It has been my honor and privilege to represent the residents of the 7th Congressional District. So many of you have reached out over the years to raise your voices on behalf of important issues. I’ve always enjoyed our interactions at neighborhood events, community meetings and in my offices. Thanks also for subscribing to my newsletter, which we started more than a decade ago, with less than 100 readers. As we share this final message, that number now registers over 12,000. We’ve enjoyed bringing it to you, sharing insight on what is happening in Washington and in our neighborhoods. If you’re interested, you may follow me on what are now my personal Facebook (@mecapuano) and Twitter (@mikecapuano) accounts. I’m not sure how active I’ll be, but I imagine I’ll have opinions to share. I wish you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year.
9/28/2018 – E-UPDATE
Federal Aviation Administration; Federal Budget; Misguided Effort to Increase Retirement Savings; Irresponsibly Adding to the Deficit; More Tax Benefits for the Wealthy
8/24/2018 – E-UPDATE
Fannie and Freddie End Subsidy Program for Large Private Investors; Meeting with AIPAC; Celebrating the Dearborn Academy Ribbon Cutting; "Behind the Curtain" additions
8/22/2018 – STATEMENT ON MANAFORT CONVICTIONS AND COHEN PLEA DEAL
Paul Manafort has been found guilty on 8 counts. Michael Cohen has pled guilty. Don't forget Michael Flynn, Rick Gates and George Papadopoulos. The evidence that Donald Trump is surrounded by corruption continues to grow – and now there is a direct link right to Trump himself by his own personal attorney. Congress must shield the Mueller investigation from White House interference, and must begin its own. I truly believe our democracy itself is at stake here. Country over politics!
8/17/2018 – E-UPDATE
Quiet Skies; YWCA; Transit-Oriented Development; Partners Healthcare; "Behind the Curtain" additions; "Behind the Curtain" additions
7/31/2018 – STATEMENT On Trump’s $100 Billion Tax Cut Maneuver
Donald Trump now thinks that a $1.5 TRILLION tax cut isn’t enough for his rich friends. So he’s floating a $100 BILLION regulatory maneuver that would further reduce the impact of the capital gains tax on the wallets of the wealthy. It takes Congress out of the equation completely and on top of that is a legally questionable proposal. Where is the plan to help Americans dealing with higher health care and housing costs, struggling to afford college and put healthy food on the table?
7/27/2018 – E-UPDATE
Why We Fight On for Reunification; Adding to the Deficit; More increasing of the Deficit; Undermining the ACA; Defense Conference Report; "Behind the Curtain" additions
7/26/2018 – STATEMENT On The Deadline To Reunite Families Separated at the Border
Today is the deadline to reunite families torn apart at the border yet this crisis is far from over. Some parents have already been deported without their children and the Trump administration cannot assure us that they even know the whereabouts of every child. This is unconscionable and immoral.
7/20/2018 – E-UPDATE
Trump; Health Care is a Human Right; Why Judge Kavanaugh should not be Confirmed; Spending Cuts and Toxic Poison Pills; More Anti-Environment Messaging; "Behind the Curtain" additions
7/17/2018 – OP-ED IN BOSTON HERALD Trump’s Judge Pick Fatally Flawed
In 2009, Judge Kavanaugh opined that a sitting president shouldn’t be subject to indictment because it would pose too much of a distraction from governing and moreover, shouldn’t even have to answer questions from law enforcement. That’s astonishing. If Trump gets to choose someone who has already decided he shouldn’t be indicted or subject to questioning, isn’t that as good as saying Trump is above the law?
7/16/2018 – STATEMENT President Trump's Meeting With Russian President Putin
President Trump’s press conference today with Russian President Putin was a disgrace. After a week insulting our democratic allies, he appears with a despot and dismisses Russian interference in our elections. Donald Trump sided today with Putin over his own intelligence agencies and the American people. This is a new low, even for him.
7/10/2018 – PRESS RELEASE Rep. Capuano has filed legislation to address the crisis at the border
Rep. Michael E. Capuano has filed the “Reunite Separated Families Act of 2018” which would halt the deportation of families at the border, require the Trump administration to reunite separated parents and children immediately and report to Congress on its efforts to remedy the suffering created by their immoral policy.
Although a court has ordered the administration to reunite families by today, that deadline is not being met and the administration continues to drag its feet, insisting on “vetting” mothers for their suitability to care for the children snatched from them. Moreover, there is nothing to prevent the Administration from reinstituting this family separation policy at some point in the future.
“There shouldn’t be any need for this legislation, yet the President’s cruel policy and the carelessness with which it has been implemented, has made it essential,” stated Rep. Capuano.
7/13/2018 – E-UPDATE
Reuniting Separated Families; South Sudan; Supreme Court; A Point of Information on That Hearing Yesterday; Spotlight on Constituent Services; Empty Oceans Act; Reauthorizing Intelligence Agencies; Privatizing Public Infrastructure; Big Business Always Comes First; "Behind the Curtain" additions
7/9/2018 – STATEMENT Rep. Capuano on Supreme Court Nomination
If you care about issues such as voting rights, reproductive freedom, consumer protection, worker rights, LGBTQ rights, privacy, or civil rights then Trump's nomination of Judge Kavanaugh should concern you... The Supreme Court will almost certainly have a role in deciding at least some of the issues concerning the Trump family’s ethics violations and conflicts of interest, issues involving Russian interference in our elections... This President is embroiled in controversy and there shouldn’t be a rush to confirm his appointee who may, one day, have to rule on criminal complaints against him.
7/6/2018 – E-UPDATE
Reflections for the Fourth of July; Stigma Stops Here; Clean Cars Campaign; Millers River Apartments; Frank Manning Apartments; "Behind the Curtain" additions
6/29/2018 – E-UPDATE
Supreme Court; Crisis at the Border; Spotlight on Constituent Services; Immigration; Funding the Defense Department; Attaching AG Rosenstein; "Behind the Curtain" additions
6/27/2018 – E-UPDATE
My visit to the U.S.-Mexico border
I spent Saturday with some of my House colleagues at the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. I felt I had to see for myself the impact of President Trump’s family separation policy. I wanted an opportunity to talk with parents and children about what they are enduring and to express my grave concerns directly to federal officials.
6/26/2018 – VIDEO
My experience visiting the U.S.-Mexico border
I recently spoke about my experience visiting the border and was joined by some of my colleagues who were on the trip. I call on all Americans to stand up to the Trump administration on this issue.
6/22/2018 – E-UPDATE
Traveling to the U.S.-Mexico Border; The First of Two Very Bad Immigration Bills; More Immigration; Waivers for States; Updating Privacy Regulations; Gutting Nutrition Assistance; Expanding Access to Treatment for Substance Use Disorder; "Behind the Curtain" additions
6/18/2018 – STATEMENT
Statement On Trump Administration Separating Children From Their Families At The Border
President Trump and his administration continue to bluster and lie about the unconscionable and cruel directive to rip children from their families at the border. This is not the law, as he falsely claims, it is child abuse.
Read the entire statement
6/15/2018 – E-UPDATE
Discrimination; A Cruel and Vindictive Policy; Spotlight on Constituent Services; Singapore Summit; Reducing Illegal Drug Shipments; The Raiding, Instead of Fully Funding, the Housing Voucher Program; Reclassifying Drugs but Leaving Science Behind; "Behind the Curtain" additions
6/8/2018 – E-UPDATE
Cruelty in Immigration Policy; Bipartisan Support for Water Resources Development; Helping Communities Improve Public Safety; Hypocrisy on Spending; Taking the Wrong Approach to the Federal Budget; Pay Equity; "Behind the Curtain" additions
6/1/2018 – E-UPDATE
District Work Week; Teddie Peanut Butter; Everett Supply and True Value Hardware; Neighborhood Developers; Action for Boston Community Development; Union Square Main Streets; "Behind the Curtain" additions
5/25/2018 – E-UPDATE
Honoring Our Military Women and Men; Community Meeting in Dorchester; Recent Telephone Community Meetings; The Trump Agenda; The "Protecting Banks and Undermining Consumers Act"; Weakening FDA Authority; Defense Authorization; "Behind the Curtain" additions
5/18/2018 – E-UPDATE
Texas School Shooting; Community Meeting in Dorchester; Telephone Community Meetings; Gaza; An Attempt to Slash SNAP Funding; Codifying Existing Law; Creating Uncertainty in Veterans Programs; "Behind the Curtain" additions
"This morning when Texas students should have been looking forward to summer or graduation, they are instead grieving the tragic deaths of their friends. And all Americans are mourning lives lost in another school shooting. The time for action is long past. We owe it to every family traumatized by the murder of precious loved ones, every survivor who will never fully recover from witnessing gun violence. Congress must strengthen gun laws and I will do everything I can to press for action on common sense reform."
5/11/2018 – E-UPDATE
Telephone Community Meetings; The Iran Deal; Overreach on the Congressional Review Act; Weakening the FTC; Jeopardizing Grant Funding; "Behind the Curtain" additions
5/8/2018 – STATEMENT
Statement On President Trump's Decision To Back Out Of Iran Nuclear Agreement
"President Trump’s decision to back out of the Iran deal could very well be the most dangerous action he has taken so far. For those of us who do not want Iran to build a nuclear weapon and do not want to encourage an unnecessary war, the best we can do is hope that our European allies can convince the Iranians not to resume work on a nuclear weapon. Trump appears to be making a high stakes gamble that harsher sanctions will bring around regime change. I think most people and most nations do not like to be bullied, and I think he is almost certain to fail. Worse, Trump’s action today also sends a clear message to other countries that they can no longer trust the United States under this administration to uphold our agreements."
5/4/2018 – E-UPDATE
Telephone Community Meeting; East Cambridge Business Association; Boston Architectural College; EMPath; "Behind the Curtain" additions
4/27/2018 – E-UPDATE
Bipartisan Plan for the FAA; More Bad Environmental Policy; Chelsea Soldiers' Home; Our Allies and Iran Deal; "Behind the Curtain" additions
4/20/2018 – E-UPDATE
Puerto Rico; Syria; Bipartisanship on Identity Theft; Improving Services for Taxpayers; Strengthening Cybersecurity at the IRS; "Behind the Curtain" additions
4/6/2018 – E-UPDATE
The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; The Dimock Center's Dr. Lucy Sewall Center for Acute Treatment Services; Somerville High School; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
3/23/2018 – E-UPDATE
Activism on Gun Reform; Funding the Government, Act 3; Testing the Health of Financial Services Entities; Weakening the Authority of the FDA; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
3/16/2018 – E-UPDATE
National Walk Out Day; A Small Step Toward Safer Schools; The "Failure to Take Account of the Last Crisis Act"; The "No Consequences for Bad Acts Act"; The "Removing Investor Protections Act"; "Behind the Curtain" additions
3/9/2018 – E-UPDATE
Following Up with the Federal Reserve; Financial Regulations; Pollution Regulation; More Weakening of the Clean Air Act; "Behind the Curtain" additions
3/8/2018 – OP-ED: GUN CONTROL
It’s Long Past Time to Act on Gun Control
"If Congress treated every issue as they have gun control, nothing would ever get done. There would be no health care reform, no road systems, no education, and the federal government would shut down... When it comes to gun control, too many so-called leaders refuse to accept any progress. Instead, they throw up their hands and say we can’t stop all tragedies. This is unconscionable."
3/2/2018 – E-UPDATE
Roxbury CC Office Update; Wage Equity; Increasing Risk for Big Banks; Strengthening Enforcement of Online Sex Trafficking; "Behind the Curtain" additions
3/1/2018 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano on Women’s History Month
"March is Women’s History Month when we honor the important contributions that women everywhere have made to our society. Women have played significant roles in our national and global history. Too often, their efforts have been ignored or underappreciated. The National Women’s History Project is honoring women who fought discrimination against women in 2018. I applaud this focus."
2/16/2018 – E-UPDATE
No Words; Infrastructure; The Trump Budget; The "Protecting Payday Lenders' Access to Predatory Loans" Act; The "Undermining Investor Protection and Transparency" Act; The "Relief from ADA Compliance" Act; "Behind the Curtain" additions
2/16/2018 – RECENT VOTE
H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a critical component of our nation’s civil rights laws; it prohibits discrimination in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications against people with disabilities. Instead of doing all we can to strengthen the ADA, this bill takes us in the opposite direction.
2/15/2018 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano on Parkland Shooting
"It’s impossible to offer soothing words today that come close to expressing the anger and sorrow I feel after another school massacre. What will it take for Republicans in Congress to tighten gun laws? All we ask is for a floor vote. How many more lives have to be lost?"
2/12/2018 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano on Trump's Infrastructure Plan
"After more than a year of promises, President Trump finally released his infrastructure plan and it wasn’t worth the wait...One notable detail that the plan neglects is perhaps the most important one — where is the money coming from?"
2/11/2018 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano on Trump's Defense of Aides Accused of Domestic Violence
"Trump can express sympathy for men accused of [violence] and lament the lack of "due process" yet he can't even muster the slightest compassion for the women who have bravely told their stories?"
2/9/2018 – E-UPDATE
More Shutdown Drama and a Disappointing Deal; The End to Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act; Lose the Freedom to Make a Fair Mortgage Choice Act; The Let's Incentivize Banks to Take on More Debt Act; "Behind the Curtain" additions
1/19/2018 – E-UPDATE
Funding the Government; Censure and Impeachment; Puerto Rico; Let’s Punish the Poor for the Failure of Others to Act; The Housing Crash is Over So Let’s Ignore the Data Act; Playing Politics with Women’s Health; "Behind the Curtain" additions
1/12/2018 – E-UPDATE
Disgraceful Comments in the Oval Office; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Threat to Protections for Native Americans; Surveillance Concerns; "Behind the Curtain" additions
12/22/2017 – E-UPDATE
Green Line Extension; Republican Tax Bill; A Gift to Big Banks; A Helping Hand to Corporations; Delaying Important Spending Decisions (Again); Francisco Rodriguez Released from ICE Detention; "Behind the Curtain" additions
12/15/2017 – E-UPDATE
Net Neutrality; More Deregulation for the Big Players Masquerading as Help for the Little Guy; Weakening the Iran Nuclear Agreement (Parts 1 and 2); Exempting Financial Companies from Privacy Notifications; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
12/8/2017 – E-UPDATE
Telephone Community Meeting; Impeachment; Jerusalem; Doing the Bidding of the NRA; A Bipartisan Approach to SEC Registration; Government Funding; "Behind the Curtain" additions
"As a lawyer I have approached impeachment deliberately and thoughtfully. Taking steps to impeach a President is a gravely serious matter. Practically and politically, I think most of us can agree that passing articles of impeachment in this House isn’t realistic at this moment in our history. But sometimes, it’s more important to follow your heart than do the practical or political calculation. Today, I followed my heart and cast a vote to begin a debate on whether this President has committed impeachable acts. It’s time to have an open, honest debate on President Trump and his fitness for office."
12/1/2017 – E-UPDATE
Mueller Investigation; Tax Bill; Telephone Community Meeting; Prioritizing Mining at the Expense of the Environment; Extending the Brownfields Program; Weakening Protections for Federal Employees; Making Some Mortgages Riskier; "Behind the Curtain" additions
11/16/2017 – RECENT VOTE
H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act
The taxes of 36 million middle income filers will go up. A key reason for this is because H.R. 1 terminates or limits many deductions that help people lower their tax obligations. Ultimately, this legislation increases our nation’s debt by $1.7 trillion. I voted NO.
11/9/2017 – E-UPDATE
Honoring Our Veterans; Sutherland Springs; A Back Door Way to Hurt Workers; Limiting Environmental Oversight; Making It Easier to Defraud Investors; License Plates; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
11/3/2017 – E-UPDATE
New York; A Disappointing Response; The Shoes Start Dropping; Cut, Cut, Cut? More Like Debt, Debt, Debt; A Misguided Approach to Managing Wildfires; Medicare; Robbing Peter to Pay Paul; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
10/30/2017 – COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Thanks to everyone who attended my recent community meetings or watched them via Facebook Live. Click below to watch videos from the meetings.
10/27/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community Meetings; Budget Blues; Rescind Civil Penalties for Corporations; Giving Industry More Ways to Delay Regulations; "Behind the Curtain" additions
10/26/2017 – RECENT VOTE
H. Con. Res. 71, a Concurrent Resolution Establishing the Congressional Budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018
This is a heartless and irresponsible budget and the so-called tax “reform” is nothing more than a gift to the wealthiest among us. I voted NO.
10/20/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community Meetings; Health Insurance; AFL-CIO; St. Peter's School; Consul General of Ireland; Transportation Update; Refugees; "Behind the Curtain" additions
10/13/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community Meetings; Sabotaging the ACA; Making America Small Again; More Outrageous Tweets; Disaster Aid; Whistleblower Protection; "Behind the Curtain" additions
10/12/2017 – RECENT VOTE
H. Res. 569: Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendment to H.R. 2266, with an amendment
This resolution approves a Senate amendment to H.R. 2266, which provides emergency aid for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and additional relief for other areas devastated by the recent hurricanes. H.R. 2266 also includes aid for California where residents are battling deadly wildfires. I voted YES.
10/5/2017 – RECENT VOTE
H. Con. Res. 71, the Fiscal Year 2018 Republican Budget Resolution
H. Con. Res. 71 cuts veterans benefits by almost $50 billion over 10 years, Medicaid by over $1 trillion, housing, nutrition programs and so much more. It calls for more than $200 billion in spending cuts that hit everything from infrastructure and health care to student loans. The budget resolution does, however, provide $1.6 billion for Trump's wall despite his repeated assertions that Mexico would pay for it. I voted NO.
This legislation is not about protecting unborn children. It’s really about restricting a woman’s access to abortion services by prohibiting abortions after 20 weeks. It also imposes fines and prison time of up to 5 years for health professionals who are not in compliance. I voted NO.
9/29/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community Meeting; Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; The Collapse of the ACA Repeal and the Pivot to Tax Cuts; Reducing Support for Children and Families; Punishment Before Proof; Unfinished Business; The Hidden Cost of War and Conflict; "Behind the Curtain" additions
9/28/2017 – RECENT VOTE
H.R. 3823, the Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act
While this legislation temporarily extends FAA authorization which expires on September 30th, it could and should have been a vehicle to extend other important programs with authorizations that also expire on September 30th, like SCHIP and community health centers. Also, it does virtually nothing for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
9/15/2017 – E-UPDATE
Progress on Local Transportation; Equifax; Fiscal Year 2018 Appropriations; More Extreme Action on Immigration; "Behind the Curtain" additions
9/14/2017 – RECENT VOTE
H.R. 3697, the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act
H.R. 3697 broadens the legal definition of "gang members" under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to include “harboring” an undocumented immigrant. H.R. 3697 broadens the definition in such a way that a humanitarian or religious group offering food, shelter or transportation to an undocumented immigrant could be classified as a gang subject to punishment. I voted NO.
9/8/2017 – E-UPDATE
A Short-Term Agreement on Funding the Government and Emergency Hurricane Relief; Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
9/8/2017 – RECENT VOTE
Senate Amendment to H.R. 601, the Hurricane Supplemental, Debt Limit, Continuing Appropriations and Flood Insurance Package
Democrats and Republicans largely put our differences aside today to pass $15.25 billion in emergency hurricane relief funding following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. This legislation also addresses some must-pass measures. It includes a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through December 8th. I voted YES.
"President Trump’s decision to end DACA is shameful and disheartening. The young women and men who are being targeted now did nothing wrong and should not be forced to live in fear because of a decision their parents made. With today’s announcement, the administration is displaying a troubling lack of compassion for these young people, who are now at risk of losing so much. I am co-sponsoring legislation in Congress that would restore DACA and give these deserving young people a path to citizenship. Today’s announcement also highlights the long overdue need for comprehensive immigration reform." Read the entire statement
8/25/2017 – E-UPDATE
Afghanistan; President's Threat to Shut Down Government; Ruggles Station Transportation Project; Greater Boston Fair Trade; National Fire Protection Association; Iora Primary Care; Greater Boston Food Bank; Our Revolution; "Behind the Curtain" additions
"President Trump delivered yet another disappointment in his address on Afghanistan last night. Instead of finding a way out, he committed the United States to remaining there during his entire Presidency, without any possibility of 'winning' anything." Read the entire statement
8/18/2017 – E-UPDATE
Charlottesville; AJC New England; North Suffolk Mental Health Association; Soldiers' Home in Chelsea; Metro North Regional Employment Board; Fresh Pond Apartments; "Behind the Curtain" additions
8/9/2017 – STATEMENT
Rep/ Capuano's Statement on North Korea
“I am deeply troubled by President Trump’s bellicose rhetoric on North Korea: it does absolutely nothing to calm tensions and I fear it is only making matters worse”.
8/4/2017 – E-UPDATE
New England Community Services; St. Mary's Center; Madison Park Development Corporation; "Black Box" Bill; Officer Sean Collier Campus Police Recognition Act; "Behind the Curtain" additions; A Note to Readers
7/28/2017 – E-UPDATE
Health Care; Distractions from the White House; "A Better Deal" Democratic platform; The Opposite of Consumer Protection; A Broken Budget Process; Russia Sanctions; Taking Care of Our Veterans; Intelligence Authorization; "Behind the Curtain" additions
7/27/2017 – VIDEO
Rep. Capuano speaking on H.J.Res. 111 which empowers banking institutions to circumvent customers’ rights to pursue legal claims in a court of law.
7/26/2017 – RECENT VOTE
H.R. 3364, the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act
This legislation advances sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea. The sanctions against Russia have to do with Ukraine and with Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. The legislation specifically prohibits President Trump from waiving these sanctions. I voted YES.
7/26/2017 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano Statement on President Trump Banning Transgender People from the Military
President Trump’s policy banning transgender people from the military is cruel and hateful. If they are willing to stand up with their lives and defend American freedoms, our government should be standing up for them. Don’t they deserve the same rights they are defending?
7/26/2017 – RECENT VOTE
H.J. Res. 111, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Arbitration Agreements”.
This legislation empowers banking institutions to circumvent customers’ rights to pursue legal claims in a court of law. I voted NO.
7/11/2017 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano Statement On Donald Trump Jr. Meeting With Agent Of Russia
Members of then-candidate Trump’s campaign inner circle, including his son and son-in-law, willingly met with a Russian government attorney, expecting to receive damaging information about Hillary Clinton. Trump Jr.’s statements on this have been evolving over the last few days. To be blunt, the lies and shifting explanations keep piling up.
7/21/2017 – E-UPDATE
Senator McCain; Health Care Update; Smoggy Skies; Speeding Construction of Pipelines; More Pipelines More Quickly; Road to Nowhere Through a Wildlife Refuge; "Behind the Curtain" additions
7/14/2017 – E-UPDATE
A Note About Words; Thoughts on the Latest (Unless More News Broke Between Last Edits and Send); Impeachment; The "Water Doesn't Belong to Everyone" Act; Defense Authorization; "Behind the Curtain" additions
6/30/2017 – E-UPDATE
Syria; Health Care Update; The Protecting Access to Care Act is Really the Blocking Access to the Courts Act; Another Legislative Effort to Target Immigrants; Slamming the Golden Door; "Behind the Curtain" additions
6/23/2017 – E-UPDATE
Suing the President; An Update on "Mean" Trumpdon'tcare, Senate Version; Reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration; More Weakening of Environmental Policy; The Environment be Damned – Just Build that Dam; TANF Program; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
6/16/2017 – E-UPDATE
A Sobering Morning; Latest on the Investigation; The Sessions Testimony; Creating Barriers to Health Care Tax Credits; A Compromise on Employee Performance at the VA; One More Bill Amending Trumpcare; "Behind the Curtain" additions
6/9/2017 – E-UPDATE
Comey's Testimony; Nine Times No on Trump's Tax Returns; Cutting Corners on Border Security Hiring; Wrong CHOICE Act; "Behind the Curtain" additions
5/26/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community Meetings; Budget; The New CBO Score on the AHCA; Getting Around the Clean Water Act Again; Protecting Young Athletes; Closing a Loophole in Childhood Pornography Law; Glass-Steagall; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
5/24/2017 – RECENT VOTE
H.R. 953, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017
This legislation exempts the application of pesticides near water from regulations applied through the Clean Water Act. H.R. 953 allows for the application of pesticides near water essentially without restrictions. I voted NO.
5/22/2017 – PRESS RELEASE
Reps. Capuano and Jones Introduce 21st Century Glass-Steagall Act
Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA) and Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) have introduced the 21st Century Glass-Steagall Act to shield federally insured deposit-taking banks from riskier financial institutions such as investment banks and swaps dealers.
5/19/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community Meetings; The Leaks, the Memos and the Special Counsel; Expanding the Reach of the Death Penalty; Expanding the Authority of Probation Officers; Honoring First Responders; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
5/16/2017 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano Statement on Reports that President Trump Asked FBI Director Comey to Stop Investigating National Security Advisor Flynn
Reports that former FBI Director James Comey wrote a memo as documentation after President Trump asked him to stop the investigation into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn's involvement with Russia are shocking. If this report is accurate, it's clear to me that the President tried to obstruct justice, especially when we know he later fired Comey and stated it was because of the Russia investigation...
5/12/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community Meetings; Too Much White House Intrigue; How Close is Trumpdon'tcare to Becoming Law?; Transportation; France; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
5/9/2017 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano Statement on the Firing of FBI Director James Comey
President Trump's firing of Director James Comey while the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is in the midst of an investigation into...Russia's interference with the November election raises very serious questions...It is more important than ever that a thorough independent investigation commence. The American people and the integrity of our democracy deserve nothing less.
5/5/2017 – E-UPDATE
A Story That Touched My Heart; Trumpdon'tcare and It Looks Like House Republicans Don't Either; Taking Money Out of Your Pay Check but Giving You the Day Off Instead (Maybe); Funding the Government; the Wrong CHOICE Act; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
4/28/2017 – E-UPDATE
Trumpdon'tcare the Sequel; Reforming the Tax Code – in One Page; Net Neutrality; France Election Update; Copyrights; Opening Fannie and Freddie's Books; Omnibus; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
4/14/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community Meetings and Other Messages; North Korea; World's Youngest Country Descends into Man-Made Famine; New England Council; Simmons College; 60+ Veterans Group; MAPC; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
4/7/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community Meetings; Syria; Rep. Nunes; Green Line; Republicans Really Don't Like the CFPB Director; Empower Employees with Information; Helping Keep Stop-Loss Insurance Affordable; The Limiting Investor Protections Act; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
"...the President must seek from Congress the authorization that our Constitution requires before he takes any further military action in Syria...there are extremely important questions to consider and the entire nation, through their elected Representatives, deserves to be included in the debate. Congress should not shirk this responsibility. Congress must debate the future role of the United States in this conflict."
3/31/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community Meetings; Your Internet Searches Are Going on Sale; The Russia Plot Thickens; Build that Wall, Not that Train Station; Making Sure the EPA is Ineffective; A Seat for the Flat Earth Society; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
3/25/2017 – E-UPDATE
London; Community Meetings; Health Care; FBI Investigation Confirmed; Russian Roulette; Executive Order on Immigrants and Refugees; Old Bill, New Spin; Another Attack on Essential Benefits; Sudan and South Sudan; "Behind the Curtain" additions
3/17/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community Meetings; The Trump Budget; Federal Money; 57 Days In, What Will This List Look Like When We Reach 100?; Update about Elections Around the World; How Many Ways Can the House Make it Easier to Buy a Gun?; Bipartisanship, Still Possible; "Behind the Curtain" additions
3/10/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community Meetings; Health Care; Privacy; Travel Ban...The Sequel; About Those Weekend Tweets; A Note About Elections Around the World; Defense Appropriations; Tipping the Scales of Justice? Big Business Wins Again...and Again... and Again; Unequal Protection Under the Law; "Behind the Curtain" additions
3/9/2017 – OP-ED: PRIVACY
TVs spying on us is just the tip of the iceberg. Is Congress ready to act?
"I have filed bills over the years to protect a little of what is left of our privacy but so far, few have paid attention. Maybe, finally, that will change now."
3/6/2017 – PRESS RELEASE
Capuano Hosts Community Meeting in Somerville
On Monday evening March 13th from 7:00 – 8:30 PM Congressman Mike Capuano will host a community meeting in the Somerville High School auditorium. The school is located at 81 Highland Avenue. “I hope you have some time to join us on the 13th to share your thoughts with me and our neighbors about the issues that most concern you,” stated Congressman Capuano. Anyone with questions about the meeting can contact the Cambridge District Office at 617-621-6208.
3/3/2017 – E-UPDATE
Attorney General Session; Community meetings; Trump's Taxes; Regulation: a New Entry for Comedian George Carlin’s Famous List of Dirty Words?; If You Don’t Report the Injury to OSHA Then it Didn’t Happen; “Deconstructing the Administrative State” as Steve Bannon Would Say; Let’s Bury Them in Paperwork; "Behind the Curtain" additions
3/2/2017 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Communications with Russian Officials
“Reports that Attorney General Sessions lied under oath about communicating with Russian officials are deeply disturbing. There is just no question that the AG’s offer to recuse himself from investigations into Trump associates’ contacts with the Russians is no longer enough. AG Sessions should resign today and an independent investigation into the larger question of President Trump and his associates’ ties to and communication with Russia should commence immediately.”
2/24/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community meetings; Free Press; Transgender students and Trump; Germany; East Boston High School; Horace Mann School; Immigration; "Behind the Curtain" additions
2/24/2017 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano on White House Blocking Some Media Outlets From Press Briefing
“It is nothing short of outrageous that the White House blocked some media outlets, including the New York Times, CNN and Politico from attending a White House press briefing today.”
2/22/2017 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano on President Trump ending policy directing states to let transgender students choose restrooms
“The Trump Administration just abolished a policy that simply directed states to let transgender students use the restroom they feel most comfortable in. By rolling back this policy, transgender students just lost some important protections that helped them feel safer.”
2/17/2017 – E-UPDATE
Community meetings; Russia and the Trump Administration; Trump and his taxes; Federal land management; Tying unemployment benefits to drug testing;Making it harder to save for retirement Parts 1 & 2; Open Season on Boo-Boo; Limiting access to health care; "Behind the Curtain" additions and updates
2/15/2017 – STATEMENT
Calling for an Independent Investigation of Russian Communications with Trump Officials
“I am deeply troubled by reports that members of President Trump’s campaign regularly communicated with Russian intelligence officials for a year leading up to the election.”
2/3/2017 – E-UPDATE
That Dirty Water; Making It Even Easier To Buy A Gun; Go Ahead, Ignore those Labor and Safety Laws — Federal Contracts Can Still be Yours!; Who Needs Clean Air Anyway?; A Look Behind the Curtain
1/29/2017 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano's Statement on President Trump Executive Orders
“We are watching the beginning of efforts to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. regardless of circumstances, which is exactly what Trump said he would do during the campaign.”
1/13/2017 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano's Statement on Obama Administration Easing Sanctions on Sudan
“The Obama Administration’s decision to lift Sudan trade sanctions is an effort to move away from current policies in place and an attempt to open a door to the country.”
House Republicans have now scrapped plans to obliterate the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE). I want to thank everyone who registered their outrage about this plan; your voices made a difference today. As the Chair of the Task Force that wrote the measure creating the OCE, I am relieved it is not being dismantled today. But make no mistake, the effort to gut the OCE is a stark example of House Republicans’ approach to governing. Unfortunately, I think we will see a lot more of this in the days and weeks ahead. I won’t stop fighting and I hope you will stay active too.
1/3/2017 – STATEMENT
Rep. Capuano's statement on House Republicans’ plan to gut the Office of Congressional Ethics
“Outrageous — there is just no other word to describe gutting the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE), which is the very first act of the new Republican House. This is not a good way to start — a closed meeting of one Party, held at night, in the basement of the US Capitol, for the purpose of ending transparency in the ethics process.”
11/15/2016 – STATEMENT
President-Elect Trump’s Naming of Stephen Bannon as Chief Strategist
"Donald Trump did not hide his views from the American people over the last year so it should come as a surprise to no one that he has chosen someone as his chief strategist who has repeatedly expressed racist and anti-Semitic views and has demeaned women. If President-elect Trump meant it when he said he wanted to bring the country together and represent all of us, he will withdraw his offer to Stephen Bannon. The views that Bannon has embraced have no place in the White House or anywhere in our country."
10/28/2016 – E-UPDATE
Fairmount Line; Wells Fargo; Fenway High School; Brown School; Possible Project; American College of Emergency Physicans; Boys and Girls Clubs; Airline Baggage Fees
10/27/2016 – PRESS RELEASE
Capuano Urges Department of Justice to Open Criminal Investigation into Wells Fargo
Rep. Michael E. Capuano sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, urging the Department of Justice to open a criminal investigation into Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo has a history of customer abuse ranging from mortgage fraud to mistreatment of military service members.
10/14/2016 – E-UPDATE
Federal highways; Turner Free Library; Codman Square Health Center; Association for Commuter Transportation; Armenian National Committee
9/14/2016 – RECENT VOTE
H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016
This legislation undermines Veterans Administration employees, many who are veterans themselves. While H.R. 5620 does contain some provisions to improve the appeals process for veterans, it takes away important employee protections. I voted NO.
9/1/2016 – E-UPDATE
YouthBuild; AJC Boston; National Association of Social Workers; College Bound; National Park Service; Transportation Field Hearing; Air Force Academy
8/11/2016 – E-UPDATE
District Work Week: J Street; OptiRTC; Wayfair; Greater Boston Real Estate Board; Takeda Pharmaceuticals; Women's Action for New Directions (WAND); South Sudan Arms Embargo
7/15/2016 – E-UPDATE
Bastille Day Attack; Guns; Separation of Powers; "Heavy Water"; Women's Health Care; Appropriations; Financial Systems Protection; More Iran; GMO Labeling
7/13/2016 – VIDEO
Rep. Capuano Remarks to HUD Secretary Castro on the Distressed Asset Stabilization Program
At a Financial Services hearing with HUD Secretary Castro on July 13, 2016, Rep. Capuano points out that the incremental changes made to the Distressed Asset Stabilization Program (DASP) may be a move in the right direction but they don’t go far enough. And since Republicans never seem to be satisfied with any action HUD takes, why not just make the changes needed to really improve the program.
This legislation weakens the IRS’ ability to identify illegal political campaign contributions and opens the door for foreign interests to covertly finance political campaigns in the U.S. I voted NO.
6/10/2016 – PRESS RELEASE
Rep. Capuano Files National First Responder Day Bill
Rep. Michael Capuano has re-introduced legislation to establish a legal public holiday known as National First Responders Day on a date designated by the President. Rep. Capuano has been working with the family of Officer Sean Collier, who was killed in April of 2013 by those responsible for the tragic bombings at the Boston Marathon.
6/6/2016 – E-UPDATE
District Work Period: Mystic River Watershed; Federal Transit Administration; Four Corners Main Street;National Gun Violence Awareness; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
5/20/2016 – OP-ED: SOUTH SUDAN
To End The Civil War, It’s Time For An Arms Embargo In South Sudan
Reducing the flow of weapons will help protect civilians who suffer most from the ongoing conflict. Preventing both sides from acquiring more tools of violence might just motivate them to seek real progress through peaceful means rather than on the battlefield.
5/20/2016 – OP-ED: GREEN LINE EXTENSION
After Green Line extension, Mass. needs a new policy
One of the ways the state secured approval of the GLE was by insisting that the communities that will benefit most from the extension contribute to the cost of the project. This makes sense; they should be expected to contribute. But the state needs to institute a transparent policy with objective and reasonable rules that will be applied to all communities fairly in future projects.
5/9/2016 – ANNOUNCEMENT
My Washington office telephone number is currently the subject of a spoofing attack. According to the Federal Communications Commission, spoofing “occurs when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your Caller ID display to disguise their identity.”
We have reported this matter to the appropriate officials and it is under investigation by the Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau. Because spoofing is a federal crime under the Truth in Calling Act, it has also been reported to the Capitol Police. We apologize to anyone who has had difficulty reaching our office. We hoped that the calls would subside but since they have continued at a high volume, we wanted to let you know.
If you are having trouble reaching the office, you can call our District Office at 617-621-6208. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
4/29/2016 – E-UPDATE
Angel Investors; Department of Labor; Private School Vouchers
4/8/2016 – E-UPDATE
District Work Week: Fuller Village; Dr. Joseph H. Brenner Award; National Breast Cancer Coalition; University of Massachusetts; Roxbury Community College; ICYMI on FB
4/1/2016 – E-UPDATE
District Work Week: Federal Transit Administration; Green Line Extension; Community Development Block Grants; Bostonian Society; Cambridge Housing Authority
3/11/2016 – E-UPDATE
A week in the district: Italian Home for Children; Fenway Health; Corner Stalk Farm; The People's Academy; Trip Advisor; The Franklin Project of the Aspen Institute
My legislation would add campus police officers to the list of public safety personnel eligible to receive benefits under the Department of Justice’s Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program. Officer Collier was a hero who lost his life while serving and protecting the MIT community as a member of campus law enforcement. This bill is a small way to honor his memory.
2/19/2016 – E-UPDATE
Jewish Community Housing; Draper Labs; ABCD/Head Start; American Academy of Arts and Sciences; Massachusetts Airport Management Association
1/29/2016 – E-UPDATE
A week in the district; New England College of Optometry; Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems; Boston Public Library; Randolph Chamber of Commerce; Massachusetts Convention Center Authority; Transportation
12/11/2015 – I recently hosted two telephone community meetings. Thanks to everybody who participated. If you were unable to call in, you can listen to recordings here:
11/24/2015 – OP-ED: SOUTH SUDAN
Narrow window to advance South Sudan peace
South Sudan’s leaders will need to make a series of decisions in the next few weeks that will determine whether the hope embodied in the August peace agreement will be realized, or whether South Sudan remains the latest of the world’s failed states.
11/19/2015 – RECENT VOTE: REFUGEES
H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015
The tragic terrorist attacks in Paris have brought a renewed focus on the process for screening refugees. The intent of H.R. 4038 is to indefinitely delay the already extensive screening process by creating a completely new and untested system which will take years to implement. But the real reason the House was forced to vote on a hastily drafted bill is fear-mongering for political gain. I voted NO.
This legislation suspends the debt limit until March of 2017, providing some much needed stability to the economy. Without this action by Congress, the federal government could not have paid bills after November 3rd. It is far from a perfect bill but it addresses some significant immediate needs. I voted YES.
10/7/2015 – RECENT VOTE: WOMEN’S HEALTH
H.Res. 461, Establishing a Select Investigative Committee on Energy and Commerce
The purpose of this committee is, quite simply, to malign and defund Planned Parenthood based on the misleading and discredited videos that anti-choice advocates secretly recorded. To date, there are three ongoing Congressional investigations into Planned Parenthood, and H.Res. 461 creates a fourth unlimited taxpayer-funded investigation. I voted NO.
9/25/2015 – E-UPDATE
His Holiness Pope Francis of the Holy See; Speaker Boehner; Chelsea Chamber of Commerce; Groundwork Somerville; Prime Minister Neves; Community health; EPA
9/25/2015 – STATEMENT: REP. JOHN BOEHNER'S RESIGNATION
My Statement on the Resignation of John Boehner
I almost never agreed with him, but I believe Speaker Boehner understood that legislating is about compromise. I have no idea what his resignation will mean for the direction of the country but I am concerned it will lead to worsening gridlock. Republicans will have to decide whether they are finally willing to reach across the aisle to find compromise or move closer to the extreme right wing of their party.
7/23/2015 – RECENT VOTE: IMMIGRATION
H.R. 3009, the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act
The legislation withholds federal criminal justice grants from communities with policies limiting the circumstances under which someone’s immigration status can be determined and shared. H.R. 3009 basically requires local law enforcement agents to act as immigration officials or risk losing funds that are used to help keep their communities safe. Numerous organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Fraternal Order of Police oppose H.R. 3009. I voted NO.
7/14/2015 – STATEMENT: IRAN
Rep. Mike Capuano Statement on Iran
"I have always hoped for a negotiated resolution to the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The general outlines of the deal, made public this morning, appear reasonable and encouraging. However, I will carefully review the details and discuss the scientific aspects of the agreement with qualified scientists. I have never expected a perfect agreement because that is an impossible standard. For me, the most important question is, if this deal is not acceptable, then what does the United States do next? Some argue for continued sanctions but it’s clear to me that Russia and China won’t go along with that. Moreover, I fear Europe would not support the U.S. in continued sanctions so we would be left with unilateral sanctions and historically these have been ineffectual. Nor do I think a military option is prudent or feasible at this time. Congress has 60 days to review this agreement and I will carefully consider all aspects of it before making a final decision."
7/10/2015 – RECENT VOTE: MEDICAL RESEARCH
H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act
This legislation establishes the NIH and Cures Innovation Fund which will provide close to $9 billion in additional funding over 5 years so the NIH can expand the scope of its research. This is of particular importance in Massachusetts where so much biomedical and scientific research is taking place in our hospitals and universities. I voted YES.
7/9/2015 – PRESS RELEASE: SOUTH SUDAN
Bipartisan Coalition Introduces Bill to Promote Peace, Stability in South Sudan
"I am proud to stand with my colleagues in the House to introduce this legislation reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to the people of South Sudan as well as our support of the United Nations Security Council’s efforts to seek accountability among the warring parties," said Capuano.
6/26/2015 – E-UPDATE
Supreme Court decisions; Fair housing; More on trade; College ratings; Health care votes; Ratepayer "protections", Federal contractor disclosure
6/25/2015 – PRESS RELEASE: EDUCATION
Capuano and Goodlatte: Department of Education Pivots on College Ratings Plan
"It is vitally important to protect students’ free choice in where they seek postsecondary education. ...Rating colleges and universities, with the intent of tying federal aid to those ratings, is not the job of the federal government."
This legislation eliminates the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), which was established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as a way to contain Medicare costs. The IPAB is one of the ACA provisions that most concerned me when health care reform was being debated. The President appoints its members and Congress has no authority over its work. Future Presidents may have very different approaches to those they appoint and the role of the IPAB. I voted YES.
6/17/2015 – RECENT VOTE: IRAQ AND SYRIA
H. Con. Res. 55
The Administration recently announced plans to send 450 more U.S. military personnel to Iraq, bringing the number of U.S. troops in Iraq to approximately 3,500. There is no question that this represents an escalation of the U.S. role in the region. This resolution calls on the Administration to remove most of U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq and Syria unless Congress votes to authorize additional military action. I voted YES.
6/11/2015 – STATEMENT: IRAQ
Rep. Mike Capuano Statement on Iraq
“I am deeply troubled by the Administration’s decision to send an additional 450 U.S. military personnel into Iraq,” said Rep. Capuano. "It will bring the number of U.S. troops in Iraq to approximately 3,500, a clear escalation of our role in the region. If this effort expands into combat, it should be based on a Congressional authorization, not an Executive order."
6/5/2015 – PRESS RELEASE: OVERSIGHT OF FEDERAL RESERVE
Reps. Capuano, Garrett Introduce Bill to Limit Fed’s Bailout Authority
“America’s largest financial institutions received unprecedented assistance from the Federal Reserve during the crisis, much of it unknown to the Congress or public at the time,” said Capuano. “This legislation will help protect taxpayer dollars by increasing oversight of the Federal Reserve’s emergency lending powers and bringing much needed transparency to the process.”
5/21/2015 – PRESS RELEASE: PRIVACY
Reps. Capuano and Sensenbrenner File Legislation Giving Consumers More Control over Their Vehicle’s “Black Box”
"For me, this is a basic issue of privacy. Consumers should have control over the information collected by event data recorders in their own vehicles and they should be able to exercise control over the recording function," stated Congressman Mike Capuano.
4/10/2015 – E-UPDATE
District Work Period: Everett High School; Night Shift Brewing; Turner Free Library; Roxbury Community College; NAACP; Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services; Bruce Bolling Municipal Building; Project Bread
2/27/2015 – RECENT VOTE
H.R. 240, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015
The Republican House leadership has thus far refused to consider the Senate bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), even though it would pass overwhelmingly. In lieu of that, a meager one-week extension was brought to the floor and it passed overwhelmingly. These difficulties funding the crucial work of DHS is emblematic of the larger struggles facing the House [and] highlights a deep divide that exists amongst House Republicans.
2/13/2015 – E-UPDATE
Authorization for use of military force; Olympics; 'Too Big to Fail'; More votes on Keystone XL; Tax extenders; More tax cuts; FHA hearing
Rep. Mike Capuano has introduced H.R. 888, The Subsidy Reserve Act of 2015. It requires those financial entities perceived as “too big to fail”, to maintain capital equal to the amount of the subsidy they receive from taxpayers, to weather a future crisis. The idea behind the legislation is simple. If banks get a subsidy, it should be quantified and banks should hold capital sufficient to cover it.
1/22/2015 – PRESS RELEASE
Capuano Named Ranking Member of Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials
“I am very much looking forward to serving as Ranking Member on this subcommittee, which delves into all aspects of railroad operations, including issues directly impacting passengers. Pipeline oversight and the safe handling of hazardous materials are also important components of the subcommittee’s responsibilities,” stated Rep Mike Capuano.
1/21/2015 – PRESS RELEASE
Rep. Capuano and Senator Menendez Reintroduce Shareholder Protection Act
On the fifth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC, Rep. Mike Capuano (D-MA) and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) are reintroducing the Shareholder Protection Act which requires CEOs to seek authorization from a majority of shareholders before a corporation can spend money from its general treasury on political activities.
1/7/2015 – STATEMENT: MORTGAGE
White House Announcement Regarding FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium
“I commend the President for reducing FHA mortgage insurance premiums, which will make homeownership more affordable for those seeking to enter the housing market.”
12/2/2014 – STATEMENT: GREEN LINE EXTENSION
Green Line Extension Included in President’s FY 2015 Budget
“We are now in the final phase of securing nearly $1 billion in federal funding for the Green Line Extension. So many of us have made expanding the Green Line a priority, working for years to reach this milestone. Today’s announcement by the FTA brings us significantly closer to experiencing increased Green Line access, which brings with it economic and environmental benefits,” stated Rep. Mike Capuano, a member of the House Transportation Committee.
10/30/2014 – ON THE PASSING OF THOMAS M. MENINO
Rep. Capuano's statement on the passing of Boston's longest serving mayor
My heart is heavy today and my thoughts are with Mayor Menino’s family during this very difficult time. Mayor Menino left an outsized mark on the City of Boston; his legacy is evident in every neighborhood and in every corner of the city he loved so much. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know him and to serve with him — first as colleagues at the State House, then as fellow Mayors, and finally as his Congressman. My wife and I extend our deepest condolences to Angela, as well as the mayor’s children and grandchildren.
9/12/2014 – E-UPDATE
Remembering 9/11; President Obama’s Address to the Nation on ISIS; Ruggles MBTA Station; Bergdahl Prisoner Exchange; Clean Water Act
8/28/2014 – E-UPDATE
Volpe Center; Transportation forum; Security analysis; Spaulding Rehabilitation; Gibson House Museum; New England Chapter of American Immigration Lawyers
8/7/2014 – E-UPDATE
Border legislation (part two); Supplemental appropriations; More immigration; Google; Community Builders/Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future; Somerville Homeless Coalition; Endangered species legislation - correction
7/29/2014 – PRESS RELEASE
Bipartisan Group of House Members Introduce Resolution on South Sudan “I am deeply troubled by the ongoing violence that is devastating the people of South Sudan,” said Rep. Michael Capuano. “As fighting continues, desperately needed humanitarian assistance is not reaching those who need it and countless lives are at risk... We urge the Administration to help bring stability to South Sudan.”
6/6/2014 – PRESS RELEASE
Rep. Capuano Commemorates D-Day in Normandy “June 6, 1944 was a pivotal day during World War Two, a crucial turning point in the war to defeat Nazi Germany,” stated Rep. Capuano. Thousands of lives were lost during the D-Day invasion, as Allied forces fought to secure a beachhead, liberate France and defeat Hitler. "It is truly an honor to pay tribute to the heroes of D-Day."
5/16/2014 – E-UPDATE
Boston Harbor dredging; Boko Haram; Greentown Labs; Common Cause; Taza Chocolates; Transportation briefing; Women in hedge funds; New England Council
3/21/2014 – E-UPDATE
National EMS Memorial Foundation; Environment Massachusetts and MASSPIRG; Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston; Curry College; Randolph Engineering; Somerville High School
3/14/2014 – VIDEO: HOME MORTGAGES
Rep. Capuano on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Rep. Mike Capuano talked on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" about the bipartisan agreement which proposes to eliminate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, replacing them with a new federal regulation agency, the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation.
3/7/2014 – VIDEO: FLOOD INSURANCE
Rep. Capuano on the Homeowner Flood Insurance Availability Act
Rep. Mike Capuano, a member of the House Committee on Financial Services, on the House floor on March 4, 2014, discussing H.R. 3370, the Homeowner Flood Insurance Availability Act. Read the Extension of Remarks on Congress.gov.
3/4/2014 – STATEMENT: GREEN LINE EXTENSION
Green Line Extension Included in President’s FY 2015 Budget
"I am pleased to report that the Green Line Extension has been included in the President’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget, which is an important step in securing the federal funding necessary for Green Line construction."
2/5/2014 – RECENT VOTE
H.R. 3964: the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Emergency Water Delivery Act
This legislation is being described as an effort to alleviate severe drought in California. In fact, it does nothing to address this problem. I voted NO.
1/28/2014 – RECENT VOTE
H.R. 7: No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act
A legislative provision known as the Hyde Amendment already prohibits federal funds (Medicaid) from being used for abortions unless the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest or if the mother’s life is in danger. H.R. 7 goes much further by restricting private insurance coverage. It leverages tax credits to discourage individuals and small businesses from choosing health insurance plans that offer coverage for abortion. I voted NO.
1/10/2014 – E-UPDATE
Social Security; cell phones on planes; legislation governing environmentally hazardous waste; legislation to protect personal information
12/12/2013 – RECENT VOTE
Amendment to H.J. Res. 59, the Bipartisan Budget Agreement
The Bipartisan Budget Agreement reverses the troubling trend of budget cuts that have been legislated since 2011. It actually increases spending by $25 billion over the last fiscal year. While far from perfect, this is encouraging. It represents a compromise, which has been elusive in this Congress when it comes to budget agreements.
The world mourns the passing of Nelson Mandela, a truly historic figure who transformed a nation and the world. Throughout his life, Mr. Mandela consistently demonstrated compassion, dignity and leadership. He was a formidable moral presence, enduring decades of imprisonment then leading South Africans of all races into a democratic future. Mr. Mandela leaves a legacy of forgiveness and reconciliation. His dedication to freedom and justice will inspire us all for generations.
11/22/2013 – E-UPDATE
Cell phones on planes; Drilling; Fracking; Pipelines; AIDS relief; Flood insurance
11/20/2013 – RECENT VOTE
H.R. 2728 "Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Security Act"
This deceptively named bill essentially prevents the federal government from exercising oversight of oil and gas drilling that utilizes a controversial process known as fracking.
11/1/2013 – E-UPDATE
Congratulating the World Series Champions; Recent votes on improvements for US ports and waterways, protections for retirement investors, banking regulations, and the debt limit
9/19/2013 – RECENT VOTE
H.R. 3102: Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act
If this bill becomes law, almost 4 million people will lose food assistance. Almost half of those currently receiving this help are children. The federal government should not be taking help away from some of the people who need it the most.
9/5/2013 – OP-ED: SYRIA
Not Convinced Military Action Against Syria Is The Answer
Like most people, I am deeply troubled by the ongoing violence in Syria and horrified by reports that the Syrian government used chemical weapons against its own people. What is the appropriate response to this atrocity?
8/13/2013 – E-UPDATE
District work period; Mass Peace Action; Massachusetts Nurses Association; Longfellow Bridge; Somerville Senior Picnic; Mass Bay Veterans Center
8/2/2013 – E-UPDATE
Tunnel inspection; Transportation and housing appropriations; MF Global legislation; Student loans; More Affordable Care Act votes; more recent legislation
“This represents important progress towards the mandatory inspection of all highway tunnels,” stated Rep. Capuano, who first filed the legislation after the tragic July 10, 2006 death of Milena Del Valle due to a falling ceiling panel in a Big Dig tunnel. Rep. Capuano’s legislation created a Nationwide Tunnel Inspection Program that directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish minimum inspection requirements for tunnels.
7/03/2013 – VIDEO: TECHNOLOGY AND CONSUMER PRIVACY
Rep. Capuano on Technology and Consumer Privacy
Rep. Mike Capuano discusses legislation he has introduced to address consumer privacy issues in the development of new data technologies, including data event recorders in automobiles and cable boxes that watch you while you watch television.
6/24/2013 – E-UPDATE
Privacy and Your Vehicle; Recent votes: District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
6/19/2013 – RECENT VOTE
H.R. 1797: District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
This bill is nothing more than a fruitless effort to challenge a woman’s right to choose. H.R. 1797 also shows a shocking lack of compassion for victims of rape and incest. President Obama has already stated that he would veto H.R. 1797.
6/18/2013 – PRESS RELEASE
Reps. Capuano and Sensenbrenner File Legislation Giving Consumers More Control over Their Vehicle’s “Black Box”
"For me, this is a basic issue of privacy. Consumers should have control over the information collected by event data recorders in their own vehicles and they should be able to exercise control over the recording function. Many consumers aren’t even aware that this technology is already in most vehicles," stated Congressman Mike Capuano.
6/13/2013 – PRESS RELEASE
Reps. Capuano and Jones File Legislation Giving Users the Right to Say No To Being Watched by their Own TV
Rep. Mike Capuano (D-MA) and Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) are filing the “We Are Watching You Act” in response to reports that national telecommunications companies are exploring technology for digital video recorders (DVRs) that would record the personal activities of consumers as they watch television from the privacy of their own homes.
The Officer Sean Collier Campus Police Recognition Act of 2013 would add campus police officers to the Department of Justice’s Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program retroactive to April 15, 2013 — the day of the Boston Marathon bombings.
5/29/2013 – OP-ED: HEALTH CARE
Obamacare is Facing Death by a Thousand Cuts
The evidence is overwhelming that Republicans are undermining health care reform whenever possible. Those of us who actually believe in basic affordable health care for all Americans must remain diligent, honest, and above all, prepared to continue this struggle for America.
5/23/2013 – PRESS RELEASE
10-Year Extension of Terrorism Risk Insurance Act Introduced in the House
In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, many insurance companies began to exclude terrorism events from their insurance policies. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) created a federal backstop to make terrorism insurance available and to protect against terrorism-related losses in the event of another attack. This legislation extends TRIA for ten years.
5/17/2013 – E-UPDATE
The White House contends with the IRS, the AP, and Benghazi; Another attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act; Security and Exchange Commission
"Law enforcement officers from Boston, Watertown, and the surrounding areas have behaved absolutely heroically today. They have my sincere thanks. I am proud of the work done to protect our community, and glad that the suspect has been successfully apprehended after a very long week."
Beginning late last night, brave and dedicated law enforcement personnel have been actively and publicly pursuing the two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings. I am deeply saddened that one officer lost his life and another was wounded. I also sincerely commend the incredibly fast action by the team of local, state and federal personnel who have been working tirelessly to identify and locate those responsible. While the search that began in the very early morning has not yet concluded, I have every confidence they will apprehend the remaining suspect.
4/17/2013 – PRESS RELEASE
Massachusetts Congressional Delegation Introduces Resolution on Boston Marathon Attacks
The Massachusetts Congressional Delegation today introduced a resolution honoring the victims of the bombings at Monday s Boston Marathon, recognizing the first responders who helped those in need, and committing to provide all necessary resources to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.
My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones as a result of the explosions in Boston. Please know that you are not alone in your sorrow. I pray that those who suffered wounds recover fully and I thank our emergency personnel for their efforts today. Like so many others, I have many questions about the events today that cannot yet be answered. However, I do know that we will stand together during this difficult time.
Please note the following hotline numbers: 617-635-4500 for those looking for information on possible victims, and 1-800-494-TIPS for those who may have any information on the explosions.
4/12/2013 – E-UPDATE
The President's budget proposal; District visits to Dorchester House and Hope House; Recent votes
H.R. 1120 basically prohibits the National Labor Relations Board from acting for an indeterminate period. That means problems between employees and management couldn t be resolved and issues regarding union elections or collective bargaining would be held up. I voted NO.
4/5/2013 – E-UPDATE
Mortgage modification; Charles River Conservancy, Campaign Against Gun Violence; Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA); East Boston YMCA; Work Inc.; Allston Village Main Streets; Whittier Street Health Center; Family and Medical Leave Act
3/27/2013 – PRESS RELEASE
Rep. Mike Capuano Applauds New FHFA Mortgage Modification Program
This is a straightforward way to help many homeowners who ... cannot qualify for refinancing but still have the capacity to pay their mortgage under adjusted terms. It provides quicker access to modifications with fewer administrative burdens so homeowners can keep their homes.
3/21/2013 – RECENT VOTE: BUDGET
H. Con. Res. 25: Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2014
Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan s proposed budget resolution for FY 2014 closely resembles the FY 2013 budget he proposed last year. I have many grave concerns about this legislation.
3/15/2013 – E-UPDATE
Strengthening the Federal Housing Administration; Recent votes on TANF and the so-called Skills Act; 10th anniversary of the start of genocide in Darfur
3/15/2013 – RECENT VOTE: JOB TRAINING
H.R. 803: the Skills Act
This bill consolidates thirty-five job training programs, including programs targeted to help veterans, those with disabilities, older workers and those just entering the work force, under one umbrella to compete with each other for funding from a single block grant. The bill also freezes job-training funding for the next 7 years.
3/1/2013 – E-UPDATE
Sequestration; Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act; Visit to Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD); Interparliamentary letter on Sudan
2/28/2013 – RECENT VOTE: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
S. 47: The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013
This bipartisan bill passed in the Senate clearly grants protections to ALL domestic-violence victims regardless of their sexual orientation. Abuse happens in same-sex relationships too and those victims deserve equal protections.
2/25/2013 – E-UPDATE
Facing the National Impact of Sequestration
Absent a last minute deal, which is looking highly unlikely at this point, sequestration will begin on Friday with $85 billion in automatic spending cuts. This approach to solving our fiscal problems is shortsighted and will damage our economy.
2/22/2013 – E-UPDATE
Sequestration; Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance; Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory; Downtown North Association; GAO Report on Dodd-Frank
2/14/2013 – PRESS RELEASE
Government Acountability Office (GAO) Releases Report Requested by Sen. Johnson and Rep. Capuano on the Devastating Impacts of the Financial Crisis and Potential Effects of Dodd-Frank
Congress must ensure that Dodd-Frank is implemented comprehensively and effectively so that the tools are in place to prevent another financial crisis, stated Rep. Capuano, who first requested this study in July of 2011.
2/1/2013 – E-UPDATE
Protecting Social Security Numbers; Groundbreaking in East Boston; Alzheimer's Association; Visiting the Artisan's Asylum in Somerville
1/30/2013 – PRESS RELEASE
Rep. Michael Capuano To File Legislation Protecting Social Security Numbers
This common-sense step would help reduce identity fraud, addressing a problem that the [Internal Revenue Service] has already identified, stated Rep. Capuano.
1/25/2013 – E-UPDATE
Recent vote on the Debt Limit; New committee assignment; Bill regarding inauguration tickets; Somerville Community Access Television annual meeting
1/24/2013 – PRESS RELEASE
Capuano Refiles Bill Making it Illegal to Sell Inaugural Tickets
The Presidential Inaugural is an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to come together and witness history... That opportunity should be available to everyone, not sold to the highest bidder, stated Rep. Capuano.
This bill suspends the debt limit for three months. After that, the debt limit will be reinstated. This is just another example of putting off dealing with difficult problems.
1/23/2013 – PRESS RELEASE
Rep. Michael Capuano Named to House Committee on Ethics
Rep. Mike Capuano was asked to serve on the House Committee on Ethics and the Democratic Caucus approved that recommendation today. This committee oversees all matters related to the Code of Official Conduct for House Members and their staff.
1/18/2013 – E-UPDATE
Recent vote on Hurricane Sandy relief; My new subcommittee assignment; Visits to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Franciscan Hospital for Children
You will see in the voting chart that quite a few members did not support providing disaster relief to the states devastated by the storm. I voted YES.
The deadline to request tickets to the Presidential Inauguration has passed. We are sorry that we cannot accept additional inquiries but the office has already received far more ticket requests than we will be able to accommodate. Thank you for your interest.
12/03/2012 – PRESS RELEASE
Ranking Member Capuano releases Addendum to Majority Staff Report on MF Global
Today, Representative Michael E. Capuano, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, released an Addendum to the majority staff report on the collapse of MF Global.
11/30/2012 – E-UPDATE
STEM Visas; Massport Bypass Road; Merging the SEC and CFTC; Community Health Centers; Massachusetts Hospital Association; AFL-CIO and SEIU; Sudan; Teach For America; Tip O'Neill
11/30/2012 – RECENT VOTES: STEM VISAS
H.R. 6429: The STEM Jobs Act
This bill would a new visa program for foreign students who have advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), but does so by completely eliminating the Diversity Visa program. We should be able to do both. I voted NO.
11/28/2012 – PRESS RELEASE
Federal Building to be Named in Honor of Former House Speaker Tip O’Neill
Rep. Mike Capuano helped facilitate House passage of H.R. 6604, which names the federal building located at 200 C Street SW in Washington, D.C., after Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, Jr. O’Neill (D-MA) was Speaker of the House from 1977-1987 and would have celebrated his 100th birthday on December 9th.
10/26/2012 – E-UPDATE
District work week: Project HOPE; The Somerville Home; Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce; Veronica Smith Senior Center; Jackson Mann Community Center; Allston Village Main Streets; Project RIGHT
10/19/2012 – E-UPDATE
A further look at the impact of sequestration on the budgets of federal agencies and programs; Meetings with City Fresh Foods, Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, and Hyde Park and Dudley Square Main Streets
10/12/2012 – E-UPDATE
Another look at the impact of sequestration on the budgets of federal agencies and programs; Meeting with Chelsea Collaborative and Somerville Chamber of Commerce; Muddy River Restoration Project groundbreaking ceremony; Visiting Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester; Open house at Don Orione Home in East Boston
10/5/2012 – E-UPDATE
The upcoming 'lame duck' session of Congress; A closer look at the impact of sequestration on the budgets of federal agencies and programs
09/14/2012 – E-UPDATE
Attacks on US embassies and diplomatic personnel; FISA and citizen privacy; Continuing Resolution to fund the government; Sequestration; Mattapan Community Health Center ribbon-cutting
08/30/2012 – E-UPDATE
Space exploration and NASA; Kiley Barrel site improvement; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Jumpstart early childhood education program; MassUniting and the federal minimum wage
07/27/2012 – STATEMENT: SUDAN
Sudan Caucus Co-Chairs Call for Release of Rudwan Dawod
“In response to recent austerity policies, and continued violence, Sudanese activists have taken to the streets to protest. At a protest on July 3rd, Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Forces (NISS) arrested Rudwan Dawod, a US resident, student and human rights activist.”
07/13/2012 – E-UPDATE
Repeal of Affordable Health Care Act; Mining legislation threatens environmental safety; One-year anniversay of South Sudan's independence
07/09/2012 – STATEMENT: SUDAN
Rep. Capuano’s Statement on the First Anniversary of South Sudan’s Independence
“July 9th marked the one year anniversary of South Sudan’s independence. A nation whose self-determination was long in the making, South Sudan had to struggle for its freedom, and millions of its people paid with their lives to reach that milestone.”
06/29/2012 – E-UPDATE
Supreme Court and health care; Supreme Court and campaign finance; Transportation and student loans; Attorney General Eric Holder and "Operation Fast and Furious"; HUD and transportation appropriations
H.R. 4348 authorizes $105 billion in funding for highway and transit programs through Fiscal Year 2014. It also includes Rep. Capuano’s tunnel inspection provisions.
06/22/2012 – OP-ED: GREEN LINE EXTENSION
Time for 'adult conversation' on Somerville Green Line Extension
On June 21st my op-ed on the Green Line extension was published in the Somerville Journal. You can read my submission here. I am also posting a link to some documents referenced in the op-ed, including the FTA’s letter and Chapter 8 of the MBTA’s New Starts submission. Chapter 8 includes the figures I reference. Table 13 on page 8-48 and Table 23 on page 8-47 are of particular interest.
06/20/2012 – OP-ED: TRANSPORTATION
It should not be this difficult
"It shouldn’t be this difficult to pass a bill that everyone agrees will create jobs. But nothing in Washington is easy these days. So what seems to be the problem? ...What’s really going on here?"
06/15/2012 – E-UPDATE
New England Council; Environment Massachusetts; Runway Safety; The Boston Home; East Boston Community Health Center; Joslin Diabetes; Coast Guard; Citizens United
06/07/2012 – RECENT VOTES: MEDICAL DEVICE TAX
H.R. 436: The Protect Medical Innovation Act
I support the repeal of the medical device tax. While this legislation would repeal the medical device tax, it would pay for it by shifting the financial burden to health care consumers. I voted NO.
05/16/2012 – RECENT VOTES: VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
H.R. 4970: the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA)
The House version of this legislation actually weakens existing laws that address violence against women, and it furthermore excludes large groups like Native American, resident alien, and non-heterosexual women from common-sense protections. I voted NO.
05/04/2012 – E-UPDATE
District work week: Visits to Orchard Gardens Elementary School, East Boston Main Streets, Leonard Florence Center; Meeting 8th grade participants in a essay writing contest sponsored by the Cambridge Juvenile Court
04/27/2012 – E-UPDATE
Republicans use student loans to weaken public health fund; Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act; visits to Environmenal Business Council, and MIT's Science, Engineering and Technology Congressional Visits Day; meeting with diplomats about Sudan
04/26/2012 – RECENT VOTES: INTERNET PRIVACY
H.R. 3523: Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act
This legislation would require that procedures be developed to facilitate the sharing of information regarding cyber threats between private entities and the government. I could not support this bill because of my concerns over personal privacy.
04/19/2012 – RECENT VOTES: TAX POLICY
H.R. 9: All Business Tax Act
This bill would give a 20% tax cut to any business with less than 500 employees, including self-incorporated individuals like Hollywood movie stars and professional athletes. It would also increase the national deficit by $46 billion and have no positive effect on the economy whatsoever.
04/17/2012 – RECENT VOTES: FEDERAL LAND MANAGEMENT
H.R. 4089: the Sportsmen's Heritage Act
This bill threatens public safety on federal lands by creating needless bureaucracy. By including provisions that make it a surrogate vote on the Ryan Budget, the bill also makes a mockery of the legislative process established in the U.S. Constitution.
04/13/2012 – E-UPDATE
District work week visits to Suffolk University, Emerson College, East Boston YMCA, and the groundbreaking ceremony at Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research
03/30/2012 – E-UPDATE
Five budget proposals for FY 2013; Three-month extension of transportation reauthorization bill; Amended version of the so-called "Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act"
Another extension has become necessary because the Republican leadership of the House has yet to bring a passable bill to a vote. I voted NO on this extension because we can't keep delaying action on transportation while jobs and public safety are at stake.
03/23/2012 – E-UPDATE
Health care and medical malpractice legislation; The House Republicans' budget resolution; Swapping national parks for office parks
03/23/2012 – RECENT VOTES: HEALTH CARE
H.R. 5: Protecting Access to Health Care Act
This legislation repeals the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) and places arbitrary caps on medical malpractice claims. While I support the repeal of IPAB, the medical malpractice provisions are unacceptable. I voted NO.
03/16/2012 – E-UPDATE
Meeting Superintendent of Chelsea Schools; Talking business with entrepreneurs at Cambridge Innovation Center's Venture Cafe; Discussing legislation with grad students at MIT Center of Transportation and Logistics; Recent vote on business legislation
03/08/2012 – RECENT VOTES: DEREGULATION
H.R. 3606: the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act
This legislation would allow companies with up to $1 BILLION in annual revenues to be temporarily exempt from mandatory shareholders' say-on-pay votes, independent auditing of their internal controls, and other Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations. I voted NO.
03/02/2012 – VIDEO: WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Rep. Capuano on the Importance of Water Infrastructure
Rep. Mike Capuano, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, during a February 28, 2012, hearing on "Innovative Financing Approaches for Community Water Infrastructure Projects."
This legislation extends the payroll tax cut currently in effect, forcing the government to take on more debt. This bill essentially undermines the future of the Social Security program, so I voted against it.
02/10/2012 – E-UPDATE
STOCK Act passes overwhelmingly; Line-Item Veto legislation; Budget and accounting transparency legislation; Mass. and other states granted waivers from No Child Left Behind
This legislation would grant the President line-item veto power on spending bills. I voted against it because in 1998 the Supreme Court ruled that line-item vetos were unconstitutional.
1/30/2012 – PRESS RELEASE: CAPUANO HONORED
Congressman Capuano Awarded Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
Rep. Capuano was honored by the Italian government and presented with the rank of Commendatore, the third highest title in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, in a ceremony at the residence of Giuseppe Pastorelli, Consul General of Italy in Boston.
01/20/2012 – E-UPDATE
Thanking you for constituent feedback; News on Citizens United decision; My position on SOPA; Recent vote on debt ceiling legislation
1/18/2012 – PRESS RELEASE: CITIZENS UNITED v. FEC
Capuano Urges SEC to Take Action Regarding Citizens United Decision
Rep. Mike Capuano has written to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) urging that the agency establish rules requiring a shareholder vote before corporate general treasury funds are used for political campaigns.
11/28/2011 – COMMUNITY MEETING IN HYDE PARK Monday November 28, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
On Monday November 28th, Congressman Mike Capuano will be at the Hyde Park Branch Library to talk with constituents about what is happening in Congress and here in our community. The Hyde Park Branch Library is located at 35 Harvard Avenue in Hyde Park. The meeting will take place at 6:30 PM in the Library’s Lecture Hall.
“I hope you can join me on the 28th to talk about the issues that most concern you. There are many challenges facing our country, from the economy and jobs to federal spending priorities. The deadline for the Super Committee to complete their work is fast approaching and Congress will likely spend much of December focused on the federal budget,” stated Congressman Capuano.
12/2/2011 – E-UPDATE
Upcoming telephone community meeting; House Republicans vote to use Presidential Election Campaign Fund to pay for a new layer of governmental bureaucracy
11/17/2011 – TELEPHONE COMMUNITY MEETINGS Monday November 17, 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Congressman Capuano will host a telephone community meeting on Monday November 17th. Anyone interested in participating may dial 1-877-229-8493 and use PIN 13034 at the scheduled time to join the call. If you’d like to ask me a question, just press *3 after joining the meeting.
11/10/2011 – E-UPDATE
Community meetings in November; Meetings with the Massachusetts Hospital Association, Cambridge Health Alliance, the Chinatown Coalition and the Somerville Chamber of Commerce
10/28/2011 – E-UPDATE
Telephone community meetings in November; Recent votes; Mass. delegation request to expedite the processing of approved Haitian immigration petitions; East Boston bypass road ground breaking
10/26/2011 – PRESS RELEASE: HAITI
Members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation Urge Expedited Processing of Already Approved Haitian Immigration Petitions
Representative Mike Capuano, along with Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, as well as Representatives Edward Markey, Barney Frank, John Olver, Jim McGovern and Stephen Lynch asked that the Department of Homeland Security expedite the processing of approved Haitian immigration petitions.
10/21/2011 – E-UPDATE
Libya after Gadhafi; Telephone community meeting on Nov. 2; Super Committee deadline approaching; New search and rescue system for Coast Guard
10/20/2011 – STATEMENT: GADHAFI
Rep. Capuano's Statement Regarding the Death of Former Libyan Leader Moammar Gadhafi
"The death of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is an important milestone in the lives of the Libyan people...I hope that [they] will quickly find their way toward a more effective, inclusive government."
10/04/2011 – RECENT VOTES: PROGRAM FUNDING
H.R. 2608: the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2012
I voted against this Continuing Resolution (CR) because I see it as another step on the road to chipping away at the society America has built over the last 75 years, since the New Deal — a basic commitment to a safety net for the most vulnerable and opportunity for all.
9/16/2011 – THE SUPER COMMITTEE
Deficit Reduction Options
As the Super Committee begins its difficult task of identifying ways to lower the deficit, various entities have proposed a wide range of options to get to $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction. We have combined 200 of those options in a table that you can view here.
9/1/2011 – E-UPDATE
Funding for Boston housing; Green Line extension delay; Meeting with TechNet; Visit to MIT Media Labs; RoxVote Coalition; Reach Out and Read program
8/12/2011 – E-UPDATE
District work period; Lance Corporal Alexander Scott Arredondo Post Office; ACLU; Green Line Extension; Association of Nutrition Service Agencies; Massachusetts Service Alliance; Thermo Fisher; Levant Power
8/02/2011 – RECENT VOTES: DEBT CEILING
S. 627: The Budget Control Act of 2011
As you are probably aware, last night the House passed a deal to raise the national debt limit in time to avoid the possibility of default. The deal that was struck is not balanced and doesn't come close to a compromise.
Incredibly, the spending on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars is exempted from cuts. The same would go for any other similar spending if we were to go into Libya or any other country.
This proposal will not create a single job. In fact, there is no way to achieve the level of cuts required without cutting jobs. And that doesn't just mean government jobs. Private sector jobs supported with federal funds will also be impacted, such as contractors who build our roads and fix our bridges and researchers studying diseases.
For those reasons, I simply could not support the agreement. I thought long and hard about my vote, but in the final analysis it came down to standing up for the role I believe government can and should play in our lives.
Debate over raising the debt ceiling continues and August 2nd, the day the US will reach its credit limit, is days away. If we don’t take action, the federal government simply won’t have enough money to meet all of its obligations. I have included a list of our obligations just for the month of August at the end of this correspondence.
It is important to keep in mind that the US had a balanced budget from 1998 to 2001. Those were the first balanced budgets in a generation. We accomplished it through a combination of thoughtful taxation and spending policies.
The first steps on the path toward the deficit were taken when the Bush tax cuts passed in May of 2001. Those tax cuts were implemented without any corresponding spending cuts. I voted no.
After the 9/11 attack, Congress voted to authorize war against those responsible. It had become clear that the terrorists were in Afghanistan, that its Taliban government would continue to protect them, and military force was necessary. We took more steps on the deficit path by financing the war with a credit card, the first time in history that the US went to war without a tax increase to support the enormous cost.
I voted to send our military into Afghanistan in 2001 and thought it was an effort worthy of our tax dollars. However, since 2009 I have been calling for withdrawal because our goals in Afghanistan have been accomplished. Read more
7/13/2011 – PRESS RELEASE: SHAREHOLDER PROTECTION
Rep. Capuano and Sen. Menendez Announce Filing of Shareholder Protection Act
"Shareholders deserve to have a say in how general treasury funds are used in political elections. It is their money after all, and their free speech rights should also be taken into consideration," said Rep. Capuano.
7/8/2011 – STATEMENT: SOUTH SUDAN
Congressman Capuano's Statement on South Sudan Independence
"Tomorrow, July 9th, South Sudan will officially declare and celebrate its independence from Sudan...The people of South Sudan have long struggled and fought for this new freedom, and I will do all I can to help them succeed in their democratic endeavor," said Rep. Capuano.
6/21/2011 – PRESS RELEASE: TUNNEL SAFETY
Capuano Introduces Legislation to Create a Nationwide Highway Tunnel Inspection Program
"There is no question that national standards should exist for the inspection of all highway tunnels. Our nation's bridges are subject to all of these requirements, and our highway tunnels should receive the same careful scrutiny," said Rep. Capuano.
6/16/2011 – RECENT VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS
H.R. 2112: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations
This bill proposes to make deep cuts to funding for nutritional programs and food security initiatives. It also makes regulation of trading commodities futures more difficult. I voted no because it is not a good idea to expose our nation's food supply to risk.
6/3/2011 – RECENT VOTE: LIBYA
H. Con. Res. 51 directing the President to remove the United States Armed Forces from Libya
H. Con. Res. 51 simply directs the President, pursuant to the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Libya within 15 days. I am a co-sponsor of this resolution.
6/3/2011 – PRESS RELEASE
Capuano Supports Obama Administration Efforts to Increase Disclosure of Political Contributions by Government Contractors
"Federal contractors compete for contracts funded by taxpayer dollars. It's simply a matter of basic transparency to require the disclosure of any political contributions made and I applaud President Obama for taking steps to make that basic information available," said Rep. Capuano.
5/4/2011 – RECENT VOTE: WOMEN'S ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
H.R. 3: No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act
What this bill does is place restrictions on women who are using private dollars to purchase private insurance. They would lose the comprehensive health coverage they currently have and the coverage they are left with might cost them even more than they are currently paying. I voted against the bill.
5/3/2011 – MIKE ON THE ISSUES
Mike on Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan
May 1, 2011 marked a significant victory in the war on terror; US Navy Seals found and killed 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden. It was an emotional day for our nation, and especially for the families of those lost to the terrorist attacks almost a decade ago.
4/20/2011 – PRESS RELEASE: TRANSPORTATION
Rep. Capuano Lauds FAA Final Rule on Passenger Protections as Positive First Step
The ruling requires airlines refund baggage fees in the event a passenger's baggage is lost. It also requires air carriers and ticket agents to disclose baggage fees during the ticketing process.
4/15/2011 – RECENT VOTE: 2012 BUDGET
H.Con.Res. 34: Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2012
This resolution makes permanent the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, reduces the tax rate for the wealthy even further – by nearly a third, and repeals Medicare. I voted no because it deepens the federal deficit, and I don't agree millionaires and billionaires need financial assistance from the poor and the elderly.
3/29/2011 – VIDEO: HOUSING
Rep. Capuano speaking on Republican Efforts to End Home Mortgage Assistance Programs for Taxpayers
Rep. Capuano speaks in defense of the Home Affordable Modification Program (which has saved more than 500,000 homes from foreclosure) prior to a House vote on Republican-sponsored legislation calling for its termination.
3/17/2011 – RECENT VOTE: AFGHANISTAN
H. Con. Res. 28: Directing the President, pursuant to the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan
This resolution called on the President to bring our men and women in uniform home from Afghanistan. I was a cosponsor of this resolution and voted YES because I strongly believe that it is long past time to end this war.
3/16/2011 – VIDEO: HOUSING
Rep. Capuano Speaking on Republican Efforts to End the Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Rep. Capuano speaks in defense of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program prior to a House vote on Republican-sponsored legislation calling for its termination.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has designated the Northeast Corridor as a High-Speed Rail Corridor, making Massachusetts eligible for federal high speed and intercity passenger rail programs. Congressman Capuano requested this designation in July of 2009.
3/04/2011 – E-UPDATE
Continuing resolution to fund the government; Hearings with Fed Chairman Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Geithner; Recent votes; My Facebook page
3/3/2011 – RECENT VOTE: SMALL BUSINESS
H.R. 4: Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act
In July 2010 the House also considered a similar, fully funded proposal which I supported, but it failed to pass because almost no Republicans supported it. This new version is instead funded by taking away health care tax credits from the poorest families in America. Interestingly, this version of the bill is widely supported by House Republicans. I voted NO, because the poorest of the poor shouldn't be made to pay for it.
3/2/2011 – VIDEO: ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Rep. Capuano questioning Ben Bernanke on Steps Taken for Economic Recovery
Rep. Mike Capuano, a member of the House Committee on Financial Services, during a March 2, 2011, hearing, "Monetary Policy and the State of the Economy".
3/1/2011 – VIDEO: HOME OWNERSHIP
Rep. Capuano questioning Treasury Secretary Geithner about Home Ownership for Working Americans
Rep. Mike Capuano, a member of the House Committee on Financial Services, questions Sec. Geithner during a March 1, 2011, hearing, "Mortgage Finance Reform: An Examination of the Obama Administration's Report to Congress".
The Baggage Fee Fairness Act, if made into law, would require airlines to refund baggage fees if the luggage is lost, damaged or delayed in reaching its destination and require a more prominent disclosure of baggage fees when consumers are obtaining ticket pricing information
2/8/2011 – RECENT VOTE: PATRIOT ACT PROVISIONS
H.R. 514: To extend expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004
In 2001, I voted against the Patriot Act because I believed very strongly that it failed to protect our cherished civil liberties. I am still concerned about this and opposed the extension.
1/28/2011 – E-UPDATE
Subcommittee assignments; Republican budget resolution; State of the Union Address; Democratic Caucus' Committee on Organization, Study, and Review
1/25/2011 – RECENT VOTE: FEDERAL BUDGET
H.Res. 38: Resolution to reduce FY2011 non-security spending to FY2008 levels
I strongly support taking real action to reduce our deficit. But we have to be honest about how we address that deficit. This Republican resolution is completely lacking in substance. It doesn't contain any numbers and has no specific information. It is symbolism and nothing more. I voted NO.
1/21/2011 – STATEMENT: SUDAN'S REFERENDUM
Statement on Southern Sudan's referendum to create a separate nation
"I join with members of the international community in congratulating Sudan on its recent historic referendum vote. The months ahead will undoubtedly prove challenging as the boundaries, resources, and governance of a new nation are established. I stand ready to ensure that the United States upholds its responsibility to the people of Sudan and assists where possible as the people of Southern Sudan chart their new course."
12/22/2010 – E-UPDATE
Census impact on Massachusetts districts; Continuing resolution to fund the federal government; Food safety; America COMPETES Act; 9/11 health care bill
12/16/2010 – RECENT VOTE AND HOUSE FLOOR STATEMENT: TAX CUTS
H.R. 4853: Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
The House voted on the tax cut compromise negotiated by the President and Republican leadership. I voted NO. This bill provides too many unnecessary giveaways to the wealthy while failing to acknowledge the reality of our staggering federal deficit and I just could not support it.
12/09/2010 – TAX PROPOSAL UPDATE
Special e-Update on the Tax Proposal
This morning the House Democratic Caucus voted unanimously to not bring the tax cut proposal negotiated by President Obama and Republican leadership to the floor for a vote unless changes are made. I am very proud that my Caucus is standing up to at least try and get a better deal for the American people. I don't know where we will end up but I can tell you that the disappointment and frustration over the negotiated deal is wide and it is deep.
11/30/2010 – PRESS RELEASE AND HOUSE FLOOR STATEMENT
U.S. House of Representatives Names Jamaica Plain Post Office after Lcpl. Arredondo
Rep. Mike Capuano's legislation naming the United States Post Office at 655 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain after fallen Massachusetts hero Lance Corporal Alexander Scott Arredondo, USMC, passed last night in the House of Representatives.
12/01/2010 – PRESS RELEASE: SUDAN
House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Sudan Divestment
This week the House Financial Services Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy held a hearing to review a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report requested by Congressman Mike Capuano.
09/29/2010 – PRESS RELEASE: SUDAN
Capuano’s Resolution on the Importance of Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement Passes in the House
Congressman Mike Capuano's bipartisan resolution (H.Res. 1588) seeking full implementation of Sudan's Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and calling attention to the importance of the upcoming referenda has passed by voice vote in the House this week. "Now is the time to refocus attention on Sudan", stated Congressman Capuano.
09/23/2010 – RECENT VOTE: SMALL BUSINESS
H.R. 5297: Small Business Lending Fund Act
This week the House voted on Senate amendments to H.R. 5297: Small Business Lending Fund Act. This legislation includes $12 billion in small business tax cuts, expands access to financing, and provides funding to states for small business lending programs. I voted to support small businesses because I recognize their vital importance to creating jobs.
09/22/2010 – PRESS RELEASE: SUDAN
Government Accountability Office (GAO) Releases Report on Sudan Divestment
"The Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act represented a major milestone for those who want to ensure their investments do not fund genocide or mass atrocities," said Sudan Caucus Co-chair Mike Capuano. "We say 'never again' but we must take the necessary actions to ensure that our investments aren't inadvertently financing criminal behavior."
09/20/2010 – E-UPDATE
A note from Mike about the debate over extending the Bush tax cuts that are due to expire
Dear friends:
The House last week returned from a District Work period. I spent the past month meeting with constituents and participating in events such as the Whittier Street Health Center's recent groundbreaking. I've had a chance to talk with many 8th District residents, and I know many of you are concerned about the economy, job creation and our deficit. In the weeks ahead we will continue working to address all of these very important issues.
A big question facing Congress is what to do about the Bush tax cuts, which expire at the end of this year. While most Members believe that tax cuts for families making below $250,000 a year should be extended, agreement breaks down over what to do about everyone else.
Many Americans are still struggling to make ends meet and are concerned about their jobs. While I do believe that the economy is improving, there is still progress to be made. In this environment Congress should extend the middle class tax cuts. 97% of Americans will be impacted if these cuts are allowed to expire. I do not support extending tax cuts beyond the $250,000 threshold. Just 3% of incomes fall under this category yet the cost of extending them is a staggering $700 billion over ten years. We simply cannot afford tax cuts for the wealthiest 3% of Americans.
Some Members are demanding an all or nothing approach, declaring that they won't support anything less than extending tax cuts for everyone. I simply cannot believe that anyone would stand in the way of tax cuts for middle and lower income Americans over tax cuts for the top 3%, but the debate over this issue is sure to be contentious.
I hope that Congress can resolve this matter well before the tax cuts expire at the end of the year. As always, I will keep you posted. Up next, the House is expected to consider the Small Business Lending Act. I will report later this week on that vote.
07/30/2010 – PRESS RELEASE: TEEN DRIVER SAFETY
Capuano Introduces Legislation Establishing a Grant Program on Teen Driver Safety
"This bill is a giant step forward in promoting safe teen driving and avoiding preventable tragedies that affect too many teens and their families, as well as all of us who share the roads with them," remarked Penny Wells, Executive Director of SADD.
This week the House again considered a supplemental appropriations bill to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I did not support this measure because as I have repeatedly said for many months now, it is time to end the wars and start bringing our troops home.
07/29/2010 – STATEMENT: SHAREHOLDER PROTECTION
Statement on Committee Passage of H.R. 4790: the Shareholder Protection Act
"The Shareholder Protection Act requires a shareholder vote on a corporation's proposed political budget, giving shareholders the opportunity to weigh in on the use of these funds. My legislation is a simple and direct way to ensure that corporate political expenditures reflect the will of the shareholders."
06/30/2010 – STATEMENT: WALL STREET REFORM
On the passage of the Conference Report on the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
"With passage of the Conference Report on the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the House took a significant step forward in reining in Wall Street and protecting consumers."
This legislation would require corporations, labor unions and other organizations to report political expeditures. It also requires the highest-ranking official of such an organization to appear in the political ads it sponsors. I voted in favor of providing voters with this information so that they may make informed decisions.
06/10/2010 – RECENT VOTE: SMALL BUSINESS LENDING
H.R. 5297: the Small Business Lending Fund Act
This legislation makes funding available to small businesses through community banks. Because the funds are provided in the form of loans, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that this program will save taxpayers approximately $1 billion over ten years. I voted in favor of job growth and economic stability through small business development.
06/10/2010 – RECENT VOTE: OIL SPILL
S. 3473: to amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to authorize advances from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund
All of the resources in this trust fund come from oil companies, and this measure gives the U.S. Coast Guard the ability to take advances from it as they work to contain damages from the massive oil spill.
"It is a simple matter of fairness to refund [baggage fees] to consumers if the airline has not fulfilled its commitment to transport the luggage to its intended destination in a timely fashion and without damage."
05/17/2010 – OP-ED IN BOSTON HERALD
Elections not for sale: High court decision must be mitigated
In January the Supreme Court vastly altered the electoral landscape of 2010 with its 5-4 decision in Citizens United vs. FEC. The ruling eviscerated some important and long-standing campaign finance laws.
05/06/2010 – RECENT VOTE: ENERGY
H.R. 5019: the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act
This bill provides incentives to home owners to renovate their homes to be more energy efficient. I voted in to support home owners and responsible energy consumption.
This bill provides for performance management of the defense acquisition system (DAS), and requires agencies to regularly perform and report about recovery audits.
This bill authorizes and funds our nation's estuary program. These bodies of water support a wide range of plants, fish and wildlife, and 70% of our commercial fish catch comes from estuaries. I voted in favor of protecting our environment and strengthening one of our nation's vital economic resources.
04/05/2010 – E-UPDATE: HEALTH CARE BILL
Followup on Mike's Vote on the Health Care Bill
Since the passing of the historic health care bill, I have continued to receive feedback from constituents while I have been home for a district work period. Some people have wondered why I seemed reluctant to embrace whatever proposal the Administration put forth. I would like to offer regular readers of our e-update additional insight into my thinking leading up to the health care vote...
03/25/2010 – RECENT VOTE: FAA MODERNIZATION
H.R. 1586: FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act
This bill would modernize the national Air Traffic Control system, improve the practices of the air travel industry to increase efficiency and safety, and direct the FAA to address issues of delays and overbooking with air transportation companies. I voted in favor of safer and more efficient air travel.
03/24/2010 – RECENT VOTE: SMALL BUSINESS
H.R. 4849: Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act
This bill would cut capital gains tax on small business investments and help communities finance infrastructure and construction projects. I voted in favor of supporting small business and community development.
Congressman Capuano's office will be open during business hours on Saturday and Sunday, March 20-21 to respond to inquiries regarding the health care bill.
03/16/2010 – E-UPDATE
A Letter from Mike About Health Care
Health Care reform is as important an issue as I have dealt with in my life and it is of great interest to many people. I have received many calls, emails and letters. I value this input and I thank you. I am still weighing my vote...
As always, if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me. It is my honor to represent the people of Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Milton, Randolph, and Somerville.
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