CONCORD, NC - Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) has called on the leadership of the U.S. House to act immediately to cut Congressional pay. Kissell has urged the House to immediately consider and pass H.R. 4720, the Taking Responsibility for Congressional Pay Act. During his first week in office, Kissell successfully cosponsored bipartisan legislation to eliminate an automatic Congressional pay raise. He also wrote a check to the U.S. Treasury in the amount of an increase enacted before he took office, returning the money directly to American taxpayers. "It is wrong for Congress to get a pay increase when people at home are struggling just to find work," Kissell said.
"We must restore fiscal discipline and common sense to Washington," said Kissell. "This cut in Congressional pay will save taxpayers approximately $4.7 million dollars next year, alone. I again call on House leadership to move this important piece of bipartisan legislation forward immediately."
The bill, cosponsored by Kissell, would reduce salaries for Senators and Representatives starting in January, and will permanently block any and all automatic pay increases for members of Congress. Passage of the bill would mark the first time since 1933 that Congress will have taken a pay cut.
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CONCORD, NC – In response to reports of unclaimed benefits, Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) today reminded all 8th District soldiers whose service was involuntarily extended in Iraq and Afghanistan, of the upcoming deadline to apply for retroactive pay. Soldiers eligible for retroactive pay will receive $500 for each month their service was extended.
“Our nation owes those who answered the call to protect our freedom after September 11th,” said Kissell. “The brave men and women who defend our nation make so many sacrifices, and they deserve to be paid what is owed to them. I want to be sure all those service members know to submit their claims by October 21, 2010 to receive the retroactive pay they so richly deserve.” In 2009, Kissell voted to pass H.R. 2346, the War Supplemental Appropriations Act, which established Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP). The establishment of RSLSP allows service members, veterans, and beneficiaries of service members whose service was involuntarily extended between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009 to file claims in order to receive retroactive pay if eligible. For more information or to submit a claim please visit www.defense.gov/stoploss or call Congressman Kissell’s office at 704-786-1612.
CONCORD, NC – Today, Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) announced that H.R. 3116, the Berry Amendment Extension Act, has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation, authored by Kissell, permanently requires the Department of Homeland Security and all of its agencies to purchase and procure textiles made entirely in America.
“The brave men and women of the Department of Homeland Security deserve to be equipped and outfitted in uniforms made by our proud American workers,” said Kissell. “We can protect our American economy while also protecting our national security and borders. The only way to ensure this is the case is to make these items right here at home. For the last 60 years the Berry Amendment has served our nation well, and its expansion to the Department of Homeland Security will further benefit American manufacturing.” The bill passed the House unanimously. "We would like to thank Congressman Kissell for pushing this important legislation through the House of Representatives. The U.S. textile industry has worked for years to secure Congressional passage of this pro-jobs and pro-national security legislation," said Auggie Tantillo, Executive Director of the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition. “Congressman Kissell’s 'buy-U.S.' legislation will provide a shot in the arm to America’s economy that has suffered more than 5.6 million U.S. manufacturing jobs losses in the last decade. For every $10 million spent annually under H.R. 3116, the U.S. government will create or save 500 badly needed U.S. manufacturing and other jobs.” The Berry Amendment Extension Act received bipartisan support and endorsements from many groups, including the American Manufacturing Trade Act Coalition, the National Textile Association, the National Council of Textile Organizations, the National Cotton Council, and the United States Industrial Fabrics Association International. “Those who protect us deserve the best, and the best is always made in the United States,” said Kissell from the House floor. The legislation requires all agencies within the Department of Homeland Security to follow the “Buy American” guidelines, including the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The legislation will directly benefit domestic U.S. textile manufacturers, including many throughout North Carolina’s 8th District. “Richmond Specialty Yarns, LLC would like to thank Congress for continuing to protect American jobs and industry through legislation like the Berry Amendment and Congressman Kissell’s Berry Amendment Extension Act,” said Andrew Barker, Vice President of Matrix Yarns, Inc., partners of Richmond Specialty Yarns, LLC located in Ellerbe, NC. “While the prevalent thought is that textiles is a dying industry, our business is thriving and reform like Congressman Kissell’s has helped us to continue to innovate and grow while creating products for the military, Department of Homeland Security, and Transportation Safety Administration. These requirements not only help our business, but the entire textile supply chain across the United States.” The Berry Amendment, originally enacted in 1941, requires the U.S. Department of Defense to procure a range of domestically produced or grown items with 100% U.S. content. The Berry Amendment Extension Act reinforces and expands Kissell’s amendment to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which extended Berry Amendment provisions to the Transportation Security Administration. “As this important piece of legislation moves on to the U.S. Senate, I’m sure we can count on Senators Hagan and Burr to move it forward for signature by the President,” added Kissell. “ Jobs and national security are on the line. We don’t have a moment to waste.”
EL PASO, TX - Saturday, Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) accompanied agents on patrol of the border between the United States and Mexico and attended a series of briefings held by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
Kissell visited the region to see first-hand the efforts being made by USCBP agents to stem illegal immigration and to see better what can be done by the federal government to help America’s southern border. “Our national security begins at our borders,” Kissell. “Washington has failed in its primary responsibility to secure those borders and I wanted to see and hear for myself what can better be done to support the efforts being made by the Border Patrol to stem the tide of illegal immigrants coming into our country.” During the series of briefings conducted by USCBP officials, it was pointed out that North Carolina is often a declared destination for illegal immigrants who are apprehended near the border. Border Patrol agents confirmed that while immigration laws are broken at the border, the security risks and economic impact are national in scope. “Illegal immigration has had a devastating impact on the economy of our state and district,” Kissell said. “American citizens need jobs, and we can’t continue to allow those who enter the country illegally to take jobs away from Americans, especially at a time when our economy is hurting so badly.” In addition to the obvious economic and employment impact illegal immigration is having on the United States, USCBP officials said they are seeing ever-increasingly dangerous intentions of illegal immigrants apprehended along the border. “We are seeing fewer people coming into the is country illegally merely looking for jobs, and more and more of them coming here to conduct other illegal activities such as drug smuggling and human trafficking,” said USCBP Agent L.M. Rocha. “We are beginning to really see the criminal enterprises that have taken hold in Mexico trying to come into the United States across this border.” Rocha went on to explain that the Patrol, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, has taken an expanded role in the prevention of terrorism since September 11, 2001, and that he and other agents see border security as a vital component of America’s anti-terrorism strategy. “Illegal immigration is threat to our nation economy and our national security, and the brave men and women of the Border Patrol stand watch every day and every night to defend our nation,” said Kissell. “I will do all I can to see that the Border Patrol receives the resources and assistance it needs to keep fulfilling its part of our nation’s homeland security efforts.” ###
FAYETTEVILLE, NC - Today, Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) and Bob Etheridge (NC-02) convened a meeting of the President's Economic Adjustment Committee to update progress and discuss local concerns on the upcoming move of U.S. Army Forces Command and Reserve Command to Fort Bragg.
Kissell requested the meeting of Department of Defense and other Federal agency officials in response to requests made by constituents living in areas that will be affected by the BRAC move. "The people of this region deserve straight talk about BRAC and what is being done to help the region with this transition," said Kissell. "The government has a responsibility to help the communities around Fort Bragg prepare for this move, and to communicate with them as to the progress being made to upgrade schools and infrastructure to handle the influx of new residents. I thank the Department of Defense for hearing our call and being part of this important discussion today." Area residents have expressed concern to Kissell and Etheridge regarding local school districts' ability to receive the influx of students, the stress of an increased number of vehicles on already congested roads, economic development, and water and sewer concerns. “The federal government is bringing soldiers here, and has a responsibility to support the quality-of-life for soldiers, their families, and the local community. We had a good discussion today that reminded the officials in Washington that while BRAC is great for the region, the positive economic impact is only half the story. Washington must step up and take note that this relocation puts enormous strain on local infrastructure,” said Etheridge. “We need bigger roads, expanded water and sewer capacity, and more schools for the children of our nations warriors.” Under current law, the Economic Adjustment Committee can provide direct funding for planning, and coordinates with Federal Departments and agencies to find sources of funding for implementation of plans. Congressman Etheridge successfully added an amendment to the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act that allows the EAC to provide grants to communities directly for the implementation of plans, including construction. This bill has passed the U.S. House of Representatives but awaits action in the Senate. “Fort Bragg and the Fayetteville area are home to thousands of military families. Our commitment to those families doesn’t end with our commitment to our troops. It is a commitment that runs deeper -- a commitment that ensures the children of our military families are going to good schools, that family members have employment opportunities, and our road and water infrastructure can handle growth,” said Etheridge. “I am pleased that the Department of Defense is taking steps to make sure we support those quality-of-life issues, and I’m going to continue to work with federal, state and local officials to make sure we meet the needs of North Carolina’s military families and communities.” "I believe that by having a frank discussion with key decision makers about what needs to be done we have moved this whole project forward. Now we have to finish the job." said Kissell. The purpose of the president’s Economic Adjustment Meeting was to provide BRAC program stakeholders, local, state and elected officials with updated knowledge of issues surrounding mission growth and to assess local and state capacities to absorb and support projected/actual Service growth. The meeting identified needs for Federal Government assistance. Focus areas were on Critical Growth and sustainability issues, schools and education, workforce and economic development. The Economic Adjustment Committee was created by an Executive Order from President George H.W. Bush and has been honored by subsequent Presidents. The Committee is chaired by the Department of Defense and is comprised of representatives from the Departments of the Army, Education, Transportation, Labor, Commerce, and Agriculture. Representation from the White House was also present at today's meeting. Today's event was coordinated by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Office of Economic Adjustment, Fort Bragg Garrison Command and the BRAC Regional Task Force.
Today, Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) announced the release of $200,000 in funding for the Charlotte's Gang of One program and other anti-truancy, youth crime prevention and at-risk youth awareness programs throughout the city. "This funding will help keep our youth in the classroom and out of trouble," said Kissell. "We must do all we can to combat gang activity in our community. I'm proud to have secured this much needed funding to make sure we stress the importance of staying in school and off the streets. As a former schoolteacher, I know how important this is." The funding will help support anti-truancy programs that target elementary, middle, and high school students through the Gang of One, Truancy Court, and Community Impact Projects. Community Impact Projects will be awarded to the Police Athletic League, Right Moves for Youth, and McCrorey YMCA to support programs for youth and families. The grant will improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent and combat juvenile delinquency, and assist victims of crime. The grant is funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.
CONCORD, NC - Today, Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) was relieved the Environmental Protection Agency for denying a petition that sought to ban the production and distribution of lead hunting ammunition. Last week, Kissell called on EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to deny the claim.
The petition was filed earlier this month under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The EPA announced denial of the petition in a news release, stating that it does not have the legal authority to regulate that type of product under the TSCA. "Anti-hunting groups' ammunition ban efforts will be met with strong opposition from the National Rifle Association. These groups use false data and emotion instead of sound science to further their failed political agenda. That will not be tolerated by our nation's hunters and sportsmen,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “We appreciate Rep. Kissell's support of America’s hunters and sportsmen on this vital matter.”
"I remain committed to standing up for our Second Amendment rights," said Kissell. "I'm glad the EPA has chosen to stand down on this issue and honor the fact that it has no business regulating our ammunition."
CONCORD, NC -Today, Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) joined residents of The Village apartment homes in Locust to help cut the ribbon marking the grand opening of the recently completed development.
"I'm so proud to join these families in the opening of such a beautiful complex," said Kissell. "Our government works best when it provides the opportunities for local businesses and developers to prosper, and then gets out of the way. I'm glad to have been a part of this project to enrich this community, put people to work, and most importantly, help provide these families with an affordable and safe place to raise their children and call home." Construction of the village was stalled by the recession, but tax credits included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Kissell supported, allowed developers to fill gaps caused by the collapse in the equity market. While there, Kissell toured open units of the housing development, spoke with the developers and management staff of the complex, and met with residents to discuss their new homes.
CONCORD, NC - Thursday, Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) announced that Cabarrus County will receive $51,793 through the Department of Justice's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. The JAG Program grants funding to local governments to prevent and control crime based on their own needs and conditions. "We must keep our communities safe," said Kissell. "Educating our children about drug and crime prevention is an important tool to keep our youth on a path to success. This funding will help in making our schools and neighborhoods drug and gang free, and give our brave men and women in law enforcement the tools they need to protect and keep safe the communities they serve." The county will use the grant to purchase crime prevention education materials for its G.R.E.A.T. and D.A.R.E. programs, as well as tasers for Sheriff's officers. Remaining funds will be used by the cities of Concord and Kannapolis to purchase electronic control weapons and light bars for patrol vehicles. “This money is a fantastic way to use federal resources to bring more programs to our county,” said Cabarrus County Sheriff Brad Riley. “This will allow us to enhance our abilities to reach more students through the G.R.E.A.T. and D.A.R.E. programs and bring more materials to our students. I'd like to thank Congressman Kissell for his assistance.”
MONROE, NC - Marking the 75th Anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's signing of the Social Security Act on Aug, 14, Congressman Larry Kissell recognized the occasion by visiting with Monroe resident Sarah Gulledge. "The Social Security Act is one of the most important pieces of social legislation in our nation's history," said Kissell. "I remain dedicated to strengthening our retirement system and protecting Social Security. Seniors, and the disabled who cannot work, rely on these benefits. For people like Miss Gulledge, Social Security was a stable and reliable investment for the future, and I won't allow our nation to go back on our promise to protect that investment. The security, dignity and wellbeing of our seniors should never be left to the whims of Wall Street" Kissell visited with Gulledge in her Monroe home Friday afternoon and presented her with a birthday cake. Gulledge, who turned 90 last week, spoke briefly of how important Social Security has been in her life.. "For goodness sake, we have to protect Social Security. It has been very important to me and to my family," said Gulledge. "My husband was 21 when Social Security became law and he lived and worked on his family's farm. He paid into Social Security from that day forward until he passed, and his benefits ended up being more than mine. Social Security is so very important, especially for widows like myself. I wouldn't exist today without my Social Security. I'm so proud of Larry Kissell for fighting to protect it."
