Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 11/30

Nov 30, 2012 Issues: Congressional Issues, Veterans

Dear Friends,

In the next few weeks Capitol Hill will go through a transition as we wrap up the 112th Congress and prepare for a new session.  As we enter the 113th Congress, my office will also be moving to a new location in the Rayburn House Office Building.  House Leadership released the 2013 Legislative Calendar today and this newsletter provides a link so you can see the schedule for the upcoming session.  Helpful information for Veterans is also located in this week's issue.

Sincerely,

Congressman Collin C. Peterson
Minnesota 7th District

 

Transition: 113th Congress

Moving to a New Office

The transition to the 113th Congress will soon be underway, and we will welcome back familiar faces as well as the new incoming members.  As part of this transition, in the coming days my office in Washington D.C. will be moved from its current location to 2109 Rayburn House Office Building.  Folks who have visited my office in the past will note that we're staying in the same office building, just moving to the first floor.  My office phone number will remain the same, so you can still reach my office at 202-225-2165 with any concerns you may have.

New Legislative Calendar

Today the House Leadership released the Legislative Calendar for the 113th Congress, First Session of the U.S. House of Representatives.  The swearing-in of new members will take place on January 3, 2013 at noon. 

Military Matters

VA and Women Veterans
Women serve in every branch of the military, representing 15 percent of today’s active duty military and nearly 18 percent of National Guard and Reserve forces. By 2020, the VA estimates women will constitute 10 percent of the Veteran population.  It's no surprise that the number of women using VA health services has doubled in the last decade, and that number is expected to double again soon.  The VA provides quality comprehensive primary and specialty care to all veterans regardless of gender.  Women Veterans can learn more about receiving care at their nearest VA medical center by speaking with the Women Veterans Program manager.

This Week in American History


Photo courtesy of Library of Congress, depiction of the Revolutionary War as part of the Frieze of American History located in the U.S. Capitol Rotund

http://aoc.gov/capitol-hill/murals/frieze-american-history

A provisional peace treaty was signed between Great Britain and the United States on November 30, 1782 signifying the end of America's War of Independence.  John Jay, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Henry Laurens were the original signers of this preliminary agreement.  The final treaty was later signed in Paris in September 1783 declaring the U.S. "to be free, sovereign, and independent states."

Pictured above is the Frieze of American History in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.  This painted panorama stretches across the entire length of the rounded room and depicts significant events in American history.  The frieze's 19 painted scenes is actually the work of three different artists: Constantino Brumidi, Filippo Constaggini, and Allyn Cox.  It measures 8 feet 4 inches in height and begins 58 feet above the floor.  The scene depicted above is the Battle of Lexington, often referred to as the beginning of the American Revolution with "the shot heard round the world."