The Week Just Past:

Create Jobs: Build the Keystone Pipeline Now

New Hope for Brain-injured Troops

February is Heart Health Month

eFile Your Taxes for Free

Happy Birthday George Washington!

Saluting the 11^th District’s Olympians

Create Jobs: Build the Keystone Pipeline Now

"It has been said that people are entitled to their own opinions, but not to their own facts.  This is especially true for the President of the United States.

"I was amazed to hear President Obama dispute the facts about the number of jobs that would be produced by construction of the Keystone pipeline.  His own State Department has determined that construction of this vital energy pipeline would create more than 42,000 jobs.  That same report also found that there was little evidence that the pipeline would contribute to climate change. 

"Yet in a nationally televised interview, the President openly denied the facts in that report, claiming the pipeline would create far fewer jobs than his own State Department has estimated.

"It’s time that the administration put an end to its delaying tactics and let the construction of the Keystone pipeline move forward.  I urge all of my constituents who support jobs creation and energy independence to call the White House at 202-456-1111 and urge the President to green light the Keystone pipeline."

          Rodney Frelinghuysen

New Hope for Brain-injured Troops

Since the year 2000, more than 280,000 American troops have suffered brain injuries, many as a result of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.  TheWashington Post recently reported that research into better treatment for those suffering these debilitating injuries is producing promising results.

The research, carried out by DARPA – the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency – not only carries hope for wounded troops, it might also one day benefit others suffering memory loss from such afflictions as dementia and Alzheimer disease as well as athletes who have suffered a brain injury.

As chair of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I am a strong supporter of the work DARPA does.  Its research has made America stronger and safer.

The full article can be found here. 

eFile Your Taxes for Free

The Internal Revenue Service has recently announced a program that allows most taxpayers to electronically file their tax returns for free. 

Tax returns that are filed electronically are processed faster than those submitted by mail.  That’s especially useful for people expecting a refund.  Filing electronically means you will receive your refund quicker than you would if you file a paper return.

For more information about IRS Free File visit: IRS.gov/freefile.

February is Heart Health Month

Last week on Valentine’s Day, the emphasis was on romantic matters of the heart.  Yet the entire month of February is also dedicated to the heart – the physical health of the heart. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, taking the lives of nearly 600,000 people annually.  Yet heart disease can be prevented, and it can also be treated if diagnosed.

During Heart Health Month, I encourage everyone to learn more about the risks to heart health.  Visit the CDC’s website to learn some valuable information about how you can protect your heart – and those of your loved ones: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HeartMonth/

Happy Birthday George Washington!

Before Congress designated the third Monday in February to honor all American presidents, February 22^nd was set aside to celebrate the birthday of our first president, George Washington.

During the American Revolution General Washington spent a great deal of time in New Jersey.  Did you know that more battles of that war were fought in our state than in any other?

While in New Jersey, Washington spent a great deal of his time in today’s 11^th Congressional District.  He and his troops spent the hardest winter on record in and around Morristown, with Washington establishing his headquarters at the Ford Mansion, a private home.  Washington also established headquarters on two occasions at the Dey Mansion in Wayne.

I was proud to be the sponsor of legislation that was included in the National Heritage Area Act of 2005, which established the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area.  New Jersey’s critical role in winning the Revolution is worth remembering!

A wonderful way to celebrate Washington’s Birthday and to learn more about this important part of American history – that took place in the 11^th Congressional District – is by visiting Washington-connected sites.  For more information visit:  http://www.nps.gov/morr/index.htmand http://www.revolutionarynj.org/

Also be sure to visit the website of the Washington Association of New Jersey, which does a great job preserving our heritage at Morristown National Park. 

Saluting the 11^th District’s Olympians

With the 2014 Winter Olympics drawing to a close, it is worth noting that three of this year’s competitors in Sochi have ties to the 11^thCongressional District.  Jazmine Fenlator, a bobsledder, grew up in Wayne.  Nolan Kasper, an Alpine Skier, is originally from Morristown.  And Staci Mannella, from Randolph, will be competing next month in the Paralympic Games in Sochi in Alpine Skiing.

We salute their stamina and determination over the years proudly to represent the United States!

Read about the New Jerseyans competing here.