Green Job Training Coming to L.A.
Posted by: Rep. Xavier Becerra (11-18-2009, 05:03 PM)

Green energy and constructions jobs are exactly what we need in Los Angeles and around the country to get folks back to work and grow this emerging sector of our economy. These are good jobs, sustainable jobs that will supply promising careers to those who are ready. But we must provide training opportunities to equip those who are looking for work for these jobs of the future. I’m pleased to see these opportunities coming to some of the most hard-hit parts of my district.

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A New Page in American History
Posted by: Rep. Xavier Becerra (11-08-2009, 01:18 AM)

Today we took a historic vote in the House of Representatives and passed meaningful health insurance reform for almost every American.  This legislation will mean affordability for the middle-class and security for our seniors. It honors our responsibility to our children, by not adding one single dime to the deficit. Health care reform is critical to securing the economic future of our nation and bringing peace of mind to families like the ones in my district, which has the second highest rate of uninsured residents in the country. Our bill accomplishes this by reducing costs, improving coverage and preserving our choices of doctors, hospitals and health plans. Earlier today the president urged us to be on the right side of history. It is a glorious night to write a page of American history and that’s what we did.

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Momentum is Building for Health Insurance Reform
Posted by: Rep. Xavier Becerra (10-29-2009, 05:15 PM)

Friends—Momentum is building, the finish line is in sight, and we have never been closer to securing affordable health coverage for all Americans. Today Speaker Pelosi and my fellow Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives introduced a unified bill to reform our nation’s health insurance system. This bill, which takes into account the diverse needs and concerns of communities throughout the country, delivers affordable health insurance options for working and middle class Americans. It will reduce the deficit while ensuring that every American can buy and keep their coverage regardless of age or preexisting conditions.

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Japanese Latin American commission bill clears Judiciary Committee
Posted by: Rep. Xavier Becerra (10-21-2009, 01:50 PM)

Today H.R. 42, a bill I authored to investigate the U.S. government’s involvement in the abduction, internment, and deportation of Japanese Latin Americans during World War II was reported favorably out of the Judiciary Committee and is now en route to the House Floor. I salute Chairman Conyers and the members of the Judiciary Committee for giving this important issue the serious consideration it deserves. Today’s action is welcome news for all Americans who seek to understand our country’s past mistakes, and puts us on a path to provide justice to the Japanese Latin Americans who were forcibly relocated, deported and interned by the United States during World War II. As the survivors and witnesses of these events reach advanced age, I hope and expect to see consideration of this bill on the House floor during this session of Congress—our time to learn the full truth and add to our historical record is running out.

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Young Americans Need Health Coverage
Posted by: Rep. Xavier Becerra (10-19-2009, 01:50 PM)

Young people are the most likely group of Americans to be uninsured, unable to afford coverage or not offered health care through their employers. In fact, nearly half of young adults went without health coverage at some point over the past two years. Here are the sobering facts: 46.8% Americans ages 18 to 34 went without health insurance at some point between 2007 and 2008 Only 53% Americans ages 19 to 29 get coverage through their jobs Two out of three uninsured adults ages 19 to 29 report forgoing necessary care because of costs And while they are generally healthier than older Americans, one unexpected illness or injury can quickly send an uninsured young person deep into long-term medical debt. Providing affordable health insurance options—including a public option—to all Americans, young and old, is not only the right thing to do, it will bring down the cost of coverage for everyone, provide families with peace of mind and ensure a healthier America.   America's Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200), the reform bill Democratic leaders in the House and I support, provides young adults with affordable, quality health insurance, including a convenient on-line marketplace to help them compare and shop for the best plan. In addition to providing health insurance options, H.R. 3200 will lower costs for young adults by offering free preventative care and placing a cap on what insurance companies can force you to pay in out-of-pocket expenses, co-pays and deductibles.   An all too common reason why young people go without health insurance is that they are booted off their parents’ plans when they turn 19 or graduate from college. Our bill will help over one in three uninsured young Americans by allowing them to remain on their parents’ health plan until their 27th birthday.   As young Americans start their careers and take risks in the job market they should not have to put their health at risk too. Our bill offers health insurance to those without job-based coverage and provides premium assistance to those who still can’t afford it. These provisions will enable young Americans to change jobs, career paths or start their own businesses without having to worry whether or not they will be insured. Now that all congressional committees with jurisdiction have passed a version of a reform bill we are closer than ever to enacting meaningful reform to our broken health insurance system. Click here to learn more about America's Affordable Health Choices Act and listen to my recent Telephone Town Halls and interviews on health care reform.

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