co-sponsor H.R. 2303, the Perpetual Purple Heart Act, which would establish a Forever Stamp dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the armed forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is awarded to service members who have been wounded or killed while serving in the United States Military. The “forever stamp” will be a first-class stamp, without denomination, and will remain valid regardless of rate changes.

The Perpetual Purple Heart stamp, which honors service men and women who were wounded, was in jeopardy of being retired with the recent rate change. We cannot allow that to happen. The Purple Heart stamp is absolutely necessary in order to ensure that we continue to honor the sacrifices of our brave heroes.

The Purple Heart stamp was first unveiled in May of 2003, at ceremonies in Washington, D.C. and Newburgh, New York, at General George Washington’s Headquarters. It was here that General Washington first awarded the predecessor award to the Purple Heart, the Badge of Military Merit. The “Forever Stamp” was an innovation by the US Postal Service, which meets the postage required for first-class mail up to one ounce in weight even if the rate of postage is later increased.

The Purple Heart stamp is one way that Americans can express their gratitude to our heroes for their service. I am hopeful that we can make this historic stamp permanent, so that it will continue to be printed and to serve as a constant recognition of the sacrifices these brave men and women made for our nation's freedom and security.

House Passes Legislation to Create the Southwest Regional Border Authority

I am pleased to announce that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to create the Southwest Regional Border Authority.

The bill authorizes grants to states, local governments, and public and non-profit organizations for projects to develop transportation, water and wastewater infrastructure, public health, and telecommunications infrastructure. The bill also authorizes grants for projects that stimulate job creation, economic development, entrepreneurship, and business development.

The Southwest Regional Border Authority would be comprised of counties within 150 miles of the U.S./Mexico border, including Imperial and San Diego Counties in Congressman Filner’s district.

It is critical that the federal government help distressed communities in the border region. The Southwest Regional Border Authority will help create jobs and improve communities in Imperial and San Diego Counties.

Constituent Mail Bag

From San Diego

Dear Representative Filner:

I know your mailbox is flooded with letters from concerned Americans like me who can't believe President Bush recklessly put the health of our children in jeopardy when he vetoed SCHIP.

The override vote could happen as early as October 18. I am asking you, on behalf of more than 1.4 million California children, to commit to supporting the SCHIP Veto Override Vote.

I know you will do what is best for California's kids and vote to override President Bush's veto.

Congressman Filner replies:

Thank you for contacting me about H.R. 976, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act.

I wholeheartedly agree with you that we must increase access to affordable healthcare for all Americans! This bill would expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by $50 billion over 5 years. You will be proud to know I voted in support of H.R. 976 and the House of Representative’s attempt to override President Bush’s veto. Unfortunately, the veto override was unsuccessful. Rest assured, I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure children receive the quality health care they deserve.

I appreciate your advocacy and share your concern on this important health issue.

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