Issues in PA-10
Social Security
Social Security is a vital financial resource for over 57 million beneficiaries. Sadly, due to politicians repeatedly raiding the fund over a number of years, and with our baby boomers becoming a vast new group of retirees, this program is in real danger of being insolvent for future generations. Current projections by the Social Security Trustees Report show beneficiaries will see as much of a 23% benefit cut in 2033 when the Trust Funds are exhausted. We need to start having honest conversations about our entitlement programs and start passing real reforms to ensure these programs can continue to benefit those who depend on the funds most.
Education
It is well past time we begin shrinking the Department of Education and return decision making to parents and teachers at the state and local level. I’m proud that my colleagues and I were able to pass the Student Success Act on July 8, 2015, a bill makes several key reforms to our education system, including reducing the federal footprint and instead restoring local control so parents and local leaders are empowered to hold schools accountable in their communities. This bill also protects states from being forced to adopt the Common Core program, which many believe to be a failed program. Lastly, this bill would also allow parents to have greater choice for their children by expanding charter school opportunities, and allowing Title I funds to follow low-income students to traditional public or charter schools, based on the parent’s choice. These reforms will be substantial and will require the President’s support to be passed into law and implemented.
Economic Development
The U.S. economy has taken a hit and we must do something serious to address the $18 trillion national debt. With the runaway spending and wasteful programs that Washington has become accustomed to, it’s time for us to balance the budget and cut programs that hinder our ability to start paying down the debt. I am afraid that if we don’t something now, we will be unable to in the near future.
More on Issues in PA-10
Washington D.C. – Rep. Tom Marino released the following statement after voting against S. 612 the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act:
Washington D.C. — On Wednesday, construction for what will be the 35-mile-long Sunbury Pipeline began in Shamokin Dam. The pipeline is being built by UGI Energy Services and will be located entirely within north central Pennsylvania. It will carry natural gas from Lycoming County through parts of Montour, Northumberland, Union and Snyder counties on its way to the Hummel Station power plant.
Washington, D.C.—Montgomery High School in Pennsylvania’s 10th District won first place in the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Foundation’s 13th Annual Stock Market Game – Capitol Hill Challenge (CHC). The team, Amber Beaver, Quinn Berger and Abby Knapsack, competed with 4,314 other teams and was the first all-female team to win the SIFMA Capitol Hill Challenge.
Washington D.C.— Rep. Tom Marino (PA-10), Rep. Peter Welch (VT-AL), Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN-07) and Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) applauded the passage of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2016. This legislation is expected to be the first significant bill of the 114th Congress enacted to address prescription drug diversion.
Washington D.C.—Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) joined House Speaker Paul D. Ryan in signing S.238 – the Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act at a ceremony room inside the United States Capitol.
Washington D.C.—Today, Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) guided H.R. 3620, a bill to amend the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act, to unanimous bipartisan passage in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation allows access for certain vehicles serving residents of municipalities adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWG) for five years.
Marino issued the following statement on the bill’s passage:
Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Marino joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives to manage the unanimous passage of S.238 – the Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act. The bill, sponsored by Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) passed with wide bipartisan support one day before the three year anniversary of the death of the bill’s namesake, a Federal Corrections Officer in Pennsylvania who was brutally killed by an inmate in 2013.
Washington, D.C.—Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) issued the following statement after learning the House Committee on Natural Resources passed, with unanimous consent, H.R.3620, a bill to amend the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act to provide access to certain vehicles serving residents of municipalities adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area:
Rep. Tom Marino, R-Pa. 10th District, gave his take on some issues facing the United States just hours before President Barack Obama's final State of the Union address on Tuesday night.
In a conference call with reporters, Marino characterized as misguided the president's recently announced executive actions to reduce gun violence across the country. Marino said the president's proposals would do nothing to address what he believes is the core issue: the ability of people with mental illnesses to acquire firearms.