Menendez Message - Senator Robert Menendez's E-Newsletter
Welcome to the Menendez Message!
Volume 5, Issue 7 - August 28, 2009
Video introduction and update from Senator Menendez
In this issue:
* MAKING HEALTH CARE MORE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE
* AN EMINENTLY QUALIFIED SUPREME COURT NOMINEE; THE PROMISE OF AMERICA FULFILLED
* PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES FROM GUN VIOLENCE
* LEGISLATION TO BAN TEXTING WHILE DRIVING
* FULL SPEED AHEAD FOR THE MASS TRANSIT TUNNEL
* URGING BETTER IMPLEMENTATION OF HOME LOAN MODIFICATION PROGRAM
* PRESERVING OUR JERSEY SHORE
* MODERNIZING GREAT FALLS HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT
* FINANCIAL REGULATION NEEDED TO AVOID FUTURE ECONOMIC CRISES
* RELEASE OF NEW JERSEY NATIVE BEING HELD IN PAKISTAN
* HELPING ENSURE THAT U.S. MILITARY ASSISTANCE TO PAKISTAN IS USED TO FIGHT EXTREMISTS
* CONTINUING OUR FIGHT TO REUNITE SEAN GOLDMAN AND HIS FATHER
* PREVENTING A REPEAT OF THE GROUND ZERO PHOTO OP FIASCO
* STANDING UP AGAINST POWER LINES ON OUR PROPERTY
* ENDING SLOT AUCTIONS AT NEW JERSEY-NEW YORK AIRPORTS
* HONORING VIVIAN STRINGER FOR HALL OF FAME SELECTION
* HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY
* BOB'S BILLS
o PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN & TEENS ONLINE
o ENSURING HOUSING FOR THE LOW-INCOME DISABLED
o HELPING LAW ENFORCEMENT QUICKLY FIND MISSING PERSONS
o NEW LEGISLATION TO SPUR THE USE OF NATURAL GAS VEHICLES
o INCREASING ACCOUNTABILITY AT FINANCIAL REGULATORY AGENCIES
o STRATEGIC BOOST IN ASSISTANCE TO LATIN AMERICA
o ATTACKING DEADLY DRUG RESISTANT STAPH INFECTIONS
o PROVIDING WOMEN ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR THEIR UNIQUE NEEDS
o HOME VISITATION PROGRAMS TO HELP BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY
o NATIONAL EDUCATOR WORTHY WAGE DAY
Please note that you can also follow my work in Congress via YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. Click on the icons below to be directed to each of the sites.
MAKING HEALTH CARE MORE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE
In the greatest nation on earth, access to affordable health care too often just doesn't exist. This applies not only to the 47 million Americans who have no health insurance at all, but also to the millions of middle class families - working families - who do have health insurance but find that the care they need is either too expensive or is denied by their insurer.
Sadly, things are getting worse. As health insurance companies continue to report record profits, insurance premiums that families pay keep rising. Under the status quo, it is expected that within seven years, one out of every three dollars New Jersey families earn will be eaten up by the cost of their employer-sponsored health insurance.
It is also important to point out during this economic crisis that health care reform is actually reform for our nation's budget as well. Under the current system, not only do we all foot the bill for the emphasis on emergency care instead of preventative care, but there is plenty of misspent money, including $177 billion that subsidizes insurance companies.
The Senate Finance Committee is one of the committees in charge of health care insurance reform. As a member of that committee, I am working to help create a system that reduces costs and increases choice in health care.
It is important to remember the word “choice” – as in, if you like what you have, you can keep it without being forced into any other insurance plan. Another choice I support is a strong public option, which can provide real competition in the health insurance system to help drive down costs and keep insurers honest. This would be available under a newly formed health care “exchange” for those who don’t have employer-provided health insurance – it would be a marketplace that would allow families to choose their health insurance from a number of private insurers and a public plan option.
Reforming our health care system would be a generational achievement for two reasons - it has taken generations to get this close to serious reform, and it would put our families and our nation on sounder footing for generations to come.
» Click to submit your ideas regarding health care reform
AN EMINENTLY QUALIFIED SUPREME COURT JUSTICE; THE PROMISE OF AMERICA FULFILLED
I applaud President Obama for his brilliant and historic nomination of our newest Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, and I applaud my Senate colleagues who reviewed her tremendous record and voted to confirm her. I believe that Judge Sotomayor - one of the most experienced and proven nominees in our nation's history - is eminently qualified to successfully take on and perform her new role. Throughout her distinguished career, including appointments from both Republican and Democratic administrations, Judge Sotomayor has shown a vast knowledge of the law, displayed the proper temperament and gained a breadth of experience that makes her an ideal nominee. I was proud to vote in favor of her confirmation. Judge Sotomayor's confirmation is the promise of America fulfilled.
» Click here to read the press release
PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES FROM GUN VIOLENCE
I was proud to help lead efforts to defeat a Senate amendment that would have allowed other states' concealed weapons laws to trump New Jersey's stronger gun safety laws. In a country where the second leading cause of death for our youth is gun violence, this amendment would have been doubly dangerous. It would have benefitted criminals, not their victims, by making it easier for people hiding a gun to stroll into a school, a playground or a crowded stadium. And it would have trampled the rights of the people in our state to make our own safety laws, which are based on a different and unique experience from states in which gun laws are lax. For families who don't want to have to worry about who might be hiding a gun every time they take their kids to school, go to the supermarket or go to work, this was a big victory in the name of safety.
» Click here to read the press release
LEGISLATION TO BAN TEXTING WHILE DRIVING
Studies have shown over and over that texting while driving is incredibly dangerous --even more dangerous than drunk driving-- and it's time to take action to prevent the tragic accidents that result. I have joined with three colleagues to introduce legislation that would ban anyone from texting on a cell phone or other personal electronic device while operating a moving vehicle. This includes not only people driving cars on our roads but also people operating trains and buses for our mass transit systems. The Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Drivers Act ("ALERT Drivers" Act) would require states to bar the sending of text or email messages while operating a vehicle - or risk losing federal highway funds, similar to the federal ban on drunk driving.
» Click here to read the press release
FULL SPEED AHEAD FOR THE MASS TRANSIT TUNNEL
I was thrilled to help break ground on the new mass transit tunnel that will cross the Hudson River. This project - the largest mass transit project currently underway in the nation - will create jobs in these tough times and for years to come, help save time and money for commuters, and help clean the air we breathe. I am proud to have helped secure federal funding that has allowed this project to become a reality, I was pleased that President Obama's budget included $200 million and it was exciting to be with U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood as he announced the signing of the work agreement that commits the federal government to full support of this important project. As the chairman of the Banking Committee's Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Urban Development, I will continue to work vigorously with transportation officials to ensure that we have the investments necessary to get the tunnel completed.
» Click here to read the press release
URGING BETTER IMPLEMENTATION OF HOME LOAN MODIFICATION PROGRAM
Successfully implementing the administration's loan modification program should be at the top of our list of housing priorities. The foreclosure crisis has not only devastated millions of families, but it is the root of our global financial crisis that has eliminated millions of jobs and forced many more families to struggle. If we can help keep responsible families in their homes, we can help solidify our economy and protect their neighbors' investments, as well. The low rate of participation in and lender cooperation with loan modification programs meant to help struggling homeowners modify the terms of their mortgages is particularly concerning. To address this issue, I urged both Secretary Geithner and the» CEO's of 20 major mortgage companies to review and revise their loan modification efforts to achieve the program's goal: To help American families and reduce the number of foreclosures.
» Click here to read the press release
PRESERVING OUR JERSEY SHORE
Maintaining and replenishing the Jersey Shore is an issue of economic security for our state and for families in our coastal communities, not to mention an issue of preserving our national treasures. When the administration released its federal budget proposal earlier this year, I was pleased to see a policy change to allow beach replenishment projects to compete for funding. It was disappointing, however, that the guidelines imposed by the Office of Management and Budget for these projects have allowed crucial shore protection projects to go unfunded. Only $52 million were allocated for beach replenishment projects nationwide, an amount the Army Corps of Engineers needs for beach projects here in New Jersey alone. In addition, only one beach replenishment project in New Jersey received funds through the budget. Together with other New Jersey lawmakers, I am working hard to make sure the policies preventing projects from receiving funding are adjusted. To that end, we secured approximately $26 million for New Jersey beach replenishment projects in the Senate and will continue to fight to ensure that this vital funding stays in the final bill that becomes law. It is imperative in these difficult economic times to ensure that our local economy and natural treasures are protected.
» Click here to read the press release
MODERNIZING GREAT FALLS HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT
I am proud to have created the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants program in Congress in 2007, and to have helped secure $73 million for New Jersey cities, towns and counties in the recovery package. As part of that funding, I helped announce that Paterson will modernize the Great Falls hydroelectric plant. These upgrades would include planning for increased electricity generation and making the facilities more energy efficient with solar panels and other improvements. The more we can harness the power of water, wind and the sun for our energy needs, the better we can lay the foundation for economic security in the 21st Century. We need to continue to aggressively look into the job creation, energy cost savings and environmental benefits of clean energy projects, like the planned modernization of the hydroelectric plant at Great Falls.
» Click here to read the press release
FINANCIAL REGULATION NEEDED TO AVOID FUTURE ECONOMIC CRISES
Millions of families are facing the toughest times they've ever experienced - that is in large part a direct result of banks being allowed to conduct risky transactions with little or no concern for the potentially devastating consequences. We have to make sure real accountability is in place for Wall Street so that families don't again end up paying the price for risky financial schemes. The White House's recently announced proposal to address this issue is certainly a good start. However, I think we can provide even more accountability and protections in areas like systemic risk, so that we can head off major threats to our economy before they are realized. As a member of the Senate's Banking Committee, I look forward to working with chairman Dodd to produce strong financial accountability in any legislation that moves forward in Congress.
» Click here to read the press release
RELEASE OF NEW JERSEY NATIVE BEING HELD IN PAKISTAN
Many New Jerseyans were filled with concern during the ordeal of John Solecki -- the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and native of Demarest, who was held captive by an extremist group in Pakistan. It was a huge relief for many in our state when we finally got word of his release. Having worked with his family through my capacity on the Foreign Relations Committee to push for his freedom, I know how much they love John and how sweet their reunion must have been. When he was finally freed, it was a beautiful day for John and his family.
» Click here to read the press release
HELPING ENSURE THAT U.S. MILITARY ASSISTANCE TO PAKISTAN IS USED TO FIGHT EXTREMISTS
Almost eight years of support and more than seven billion in American taxpayer dollars for Pakistan's military have not prevented the Taliban and al Qaeda from regrouping along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The fight against these extremists is crucial for our national security, which is why we have to certify that our support is in fact doing what we intend it to do and is not being used for other purposes. Beyond the national security implications, this is also a matter of responsibility with taxpayer dollars. I was proud to help successfully attach an amendment to the Department of Defense authorization bill that passed the Senate last month to help ensure that military assistance for Pakistan is actually being used for its intended purpose: To fight the Taliban and al Qaeda.
» Click here to read the press release
CONTINUING OUR FIGHT TO REUNITE SEAN GOLDMAN AND HIS FATHER
A Brazilian Supreme Court judge's decision surprisingly suspended a lower court order that would have reunited 9-year-old Sean Goldman with his father, David Goldman, of Tinton Falls. Just when it appeared that the agonizing wait would finally be over and this case would reach a happy conclusion, yet another hurdle was put in the way. David should know that those of us who have taken action to help his cause will not cease our advocacy - we are continuing to express to the Brazilian authorities the importance of adhering to the Hague Conventions and allowing David to regain his rightful custody of Sean. At the heart of this case is family, and this New Jersey family deserves to be reunited.
» Click here to read the press release
PREVENTING A REPEAT OF THE GROUND ZERO PHOTO OP FIASCO
In response to the mishandled photo opportunity involving Air Force One flying near Newark, Jersey City, the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan, I called on the relevant federal agencies to improve their system of notification to local law enforcement, governors and congressional delegations. The exercise, which caused unnecessary alarm and anxiety, was not only reckless and insensitive to those of us who live in this area, it also revealed a serious lack of national security protocols required to respond to a real attack or natural disaster. On behalf of all workers and residents in Lower Manhattan and here in New Jersey, I insisted on answers about the notifications given to local officials in a letter to Defense Secretary Gates, then White House Military Office Director Louis Caldera, Acting Federal Aviation Administration chief Lynne Osmus and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.
» Click here to read the press release
STANDING UP AGAINST POWER LINES ON OUR PROPERTY
New Jersey has been eyed as prime territory for new transmission lines coming from coal country to New York City, the Northeast and the Mid Atlantic regions. Under this legislation, a New Jersey family could be helpless to fight new high-powered transmission lines that are proposed for placement in their backyard or other protected areas. Furthermore, transmission lines would be used to transmit electricity generated from dirty fossil fuel sources instead of being used expressly for electricity from clean renewable energy sources. As a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I have been a strong opponent of electricity transmission policy that would deny local residents and property owners a say in the process, and I will continue to fight it.
» Click here to read the press release
ENDING SLOT AUCTIONS AT NEW JERSEY-NEW YORK AIRPORTS
Recently, the Obama Administration decided to end the plan to auction slots for the prime flight departure times at airports in the New Jersey-New York area. I had fought against these auctions, and this was welcome news for our state and our region. I commend Secretary LaHood and President Obama for their work to end this misguided experiment.
From the time President Bush announced his plan to withdraw flight slots from airlines flying in the region and auction them to the highest bidder, I denounced the plan as counterproductive and potentially very expensive for families in our region. The FAA should instead modernize its equipment, adequately staff its control towers, and expedite new technology to increase airport capacity. I look forward to working with President Obama and Secretary LaHood on what will hopefully be more sensible air travel policy that will make air travelers a priority.
» Click here to read the press release
HONORING VIVIAN STRINGER FOR HALL OF FAME SELECTION
I was thrilled to learn of the selection of Rutger's women's basketball coach, Vivian Stringer, for induction into the basketball hall of fame and pleased to place an official statement in the Congressional Record honoring her. During her 38-year coaching career (14 at Rutgers), Stringer has amassed 825 victories, 30 seasons with 20 or more wins, 22 NCAA tournament appearances, four Final Fours, and an Olympic gold medal as an assistant coach. But Vivian Stringer has served, above all else, as a teacher to each of her players and role model for young women. Her life and legacy is a source of pride and inspiration for all New Jerseyans.
» Click here to read the press release
HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY
As we work toward stabilizing our economy and cleaning the air we breathe, increasing energy efficiency can play an important role. Together with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Charles Schumer (D-NY), I was proud to help announce the introduction of new legislation encouraging families and property owners to improve their homes' energy efficiency. The Energy Efficiency in Housing Act would help consumers save money on home energy costs, create jobs for local contractors, and limit pollution that contributes to global warming.
» Click here to read the press release
BOB'S BILLS:
PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN & TEENS ONLINE
As the Internet and wireless devices play increasingly important roles in the lives of everyone, including children and teens, dangers such as "sexting" and "cyberbullying" become increasingly prevalent. Together with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), I introduced legislation that would support and develop programs nationwide to educate schoolchildren, teachers and parents about keeping the Internet safe for children and teens. The School and Family Education about the Internet (SAFE Internet) Act will create a grant program to support existing and new Internet safety education programs that meet guidelines based on the cybersafety strategies found to be most effective.
» Click here to read the press release
ENSURING HOUSING FOR THE LOW-INCOME DISABLED
I introduced legislation with Senator Mike Johanns (R-IN) aimed at ensuring that low-income disabled Americans have access to affordable housing options. The Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act would bolster the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's program that increases the availability of affordable housing for persons with disabilities and helps provide them with rental assistance. It is often hard for those who are disabled to find affordable housing that allows them to live independently, and that is particularly true during these tough times. We are working to help ensure that disabled members of our communities can keep a roof over their heads and can get some relief for their personal finances. We can do this by helping to increase the availability and reduce the cost of their housing.
» Click here to read the press release
HELPING LAW ENFORCEMENT QUICKLY FIND MISSING PERSONS
All parents know that being unable to find your child for even a few seconds is terrifying, and we can only imagine the dread that accompanies having to report a missing person. We need to give parents and law enforcement every tool available to locate and safely recover missing persons as quickly as possible. Along with Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Mel Martinez (R-FL), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and 10 other colleagues, I introduced legislation (S. 1301) that would make a federal investment in the A Child is Missing program, which assists law enforcement efforts with locating missing persons quickly by generating 1,000 calls every 60 seconds to phone numbers in the immediate area. With this legislation, we can help ensure more missing person cases ultimately have happy endings.
» Click here to read the press release
NEW LEGISLATION TO SPUR THE USE OF NATURAL GAS VEHICLES
We saw last summer how the wild fluctuations in oil prices helped to wreck our economy, and we've seen how pollutants from dirty fuels are wrecking our planet. Our economic crisis has shined a spotlight on the urgent need for alternative, cleaner and cheaper sources of energy that we don't have to import. By making it easier and less expensive to own a vehicle that runs on natural gas, we can help families save money on energy, create new manufacturing jobs and clean our air. To help reach this goal, I was joined by energy-independence advocate T. Boone Pickens to introduce new legislation that would boost the use of vehicles running on natural gas by extending and increasing tax credits for natural gas vehicles and refueling stations. The bill is co-sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT).
» Click here to read the press release
INCREASING ACCOUNTABILITY AT FINANCIAL REGULATORY AGENCIES
With legislation to implement stronger financial regulations on the horizon in Congress, I introduced a bill that would increase accountability at the financial regulatory bodies through stronger inspector generals. We not only need to make sure that we have stronger financial regulatory agencies to act as cops on the beat for consumers, we also have to make sure that those cops on the beat are doing their job.
» Click here to read the press release
STRATEGIC BOOST IN ASSISTANCE TO LATIN AMERICA
I was proud to introduce legislation that will provide $2 billion in assistance over a five-year period to the countries of Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. This funding, which is in addition to current U.S. assistance programs in the region, will be specifically directed toward building the institutions of governance to improve economic conditions, reduce poverty, and develop renewable sources of energy to strengthen the social and economic infrastructure of countries in the region.
» Click here to read the press release
ATTACKING DEADLY DRUG RESISTANT STAPH INFECTIONS
The devastating drug-resistant staph infection known as MRSA has affected hospital patients, first responders, schoolchildren and other individuals in public places across the country. In response, I have updated and reintroduced legislation to combat the spread of the infection. The Worker Infection Protection Act would create a new Occupational, Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard to protect employees who are exposed to drug resistant infections, such as MRSA.
» Click here to read the press release
PROVIDING WOMEN ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR THEIR UNIQUE NEEDS
With health care reform taking center stage in Congress, I introduced legislation intended to ensure that women have access to health care providers who understand and are focused on health issues unique to women. The Women's Medical Home Demonstration Act would establish an unprecedented program that gives women access to a "medical home" - for instance a physician or federally-qualified health center - that can manage their total health care and focus on their unique health care needs.
» Click here to read the press release
HOME VISITATION PROGRAMS TO HELP BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY
Home visitation programs provide care and information to families, help break the cycle of poverty and improve the health and well-being of low income children and families. Together with Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA), I introduced legislation to expand proven home visitation programs. The Evidence-Based Home Visitation Act would provide states and public and private entities with funding to establish or expand home visitation programs proven effective through rigorous testing.
» Click here to read the press release
NATIONAL EDUCATOR WORTHY WAGE DAY
Sixty percent of children under the age of six spend at least part of the day in non-parental care, but early educators earn an average annual salary of less than $19,000, and only one-third have health insurance. On behalf of these important individuals who help in our children's development, I authored a resolution that would acknowledge the tough compensation situation they face and would put the US Senate on record in support of the goals and ideals of National Early Educator Worthy Wage Day. If we can improve early educators' pay, it helps the development of our children and helps lay the foundation for long-lasting economic security in the 21st Century.
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