May 19, 2006 - E-Newsletter Vol III: Ed VI

May 22, 2006
Newsletter

Dear Friends,

In my latest update, I have news to report both from Washington and from right here in New York, where we have seen more progress on some vital issues.

In this E-Newsletter:

Rep. Murtha Joins Town Hall Discussion on Iraq

I very much appreciated seeing so many of you at my recent town hall meeting on an issue that is so imporant to New Yorkers and Americans: Iraq. We were very fortunate to be joined by my dear friend, Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania. He is a war hero, a longtime champion of the military, and one of the boldest and most sensible critics of the handling of the Iraq War. His wisdom and experience contributed greatly to our discussion.

This war, which was sold to Congress and the American people using false information, has become an occupation with no end in sight. Our government should focus on getting our troops out of Iraq as soon as is practicable. That is exactly the goal of Rep. Murtha's resolution, introduced in late 2005, which I fully support. As a member of the Out of Iraq Caucus, I have consistently pushed for greater accountability for our country's operations in Iraq, and I believe a change in policy is long overdue. Many who attended the town hall meeting voiced their agreement.

  • Read more about my Iraq Town Hall >
  • Read more about my postition on Iraq >

Developments on 9/11 Health Crisis – One Sad, One Encouraging

Recently, we received the somber confirmation that the toxic soup at Ground Zero in the days and weeks after 9/11 is responsible for killing our 9/11 heroes. The autopsy of NYPD Detective James Zadroga, who died in January, officially confirmed that his cause of death was illness developed from the Ground Zero toxins. This is the first official medical confirmation linking a death to the air around Ground Zero. Though it is no surprise to most New Yorkers, who have seen the health of thousands of responders and lower Manhattan residents deteriorate since 9/11, it signals to this nation and, most importantly, the federal government that the 9/11 health crisis is something they cannot ignore.

On a more positive note, after prodding from Rep. Vito Fossella and me, the Department of Health and Human Services finally appointed a federal 9/11 Health Coordinator, Dr. John Howard, who could be a willing and active partner in trying to help our 9/11 heroes. Late last month, Dr. Howard met with me, Senator Hillary Clinton, Rep. Fossella, Rep. Jerrold Nadler and 40 organizations in Manhattan to discuss the crisis and a possible plan to deal with it. While it is reprehensible that the federal government has taken so long to act, I am hoping that Dr. Howard will finally beef up the federal response to the 9/11 health crisis.

  • Read more about the first official medical confirmation linking a death to Ground Zero >
  • Read more about my meeting with the 9/11 Health Coordinator >
  • Read more about my work on 9/11 Health Issues >

Soaring Gas Prices Need Immediate Attention

Record high gas prices do not just cause pain at the pump, but also at the grocery store and construction sites – they send ripples throughout our economy. I believe that action is needed to rein in the prices that consumers are forced to pay while the oil industry is reporting record profits. The policy espoused by the president, which includes the temporary withholding of deposits to the strategic oil reserve and the temporary suspension of clean air restrictions, will do little to provide real relief to the consumer or to fix the underlying problem.

I am supportive of several sensible proposals in Congress to aid consumers and do something to solve the problem. Most recently, I voted in favor of legislation passed by Congress, The Federal Energy Price Protection Act of 2006, which would prohibit price gouging in the sale of gasoline, diesel fuel, crude oil, and home heating oil. Additionally, I have cosponsored important legislation which would effectively reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, promote energy independence, build a market for renewable energy, promote conservation and protect the environment. 

I am also a long-time advocate of reforming the oil royalty system. Currently, oil and gas companies pay a pittance in royalties to the American taxpayer for the oil and gas they extract from our publically-owned land – The New York Times has estimated that we are being shortchanged $7 billion over the next five years. The royalty rules were written largely by the oil industry in the 1990s, when oil cost half as much as it does now. These regulations clearly do not make sense today, and I have worked with colleagues to introduce legislation to correct this problem so that we can use those dollars to fund alternative energy and conservation programs.

  • Read more about legislation to correct the problems >
  • Read more about my work on ending oil industry fraud >

Second Avenue Subway Project is Rolling

I'm proud to report more significant progress for the Second Avenue Subway: the federal government has now begun the final design phase of the project. Federal government support for the subway is critical, and we continue to receive important federal assistance, both in planning and financially. The subway continues to pass new and important milestones, and this is yet another.

Recognizing the Continuing Importance of Equal Pay

On April 25, we observed the day when women's wages catch up with men's wages from the previous year. Though women have made many advancements over the past few decades, study after study shows that men are paid significantly more for the same work. The latest analysis conducted by the staff of the Joint Economic Committee (of which I am the senior House Democrat) shows that women are paid on average 77 cents to the dollar compared to what men are paid. Previously, I collaborated with my colleague Rep. John Dingell of Michigan to commission a comprehensive Government Accountability Office report that showed that the wage gap has essentially remained unchanged since 1980.

These are troubling facts. They show that women are penalized for their dual roles of provider and family caretaker. They also show that the age-old problem of discrimination still pervades the workplace, even in the 21st Century. We need to remember the situation for women in the workplace, not just on April 25, but always, because women live this reality every day of their lives.

  • Read the Joint Economic Committee's Overview of the Gender Earnings Gap >
  • Read about the GAO's report showing a persistant Glass Ceiling >
  • Read about my work toward pay equity for women >

Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Legislation Introduced in the Senate

I am happy to report that legislation to increase education about the Holocaust in our country, which I have sponsored in the House of Representatives (H.R. 4604), has now been also introduced in the Senate. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey introduced the Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act (S. 2651) in April. The legislation would provide government grants to educational institutions to teach about the Holocaust. Many of those programs are currently struggling for resources. It is my hope that doubling our efforts by adding a champion of this bill in the Senate will lead to its eventual passage.

  • Read more about the Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act >

New Warning About the Grave Dangers of Skin Cancer from Tanning Beds Needed

Millions of Americans, mostly women, use tanning beds, but many of them are not adequately informed of the risks associated with indoor tanning. This situation reminds me of years ago, when the dangers of cigarettes were not fully known. We must now ensure that Americans realize that even one time in a tanning bed might cause melanoma.

The current FDA warning label for tanning beds is wordy and is often placed on a part of the bed that the customer never sees. I have introduced legislation – the TAN Act (H.R. 4767) – that would direct the FDA to revisit those labels and determine the most effective way to alert tanning bed users that they might increase their risk of cancer by tanning. Since introducing the bill, I have talked with skin cancer victims who were frequent tanning bed users and had no idea about the harms of those beds. Some were even told that tanning beds were healthy. We can save millions of lives if the public knows the facts about skin cancer and tanning.

  • Read more about the TAN Act >

Cargo on Airplanes Must Be Screened

While airline travelers are thoroughly screened – even made to take off their shoes – there is absolutely no procedure to screen the cargo that rides in the belly of the very same planes we board. This makes no sense.

I am a lead cosponsor of Rep. Ed Markey's legislation to mandate the screening of air cargo, and I held a news conference about the vital need for this bill in April at LaGuardia Airport. Most people still don't know about this gaping hole in our security system, so it is tremendously important to spread the word.

  • Read more about my call for instpection of all cargo on passenger planes >

Intentionally Deceptive Advertising About Family Planning Services Must Be Stopped

I am very concerned that women seeking family planning information and options, including abortion, may be the target of some radical anti-abortion organizations that are willing to intentionally deceive pregnant women in an effort to stop them from exercising their reproductive rights. Certainly, many “Crisis Pregnancy Centers” operate honorably, with no intention to deceive, and I respect their right to their own opinions. However, I do believe that action is necessary to crack down on the ones that use intentionally deceptive advertising to lure women who are seeking unbiased information about abortion.

I have recently introduced legislation (H.R. 5052, the Stop Deceptive Advertising in Women's Services Act) that would ask the Federal Trade Commission to prohibit organizations from advertising with the intent to deceive the public that they provide abortion services. Truth-in-advertising must be upheld, particularly when the subject is something as controversial and emotional as abortion.

  • Read more about the Stop Deceptive Advertising in Women's Services Act>
  • Read more about my work on Reproductive Choice >

 

Please feel free to share this email with anyone who may be interested in these issues.  As always, I appreciate your comments and invite you to write to me through my website.

Sincerely,

CAROLYN B. MALONEY
Member of Congress

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