Thursday, October 25, 2012
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eNewsletter: Bill's Update From Eastern and Southeastern Ohio
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"Stop the War on Coal" Act
Bill Johnson was a guest on the Fox Business Channel recently to discuss his legislation, the "Stop the War on Coal Act." Click the image above to watch the video.
I was very pleased that the House passed the "Stop the War on Coal Act," a bipartisan piece of legislation which I was proud to author. The bill would protect American jobs and support U.S. energy production by prohibiting the Secretary of the Interior from issuing new regulations that would destroy thousands of coal and coal-related jobs in and around Eastern and Southeastern Ohio. This is a critical issue for families up and down the Ohio River.
Since taking office in January of 2009, this president and his administration have led a regulatory assault on the coal industry while throwing away hundreds of millions of tax dollars on failed green energy initiatives like the giveaway to Solyndra. The EPA has used several means to limit coal production. They've made it tougher to get permits for mines, and they've forced some coal-fired power plants to close which takes away the market for coal. And, the Department of the Interior is attempting to rewrite the Stream Buffer Zone rule. This rule would jeopardize thousands more coal and coal-related jobs up and down the Ohio River, and would also raise the cost of electricity on Ohio families and small businesses; we can't forget that Ohio receives 87 percent of its electricity from coal.
It is time to let the coal industry do what they have proven over time they can do: provide a cost-effective, reliable energy source that keeps Americans working while keeping household utility bills down.
Recently, I co-wrote an op-ed with my colleague from West Virginia, Shelley Moore Capito titled "Fighting to end President Obama's war on coal," highlighting the efforts of the House Republicans to save coal jobs. You can read it here.
Family Health Care in Pomeroy
Bill Johnson visited and toured the newly opened Family Health Care in Pomeroy on September 28, 2012.
I met with staff and administrators and toured the newly opened Family Health Care in Pomeroy on September 28. I first visited the site last year when construction began; it is now complete and open to the community for comprehensive primary health care services including medical, dental, and behavioral health. This new facility is providing services to approximately 3,000 patients. The opening of this center was vital to Meigs County where there is a shortage of health providers.
More District Visits
Bill Johnson visited and toured Homer Laughlin China on October 12, 2012.
On October 12, I toured the Homer Laughlin China company, which is located just across the river from East Liverpool. The company employs over 500 residents of Eastern Ohio and is America's largest manufacturer of Chinaware. It is a great example of an American-owned business that uses a highly skilled local workforce to compete on a global scale. As you can see in the picture above, they put me to work during the tour!
After the tour, I traveled south and spoke to a great group of folks at the Steubenville Rotary Club's weekly luncheon. Philanthropic clubs like Rotary are the backbone of what makes America great and I could feel the strong sense of community in the room.
I highlighted all the important progress we have seen in Jefferson County and the surrounding area lately in conjunction with the oil and gas industry. It has been an exciting time here - but make no mistake, it is just the beginning.
My Commitment to Protecting Medicare
Bill Johnson was honored by RetireSafe
I was proud to be honored recently by RetireSafe, a group that represents over 400,000 seniors nationwide, for my commitment and effort to protect their Medicare and Social Security benefits. Seniors are counting on Washington to preserve the benefits they have earned and paid into.
If the President and Congress do not act to guarantee the promise of Medicare to America's seniors, the program will be unable to pay full benefits by 2024. I support legislation to strengthen and preserve Medicare and am a cosponsor of a bill called the Social Security Preservation Act, which would prevent Congress and bureaucrats in Washington from dipping into the Social Security Trust Fund to pay for pet projects. It is important that we guarantee the promises of these vital programs to both current beneficiaries and future generations.
These critical programs must be saved and preserved, which is why I voted for and supported a budget that guarantees Medicare and Social Security for everyone. This budget also starts the process of balancing the federal budget and getting our fiscal house in order.
I am humbled and honored to represent you in the United States House of Representatives. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of service or if you have any questions or concerns.
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