| I’m happy to return to the Washington Hotline after the July 4th recess.
Most of us spent the holiday celebrating the country’s independence. Our
patriotism, devotion and hard work has made America the world’s most free
and flourishing nation; our perseverance in the face of challenge will
ensure that we remain prosperous. Back in Washington this week, we looked
at the President’s plan to make sure that corporations are responsible
to their shareholders and honest in their reporting. To discuss our district’s
veterans’ concerns, I met with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Secretary
Anthony Principi. The House of Representatives passed important legislation
allowing pilots to defend themselves and protect their passengers by allowing
them to carry guns in the cockpit. And, the House Ways and Means Committee
passed legislation altering the structure of the U.S. Customs Service to
better secure our borders.
Ensuring Corporate Responsibility
President Bush this week outlined a bold plan on corporate responsibility
to create a corporate fraud task force, increase jail time for lawbreakers,
increase SEC resources for greater enforcement, and provide investors better
advice and information. The House already passed bipartisan legislation
on corporate responsibility and has held more than twenty hearings this
Congress on corporate accountability. The House also passed bipartisan
legislation on accounting reform to help restore the public’s trust in
our free market and a pension security bill to ensure savings will be available
when they are needed. We look forward to Senate action so we can
send President Bush legislation he can sign.
In response to dwindling investor confidence and reeling markets after
a string of corporate scandals, President Bush’s remarks and commitment
to address the issue are a welcomed shot in the arm for further action.
VA Secretary Pledges Cooperation to Address 21st District Vets’ Concerns
This past Wednesday, I met with Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs Anthony
Principi to discuss the crisis in veterans’ health care access. In recent
years, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs has worked to expand the level
of health benefits available to our nation’s veterans. Unfortunately, thousands
of Butler area veterans are being forced to wait months just to see a primary
care physician. This is an unconscionable situation that our veterans
should not have to face.
I requested the meeting with Secretary Principi after hearing complaints
from our local veterans about difficulties with VA health care access and
large increases in the cost of participation in the veterans’ prescription
drug program. More and more veterans are enrolling in the VA health system,
and the Butler and Erie VAs have had difficulty serving them in a timely
manner. I was encouraged to hear that Mr. Principi intends to move
aggressively to address this situation. However, it is clear that
Mr. Principi is working with limited resources. It is therefore crucial
that the Administration and Congress work together to increase funding
for veterans’ health care.
Pennsylvania is home to more than 1 million veterans, but only a fraction
of these veterans are currently being served by the VA health system.
The Erie Veterans’ Medical Center is responsible for serving some 86,000
veterans -- 17,000 of which are enrolled in the VA health system. Of these
men and women, 3,000 are waiting for an initial examination, and others
continue to wait to see specialists for care. Rapidly rising health
care costs have forced an increasing number of these men and women to enroll
in a VA health system that has been unable to retain a full complement
of nurses and doctors.
The House of Representatives and the Senate have both passed a Supplemental
Appropriations bill that would provide $417 million in funding for veterans
health care. The bill remains under consideration by a conference
committee.
In addition to the long wait for access to the VA health system, area
veterans face an almost 250 percent increase in the co-payment for their
prescription drugs. The VA this year raised the standard co-payment for
veterans’ prescription drugs from $2 to $7. Many veterans living on fixed
incomes are dependent upon a variety of prescription medicines and can’t
afford such a dramatic rise in the price of each of their medicines. The
House and Senate conferees must act swiftly to approve the Supplemental
Appropriations so that the VA can address our veterans’ health care concerns.
Equipping Pilots to Defend the Cockpit
This week I voted in support of the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism
Act. H.R. 4635 authorizes a two-year test period when about 1,400
airline pilots would be armed with handguns in cockpits. The ongoing threat
of terrorism is real, with many terrorist cells teaching their followers
how to hijack and fly commercial airliners. This bill is a responsible
step to give pilots a fighting chance should terrorists try to duplicate
the acts of September 11.
The two-year trial period will begin when the first 250 pilots have
been deputized to carry guns in the cockpit. The number of deputized pilots
will be capped at two percent of their total workforce, or about 1,400
pilots. Preference will be given to pilots who have formerly served in
the military or law enforcement, but participation will be voluntary.
Pilots have voiced nearly unanimous support for using firearms to protect
their passengers, their planes and themselves. Re-enforced cockpit doors
won’t be completed until next year and air marshals will never ride on
a majority of flights. Before being deputized with firearms, pilots will
undergo Transportation Security Administration (TSA) training. The TSA
will be responsible for establishing protocols for carrying guns, including
where they will be stored and what type will be used. When the two-year
test period ends, Congress will consider whether to continue, expand or
terminate the program. Also included in the bill is a provision for flight
attendant self-defense training.
Securing America’s Borders
To ensure that America’s borders are secure, I voted to create the Department
of Homeland Security Customs Service as part of a broader bill to consolidate
U.S. homeland security policy. The House Ways and Means Committee voted
this week to send this legislation to the House.
The tragic events of September 11 awakened us to the urgent need of
securing our borders against hostile threats and persons. We acted now
to improve America’s security while preserving our vital interest in international
commerce.
The legislation (H. 5005) will move the Customs Service, currently administered
by the Treasury Department, under the authority of the proposed Homeland
Security Department. While the security of America’s borders would be overseen
by the Homeland Security Department, the Treasury Department would maintain
authority over revenue collection. This is among the first critical steps
to establishing the Administration’s proposed Department of Homeland Security.
We must act swiftly and responsibly to ensure that ALL Americans can enjoy
the freedom and security they deserve.
For more information on the Homeland Security Customs Service, go to:
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa03_english/HMScustomsmrkup.html |
