November 2010 Archives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week U.S. Representatives Ed Whitfield (KY-01) and Walter B. Jones (NC-3) helped a retired war dog recover from injuries he received in Iraq nearly four years ago.

Lex, a German shepherd, was wounded in March of 2007 when he and his handler were hit by a rocket propelled grenade in Fallujah, ending the life of Corporal Dustin Lee of Quitman, Mississippi, and sending pieces of shrapnel into Lex’s back.  Rep. Whitfield’s wife, Connie Whitfield, worked with Dr. Lee Morgan at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital to provide stem cell therapy treatment to Lex.  The purpose of the procedure was to alleviate Lex’s crippling pain and enable him to make greater use of his hind legs.  The effects of the stem cell procedure were not expected to be evident for four to six weeks, but within a mere two days of the procedure Lex was remarkably transformed.  He had full use of his back legs, and was as frisky as a puppy.

Mrs. Whitfield, a consultant to the CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, contacted Dr. Morgan to determine if Lex was a candidate for stem cell therapy.   Mrs. Whitfield raised over $4,000 to pay for Lex’s treatment, and personally cared for Lex during his recovery.  The Humane Society of the United States has provided money to support Lex’s medical care, along with the German Shepherd Dog Club of Northern Virginia, Shoreline German Shepherd Dog Club and the U.S. War Dogs Association.

Since Lex’s discharge in 2007, he has been living with the family of his former Marine handler.  Lex is the first Marine working dog to be adopted by relatives of a fallen Marine.

Congressman Ed Whitfield said “representing Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne has allowed me the opportunity to interact with many of the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our freedom.  I have seen the positive impact dogs have in healing veterans suffering from emotional and psychological wounds of war.  Last year, I worked with Rep. Ron Klein (FL-22) and Sen. Al Franken (MN) to include language in the Defense Authorization Bill that provided funding and support for programs that partner service dogs with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.  Studies have shown dogs to be of immense therapeutic value for our injured heroes with emotional and psychological injuries.”

Congressman Jones called Lex “a true hero and a blessing to the Lee family,” adding “I am more than happy to do anything I can to help and I am so appreciative of Connie Whitfield and Dr. Morgan, and all those who contributed to this wonderful cause.  I have been honored to know this special family for the past few years.  Dustin was a hero and would have wanted the best for his partner.”

November 16, 2010

The Honorable Rob Bishop
The Honorable Doc Hastings
US House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Representatives Bishop and Hastings:
 
The American people have spoken and we must heed their calls and reform the way that the House of Representatives does business. 

In listening to many of my constituents, others in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and around the nation, I have prepared a list of suggestions which I request be taken into consideration when drafting the rules for the 112th Congress in the House.  I believe we all need to take steps to rein in our debt and make absolutely sure that we know the impact our laws will have on our nation, but we cannot do this without drastic changes. I have listed these reforms below for your consideration.

• Pay-as-you go- Any Member of Congress may make a point of order against a bill, if the rule of debate for that bill waives the Pay-go rule. In such a case any Member making a point of order may require a recorded vote on the point of order. 

• Openness and Transparency- The cost of a bill, as determined by the Congressional Budget Office, shall be printed at the top of every piece of federal legislation and should also be announced on the House floor before debate begins. 

• Committee Process- Committees may not adopt rules that allow any Members, other than the Chair and Ranking Members, to give opening statements at hearings, except by unanimous consent.

• Amendments on the House floor/Suspensions - Each annual federal spending bill and any bill allowing for expenditures from the Treasury (tax bills) should come to the House floor under an open rule allowing any Member to offer amendments.  Only bills with the support of two-thirds of the Members from the Committee of jurisdiction should be allowed to be placed on the suspension calendar.

• 72 hours- Every bill must be available on the internet in its full and complete version for Members and the public to see and read for at least 72 hours before it can be voted on by
 the House.

• Ethical Standards- The Ethics Committee must report to the House any formal investigations they are conducting.  Additionally, the Ethics Committee must announce when they complete an investigation and what that outcome was.  If an ethical violation is brought against a Member, the ethics Committee must initiate action within 30 days.

 As we all know, America is the greatest nation in the world because of the democracy that we enjoy and the voice that people have due to the election process.  We must continue to find ways that we can give all Americans a voice in the House of Representatives.  We all know that the People’s House will lead the way in making changes to ensure that our federal debt and unemployment are reduced, but I firmly believe that we cannot do this by operating as usual.  These changes are needed and something I hope you will take into serious consideration.  I look forward to working with you in the coming months as these decisions are made. 

      Sincerely,

      Ed Whitfield
      Member of Congress

Cc: The Honorable John Boehner
       The Honorable Eric Cantor
       The Honorable Kevin McCarthy  
 

Dear Editor,

From the Minutemen who fought in the Revolutionary War – to the soldiers who are today trying to establish peace in the Middle East – the United States has always been blessed with a military force that is without equal. While no single tribute could fully repay the debt we owe them, Veterans Day at least offers a chance for our nation to stand together in honoring the men and women who have served our country.

It is my privilege to represent the veterans of the First Congressional District of Kentucky.  Their devotion and love for this country have left an undeniable imprint on America, even though they often consider their own service a humble duty.

Our Armed Forces have always done whatever it takes to keep our freedoms, liberties, and our homeland safe.  So today, on Veterans Day, I want to renew my promise to take every action necessary that will ensure quality care for our veterans and their families. Since I took office in 1995, the veterans’ budget has increased by 94 percent, and so a lot of resources are being devoted to this need.  But, more must be done.  I have always strongly supported our military retirees throughout my years in Congress and I will continue to vote for legislation that protects survivor benefits and eliminates the offset between VA disability payments and military retirement pay.  I am particularly pleased that we have been able to establish four veterans’ outpatient clinics in the First Congressional District that will provide better overall access to healthcare. 

We especially need to support the physical and emotional needs of those returning from combat.  More than 150,000 of our service men and women are deployed in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. They are fighting Al-Qaeda and other terrorists who seek to destroy our way of life, along with the very freedoms we have worked so hard to set in place.  We are proud of our soldiers who make sacrifices every day to stop these terrorists and preserve the safety of our nation and other nations around the world.  Unfortunately, it is apparent from incidents such as the recent attempt to detonate explosives aboard cargo aircraft that threats against the United States have not ceased.  It is imperative that we continue to give our military the funding they need to be able to stop these terrorist acts before they are carried out and Americans’ lives are put in jeopardy.

I know Kentuckians join me today in expressing sincere gratitude to all those who have chosen to serve in the United States Armed Forces - especially the heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace and democracy.  May God continue to bless them, their families and our nation.

Sincerely,
Congressman Ed Whitfield.