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  Prince George's County Office
  5001 Silver Hill Road
  Suite 106
  Suitland, Maryland 20746
  301-516-7601 main
  301-516-7608 fax

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  8730 Georgia Avenue
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  Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
  301-562-7960 main
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  Washington, DC 20515
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Latest News

• Rep. Edwards Plays Important Symbolic Role in Leadership Elections

  From the Washington Post:

   

  "Edwards was asked by Hoyer to nominate him for his post, and she also seconded the nominations of two other lawmakers -- Rep. James Clyburn (S.C.) for the position of Assistant Leader, and Rep. John Larson (Conn.) for the post of Democratic Caucus Chairman.

   

  "A few other members were asked to nominate two leadership candidates Wednesday, but Edwards was the only Democrat to nominate three different lawmakers. A senior Democratic aide noted that the fact that her public support was so widely-sought indicates the respect she holds all around the leadership table after less than three years in Congress."

   

  To read the entire article, click here.

   

  Congresswoman Edwards Speaks on House Floor about Importance of Unemployment Benefit Extension and Her Own Experiences

   

   

  Congresswoman Edwards to Host Small Business Lending Fair

   

  December 7, 2010

  8:30 am until 12:30pm

  Newton White Mansion
  2708 Enterprise Road
  Mitchellville, MD 20721

  Click here to view the event flyer with for speakers and additional information.

   

  Congresswoman Edwards Named One of the Ten Best Members of Congress by Esquire Magazine

   

  Congresswoman Edwards was named recently one of the ten best Members of Congress by Esquire Magazine. The rankings come in addition to a piece on Congresswoman Edwards entitled “What I’ve Learned,” both in the October issue of the magazine. Congresswoman Edwards was the only woman and African American to be named as one of the ten best Members of Congress by Esquire. In 2008, Congresswoman Edwards was named to Politico’s “50 Politicos to Watch” list.

   

  To read the piece entitled “What I’ve Learned,” please click here.

   

  To see the ranking, please click here.

   

  Excerpt from the ranking:

   

  “Donna Edwards announced her presence with an uncommon intelligence and legislative savvy usually not allowed in the seniority-bound House. Edwards decided during the health-care debate that if there was to be no public option, then she would make it federal law that private insurers who engage in price gouging wouldn't be permitted to participate in the Health Benefit Exchange.”

   

   

  Congresswoman Edwards Hosts 2nd Annual College Fair for Prince George's and Montgomery Counties     

   

   

  Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) hosted her second annual College Fair today at Northwestern High School for residents of Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. The fair featured representatives from 50 colleges, universities and training centers.

  “I host a College Fair every year because it is important to highlight the educational and financial opportunities available to our high school students,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “By bringing students and parents together with admissions officers and student loan advisors, we create an environment that fosters excitement and a sense of possibility among our young people. A quality education is critical to being competitive in a 21st Century global economy, and I hope my College Fair proved to our students and parents that it is also affordable and accessible.”

   

   

  Congresswoman Edwards Introduces 21st Century Investment Act to Increase Research and Development and Domestic Manufacturing Tax Credits to Help Grow Economy and Create Jobs

  Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) introduced the 21st Century Investment Act, H.R.6201.  The legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase permanently the Research and Development (R & D) tax credit from 20 to 25 percent. Additionally, the proposed legislation increases for ten years the domestic manufacturing tax credit from 9 to 15 percent.  In order to qualify for the tax credits, research activities and manufacturing investments must occur in the United States, and would apply to tax years beginning after the legislation is enacted into law. President Obama called recently for a similar tax credit extension in a speech earlier this month.

   

  According to the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, the United States was the pioneer behind the R & D tax credit in the 1980s, spurring economic gains and the adoption of similar credits in countries all over the world. Since then, many nations have surpassed the United States with far more generous tax incentives for research. In fact, by 2008, the U.S. had fallen to 17th in generosity for general R & D amongst the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development nations (See figure 1). This legislation authored by Congresswoman Edwards would reestablish the United States as a global leader in research and development, and would provide a platform for 21st century manufacturing.

   

  Figure 1: R&D; Tax Generosity in OECD Nations

  

   

  For additional information, please click here.

   

  Congresswoman Edwards: 8 Critical Consumer Protection Provisions in Affordable Care Act Take Effect on September 23, 2010

  On September 23, the Patient's Bill of Rights, a critical part of historic health care reform, begins to take effect.  The eight consumer protection provisions included in the Patient's Bill of Rights end some of the worst practices of insurance companies and put consumers in charge of their health care.

   

  Congresswoman Edwards highlights some of the provisions here:

   

  
  For more information about all the benefits in the Patient's Bill of Rights, please visit www.healthcare.gov.

   

  Congresswoman Edwards: Deadline for Service Members to Submit Claims to Receive Stop-Loss Payments is October 21, 2010

  Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) highlighted today President Obama’s announcement that service members and veterans whose service was extended under stop-loss orders in Iraq and Afghanistan have until October 21, 2010 to apply for retroactive pay. Service members eligible for retroactive pay will receive $500 a month for each month their service was extended involuntarily.  The Department of Defense estimates that while 145,400 troops are eligible, only 58,000 claims have been paid to date.

   

  For more information or to submit a claim, please visit http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/

   

  Congresswoman Edwards: Maryland to Receive an Additional $1.6 Million in Emergency Funds for Home Energy Assistance

  Congresswoman Edwards announced that Maryland will receive $1,615,600 in emergency funds from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), in addition to the $6,387,721 the state received in January.  Earlier this year, Congresswoman Edwards joined her colleagues in a letter urging President Obama to release the emergency funding.  LIHEAP helps eligible families pay for home heating, cooling, and other energy costs, as well as helping with weatherization costs.

   

  “LIHEAP is a critical social safety net program that helps struggling families afford home energy costs,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “Even as the economy begins to recover, there continue to be families that rely on these emergency funds, particularly in our most vulnerable communities. The energy subsidies released today will heat homes in the 4th Congressional District and across the state of Maryland, helping prevent families from making the terrible choice between paying their energy bills, putting food on the table, and affording their medication.”

   

  To read more, please click here.

   

  Congresswoman Edwards: Joint Base Andrews Increases Small Business Contracting Goal to 50 Percent

   

  Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards applauded Joint Base Andrews’ announcement to increase its small business contracting goal from 43 to 50 percent of Andrews' contracts. This will inject approximately $10 million dollars more into small businesses, with approximately $4 million going to small businesses in the State of Maryland.  

   

  “Joint Base Andrews’ increase in its small business contracting goal will create good, local jobs,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “By raising the goal to 50 percent, Andrews is demonstrating a clear commitment to form lasting partnerships in our local communities and playing an active role in the economic development of the region. Joint Base Andrews is one of the premier military bases in the country. Since taking office, one of my top priorities has been to ensure it remains so while expanding opportunities for business and employment locally. This is a strong step in that direction.”

   

  Colonel Kenneth R. Rizer, Joint Base Andrews Commander, said “We increased our small business goal following close consultations with local, state, and congressional leaders, to include Congresswoman Edwards.  This is a positive step toward improving an already strong relationship between the base and the community.  It's a win-win proposition.”

   

  
  Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

  “National Hispanic Heritage Month is an important time for us to recognize and celebrate the rich, vibrant traditions of Hispanic Americans in this country.  These men and women are an integral part of our society, our economy, and our national identity. Our country would not be what it is today without the enormous contributions of the Hispanic community. 

  
  “This month we also celebrate landmark achievements in the Hispanic American community, including the confirmation of US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Unfortunately, while progress has been made, it has still been a difficult time for many Hispanic families during these difficult economic times.  The high numbers of the unemployed, uninsured and the amount of foreclosures has hit the Hispanic community especially hard.

  To read entire statement, please click here.

   

  Congresswoman Edwards Hosts Job Fair

  Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) hosted a job fair for Maryland residents at the Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex.  Over 2,600 job seekers attended the fair to speak with 73 federal, state, county, and private employers that are actively searching to hire new employees.  

  “While the economy continues to recover from the brink of financial disaster, it remains difficult for many hard-working individuals to find employment throughout the region,” said Congresswoman Edwards.  “My goal with today’s fair was to bring federal, state, county, and private employers who are actively hiring together with residents of Maryland who are seeking a job.  I am confident that we took a significant step forward in achieving that goal today.  I thank the employers who attended, and I will continue to reach out to our employers and connect them with job seekers. People want to work.” 

   

  Congresswoman Edwards Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day

   

  On August 31, dozens of organizations across the country and around the world are recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day. It is a day to honor and remember all the men and women whose lives were lost to an overdose. Drug overdose causes the deaths of more than 26,000 Americans every year, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, now ranks as a leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., second only to motor-vehicle accidents. A simple way to save lives to make the overdose reversal drug naloxone which restores normal breathing in two to three minutes if administered during an opioid overdose more widely available.  To help in that effort, Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards introduced the Drug Overdose Reduction Act, H.R. 2855.

   

  Congresswoman Edwards Travels to Haiti with Delegation to See Recovery Efforts Firsthand

  Congresswoman Edwards recently traveled to Haiti with a Congressional delegation led by Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD).  The delegation traveled to Haiti in the morning and returned to the U.S. the same afternoon.  Members met with the President of Haiti, Rene Preval, at the National Palace.  Members also met with Ambassador Ken Merten and officials at the U.S. Embassy to discuss ongoing rebuilding efforts and U.S. assistance to the Haitian people.  Members saw a displaced persons camp and damage to the capitol of Haiti.

  

   

   

   

   

  Congresswoman Edwards with President of Haiti, Rene Preval.

   

   

   

   

  Congresswoman Edwards and Other Members Hold Silent Protest Over Lack of Action by Senate on Jobs Bills

  Congresswoman Edwards is leading efforts to organize colleagues to stage silent protests in the Senate over the inaction by Senate Republicans to pass several important jobs bills.  The third is planned for today with over twenty members participating in the previous two. 

  Excerpt from PBS Newshour:

  "We will be here every day and our numbers will grow," said Rep. Edwards, organizer of the protest.

  Democratic House members have been upset that Senate Republicans have tried to prevent votes on initiatives Democrats support by demanding 60 votes to end debate -- known as a filibuster. Senate Republicans recently filibustered an extension of unemployment benefits, which eventually came to a vote and passed. The threat of Republican filibuster on an energy bill that included a cap and trade provision helped kill it in the Senate even though House Democrats already passed a version of that bill.

   

  Congresswoman Edwards Urges Senate Republicans to Take Action on Critical Jobs Bills

   

  Congresswoman Edwards Speaks Of Importance To Protect Social Security on 75th Anniversary

   

   

  Congresswoman Edwards Hosts Foreclosure Prevention Workshops

   

  Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards hosted two Foreclosure Prevention Workshops and Forums for residents of the 4th Congressional District. Hundreds of homeowners attended and received free consultations with housing counselors, pro bono attorneys, and bank representatives. Residents also attended workshops on predatory lending, working with your bank, and making loans affordable again.
   

   

  “I hosted several foreclosure prevention workshops to provide homeowners with an opportunity to receive the information they need to help stay in their home,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “In the first quarter of 2010, Prince George's County totaled 881 foreclosure filings and Montgomery County saw 704 filings, underscoring the need that we must all continue working to address this critical issue.  I thank all the officials who attended today’s forum for their leadership, and I urge homeowners who are on the brink of foreclosure not to wait to take action, help is available.”

   

  “We applaud Congresswoman Edwards and her colleagues nationwide who are bringing assistance to the families who need it most,” said Secretary Donovan. “This hasn’t been an easy time for our communities, but the Obama Administration remains committed to doing everything it can to help homeowners keep their homes, refinance or obtain a more affordable mortgage payment. “

   

  Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Raymond A. Skinner, "Although we know the housing crisis is far from over, we also know that thousands of families across the state are able to remain in their homes thanks to the leadership of Governor O'Malley, the continued support of elected officials such as Congresswoman Edwards and the hard work of our partners in the HOPE counseling network."

   

   Congresswoman Edwards Hosts Prince George's County Small Business Day

   

  

  Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards hosted “Prince George’s County Small Business Day: Connecting Businesses with Opportunities”.  In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation, this event was an opportunity to connect small businesses from across the 4th Congressional District with federal, state, and local government contracting opportunities.   For more information regarding resources for small businesses, please call (301) 516-7601. 

   

   

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