Barletta Bulletins
We are already half way through the 113th Congress. This year, I remained focused on supporting legislation to help grow our economy, fix our broken health care system, and fight illegal immigration, among other things. As this year comes to a close, I’m writing to share a few highlights from 2013 and to gather your feedback on the issues affecting Pennsylvanians and our fellow Americans acro
The House Keeps the President's Broken Promise
For the last six weeks, Americans have been dealing with a broken website, and even worse, a broken promise. President Obama repeatedly pledged that “if you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan. Period.” That pledge turned out to be hollow as the cancellations began to mount.
As your Congressman, I want to remind you that Medicare open enrollment began on October 15, 2013. If you are pleased with your current Medicare plan, you do not need to take any additional steps. However, if you would like to adjust your Medicare participation plan, you can do this during the open enrollment period from October 15, 2013 through December 7, 2013.
As you know, the House has voted on multiple continuing resolutions (CRs) to fund the government for FY14, each time including a provision to delay, defund, or otherwise dismantle all or parts of Obamacare. For each subsequent vote, the bar for agreement was lowered, yet the Senate rejected each attempt to compromise. The Senate went so far as to refuse to subject themselves, the rest of Cong
On Monday night, I received a classified briefing on the facts of the situation in Syria. I learned about the chemical weapons attack and the possibilities of actions going forward. After reviewing and considering all of the facts, I cannot in good conscience vote in favor of an American military attack in Syria.
Like you, I am concerned about the direction of our country. We have foreign policy questions, as well as issues about our own economy at home. Over the last few weeks, I traveled across the district to meet with you and your neighbors to hear your important concerns and ideas for our nation. This time away from Washington was invaluable.
As you may know, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee brought an epic 500-year flood to the Susquehanna River basin and other parts of Pennsylvania in 2011. Our communities faced devastation unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. People lost everything: their jobs as local businesses closed, their homes and property, and their prized possessions and family keepsakes, which were destroyed a
As you may know, since my first day in Congress, I have been working to fix our broken immigration system. I believe there should be no talk of amnesty until our borders are secure. In the wake of the Senate passage of an illegal immigration bill, I am reminded that we have immigration laws for two reasons: to protect our national security and to protect American jobs. The Senate bill violat
I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your family a happy and safe Independence Day. On July 4th, 1776, our forefathers adopted the Declaration of Independence, notifying Great Britain that the United States of America would no longer recognize a tyrannical monarch. The brave men who signed this document risked their lives to create a sovereign nation founded on the principles of freedom,
Our nation faces a serious debt problem. There is no question that the federal government is on an unsustainable spending spree. Our national debt is more than $16 trillion, higher than any time in American history, and growing. The deficit this year will be $845 billion, despite a 17 percent increase in revenue. While the House budget (H.Res.