Press Releases
Members of Congress Express Condolences for Victims of Church Hostage Crisis in Baghdad Print E-mail
Friday, 05 November 2010 17:38

Call on the Administration to Develop Comprehensive Policy to Protect Indigenous Religious Communities in Iraq

Washington, D.C. – In the wake of the hostage crisis which occurred at Our Lady of Salvation Catholic Church in Baghdad, Iraq, U.S. Representatives Anna G. Eshoo (CA-14) and Frank Wolf (VA-10), who co-chair the Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus, as well as several other Representatives, sent a letter today to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, calling for the Obama Administration to develop a comprehensive policy for the protection of indigenous religious communities in Iraq. Members of Congress also offered condolences to the victims and their families.

Rep. Eshoo said: “As an Assyrian American, the plight of Iraq’s indigenous religious communities has always held a very personal significance for me. Nearly constant violence has been a tragic consequence of our involvement in Iraq, and without clear action from the U.S. government, Iraq’s ancient Christian community faces extinction. The horrific attack and loss of life once again underscores the need for a concrete strategy to protect Iraq’s religious minorities.”

Rep. Wolf said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of the hostage crisis at Our Lady of Salvation Catholic Church in Baghdad. This horrific attack against Christians gathered in their place of worship is symptomatic of a much larger problem—namely that Iraq’s ancient faith communities are being systematically targeted and driven from the land they have inhabited for centuries, threatening their very existence in modern day Iraq. Successive administrations have failed to recognize the unique needs of these indigenous faith communities and to prioritize their protection and preservation. This neglect comes at a grave cost. We can only hope that this tragedy will prompt a renewed focus on the plight of these vulnerable communities.”

Rep. Mark Steven Kirk said: “I condemn in the strongest terms the horrific attack on the Our Lady of Salvation Catholic Church in Baghdad and extend my deepest condolences to the victims and their families. We must recognize that this reprehensible act specifically targeted the Iraqi Christians, continuing an alarming pattern of violence against vulnerable minority groups in Iraq. In the wake of this tragedy, I call on the Iraqi government, the Obama Administration, as well as international stakeholders, to prioritize the protection of indigenous religious communities in Iraq.”

Rep. Trent Franks said: “This devastating attack, which claimed the lives of 58 people who committed no offense other than having the 'nerve' to be Christian, reminds us that the precious freedoms we enjoy as Americans are not a given in other parts of the world. Despite the incredible progress Iraq has made over the past decade, it can never truly be said that Iraq is a wholly free and stable representative of Democracy in the Middle East until religious minorities are able to put their beliefs into action without fear of reprisal. I join my colleagues in mourning the lives senselessly lost as a result of this cowardly violence and I call on the Obama Administration to prioritize an articulated strategy for Iraq’s indigenous religious community.”

Rep. Chris Smith: “The devastation suffered by members of Our Lady of Salvation Catholic Church—and of all religious minorities in Iraq—is almost beyond the comprehension of those of us who live in a country where the human right of religious freedom is respected. Nearly half of the worshipers died, and those who survived were wounded in body and spirit by the psychotic hatred of those who would control the free world through terror. We must protect, as first priority, the courageous believers who dare to follow their conscience rather than be controlled by fear. It is they who help lead the way in the fight for freedom and democracy in Iraq.”

Rep. Scott Garrett: “I extend my deepest condolences to the family members and loved ones of those who perished on Sunday at Our Lady of Salvation Catholic Church. As thousands of Iraqis continue to be the victims of ethnic and religious discrimination in Iraq, I encourage Secretary Clinton to develop a strategy to address the ongoing atrocities. The United States was founded on the principles of freedom and equality, and should strongly resist the intolerance that fueled the recent hostage crisis in Baghdad.”

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Click here to view the letter.

 

 
 
Rep. Eshoo Supports Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Candidacy for Minority Leader Print E-mail
Friday, 05 November 2010 15:25

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) released the following statement in support of Speaker Pelosi’s announced bid for the Minority Leader position:

“I’m deeply grateful and highly encouraged that Speaker Pelosi has made the decision to run for Minority Leader. I believe we need her now more than ever, as does the country.

“I have the privilege of representing the innovation capitol of our country and the world—Silicon Valley. Nancy Pelosi enjoys the utmost regard of all the Valley’s leaders across the high-technology, biotechnology, telecommunications, scientific and venture capital sectors. They respect her demonstrated knowledge and leadership on what is necessary to move our economy forward and ensure that the United States of America remains number one. It was her leadership that not only produced the Innovation Agenda, but implemented it in its entirety in Congress, producing historic investments in science, technology, engineering and math education, broadband adoption, and research and development funding.

“Nancy Pelosi’s in-depth knowledge of intelligence issues, developed over her years of service on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence—the longest tenure of any member—is critical to our national security. She holds unquestioned credentials in this key area.

“Nancy Pelosi is the person we need to help America recover, to help the Democrats recover, and to help restore the confidence of every American.

“I’m proud to support her.”

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Rep. Eshoo Calls for Bank Investigations Print E-mail
Tuesday, 05 October 2010 12:26

Washington, D.C. – Today Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto), along with thirty other Members of the California Congressional Delegation, urged the federal government to investigate the handling of delinquent mortgages, mortgage modifications, and foreclosures by financial institutions. In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and Comptroller of the Currency John Dugan, the Delegation outlined systemic misconduct on the part of lenders and servicers, and requested the agencies investigate possible violations of law or regulations.

“Thousands of constituents from my Congressional District and across California have reported deceit and mishandling of their mortgages and foreclosures,” Rep. Eshoo said. “Far too many forms are lost, requirements are misrepresented, and phone calls go unanswered to consider this coincidental. The foreclosure crisis is hurting my constituents, our economy, and our country, and the federal government has a responsibility to get to the bottom of it.”

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Read the full text of the letter by clicking here.

Read examples of California housing cases by clicking here.

 

 
 
Eshoo Bill on Arthritis Passes the House of Representatives Print E-mail
Thursday, 30 September 2010 11:47

Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives passed legislation last night to alleviate the health and economic cost of arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the United States. The bipartisan Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act (H.R. 1210), authored by Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto), bolsters federal juvenile arthritis research and provides federal support for initiatives to educate the public and health professionals about controlling and preventing arthritis.

“The number of adults suffering from arthritis in our country is more than the entire population of California and Massachusetts combined. More children are afflicted with the disease than suffer from juvenile diabetes. Each year the economic cost of the disease totals more than a percentage point of our national GDP,” Rep. Eshoo said. “But despite the high personal and financial cost, there is no cure and many of those suffering are not receiving the care or the basic information they need to manage the disease.”

According to the latest statistics from the Center for Disease Control, the total cost of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions is over $128 billion per year. 46.3 million Americans live with the disease, including more than 300,000 children. While early intervention and treatment is critical for children with arthritis and related diseases, many states lack sufficient specialists to treat them. Eight states are without even one pediatric rheumatologist and five states have only one.

“This bill will provide states and non-profits the resources they need to tackle this debilitating disorder,” Rep. Eshoo said. “It invests in the critical needs of children and adults suffering from arthritis, and in research that will alleviate the costs to future generations of Americans who are diagnosed. I’m proud the House has passed it and I’ll continue to fight for this legislation until it’s signed into law.”

The Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act enhances the National Arthritis Action Plan by supporting federal, state, and private arthritis research, prevention, and management efforts. It also focuses attention on juvenile arthritis research by creating planning grants for innovative research and career development grants to encourage more health professionals to enter the field of pediatric rheumatology.

There are 180 bipartisan cosponsors of the legislation, including 49 Republicans. The bill has also received the support of the Arthritis Foundation, the American Physical Therapy Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Rheumatology.

“The staggering social and economic impact of arthritis on American society is unacceptable,” said Dr. John Klippel, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “We commend Rep. Eshoo for her leadership and dedication in fighting for legislation that invests in critical research and prevention for better treatments and a cure.”

H.R. 1210 passed the House by unanimous consent.

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NASA Authorization a Win for California, Ames Print E-mail
Wednesday, 29 September 2010 23:46

Washington, D.C. – Today the House of Representatives passed S. 3729, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Authorization Act of 2010, to reauthorize America’s space programs, reinvest in science and technology research and education, and encourage the development of the commercial space industry. The legislation maintains robust funding for science and aeronautics while funding the development of new exploration technology, space technology, commercial spaceflight, and robotic precursors.

“This year’s NASA Authorization Act will rejuvenate the spirit of exploration that has characterized the agency since its foundation. It shifts focus from maintaining an aging shuttle fleet to a renewed focus on scientific exploration and technological discovery,” Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) said. “California is the natural place for NASA’s new, innovative direction to begin. Our NASA centers, including Ames, are the nation’s leaders in technology research and will benefit from an increased focus on R&D. Investment in the commercial space industry will lower costs for NASA, while creating high-tech jobs throughout the state. The bill is a win for NASA and it is a win for our state and workforce.”

In July, the House Science and Technology Committee passed a NASA Authorization bill that would have continued the over-budget and behind-schedule Constellation program, disregarded key workforce provisions and shortchanged funding for commercial spaceflight and technology research and development programs. In response, Rep. Eshoo spearheaded a letter from 13 members of the California delegation to Rep. Bart Gordon, Chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee supporting a budget with “a sustainable architecture” to ensure NASA remains “an innovative exploration agency.” After Chairman Gordon met with Rep. Eshoo, he announced that the House would not vote on the Committee bill and instead take up the Senate-passed bill which is more in-line with the goals detailed in the letter.

“I was proud to fight for investments to invigorate our space program and encourage job growth in cutting-edge research and commercial sectors,” Rep. Eshoo said. “The bill will also provide the workforce at NASA Ames, and related industries around the country, with the certainty, stability and support they deserve for the truly inspiring work they do.”

The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 passed the House by a vote of 304-118.

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